Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
1st out of 81 books
—
79 voters
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
by
Austin Kleon (Goodreads Author)
You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch w...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
February 28th 2012
by Workman Publishing Company
(first published January 1st 2012)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
Reading this book might be the fastest thing my bosses ever asked me to do.
This is a wonderful little book with advice on creativity that makes you think. I'm pretty sure i didn't grasp the whole thing right now. I think i'll take a few things out of it. And in a few months I might read it again (really only takes like 30 minutes) and take a few more things out of it.
It's nicely written, it's got some nice napkin-sketches in there so it stays a light read. And it also makes me very curious about...more
I find it difficult to review "Steal Like an Artist" because the book is an amalgamation of advice, anecdotes, and uncommon sense. Austin Kleon writes in an easy-to-follow style, instructing readers about how to be creative without talking down to anyone. In fact while I read the book, I felt like I was part of some secret creators club, with this book as the secret club manual.
The book focuses on 10 rules for people to follow in order to be creative. Rule number one is "Steal like an artist."...more
The book focuses on 10 rules for people to follow in order to be creative. Rule number one is "Steal like an artist."...more
7 likes · like · see review
This is a quick, funny how-to book that offers artists (the kind who paint, writers, filmmakers, etc.) tips on "stealing" other artists' art. Author Austin Kleon points out that no artist's work is ever completely original, and that trying to be completely original will daunt an artist and eventually smother her/his creativity. He suggests artists embrace the inevitability of influence, celebrate living outside of a vacuum, relax, and have fun with their art. Beyond that, he offers tips on how t...more
These kind of books are like candy. They make me feel better in the moment, but ultimately don't do much towards building a full picture of happiness.
The inherent problem in any book that's a how-to for something artistic, whether it be writing or painting or making music or the artistry in tailoring a custom Voltron costume, the problem with the how-to book is that when you're reading the how-to book you're not doing the actual thing you're being taught to do. In other words, a book ABOUT writi...more
The inherent problem in any book that's a how-to for something artistic, whether it be writing or painting or making music or the artistry in tailoring a custom Voltron costume, the problem with the how-to book is that when you're reading the how-to book you're not doing the actual thing you're being taught to do. In other words, a book ABOUT writi...more
6 likes · like · see review
Oh fooey. Wrote something, then accidentally clicked and lost it. Let's get this over with:
-Loved it. Was awesome. Will reread, often.
-Too much quoting. Isn't the whole point, reappropriate, don't rip off? Excessive quoting seems to go against that.
-Figures=awesome and funny. Add anything? Sadly, I don't think so.
-Good direct voice.
-Moves well, but chunks are so small that they feel slight. It is a manifesto that outlines main points, rather than a substantive work that discusses things.
Still, a...more
-Loved it. Was awesome. Will reread, often.
-Too much quoting. Isn't the whole point, reappropriate, don't rip off? Excessive quoting seems to go against that.
-Figures=awesome and funny. Add anything? Sadly, I don't think so.
-Good direct voice.
-Moves well, but chunks are so small that they feel slight. It is a manifesto that outlines main points, rather than a substantive work that discusses things.
Still, a...more
6 likes · like · see review
This book is amazing! It's not condoning plagiarism, it suggests sharing of ideas and the process behind the product created by other artists. While you can easily sit and read it completely, I think it is best to read in small sections and think about what you've read and how it applies to your own form of art.
Funny. No shocking revelations in here, but the author does a good job of outlining some tips and tricks for old and new creative types without being either mean or condescending (a rarity in books on creative writing.) I also appreciate Mr. Kleon mentioning that one of his key rules is "Be Boring." Because it's the only way to be effective. The tortured artist, strung out on mescaline or heroin or methamphetamine is an unrealistic and unappealing non-ideal that died about fifty years ago. I lea...more
I picked this up at the school library today while in between parent-teacher conferences. At first, I said to myself, "self, this is too obvious (just like this joke)." But forty pages in, when I'd written down 5 quotes and drawn a few diagrams, I realized that sometimes the obvious is exactly what we need. This may not be new ground, but Kleon offers his advice in an entertaining manner, with a liberal dosing of quotes from famous people doled out along the way (my favorite, via Questlove: "The...more
Great, quick read. Wonderful for artists and like-minded thinkers. Also great for generally creative and intellectually stimulated people. The author is wise and down-to-earth. This book is easy to follow with streaks of creativity, advice, guidance, and humor mixed in. While it's small and short, it's packed with information. I feel like I will read it again and again and reference it specifically many times over. It really keeps you encouraged, grounded, and involved as an artist. It gets you...more
Wonderful eye-opening book about many life facts.
