Steal Like an Artist

Date: 2023-08-30

Book Author: Austin Kleon

This is creativity therapy. Short, punchy, and packed with permission to stop waiting and start making. Kleon argues that original work isn’t created in a vacuum — it’s built by remixing, rethinking, and stealing intelligently from the people who came before you. If you’ve ever felt unoriginal or “not creative enough,” this is your antidote.

💡 Core Takeaways: • Nothing is truly original — creativity is a form of curated theft. • Side projects, hobbies, and boredom are creative fuel. • Make stuff you wish existed — even if no one’s watching.

❤️ What I Loved: • It made me want to create something immediately. • Visually engaging — full of quotes, sketches, and white space. • Doesn’t romanticise the creative process — just demystifies it.

🤔 What's Lacking: • It’s a 1-hour read — you’ll wish it was longer. • Less strategy, more mindset.

📈 Verdict: A creative reset for anyone stuck in their head. Read it when you feel like an imposter.

Rating: 4.6/5