Do Steal... Like an Artist!

Book: Steal Like an Artist

Author: Austin Klein

One sentence summary: Nothing is truly original so train yourself to always be on the lookout for good ideas that you can remix and re-imagine into something unique and truly creative.

Rating: Amazing book. Get ready to buy a second copy when you lend your first one out and don’t get it back. (I’ve given away close to 30 of these in the last 5+ years.)

I'm a believer in Auston Kleon's mantra Steal Like an Artist, in fact it's required reading for anyone on my teams. The basic premise is really straightforward -? no creativity is original, all ideas stem from other ideas, SO to be creative you must constantly be looking for inspiration in your day-to-day life. Of course, marketers have been using swipe files for years but this book goes beyond that tactical approach, makes it a philosophy, and broadens the approach to anyone in any role.

Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.

The message is strong but what makes this book amazing is how Kleon packs this small 150 page nugget with inspirational examples, practical advice, and engaging stories. You can easily read the entire book in one sitting or take 5 pages at a time. Either way it takes you on a journey that gives you confidence to get started.

Within my team the core principles of Steal Like an Artist help us constantly be improving, look outward as much as inward, and gives “non-creative types” a path/plan to be more creative. In fact, it so integrated in our work, my current function’s founding charter references three platforms we’re taking inspiration from:

• Khan Academy: well organized, connects smalls bits of learning to a larger path to success, an emphasis on competencies??
• YouTube: natural language, memorable personalities, strong connection to creators
• TikTok: human-center, short & entertaining

Steal Like an Artist is not just a book, it's a blueprint for perpetual creativity that'll have you seeing the world in re-mixable brilliance. Go read it and find an excuse to talk about it with others.?