We do have lots of troubles and events in our lives, and it's good to know what we should've acted on them in that time, and how things could be different if we acted differently.
Lots of things I've gone through in my life are expressed in words ( which I couldn't express the same way )that made me smile once, and saddened a hundred time that I didn't read about these things before I go through them. It could turn things better.
Stealing as a word...more
We do have lots of troubles and events in our lives, and it's good to know what we should've acted on them in that time, and how things could be different if we acted differently.
Lots of things I've gone through in my life are expressed in words ( which I couldn't express the same way )that made me smile once, and saddened a hundred time that I didn't read about these things before I go through them. It could turn things better.
Stealing as a word...more
Mar 06, 2013
Saurabh Pant
marked it as to-read
the standerds show that the point out rating can be done about this book and it's a base for the foundation for the artistidc worldview and different conceptions.
once the british historian quoted, "a stage of an artistic worldview can be organised through the equal source of the equal formative.", then it can signify that this book is going to be a fantabulous standerd for that purpose, even it has some prejudices, not to be forget, but they can't follow the regime of the old traditions, at the...more
once the british historian quoted, "a stage of an artistic worldview can be organised through the equal source of the equal formative.", then it can signify that this book is going to be a fantabulous standerd for that purpose, even it has some prejudices, not to be forget, but they can't follow the regime of the old traditions, at the...more
Book Review: Steal like an artist, 10 things nobody told you about being creative by Austin Kleon
Where to start. This is the perfect book for the creative minds, whether you’re a painter, designer, writer or musician. This is the ultimate must read. It’s short and sweet and the illustrations make it more dynamic.
I love that it has a bunch of awesome quotes by the writer himself and also by famous people.
It gave me a boost of confidence to find myself and just create.
Thank you!
I give this book 10...more
Where to start. This is the perfect book for the creative minds, whether you’re a painter, designer, writer or musician. This is the ultimate must read. It’s short and sweet and the illustrations make it more dynamic.
I love that it has a bunch of awesome quotes by the writer himself and also by famous people.
It gave me a boost of confidence to find myself and just create.
Thank you!
I give this book 10...more
Feb 13, 2013
Angeli
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who needs some boost on creativity
Recommended to Angeli by:
Nichkhun (2PM)
I read the book while I was on my way to school earlier and finished it on my way home. And I'm glad I read this, I'm glad Nichkhun of 2PM recommended it. I'm really glad I saw it in his tweet! Haha!
If you are on the verge of giving up on whatever you're trying to do in life or just tired of trying in general, I suggest you read this book. You can read it in one sitting and you'll love how the random things you've been doing as a form of procrastination is particularly the road to creativity.
Yep...more
If you are on the verge of giving up on whatever you're trying to do in life or just tired of trying in general, I suggest you read this book. You can read it in one sitting and you'll love how the random things you've been doing as a form of procrastination is particularly the road to creativity.
Yep...more
Straight-forward, accessible, cool, inspiring. The key word, I think, is accessible -- in a way that is inclusive but does not cheapen, mock, or patronize the craft of the artist. However, it is not expansive, not a manifesto, not an in-depth discussion, but a jump-off point. This book ENCOURAGES you to start branching out, searching, reading widely and often, studying your idols. It is so quick to read that you can read it over and over when in doubt and you need some inspiration.
If I had to te...more
If I had to te...more
Incredibly inspiring book that is really a prompt to just get out there and make stuff. I borrowed this from a co-worker but I think I need my own copy on my desk as a reminder and inspiration tool.
Great quotes from the author:
"You don't want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes"
"if you just mimic the surface of somebody's work without understanding where they are coming from, your work will never be anything more than a knockoff"
"Take time to mess around. Get lost. Wander....more
Great quotes from the author:
"You don't want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes"
"if you just mimic the surface of somebody's work without understanding where they are coming from, your work will never be anything more than a knockoff"
"Take time to mess around. Get lost. Wander....more
Dec 07, 2012
Cheryl Gatling
added it
I don't usually pay much attention to lists of helpful hints for writers (and other creative people). I have read many of them, and they get repetitious. But this book was just so darn cute. It's little, it's square, it has funky blackboard-like diagrams. So I read it. And I liked it. The first thing that makes this book different is that it is firmly in the digital age. With advice like, if you see something that interests you, make a note of it, or... take a picture of it with your phone. Goog...more
In "Steal Like an Artist", Kleon steals quotes from other creative types and recycles them into a cheap little book you'll likely find sitting by the cash register as a generic gift idea. In fact, you'll probably be able to read it in the time it takes the bookstore clerk to ring up and bag your purchase (of more insightful books on creativity). It's short, desperately low on content but high on playful, contrasty graphics.
