While reading this book, I couldn’t help but notice just how crowded our world has become with ideas and opinions. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon feels like a straightforward guide for anyone hoping to carve out a bit of creative space for themselves. The heart of the book is really simple: it questions the idea that creativity means inventing something out of thin air, and instead suggests that creativity is about borrowing, remixing, and gradually finding your own way.
One of the book’s most refreshing ideas is that originality isn’t about conjuring something completely new. Kleon suggests that all creative work is really a kind of fan fiction. We’re all pieced together from our influences — whether that’s the books we pick up, the music in our headphones, the teachers who left a mark, or the friends we keep close.
There’s something liberating about this perspective, especially if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to be “original.” It’s less about inventing from scratch and more about reimagining what’s already out there. What stuck with me most was Kleon’s advice not to overwhelm yourself by trying to absorb the entire history of your field at once. Instead, start with one artist or thinker you genuinely admire, dig in, and let your curiosity lead you from there. In a time when everyone seems to be chasing instant genius, this feels like a much-needed reminder to slow down and enjoy the process.
Another thread running through Steal Like an Artist is the idea that creativity and identity are closely linked. Kleon pushes back against the urge to wait until you’ve figured yourself out before you start making things. He suggests that it’s in the act of creating — sometimes awkward, sometimes uncomfortable — that you actually get to know yourself. For anyone who’s ever felt like an imposter, especially if you tend to overthink or aim for perfection, this is a gentle nudge to just begin. Making things isn’t just about the end result; it’s a way of becoming who you are.
When busyness is worn like a badge of honor, Kleon’s suggestion to make space for boredom feels almost rebellious. His habit of ironing shirts as a way to let ideas simmer is a good reminder that inspiration often shows up when we’re doing something ordinary. Science backs this up, too — creativity tends to surface when our minds are relaxed and allowed to wander.
Kleon also makes a case for slowing down and working with your hands, especially in a world where so much happens on screens. He believes that actually making things — using your body, handling real materials — is key to feeling fulfilled and staying productive. It’s a helpful reminder that creativity isn’t just in your head; it’s something that involves your whole self and your surroundings. For anyone who’s ever felt a bit disconnected after a day at the computer, this rings true.
The Freedom and Pressure of Attention
Kleon also talks about what happens when your work starts to get noticed. There’s a certain freedom in being unknown — you can experiment, mess up, and create just for the fun of it. But as more eyes land on your work, new pressures creep in: worries about how you’re seen, money, and what others expect. Sometimes, that can make creating feel a little less joyful.
This feels especially true now, when social media can put you in the spotlight overnight. Kleon’s advice to appreciate those early, quieter days and the freedom they bring is both down-to-earth and wise. It’s a reminder to keep your focus on the work itself, not just on getting approval from others — a lesson that’s simple in theory, but not always easy in practice.
Practical Wisdom for Creative Life
What makes Steal Like an Artist stand out is how it mixes big ideas with practical tips you can actually use. Kleon’s ten rules for creativity — like not waiting to know who you are, being okay with being boring, and making time for side projects — are refreshingly down-to-earth. They take the mystery out of creativity and remind us that it’s something anyone can practice.
Kleon also suggests creating your own little world — surrounding yourself with books, music, and objects that spark something in you — and reaching out to communities beyond your usual circles. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just a solo act; it’s shaped by the people and things we let into our lives, and by the habits we build every day.
The Human Side of Creativity: Relationships and Energy
Kleon is honest about the fact that creativity isn’t just about what happens in your own head. His point about “marrying well” — in life or in work — gets at how much we rely on the people around us. Creativity isn’t a solo adventure; it’s shaped by the friends, partners, and collaborators who support, challenge, and stick with us along the way.
His practical advice about managing your energy — letting go of the tortured genius myth and learning to say no — feels both realistic and kind. Creativity takes real effort, and it’s worth protecting your energy from distractions and burnout if you want to keep going for the long haul.
Why Steal Like an Artist Matters Today
In a world that often feels noisy and overwhelming, Steal Like an Artist is a welcome guide for anyone trying to make something meaningful. Kleon’s mix of wisdom and humor encourages us to accept our influences, make peace with imperfection, and trust the slow process of growing into ourselves through what we create. Creativity, he reminds us, isn’t a sudden flash — it’s a habit, a mindset, and a way of moving through life.
If you’re feeling stuck, worried about being original, or just overwhelmed by all the noise, Kleon’s message is simple and reassuring: you don’t have to wait. Start borrowing, start making, start exploring your creativity now. Your voice will find its way, and chances are, the world will be glad you did.
Rating: 4.5/5
Steal Like an Artist is worth picking up if you’re finding your way through the ups and downs of creative work — whether you’re an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or just someone hoping to bring a little more creativity into daily life. Kleon’s ideas linger long after you finish, and they’re a good reminder that in the big mix of culture, your voice really does count.
