Curious about how to kickstart your creativity and turn your passions into tangible creations? Ever wondered about the secret recipe for gaining recognition as an artist in the digital age? How about the role of routine, financial stability, and the right partner in your creative journey? Dive in to decipher these intriguing aspects and more.

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Where do artists draw their inspiration? The answer is simple, they steal it. Just ask David Bowie, who once said, "The only art I'll ever study is stuff that I can steal from." This might sound alarming, but the truth is, no idea is completely original. After all, as the Bible says, "There is nothing new under the sun."

Does this depress you? It shouldn't. It's actually rather liberating - it frees us from the pressure of trying to be original. Instead, we can focus on absorbing as much as we can from the world around us; we can embrace influence. 

Remember, every new idea is essentially a blend or remix of previous ideas. Think of yourself as a remix of your mom and dad, and all of your ancestors. Similarly, your ideas are a remix of all the things you let into your life. So, choose wisely - pick your teachers, your friends, the music you listen to, the books you read, the movies you see. These are the elements that shape you. As the German writer Goethe said, "We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."

Being an artist is about selective collecting. Surround yourself with good ideas because you can only be as good as the influences you absorb. Jim Jarmusch, the filmmaker, advises, "Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination... If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic."

To grow as an artist, consider studying one artist you admire intensely. Then explore the works of three people that this artist admired. This way, you build your own genealogical tree of ideas, which can help you feel less alone in your creative journey. 

But remember, whether you're in school or not, it's always your responsibility to educate yourself. Be curious. Google everything. Ask questions. Read voraciously. Carry a notebook everywhere to jot down thoughts and observations. And maintain a swipe file - a collection of ideas you've swiped from others for future use. 

So, next time you're stuck for an idea, don't fret about originality. Instead, look around and ask yourself: "What's worth stealing?" You might be surprised at what you find.

Is Originality Overrated? How Does 'Stealing' Ideas Shape the World of Art?

Are you ready to embrace your creativity? Don't let the fear of "impostor syndrome" hold you back. Recognize that it’s a common fear among many, even those involved in highly creative work. They, too, often feel like they're just winging it, unsure of where their next great idea will come from. 

Ever heard of the term “dramaturgy”? It’s a concept that Shakespeare famously brought to light in his play As You Like It. It means that life is a stage and we are all actors, playing different roles. So, why not embrace the idea of "faking it 'til you make it"?

Consider the inspiring story of musician Patti Smith and her friend, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. They moved to New York with dreams of becoming artists. How did they achieve their dreams? They started by pretending to be artists. They dressed the part, acted the part, and soon became the part. 

And what about copying? We learn from our heroes by imitating them. This is not about plagiarism, but about learning by reverse-engineering. We learn to write by copying the alphabet, musicians learn to play by practicing scales, and painters learn by reproducing masterpieces. The Beatles started as a cover band, emulating their musical heroes. 

So, how do you choose who to copy? It's simple. Copy your heroes. The people you admire, the people who inspire you. The trick is not just to copy their style, but to understand and adopt their thought process. This way you don’t merely mimic their work, you internalize their way of looking at the world. 

Remember, imitation is only the first step. The real magic happens when you move from imitation to emulation, transforming their work into something uniquely your own. As Kobe Bryant, Conan O’Brien and countless others have discovered, it’s often our inability to perfectly copy our heroes that leads to the discovery of our own unique voice. 


Embracing the Art of Imitation: Unleashing Your Creativity the Shakespearean Way

Ever watched a movie or read a book and immediately yearned for a sequel? That's what happened to the author at the age of ten after watching Jurassic Park. He was so moved that he wrote his own sequel, unknowingly creating his first piece of fan fiction. This sparks a realization - we create art because we love art, and we are inspired by the work of others. 

What if we could take our love for certain kinds of work and use it to create something new and unique? What if we could continue the legacies of our favorite creators and add our personal touch to make it even better? What if our favorite creators collaborated, and we were at the helm?

The idea here is simple: create the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use. Essentially, do the work you want to see done.

But how can we achieve this? Well, it's not just about using our minds; we also need to involve our bodies. Many of us have become accustomed to using computers for everything, but this often robs us of the feeling of creation. It's important to remember that our hands are the original digital devices. We need to move, create, touch and feel. 

So, why not try this? Set up two workstations - one digital and one analog. Use your analog station to generate ideas and your digital station to execute them. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, creating something that is truly your own, something that you would love to see in the world. 

How Can We Make the Art We Want to See?

Ever wondered where the magic happens in your work life? It's in those side projects you casually engage in, the stuff you thought was just messing around. These are the ones that end up taking off. Why? Because that's when you're truly engaged, having fun, and letting your creativity flow unabated.

What if we told you that productive procrastination is a good thing? Sounds counterintuitive, right? But consider this: When you're swamped, your creativity plummets. Creative minds thrive on moments of boredom, where the mind is free to wander and generate brilliant ideas. Ever have a eureka moment while doing something mundane, like ironing shirts or washing dishes? That's your brain utilizing boredom to its advantage.