The first part of the book discusses the validity of sampling and re-ima...more
The first part of the book discusses the validity of sampling and re-ima...more
3 likes · like · see review
Blissful read.
Sometimes, in the lifetime of yourself, you need to know what you are doing isn't just a flavour of "I am wasting time."
Previously, I was feeling such an impostor syndrome (psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments), but now it's a little different.
To be quite frank, I have been feeling like that all my life.
It will be a little difficult to move from such a detriment, but it will never be impossible; for it is part of my thoughts now.
I...more
Sometimes, in the lifetime of yourself, you need to know what you are doing isn't just a flavour of "I am wasting time."
Previously, I was feeling such an impostor syndrome (psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments), but now it's a little different.
To be quite frank, I have been feeling like that all my life.
It will be a little difficult to move from such a detriment, but it will never be impossible; for it is part of my thoughts now.
I...more
This book could have been a pamphlet. But, despite its brief insights--it is thought provoking.
• Nothing is original
•Learn the history of your craft: one artist at a time. This is your creative lineage.
• School yourself--be curious
"School is one thing. Education is another. The two don't always overlap."
• Keep a "swipe" file. Things you like for later inspiration.
• Get started--perfect your craft along the way.
• "The human hand is incapable of making a perfect copy." Your "copy" will never be t...more
• Nothing is original
•Learn the history of your craft: one artist at a time. This is your creative lineage.
• School yourself--be curious
"School is one thing. Education is another. The two don't always overlap."
• Keep a "swipe" file. Things you like for later inspiration.
• Get started--perfect your craft along the way.
• "The human hand is incapable of making a perfect copy." Your "copy" will never be t...more
I'm undecided on this book. While I appreciate the premise — draw inspiration from people you admire and surround yourself with good role models — I'm uneasy with the "steal" concept.
The title grabs attention, but I think it overshadows the actual point, which is not to become a replica of someone else but to create more authentic work by creating work you love.
It's a bit overly simplistic, and definitely a short, fast read. For those who stand on the precipice, afraid to answer the call of crea...more
The title grabs attention, but I think it overshadows the actual point, which is not to become a replica of someone else but to create more authentic work by creating work you love.
It's a bit overly simplistic, and definitely a short, fast read. For those who stand on the precipice, afraid to answer the call of crea...more
Although Austin Kleon's playfully engaging new book jolts us all a bit with his use of "steal" in the title, his intent clearly is to help us understand that 'stealing like an artist' suggests a level of interaction with our sources of inspiration that leaves no room or encouragement for outright acts of plagiarism. "Steal" begins with David Bowie's admission that "The only art I'll ever study is stuff that I can steal from'; gathers steam with Yohji Yamamoto's advice to "Start copying what you...more
The sub-title of this book is '10 things nobody told you about being creative'. Yeah, probably because they thought you already knew them.
This book is packed to the brim with platitudes such as: try to do good work, there are lots of different things to consider when choosing a place to live, it's important to be careful who you marry, money is really important, try to find a day job that you like and, my favorite, take $10 to the stationers and buy some stuff - then you can write your ideas dow...more
This book is packed to the brim with platitudes such as: try to do good work, there are lots of different things to consider when choosing a place to live, it's important to be careful who you marry, money is really important, try to find a day job that you like and, my favorite, take $10 to the stationers and buy some stuff - then you can write your ideas dow...more
About a year ago, I was at the day job (web design), when a link to a blog post made it’s way around the office via AIM.
The post was basically one man’s manifesto when it came to creativity. He listed out ten things he wished he knew when he was starting out as a writer and artist. I remember the simplicity of his statements — practical, to the point — but also incredibly insightful. Small things we often forget when we are knee-deep in The Creating or overwhelmed by The Doubts.
