Steal Like an Artist audiobook cover - 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Steal Like an Artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

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Motivation & InspirationCreativity

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Mind Map

Steal Like an Artist
The Myth of Originality+
Imitation to Emulation+
Hobbies and Side Projects+
Obscurity and Sharing+
Workspace and Environment+
Handling Feedback+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
How does the author view the concept of 'completely original art'?
  • A. It is the ultimate goal every true artist should strive to achieve.
  • B. It is a myth, as all art is built upon the influences of previous work.
  • C. It can only be achieved by completely isolating oneself from other artists.
  • D. It is only possible in modern digital mediums, unlike traditional art.
Question 2 of 6
According to the book, what is the key difference between imitation and emulation in an artist's development?
  • A. Imitation is considered plagiarism, while emulation is legally citing your sources.
  • B. Imitation is a technique used by amateurs, while emulation is reserved for established professionals.
  • C. Imitation involves copying one artist, while emulation involves copying multiple artists simultaneously.
  • D. Imitation is copying your heroes, while emulation is exploiting your inability to copy them perfectly to find your own style.
Question 3 of 6
Why does the author recommend maintaining side projects and hobbies instead of focusing solely on your main artistic project?
  • A. They provide a secondary source of income when your art doesn't pay the bills.
  • B. They offer a necessary mental distraction that can help overcome creative blocks and foster innovation.
  • C. They allow you to network with people outside of your primary industry.
  • D. They ensure that you have backup career options if your art fails to gain traction.
Question 4 of 6
What is the primary benefit of being an 'obscure' artist when you are first starting out?
  • A. It forces you to spend less money on marketing and more on high-quality art supplies.
  • B. It creates a sense of mystery that makes art collectors more interested in your work.
  • C. It allows you to freely experiment and make mistakes without public scrutiny or expectations.
  • D. It prevents other artists from stealing your original ideas before they are fully developed.
Question 5 of 6
How does the author suggest you structure your workspace to maximize creativity?
  • A. By dividing it into two sections: one for digital equipment and one for working with your hands.
  • B. By surrounding yourself exclusively with the latest digital gadgets and software.
  • C. By keeping it completely empty and minimalist to avoid any visual distractions.
  • D. By setting it up in a public place like a a coffee shop to ensure constant external stimulation.
Question 6 of 6
What is the author's advice for handling online criticism and 'hate mail'?
  • A. Engage with your critics thoughtfully to change their minds and improve your reputation.
  • B. Ignore the negativity, or use the anger it generates as a source of creative energy.
  • C. Delete all negative comments immediately to protect your self-esteem.
  • D. Stop sharing your work online until you have perfected your craft and removed all flaws.

Steal Like an Artist — Full Chapter Overview

Steal Like an Artist Summary & Overview

Steal Like an Artist (2012) will help you unlock the secret to creating great art: theft. No artist creates their work in a vacuum: all art is influenced by the art that came before it. Steal Like an Artist teaches you how to “steal” from the work of your heroes, and use it to create something new and unique. It also provides important advice on using the internet to launch your career, so others can enjoy your creativity!

Who Should Listen to Steal Like an Artist?

  • Artists or other creative types
  • Anyone struggling to find inspiration
  • Any artist who needs advice on launching their career

About the Author: Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is an artist, writer and poet. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Morning Edition, and he recently published a book of poetry entitled Newspaper Blackout.

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