Do you often find yourself torn between multiple passions? Don't worry, you're not alone. And here's a little secret: you don't have to choose. Keep them all. Let them interact with each other. Passion is not a zero-sum game, it's a symphony where different loves can harmonize and create a beautiful composition. It's like Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.”

Do you have a hobby? If not, it's time to get one. A hobby is a creative pursuit that's solely for your happiness. It's not about money or fame, but personal fulfillment. It's a source of regeneration, a sanctuary where you can be yourself without any pressure or expectations.

And remember, don’t discard any part of yourself. Don't worry about a grand scheme or unified vision for your work. What unifies your work is the fact that you made it. One day, you’ll look back and it will all make sense. 

Unlocking the Power of Productive Procrastination: A Symphony of Passions and Side Projects

Are you a young, aspiring artist wondering how to get discovered? Don't despair, there's a silver lining. When you're unknown, there's a liberating freedom that allows you to experiment, grow, and truly discover your voice without the pressure of public expectations or monetary rewards. Enjoy this phase of obscurity while it lasts, use it.

The recipe for recognition may not be a secret formula, but it's a two-step process: Do good work and share it with people. This is easier said than done. "Doing good work" requires dedication, practice, and resilience. You have to create, fail, and improve relentlessly. As for "sharing it with people", thanks to the internet, it's never been simpler. 

So, what's the secret of the internet? It's about sparking curiosity and inviting others to join in. Don't follow the crowd, explore the unexplored. Share your passions openly and people will feel a connection to your work. Remember, artists aren't magicians. Revealing your secrets, like Bob Ross or Martha Stewart, won't penalize you. Quite the opposite, people appreciate openness and may even reward you by purchasing what you're selling.

Being online is not just about showcasing your completed works, it's also a platform to develop ideas that aren’t fully formed. It’s a virtual incubator for your creativity. Some artists fear that being online might distract them from their work, but it can be a motivator. With your latest post being the first thing visitors see on your blog or website, you're constantly inspired to create and share better content.

Learn to navigate the digital world. Discover blogging, social media, and coding. Connect with like-minded individuals online and share your journey with them. You have control over what you share, how much you reveal, and when to hit the publish button. Worried about people stealing your ideas? If they're truly good, you'll find yourself pushing them onto others.

Are You Ready to Emerge from Obscurity and Unleash Your Creativity Online?

From a cornfield in southern Ohio to the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, the author, Kleon, has discovered that it's not geography that shapes individuals, but their connections and experiences. In this digital age, 90% of the author's mentors and peers are just a click away, creating a global network of artists and thinkers. If one is stuck somewhere, there are online communities to become a part of.

While connecting with the world, why not build your own? Surround yourself with what you love - books, objects, thoughts, just as the celebrated author Franz Kafka suggested. All that's needed is a bit of solitude and a dedicated space to work. Kleon's own experience is a testament to that. During childhood trips to the mall, solace was found in books while his mom shopped. That solitude and captivity shaped his mind and creativity.

However, physical locations do matter to an extent. They impact one's work, perspective, and creativity. Have you ever felt too comfortable with your surroundings? It might be time to pack your bags and explore a new place. A different culture or an alien land can stimulate your brain, making it work harder. Kleon's time in Italy and England certainly did that.

Choosing where to live can be influenced by many factors like weather, people, or even food. For instance, Kleon believes bad weather inspires better art as it keeps one indoors, pushing them to work. Living amidst interesting people can also stimulate creativity. And of course, good food fuels not just the body, but the soul too.

Shaping Your World in the Digital Age: A Journey from Ohio to Austin with Stops in Kafka's Mind

In the digital era, we're more connected than ever, and kindness and respect are golden rules. If you're talking about someone online, remember, they're likely to find out. So, make friends by saying good things about them and ignore any negativity. 

Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Learn from others who are smarter and better than you, follow their work, and engage with them. Remember Harold Ramis, the actor, and director whose rule for success was, "Find the most talented person in the room, and if it’s not you, go stand next to him. Hang out with him. Try to be helpful." 

Are you ever enraged by the stupidity you see online? Channel that anger into something creative rather than wasting it on complaining. Use it to fuel your work. As Andre Torrez said, “Complain about the way other people make software by making software.”

When you admire someone's work, express it publicly. Write a blog post or create something inspired by them. Remember not to expect anything in return; the satisfaction lies in creating and showing your appreciation. 

Have you ever felt misunderstood or disparaged? Don't let it get you down. Instead, focus on your work. Validation from others is nice, but it's not the end-all. Remember, good work often appears effortless, and not everyone will understand the sweat and toil behind it.

Do you have dark days when you feel like quitting? Try keeping a 'praise file' of all the nice emails or comments you receive. Reading through them can give you the boost you need to get back to work. 

Can the Digital Era Teach Us How to Channel Anger into Creativity and Success?

