Steal Like an Artist

Introduction

Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist, published in 2012, grew out of a talk he gave to college students. It offers ten things nobody told him about being creative, in a short, illustrated format.

Kleon argues that all creative work builds on what came before.

Who should read this book?

Creators, students and anyone who wants permission to start.

Helps with: Unlock my creativity

The central message

Nothing is original. Collect influences, make things, and share them.

Key ideas and concepts

1. Nothing is original

   All creative work builds on what came before. The key is to steal thoughtfully: study many influences, credit them, and transform them.

2. Don't wait until you know who you are

   You discover your style by making things, not by thinking about it first. Start copying your heroes to learn.

3. Write the book you want to read

   Make the thing you wish existed. Your gaps and tastes point toward your work.

4. Use your hands

   Step away from screens; physical tools and movement often spark ideas.

5. Be boring

   A steady routine, healthy habits and managing money give you the freedom to be bold in your work.

Deeper analysis

Steal Like an Artist is quick, fun and encouraging. Kleon's illustrated, list-based format makes it easy to read in an hour and to reread later. Its central message, that originality comes from combining influences rather than inventing from nothing, removes a big source of pressure for beginners, and practical advice like keeping a swipe file and having a routine is useful.

It's brief and general by design, so experienced creators may find little new, and readers wanting deep craft advice will need other books. Some advice, like 'be boring', is simplified. As a starting point and a shot of encouragement, it's excellent.

Practical applications

• Collect influences.
• Start a project now.
• Make what you want to see.
• Work with your hands.
• Keep a routine.

Your 7-day action plan

1. Day 1

   List the people whose work influences you.

2. Day 2

   Copy a piece of a hero's work to learn how it's made.

3. Day 3

   Start a project you wish existed.

4. Day 4

   Work with your hands, away from screens.

5. Day 5

   Set a simple daily routine for creative work.

6. Day 6

   Share something you made.

7. Day 7

   Reflect on what you've learned from your influences.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

• Permission to learn by copying and remixing
• A collection of influences to draw on
• A sustainable creative routine
• Confidence to start making things now

Strengths and limitations

Reflection questions

1. Who influences you?
2. What would you make?
3. What's your routine?
4. What stops you?

Related books

• The War of ArtSteven Pressfield

  The War of Art

  Steven Pressfield

  Discipline.

• Show Your Work!Austin Kleon

  Show Your Work!

  Austin Kleon

  Sharing your work.

• Creativity, Inc.Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

  Creativity, Inc.

  Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

  Pixar's co-founder on building a culture where creativity thrives, and the hidden forces that block it.

• Designing Your LifeBill Burnett and Dave Evans

  Designing Your Life

  Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

  Apply design thinking to your life: get curious, try things and prototype your way to a career you love.

About the author

Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated September 29, 2026.