Book Review: Steal Like an Artist

It's been quite a while since I've written in this space!

I have decided to start blogging again and updating this blog with random blurps of what's going on in my life. It's quite saddening when I click on this link and there's not much documentation going on, it's almost as if i haven't been 'living'.

Today's post is about an amazingly easy book to digest- Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon.

In this read, Austin gives a heap of handy tips to any kind of aspiring artist and cajoles them to 'fake it till you make it' and 'copy, copy, copy'. Like what you hear? Read on.

Calling all artists, Austin has 10 rules for you-

1. Steal like an Artist

In this chapter, Austin writes about how there is nothing new under the sun.

Nothing is original, and all good artists steal ideas.

There are some brilliant quotes and handy tips in this nifty read which we can use to our advantage. One of the ideas i really love is the collection of ideas.

Every artist is a collector (not a hoarder, mind you) and he or she chooses exactly what they love and collect it selectively. Since we are shaped and fashioned by what we love, Austin urges us to 'read, read, read. Read the weather. Read the signs on the road. Read the faces of strangers. The more you read, the more you can choose to be influenced by.'

Steal things and save them for later-they can be in a sketchbook, a digital magical folder format and even in a scrapbook. You never know when you might need this idea bank.

2. Don't wait until you know who you are to get started

Tons of people are scared to make stuff because of something called the impostor syndrome. As Austin describes it, it's ' a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments.' In other words, all of us feels like we're smoking it and we have no clue about what we're doing.

Well, apparently none of us do. People honestly don't know where the good stuff comes from and they just show up at work day after day. This is where you fake it till you make it. Fake it till you're successful or pretend to be making something till you actually do.

3. Write the book you want to read

In this short chapter, Austin talks about writing and doing the things you like, not know.

Simply put, do the work you want to see done.

Hate software ABC? Don't just talk about it, complain about it by making software XYZ.

4. Use your hands

There's a very fine line between Analog VS Digital. In this day and age where computers and smart phones rule our lives, its tough to tear away from the Internet and get back to using good'ol papers and pens.

Sure, software today can help create tons of amazing work, but it's a lot less intimidating to make and sketch mistakes on paper. (The game makers at Gambit will approve of this!) After all, paper doesn't crash unlike Maya or Photoshop. Austin also suggests splitting your working table into 2 parts, yep, you guessed it, Analog and Digital.

The Analog part should have things like paper, pen, pencils, rulers, post its and anything else 'old school'. The digital part houses your computers, printers, tablets and you get the picture. In Austin's case, he loves coming up with ideas and sketches on the 'Analog' side and then editing his work on the 'Digital' side. Know what works best for you.

5. Side projects are important

'Productive procrastination' is key when you are bored with one task and then proceed to do another. Instead of slacking away, do something else that means a lot you you as a person. This can be anything-strumming away on the guitar, drawing, singing, hiking, jogging, you name it. And once you're done with that, go back and get more work done. See the gist of this?

Side projects are important to who you are and you should not throw any part of yourself away. Don't even worry about unifying them together, just do it. Find the perfect balance between 'What you love' and 'What loves you back'.

6. Do good work and share it with people

Tons of people wish to be noticed and known, but the beauty of being unknown gives you the freedom to try new things and make mistakes. Enjoy your obscurity while it lasts. Enjoy it and use it. Another magical word to take away from this chapter: the Internet. 'It is a great place for sharing secrets and is a birthing centre for developing work.'

Share your dots, but don't connect them- Share snippets, a tip, a glimpse of the process, books or a link to an article.

7. Geography is no longer our master

Leave home, and find a place that feeds you creatively, socially, spiritually and literally. The further you go, the higher your insight soars. You see things from a totally different perspective, breathe a different air and react to difference.

No cash to get out of the city? Don't fret- build your own world (literally) by taping things on the wall, and surround yourself with books and objects you love. Plug on your headphones and listen to your favourite piece of music. Be inspired, create your own world, just live.

8. Be nice

Simply put, make friends and ignore enemies. 'You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with.' In a room full of people, always stand next to the talent, you never know who you're gonna know. If you find that you're the most talented person in the room, leave.

9. Be boring

Take care of yourself, stay out of debt, keep your day job.

Keep a calender- 'Amassing a body of work or building a career is a lot about the slow accumulation of little bits of effort over time.' Also, get yourself a logbook. This doesn't have to be a diary or journal, it can be a 'project you worked on, where you had lunch, what movie you saw.' The small details will help you remember the big details.

Also, marry well. Austin is not only referring to your spouse in the near future, but also the people you work with, befriend and hang around with.

10. Creativity is subtraction

Last but not least, we live in a world where there is information overload. Subtracting is a valuable skill in knowing when to focus and on what. 'Nothing is more paralyzing than the idea of limitless possibilities. The idea that you can do anything is absolutely terrifying.' Wise words indeed. In this chapter, limitations is king. Limitations is freedom.

Austin suggests painting with one colour, starting up a business with no capital. Write and complete a song on your lunch break. There are no excuses because you you have all the materials, resources, time and space already.

'In the end, creativity isn't just the things we choose to put in it, it's the thing we choose to leave out.'

I personally loved this book- I've read it 4 times to date and still cannot get enough of it.

This lovely read is chock full of illustrations and is easy on the eye. It's also super easy to understand and digest!

I also adore the straightforward use of words and the ideas shared.

'So, what now?

Take a walk!

Go to the library.

Buy a notebook and use it.

Start a blog! (Or in my case, start updating it)

Take a nap.'

Live!

Buy Steal like an Artist, or check out more illustrations on Austin's website!