The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review – Steal Like An Artists by Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is a manifesto of creative liberation, packaged in a succinct, visually engaging, and refreshingly unpretentious format. This little black book, with its bold typography and sketches, may deceive at first glance—appearing to be a trendy coffee-table accessory—but beneath its simplicity lies a profound guide for anyone yearning to unlock their creative potential.

Kleon’s central thesis, that “nothing is original,” draws from a lineage of artistic thought that includes luminaries like Pablo Picasso, T.S. Eliot, and David Bowie. However, what distinguishes Kleon is his ability to democratize creativity. He reframes the concept of originality, not as a mythic lightning bolt of inspiration, but as a mosaic of influences, assembled with intention and authenticity. By doing so, he shifts the locus of creative power away from inaccessible genius to the accessible discipline of “good theft.”

The book is structured around ten succinct principles, such as “Steal Like an Artist,” “Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started,” and “Be Boring (It’s the Only Way to Get Work Done).” Each principle is accompanied by anecdotes, quotes, and Kleon’s playful illustrations, which combine to make the book as engaging as it is instructive.

Philosophical Undertones

Kleon’s work is deceptively light. Beneath its conversational tone lies a tacit dialogue with significant philosophical and artistic movements. His exhortation to “embrace obscurity” evokes existentialist notions of self-creation, reminiscent of Jean-Paul Sartre’s declaration that “existence precedes essence.” His insistence on daily discipline nods to the pragmatism of William James, while his suggestion to “side projects and hobbies are important” aligns with polymathic traditions stretching back to Renaissance thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci.

A Pragmatic Approach to Creativity

Where the book truly excels is in its practicality. Kleon provides actionable steps for creative practice, such as keeping a swipe file, analog notebooks, and deliberately copying (in the sense of studying) the masters. These techniques serve not only as a starting point for fledgling creators but as a recalibration tool for seasoned professionals feeling stuck in their process.

The book’s broad applicability is its greatest strength. While ostensibly geared toward artists, Kleon’s insights resonate across fields—from entrepreneurial endeavors to academic pursuits. This universality underscores the core message: creativity is not the domain of a select few but a way of engaging with the world that anyone can cultivate.

Critiques and Reflections

Though undeniably inspiring, Steal Like an Artist risks oversimplification in its brevity. The aphoristic nature of Kleon’s principles, while accessible, may leave some readers craving deeper exploration. Similarly, those seeking academic rigor might find the book’s reliance on pop aphorisms and anecdotes lacking in theoretical depth. Yet, to criticize Kleon for this would be to miss the point; the book is not a scholarly treatise but a clarion call to action.

The absence of explicit discussion on the ethics of appropriation—particularly in an age of digital reproduction and cultural borrowing—may also warrant pause. While Kleon touches on the difference between “good theft” and “bad theft,” a more nuanced exploration could have strengthened his argument.

Steal Like an Artist is an empowering guide for creators navigating the often-intimidating landscape of originality. Austin Kleon distills timeless wisdom into digestible, actionable advice that resonates with the realities of contemporary life. Its enduring appeal lies in its invitation to play, to borrow, and, most importantly, to make. Whether you are an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or a thinker, this book serves as a gentle nudge to get out of your own way and simply begin.

Kleon’s work is not just a book—it is a toolkit, a philosophy, and a celebration of the joy of making. It reminds us that the creative journey is less about finding something new and more about discovering the beauty of what already exists, reimagined through our own unique lens.