I remember noddin...more
The post was basically one man’s manifesto when it came to creativity. He listed out ten things he wished he knew when he was starting out as a writer and artist. I remember the simplicity of his statements — practical, to the point — but also incredibly insightful. Small things we often forget when we are knee-deep in The Creating or overwhelmed by The Doubts.
I remember noddin...more
This book handily summarizes a huge swath of the good advice I've either read or figured out for myself. And it does it in a cute little package that just begs to be read again and again.
1. Steal like an artist - yeah, I'm only now figuring out that it's okay to surround yourself with the work you love and let it affect the work you do. Your own voice will come out. It can't not. I've always abhorred the idea of plagiarism and I'll admit that I initially found the title of this book off-putting....more
1. Steal like an artist - yeah, I'm only now figuring out that it's okay to surround yourself with the work you love and let it affect the work you do. Your own voice will come out. It can't not. I've always abhorred the idea of plagiarism and I'll admit that I initially found the title of this book off-putting....more
In an age where even in art there seems to be a focus on the final product or end result, Kleon's manifesto on creativity is refreshing. At a slim 100-something pages, it is a fast engaging read, filled with doodles and quotes and functioning the way zines your internet friend would send you. I say this because it is the equivalent of a whole body approach to creativity as opposed to the spot treatment of fixing one specific area of your art, whatever your medium may be; to put it simply, it's s...more
6 likes · like · see review
Tons of people have told me this book is pure awesome-sauce, so I had to check it out. Yes, good book. Worth a read. Inspiring.
I read this in parallel with Do the Work, so it was like double-strength inspirational ass-kicking. However, this is the first interesting book that I've tried to read on my Kobo, and I think the Kobo took away from the experience. It's really slow to load images, and there doesn't seem to be any way to zoom if the stuff in the image is too small to read. Also no way to...more
I read this in parallel with Do the Work, so it was like double-strength inspirational ass-kicking. However, this is the first interesting book that I've tried to read on my Kobo, and I think the Kobo took away from the experience. It's really slow to load images, and there doesn't seem to be any way to zoom if the stuff in the image is too small to read. Also no way to...more
What can one say about a book this inspirational? After finishing it this morning during my morning absolutions, I couldn't wait to begin my life proudly stealing like an artist. Something I had been doing my whole life, but denying it to the end. The ten simple, philosophical insights and truths Austin Kleon outlines in Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, aren't just for for artists, they are for anyone with goals, aspirations, dreams, and hopes. Most of it is...more
1 like · like · see review
The author writes 10 rules that he thinks are important to be an artist in this age, which is an age of internet and complexity, and that makes each person have the potential to be an artist.
The rules are quite simple. "Steal like an artist", "Geography is no longer our master", "Creativity is Substruction"... They are simple enough for us to figure out what are the points in one read. In spite of their simplicity, however, we can hardly realize these facts. These are under our very noses.
I'd...more
The rules are quite simple. "Steal like an artist", "Geography is no longer our master", "Creativity is Substruction"... They are simple enough for us to figure out what are the points in one read. In spite of their simplicity, however, we can hardly realize these facts. These are under our very noses.
I'd...more
This brings back memories from last school year when I was doing particularly bad in Chemistry class. I was abandoning my homework nad my grade decreased on account of this. I was procrastinating like crazy. I despised chemistry homnework, it's simple as that. Unlike the average teenager I wasn't procrastinating on a computer. I wasn't on Twitter. I wasn't on Facebook. In fact I wasn't using the internet or technology for that matter. I was doodling, sketching, and making 3D art from old juice b...more
Some decent snippets throughout, but the majority of this "gift shop type" book was filled with things I already think about and do as an artist. I'm feeling now I really didn't need to buy a book with the phrase "10 things nobody told you about being creative" on the cover, because I've already told myself nearly all of it.
The other parts I didn't really consider were either contradictory of themselves or would in no way relate to how I do things inside my creative process. "Get really bored" f...more
The other parts I didn't really consider were either contradictory of themselves or would in no way relate to how I do things inside my creative process. "Get really bored" f...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
I'm a writer who draws. Author of
Steal Like An Artist
and
Newspaper Blackout.
http://www.austinkleon.com/about
More about Austin Kleon...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“If you ever find that you're the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room”
—
38 people liked it
“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.”
—
25 people liked it
More quotes…
i hope that doesn't sound like my occupation is being a thief :)
Nov 19, 2012 04:20am