Steal Like An Artist: Five Innovative Ideas To Unleash Creativity

If you are an artist/creative and you are yet to read Austin Kleon’s ‘Steal Like An Artist’, I insist you do not walk but run to the nearest library or bookstore and get a copy of the book. For me, ‘Steal Like An Artist’ was love at first glance. And I dare say, you too. Filled with playful designs, visual elements, and actionable advice, Steal Like An Artist gives a fresh perspective on the creative process. Offering great creative insights, Kleon’s piece encourages readers to embrace inspiration from various sources and foster their artistic abilities. It quips that artists and readers to observe the world around them, curate diverse influences, and fuse ideas from different domains to create something uniquely their own.

Are you a musician or painter or writer or stylist and seeking to ignite your creative spark? Below are five innovative ideas that unleash creativity from the book, ‘Steal Like An Artist’:

1. Embrace observational learning: The power in observational learning in a fast-paced world like ours cannot be overstated. To unlock top-notch creativity, Kleon is of the opinion that to be great at creating, one will have to settle down with the work of those you admire. Bear in mind that it is not an invitation to copy someone else’s work. Instead, he insists that creatives keenly observe their processes, and learn from it. This approach allows you to draw lessons from the techniques, choices, and decisions they make. With this, you are then equipped to incorporate these experiences into your work. Consequently, creating a unique style that reflects your authenticity as a creator.

2. Curate diverse sources of inspiration: Inspiration is key in unlocking a creative’s creative abilities. Hence, ‘Steal Like An Artist’ instructs artists to expose themselves to a broad range of influences. Ways one can do that include following artists from different disciplines, exploring various art forms, and immersing oneself in diverse cultures. Curating diverse sources of inspiration helps creatives pool an ever-evolving repository. This in turn allows them to access a rich tapestry of ideas to infuse into their own work.

3. Accept limitations as catalysts: For the artist, limitations can be a good thing. Often, limitations are just what is needed to unleash incredible creativity. Instead of seeing restrictions as barriers, choose to accept them. Austin Kleon emphasizes that we see them as instruments for thinking outside the box and finding unconventional ways to express your ideas. He also highlights the importance of setting boundaries within which to operate.

4. Remix and fuse ideas: This might sound weird but ‘Steal Like An Artist’ thinks it is okay to borrow ideas. See something that will work with your design? Adopt these ideas from their original sources, fuse them together, add your unique perspective, and create something entirely new. By mixing different influences together, you can easily produce novel creations that captivate and engage your audience and explore your individuality.

5. Welcome failure and iteration: Yes! You heard me right! For artists, failure can be a stepping stone towards growth and improvement. Therefore, it is vital to desist from discouragement. Instead, view them as opportunities growth and refinement. After all, failure is never the end. Embrace the process, learn from mistakes, and iterate upon your ideas to reach new heights of creativity.

‘Steal Like An Artist’ is a refreshing guide that empowers creators to tap into their creative potential and find their unique artistic abilities. So, interested in unlocking boundless possibilities that lie within the realms of inspiration and innovation? ’Steal Like An Artist’ is the book.