I love a good book that makes me pause to absorb the author’s words. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is one of those books. It was published in 2012 by Workman Publishing Company. I remember all the buzz when it was first available, but for whatever reason I didn’t purchase it. I read lots of opinions about it and put it in my “I’ve got to buy that sometime” file. That file only lives in my head, by the way. 🙂
Several months ago I was privileged to have Ian Cody join me in my studio for a LIVE Creative Chat during a special episode of Drama-free Friday. One of the questions I asked Ian was about who or what influenced his art the most. One of the surprises to me was his explanation about Steal Like an Artist and its profound impact on him. I made a physical note to get the book! But I still didn’t buy it.
A few weeks ago, I saw Steal Like an Artist at my local bookstore and before I could talk myself out of it, I bought it!! Of course each of us responds to books in our own way depending on where we are on our life journey. Something about it struck such a blaring chord with me! When I read the small print on the front cover, “10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative,” I knew it was exactly the right time for me to get busy and soak up Austin’s ideas.
I always read a book or magazine with highlighters and pens at hand and usually a stack of sticky notes, too. Before I “destroyed” my copy of Steal Like an Artist, I leafed through it, and discovered that I’d definitely made the right choice. I wanted to record the REVIEW video with a relatively clean copy of the book. 🙂
A couple of the 10 things Austin shares in the book include “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started” and “Be nice. The world is a small town.” Can’t argue with either of those points!! And, there are 8 more treasures within the more than 140 pages.
Steal Like an Artist is easy to read, but I bet you won’t read it quickly! Get your highlighters, pens and sticky notes ready before you sit down to read. Prepare for a treat. I bet you’ll like it, too!!
If you’ve read Steal Like an Artist, let me know in the comments how it’s influenced your thinking and your creativity.
Until next time,
Remember to Get Creative today! It’s Easy!
Barb
