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Steal Like an Artist 10th Anniversary Gift Edition with a New Afterword by the Author

Austin Kleon

176 Pages
2022

Steal Like an Artist 10th Anniversary Gift Edition with a New Afterword by the Author

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Workman Publishing Company

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Steal Like an Artist 10th Anniversary Gift Edition with a New Afterword by the Author - Summary

Steal Like an Artist is a transformative guide that challenges conventional notions of creativity and originality. In this 10th anniversary edition, Austin Kleon presents a refreshing perspective on creative work, arguing that nothing is entirely original and that all creators build upon the work of others. The book offers practical wisdom for nurturing creativity in the digital age, encouraging readers to embrace influence, follow their curiosity, and create the work they wish existed in the world.

Key Themes

1

Creative Theft as Legitimate Practice

Every creative person is a culmination of their influences. The book advocates for studying, collecting, and transforming the work of admired artists, emphasizing that "stealing" in this context means finding inspiration and building upon existing ideas rather than plagiarizing.

2

Action Before Identity

Don't wait for perfect self-knowledge or complete expertise before beginning creative work. The book emphasizes that identity emerges through doing, not waiting. Start creating now, and your style and voice will naturally develop through the process.

3

Digital Age Creativity

The book explores how modern technology and connectivity have transformed creative practice, suggesting ways to maintain productivity and authenticity while navigating the digital landscape. It emphasizes the importance of physical creation and maintaining a balance between online presence and offline work.

FAQ's

No, the principles in this book apply to any creative field or endeavor. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, designer, or working in any field requiring innovative thinking, the concepts are universally applicable.

This edition includes a new afterword by the author reflecting on the book's impact, colored endpapers from Kleon's personal sketchbooks, and a ribbon marker, offering fresh insights into how the book's message has evolved over a decade.

The book reframes stealing as studying, collecting, and transforming influences in an ethical way. It's about building upon others' work while adding your own perspective and value, not copying or plagiarizing.

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