Steal Like an Artist

“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon came to my attention via the “Blitz Bazawule and Ryan Coogler” episode of the In Proximity podcast. Ryan bought the book for Blitz in 2016 and said that it would change his life. I immediately made note and received my copy as a Christmas present last month. It can be read in a day, then read again. Anyone can see themselves, whether they believe they are creative or not. Sidenote: Everyone is creative. Constantly, I laughed seeing myself in so many parts of the book. It’s lovely, gives me peace and things to look forward to. It filled me with excitement. The theme of interconnectedness was apparent to me, shared experiences and questions deeply unite us all.

Every time I closed my notes app, I had to open it again to add something else. Following the 10^th point “Creativity is subtraction”, I’ll summarize some of my favorite parts. Let’s get started…

Influence

Austin states that things aren’t good or bad, rather they are worth stealing or not (p.6). Some may be worth stealing later. Reminds me of music; Banks’ The Altar connected with me well after its release, the message was there when I needed it. André Gide is quoted for the idea that everything good has been said and since no one was listening say it again (p.8). Life is cyclical, the same problems will be new again. I may not be the first person to experience a given event, but it’s the first time it’s happened to me. We should be less exasperated with people voicing their frustrations or concerns when they experience something for the first time. The context of the present moment is important. Speak because no one can say it like you. Your authentic voice is necessary. Listening, learning, aiding are part of human connection.

We are what we choose to be influenced by (p.11). For me it’s music, runway shows, films, the sky, use of color, patterns, numbers, visuals. I like to collect magazines with Black women on the cover, Barbie ornaments, quotes, and plane window photos. Learn about what intrigues you or what you have questions about (p.19). Google is one of my most used apps, I look up everything. A new word, a word’s meaning, a person/place/thing’s name, how many tablespoons in a cup, alternatives to spices I don’t have, everything! I am aghast by the lack of curiosity; I am begging everyone to look things up if you currently don’t. Potentially falling down a rabbit hole is thrilling.

Baby Steps

Doing the work will lead to who you are (p.27). This has been a recent revelation for me. The person I want to be requires for me to just do what she would do. Fake it until the doubt falls off (p.30). Until the two sides become a whole. No one knows what they’re doing (p. 28) so may as well start. Do it scared, it’ll come together. Being a beginner is okay, I’m intermediate in pole dance and a novice in painting. Just have to keep creating until my style becomes apparent to me. Remember those influences? Be honest about them (p.38-42). From a person who was plagiarized years ago, another Miss Jabberwock winner lifted lines from my speech, at best it’s annoying at worst it’s damaging theft. Copy with the intent to learn and develop your own lane. Honesty of influence may lead to critique of how it’s not the same. That’s the point, it shouldn’t be! Your work should live its own life.

Perfection

“4: Use Your Hands” is all about needing to move and feel to create. Digital only isn’t enough. “The computer brings out the uptight perfectionist in us – we start editing ideas before we have them” (p.58). Hello, this is me. Previous writing couldn’t get all the ideas out before formatting kicked in. Everything needs to spill out to find the good bits. I want to tote around colored pencils and note pads to doodle and mark at will. This post formed in a notebook. It helped with focusing and made my mind work more. Spill my brain on the page and refine it later.

Playtime

Productive procrastination? (p.67) Sign me up! Bouncing between pole dance, painting, writing, and sketching is already on my calendar. I can intentionally wield a flaw into purpose. It’s good for creatives to be bored, to do nothing. When I’ve laid on the floor in frustration, my mind wanders and finds a better way to do a trick or sequence. Hobbies matter! (p.72). Austin advises to not throw any passion away. I clearly have several and want to add photography. The pictures in my head should come to life.

Off Broadway

Enjoy obscurity (p.78). Being the main character is not necessary. Also, everyone is honestly too busy to notice you. Exhale and relieve the pressure. Whatever you’re thinking of doing, just do it. A simple slogan synonymous with Nike (the origins made me want to sage my house) but also the essence of life. Either proceed for growth and change or remain the same and wither. Obscurity gives the space to tinker until your work is good. I believe this site is good so far, I’ll look back later and see what was missing. There’s nervous excitement attached to improvement. 

God Complex

Build your own world (p.89). World building requires me to tear down what I’ve known and restructure based on my truth and intuition. I’m filling my physical space with things I love. Jewel tones, books, yet to be purchased art. Alone time (p.92) allows life to call upon you. Building requires inspiration, near and far. I love to travel. I’m writing this from the desert. Seeing new places or revisiting for further discovery with fresh eyes widens my view. I return with renewed vigor to do what I must to have more experiences. Driven to see more and fill myself up.

Share Joy

Make friends, ignore enemies (p.101). Starve the people who live off of rabid responses to any and everything. I enjoy when other people share what makes them happy and I intend to share my joys as well. It’s a much better way to live. Tell people that you love their work (p.108). I’ve done this with sahn, ‘the mornings‘ must be heard and seen. The other artists I adore will have their praises sung as well.

In Practice

Creativity requires energy (p.119). I can wear myself out mentally before I begin. That’s why a day job (p.119) and a schedule are helpful (p.124). I have a good day job; my needs are met and it’s a creative career. This book helped me find more gratitude for it. I’m on the right path with my calendar. I’ll have a flow and no reason to make excuses. How annoying it would be to continue to do nothing, it’s not an option.

Less Is More

Limitless possibilities are confining versus inspiring (p.137). I’ve noted that unending options are overwhelming and lead to desertion. Boundaries lead to freedom. It sounds contradictory at first but imagine personal boundaries. Closing the door on foolishness lifts the weight from your shoulders and frees up space in your mind. It’s the same with creativity. Starting with what’s on hand requires the brain to work in new ways, leading to new connections.

Nothing is new (p.153). Say what you want because someone needs to hear it. Create things because someone needs to see them. That someone may just be you. Someone out there is in the same place as you, the same place as me. Sharing will lead to finding your people. Creating will lead to finding what you need to or should do. We must try in order to know.