Steal Like an Artist: Embrace that nothing is original and start creating something

I often saw creativity as a mysterious force that strikes you in moments of divine inspiration. But then I got kinda obsessed with the topic, and started to imagine (and read about it), what if creativity could be cultivated intentionally, drawing from different influences and ideas? And this is exactly what Austin Kleon explored in this well-crafted piece of book: “Steal like An Artist”

At first, you read the word ‘stealing’ and maybe you raise your eyebrows, wondering how can this be good? Are we talking about plagiarism or unethical behaviour in the act of creating art?

Well, definitely not. The essence of the plot lies in the rat of borrowing, remixing and transforming existing ideas into something new. And you shouldn’t be surprised, because this is something that’s been going on for decades.

It also reminded me of something I read some time ago: You think your thoughts and ideas are yours, but they’re simply not. They’re the mix of many things before you, maybe your ancestors, your friends, your family, everything around you has made you, you. And that’s okay.

"Steal Like an Artist” gives you the chance to embrace the idea of creative theft in a positive light. It's about recognizing that nothing is entirely original, and that all creative work builds upon what came before it.

I’d say this is the remixed version of what Picasso said before: "Good artists copy, great artists steal."

How did I start to apply these principles to my own creative work? I immersed myself in different influences, but I mainly started with what I really like, what really fills my soul: Books, sunsets, photography, dogs, writing, poems, human emotions.

You can keep a collection of quotes, ideas, images that resonate with your soul, and you’ll see how you’ll start to draw inspiration from all of this.

The most important thing is to embrace the concept of repurposing existing ideas, because that’s how the world keeps going. If you start paying attention, you’ll see “original” doesn’t exist. It always comes from something else.

The good thing is that you can mix different elements from here and there, and create something new and unexpected. And if you like it, you already won.

If you’re feeling stuck in your creativity, give this book a chance to remind you that it’s not about being original, but about being yourself and doing something you enjoy.