Quotes From Steal Like An Artist

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a book that encourages creativity and offers valuable advice for artists and creators of all kinds. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing influences and taking inspiration from other artists without copying their work.

“You are a mashup of what you let into your life,” Kleon writes. This quote reminds us that our creativity is shaped by the ideas, art, and culture we surround ourselves with. By exposing ourselves to a wide range of influences, we can cultivate a unique creative voice.

Another quote from the book that resonates with many is “What’s worth doing is worth doing badly.” Kleon encourages his readers to embrace imperfection and not be afraid to start something new, even if they are not yet experts. This quote reminds us that the journey of creativity is a learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.

“The best way to get started on the path to sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn, and make a commitment to learning it in front of others.” Kleon believes that sharing our creative process with others can be an essential part of our growth as artists. By being open and vulnerable, we not only learn from others but also inspire and connect with a wider community.

“Steal Like an Artist” is a mantra that serves as a reminder to be curious and open-minded. Kleon encourages us to learn from the artists that inspire us, but to also find our own unique voice and contribute something new to the creative world.

What is “Steal Like an Artist”?

“Steal Like an Artist” is a book written by Austin Kleon, a writer and artist based in Austin, Texas. The book explores the concept of creativity and how artists can use the work of others as inspiration for their own creations. Kleon emphasizes the idea that nothing is truly original, and that all artists build upon the ideas and influences of those who came before them.

In the book, Kleon encourages artists to embrace the act of “stealing” ideas from others, but not in a plagiaristic sense. Instead, he suggests that artists should carefully study and learn from the work of their favorite artists, finding ways to incorporate their techniques and ideas into their own work.

According to Kleon, stealing like an artist involves being open to new ideas, constantly learning and experimenting, and allowing yourself to be influenced by a wide range of sources. He argues that by embracing this approach, artists can unlock their true creative potential and find their unique voice in the world of art and creativity.

Throughout the book, Kleon provides practical advice and insights for artists of all kinds, including writers, musicians, visual artists, and more. He shares his own experiences and the lessons he has learned from his own creative journey, offering guidance on topics such as finding your creative community, dealing with criticism, and overcoming creative blocks.

“Steal Like an Artist” has gained widespread popularity and has resonated with artists and creative individuals around the world. Its message of embracing influence, learning from others, and creating authentically has inspired countless artists to approach their craft in new and innovative ways.

Why is it important to read “Steal Like an Artist”?

Reading “Steal Like an Artist” is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides valuable insights into the creative process and encourages readers to embrace their own creativity. The book teaches that creativity is not about originality, but rather about collecting ideas and inspiration from various sources.

In addition, “Steal Like an Artist” emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth. It encourages readers to constantly seek out new experiences, knowledge, and influences in order to fuel their creative endeavors. The book reminds us that creativity is a skill that can be developed and improved over time.

Furthermore, “Steal Like an Artist” inspires readers to think differently and challenge conventional wisdom. It encourages breaking free from the constraints of perfectionism and embracing the process of creating without fear of failure. The book reminds us that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes in order to discover our unique creative voice.

Another reason to read “Steal Like an Artist” is that it provides practical advice and actionable tips for getting started and overcoming creative blocks. It offers strategies for finding inspiration, organizing ideas, and nurturing creativity in everyday life. The book serves as a guidebook for anyone seeking to unleash their creative potential.

Ultimately, “Steal Like an Artist” is an empowering and motivational read. It challenges conventional notions of creativity and encourages readers to tap into their own unique perspectives and talents. By reading this book, one can gain a fresh perspective on creativity, overcome self-doubt, and unlock their creative potential.

Quotes from “Steal Like an Artist”

1. “Steal like an artist. Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.”

2. “Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.”

3. “The artist is a collector. Not a hoarder, mind you, there’s a difference: Hoarders collect indiscriminately, artists collect selectively. They only collect things that they really love.”

4. “The best way to get started on the path to sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn, and make a commitment to learning it in front of others. Find a scenius, pay attention to what others are sharing, and then start taking note of what they’re not sharing. Be on the lookout for voids that you can fill with your own efforts.”

5. “You don’t put yourself online only because you have something to say, you can put yourself online to find something to say.”

“Good artists copy, great artists steal.”

This quote from Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon challenges the traditional notion of originality in art. It suggests that while copying can be seen as a form of flattery and learning, true greatness in art comes from stealing ideas and making them your own.

Copying, or imitating the work of others, is often an important part of the learning process for artists. It allows them to study the techniques and styles of established artists and gain a better understanding of their craft. However, simply copying is not enough to create truly original work.

On the other hand, stealing involves taking inspiration from various sources and combining them in a unique way. It’s about remixing ideas, borrowing elements from different artists, and adding your own personal touch. Great artists are able to take inspiration from the world around them and transform it into something entirely new.

Stealing in this context does not involve plagiarism or outright stealing someone else’s work. It’s about taking what you find inspiring and incorporating it into your own creative process. It’s about finding your own voice and making something that is uniquely yours.

By stealing ideas and making them their own, great artists are able to push the boundaries of their field and create groundbreaking work. They build upon the ideas of others, expanding upon what came before, and leaving their own mark on the art world.

So, the next time you find yourself copying the work of others, consider how you can take it a step further and steal ideas to make them your own. Embrace the influence of other artists, but also strive to create something new and innovative. That’s where true greatness lies.