Can you imagine a life of regularity and routine being the secret to creative genius? That’s right, you don't need to be a wild, extravagant artist to be creatively brilliant. As Gustave Flaubert advised, being regular and orderly in your life can free you to be violent and original in your work. 

Consider this - Kleon, the author, is just a regular guy. He holds a routine nine-to-five job, lives in a quiet neighborhood, and he's managed to channel his energy into his creative pursuits. He's discovered that the energy he preserves from living a structured life can be directed towards his creative work. 

Along with this, Kleon has learned the importance of financial stability. Have you ever thought about the connection between money and creativity? Most people dread the idea, but understanding money early on can become your biggest asset. It's about living within your means, making a budget, and saying no to consumer culture. That freedom from financial stress could translate to freedom in your art.

We all need a day job, right? But what if this day job could be more than just a source of income? It could provide a connection to the world, a routine, and an opportunity to learn and grow. Kleon has found that his day job taught him valuable skills that he's been able to apply in his creative work. 

The challenge is to establish a routine that incorporates your creative work. It's about stealing time and sticking to it. No holidays, no sick days. Just imagine, if you wrote a page each day, by the end of the year you'd have a novel. 

Consider comedian Jerry Seinfeld's calendar method. He marks an 'X' on his calendar each day he completes his work. His goal is to not break this chain. 

Keeping a logbook can also be immensely helpful. It's a record of your daily activities that can help you remember the big details. Picture it as a sailor's logbook, tracking your journey. 

And let's not forget the significance of choosing the right partner. The right partner can keep you grounded while supporting your creative pursuits. 

Unleashing Creative Genius: Discovering the Power of Financial Stability, and Supportive Relationships

Ever feel overwhelmed by a sea of possibilities? You're not alone. In our modern world, where we're swamped with data and opportunities, the key to success is learning what to ignore, letting you focus on what truly matters. Surprisingly, the secret to defeating creative block lies in self-imposed constraints. 

Think about it. Can you create a masterpiece using just one color? Or filming a movie using just your iPhone and a bunch of friends? It's about using the resources you have, here and now, without excuses. The right limitations not only foster creativity but lead to your best work.

Take Dr. Seuss as an example. He wrote 'The Cat in the Hat' using only 236 unique words. Consequently, his editor dared him to write a book with just 50 different words. The result? 'Green Eggs and Ham', one of the most popular children's books ever. 

Jack White, a renowned musician, once said, "Telling yourself you have all the time in the world, all the money in the world, all the colors in the palette, anything you want—that just kills creativity." 

An artist's choice of what to exclude often makes their work captivating. It's what is omitted, not just what's included, that holds our fascination. This applies to us as well. What makes us intriguing is not just our experiences, but also what we've not experienced. 

So, when you're working, embrace your limitations. Remember, creativity isn't just about what you include, it's also about what you choose to leave out. 

Can Embracing Limitations Unleash Your Ultimate Creativity?

In the realm of creativity, originality is not the ultimate goal but rather the skillful remixing and reshaping of existing ideas. 

Artists, writers, and creatives draw inspiration from their environment, the things they love, and the influences they choose to absorb. It's about selective collecting, creating a genealogical tree of ideas by studying the works of artists we admire and those they admired. This process can make the creative journey feel less solitary. 

One's responsibility is to remain curious, to educate oneself by absorbing as much as possible from the world. This involves reading voraciously, asking questions, constantly observing, and maintaining a collection of ideas for future use.

The digital age offers a wealth of opportunities to connect, learn, and share one's creative journey. Being online not only provides a platform to showcase one's work but also acts as an incubator for developing ideas. It is important to embrace this digital world, learn to navigate through it and build an online community of like-minded individuals. 

The struggle of being a young, unknown artist can be viewed as a liberating phase that allows for experimentation and growth without the pressures of public expectations. The key to gaining recognition is to consistently produce good work and to share it with people. 

In a world where physical distance is no longer a barrier, one can build their own world, filled with things they love and create a dedicated space for work. This concept extends to the digital world, where respect and kindness are essential, negativity is ignored, and one's work is the priority. 

Investing in routine and financial stability can be a game-changer for an artist. A structured life can channel more energy into creative pursuits. Understanding and managing money early on can free an artist from financial stress, leading to freedom in their art. Day jobs can provide a stable income, a routine, and an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Creative work can be incorporated into daily routines by setting aside dedicated time each day, thus slowly but steadily producing substantial work. Tools like a logbook can help track progress and a supportive partner can provide a grounding influence. 

Finally, it's important to remember that creativity flourishes within constraints. Limitations can foster creativity and lead to one's best work. It's the careful selection of what to include and what to exclude that makes one's work and indeed, one's life, truly intriguing and unique.

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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

Curious about how to kickstart your creativity and turn your passions into tangible creations?

Ever wondered about the secret recipe for gaining recognition as an artist in the digital age?

How about the role of routine, financial stability, and the right partner in your creative journey?

Dive in to decipher these intriguing aspects and more.

Key Ideas

#1