KEEP GOING by Austin Kleon

Introduction:

Book Title: Keep Going

Author: Austin Kleon

Purpose: The book provides guidance on how to sustain creativity and stay motivated, especially during difficult times.

Background: Austin Kleon is an author and artist known for his practical advice on creativity and his unique blend of art and writing.

Summary:

Main Points Covered:

1. Every Day Is Groundhog Day:

- Embrace Routine: Establish a daily routine to maintain consistency in your creative practice.

2. Build a Bliss Station:

- Create a Personal Space: Designate a space and time where you can focus entirely on your work without distractions.

3. Forget the Noun, Do the Verb:

- Focus on Action: Concentrate on the act of creating rather than labeling yourself as an artist or writer.

4. Make Gifts:

- Create for Others: Shift focus from self-promotion to creating work as a gift for others, which can be more fulfilling.

5. The Ordinary + Extra Attention = The Extraordinary:

- Find Wonder in the Mundane: Pay attention to everyday life and find inspiration in the ordinary.

6. Slay the Art Monsters:

- Avoid Ego and Vanity: Create work for the right reasons, avoiding the traps of ego and self-importance.

7. You Are Allowed to Change Your Mind:

- Embrace Flexibility: Be open to changing directions and evolving in your creative pursuits.

8. When in Doubt, Tidy Up:

- Declutter Your Space: Clean and organize your physical and mental space to clear creative blocks.

9. Demons Hate Fresh Air:

- Get Outside: Take breaks and spend time outdoors to rejuvenate your mind and body.

10. Plant Your Garden:

- Cultivate Patience: Focus on growth and long-term development in your creative work, like tending to a garden.

Key Explanations:

- Routine and Discipline: Kleon stresses the importance of establishing and sticking to daily routines to foster creativity. Consistency is key to long-term creative success.

- Personal Space: Having a dedicated space and time for creative work helps minimize distractions and enhances focus.

- Action Over Identity: Emphasizing the act of creating rather than being overly concerned with artistic labels helps maintain motivation and progress.

- Gift Mindset: Creating with the intention of giving rather than receiving recognition can lead to more meaningful and satisfying work.

Examples and Case Studies:

- Personal Anecdotes: Kleon shares stories from his own life to illustrate how these principles have helped him maintain his creative practice.

- Historical and Contemporary Creatives: Examples of other artists and writers who have used similar techniques to sustain their creativity and stay motivated.

Visual Aids and Demonstrations:

- Illustrations and Quotes: The book includes visual elements that highlight key points and make the advice more relatable.

- Practical Tips: Each chapter ends with actionable tips and exercises to help readers implement the ideas discussed.

Conclusion:

Overall Message: Sustaining creativity requires routine, discipline, and a focus on the process rather than the end result. By creating a personal space, finding inspiration in the mundane, and making work for others, you can maintain motivation and continue to produce meaningful work.

Calls to Action: Kleon encourages readers to establish daily routines, create personal spaces for work, and focus on the act of creating rather than seeking validation. He also stresses the importance of taking breaks and finding joy in everyday life.

Personal Insights:

- New Perspectives: The book reinforces the idea that creativity is a daily practice that requires routine and discipline. It also highlights the importance of flexibility and finding joy in the process.

- Practical Application: The principles of creating a personal space, focusing on action, and finding inspiration in the mundane can be directly applied to enhance and sustain any creative practice. By following Kleon’s advice, you can build a more resilient and fulfilling creative routine.