Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon)

Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon is a bestselling, illustrated guide that explores how to draw on your surroundings and your own imagination to shape an artistic path. Presented with clever infographics, it brings together Kleon’s concise observations alongside quotes from other successful artists.

Focused on creativity in the digital age, the book sets out ten principles intended to help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life. It encourages embracing influence, learning through the work of others, and remixing ideas to find a personal direction. It also suggests following interests wherever they lead, creating the work you would most like to experience yourself, and making practical choices in everyday life to leave room for boldness in imagination and work.

Key details

• Author: Austin Kleon
• Bestselling, illustrated creativity guide
• Includes infographics and quotes from other artists
• Structured around ten principles for developing creativity

Synopsis

This guide presents ten principles designed to support creativity and artistic development. It argues that originality grows from influence, encouraging readers to study the work of others, remix ideas, and follow interests that may develop into life’s work. It also challenges familiar advice by urging readers to create what they want to read, watch, or experience, while keeping everyday choices simple to protect space for imaginative, daring work.