“You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression. You don’t have to be a genius or try to be someone else in order to create meaningful work. Instead, focusing on being true to yourself and embracing your unique perspectives and skills can lead to personal and creative success.

“Everything is a remix.”

In the age of the internet, where information is freely available and easily accessible, it’s easy to think that we are creating something completely original. However, the truth is that everything we create is influenced by something or someone else. We are constantly building upon the ideas and works of those who came before us.

From music to art to literature, every piece of creative work is a product of remixing. We take bits and pieces of what we know, what we’ve seen, and what we’ve experienced, and we combine them in new and unique ways. Even the greatest artists, musicians, and innovators of our time have had their own influences and sources of inspiration.

But what sets apart the truly great creators is their ability to take these influences and remix them in a way that is fresh and innovative. They add their own unique perspective and personal touch to create something that is entirely their own. It’s this ability to remix and reinterpret existing ideas that leads to true creativity and originality.

So the next time you feel like you’re not creating something original, remember that everything is a remix. Embrace your influences and let them guide you in creating something new and exciting. Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas from others and put your own spin on them. After all, that’s how great works of art are made.

“Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.”

One of the key pieces of advice from “Steal Like an Artist” is to not wait until you have a clear understanding of your identity or purpose before taking action. Often, we get caught up in trying to find ourselves or figure out our true calling, while wasting time and missing opportunities to create and make a difference.

The truth is, discovering who we are is a lifelong journey, and it’s something that can only be truly understood through experience and action. So instead of waiting for that “moment of clarity,” it’s important to embrace the uncertainty and start doing the work that inspires us.

By getting started, we allow ourselves to explore and experiment, to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s through this process of creation and discovery that we begin to understand ourselves better and uncover our true passions and talents.

Whether it’s writing, painting, coding, or any other creative pursuit, the important thing is to take that first step and get the ball rolling. Don’t let the fear of not knowing who you are or where you’re headed hold you back.

Remember, it’s in the act of creating that we truly find ourselves, and it’s through the process of doing that we become who we are meant to be.

“Imitation is not flattery: it’s transformation.”

When we imitate others, we are not simply trying to flatter them or copy their work. Instead, we are engaging in a process of transformation. By imitating the work of others, we are able to take their ideas and make them our own.

Imitation allows us to learn from those who came before us and build upon their successes. It is through imitation that we can discover our own unique voice and style. By studying the work of others and imitating their techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of our craft and develop our own artistic identity.

Imitation is not about replicating the work of others, but rather about using it as a starting point for our own creativity. It is through the act of imitation that we can push the boundaries of what is possible and create something truly original.

So, the next time you find yourself imitating the work of others, remember that it is not just a form of flattery. It is an opportunity for transformation, growth, and the development of your own unique artistic voice.

“Your job is to collect good ideas.”

In his book “Steal Like an Artist,” Austin Kleon emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking and collecting good ideas. According to him, your primary role as a creative individual is not to come up with completely original ideas, but rather to tap into the vast pool of existing ideas.

Kleon believes that inspiration can be found everywhere, and that by constantly exposing yourself to different sources of creativity, you can gather a repertoire of diverse ideas that can fuel your own work. This means being curious, observant, and open-minded in all aspects of life.

Collecting good ideas doesn’t mean mindlessly copying what others have done. Instead, it involves studying and analyzing the work of others, understanding the principles and techniques behind their success, and using that knowledge as a springboard for your own unique creations.

By actively seeking out and collecting good ideas, you are building a foundation for your own creativity. It’s like gathering building blocks that you can later use to construct something new and original. The more ideas you collect, the richer and more diverse your creative well becomes.

Kleon encourages creatives to keep a repository of inspiration, whether it’s a physical notebook, a digital folder, or a collection of bookmarks. This allows you to easily revisit and draw from the ideas and sources that have resonated with you in the past.

Ultimately, Kleon emphasizes that collecting good ideas is an ongoing process. It’s not something you do once and forget about. It’s a lifelong pursuit that involves being curious, open-minded, and receptive to the world around you.

So, remember: your job is to collect good ideas. Embrace the power of inspiration and actively seek out creative sources to feed your own imagination. Your creativity will thank you for it.

“Build the life you want to live.”

Building the life you want to live is not just about following your passions or pursuing your dreams. It’s about creating a fulfilling and meaningful existence that aligns with your values and goals.

Here are some tips to help you in building the life you want to live:

1. Define your values: Take some time to reflect on what is truly important to you. Identify your core values and use them as guiding principles in making decisions.
2. Set meaningful goals: Determine what you want to achieve in different aspects of your life, whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal development. Set goals that align with your values and bring you closer to the life you desire.
3. Take action: It’s not enough to dream about the life you want. Take consistent and intentional action towards your goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps and work on them consistently.
4. Embrace change: Building the life you want may require making changes and stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and don’t be afraid to take risks.
5. Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Seek out mentors and role models who have achieved the kind of life you aspire to live.
6. Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Make time for activities that bring you joy and recharge your energy.
7. Stay committed: Building the life you want takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals and stay persistent in the face of challenges and setbacks.
8. Be open to learning and growth: Continuously learn and grow as a person. Seek out new experiences, expand your knowledge, and be open to new perspectives.

Remember, building the life you want is a lifelong journey. It’s about creating a life that reflects who you truly are and brings you fulfillment and happiness. So take the first step today and start building the life you want to live.