Stealing Like An Artist

"Steal Like An Artist" book by Austin Kleon

Hi guys!

So happy to be back in the blog and sharing life!

As you may know, my last post (read it here) was about plagiarism, copyright, and stealing in the art world... you know, legal stuff. Prison time stuff.

But, this week, I'd like to show the flip side of the coin and implore you to STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST.

See, I got this book for my birthday and it's fantastic. It's encouraging, inspiring, and super helpful. It's called, as you may be able to guess, "Steal Like an Artist". It's by Austin Kleon, an artist and writer who has been featured on a number of programs and things (think NPR, The Wall Street Journal, etc.). He's pretty smart.

I know it may sound counter to my previous post, but hear me out in my support of this topic. Let me quickly share three of his many tips / pointers before you run away in confusion!

1) Nothing is original.

As Kleon quotes from the Bible, "There is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Totally true. People are copying nature that already existed. People are inspired by other artists and looking to their works. Even the human face is an original work of art, so painting or drawing that is technically copying! You guys, fan fiction even existed before now... why else do you think the greats of old based works of art on stories from the Bible or mythology? Mhmm. Food for thought.

2) Write the book you want to read (or, make something you'd like to see).

If it is not out there and you want to enjoy it, why not create it? I don't think I could say it any better, so I shall quote Kleon:

"Draw the art you want to see,

start the business you want to run,

play the music you want to hear,

write the books you want to read,

build the products you want to use -

do the work you want to see done."

- Austin Kleon in "Steal Like an Artist" -

I'm inspired. In fact, I kind of use this idea as a "mantra" of sorts. It's why I began freelancing as an illustrator and writing my book. There are so many things I want to see done!

3) Praise and Validation

Art is tough. Life is tough. And there are tough critics out there. As Kleon says (paraphrasing), by the time you get popular or appreciated for something, it may be something you're bored with. Or you're dead.

You may not get praised for your work, or even appreciated. And if you do / are, you may never know it, see it, hear it, etc. At the end of the day, your validation can't come from other people and their opinions. You just have to create what you love and do it because you love it. Though, when you do get some form of praise whether it be email, verbal, etc., Kleon recommends keeping a "praise file" to keep on hand for those rainy, lonely days. As humans, we tend to forget the good and let the bad overshadow things too often. I know I do!

As a matter of fact, I went through a pretty tough time with this stuff. To see how human I am, check out my related "personal" blog about it here: Link to my "Diary" (OOooo!).

Now, I have to say that Kleon is NOT advocating for any actual stealing! And neither am I, whew no! Have respect for others and their art! After all, as my previous blog points out, it does not end well for the creative thief. However, what Kleon does seem to be saying and advocating for is that we need to take inspiration from places and that we learn by "copying" in a way. Whether it's favorite artists, music, nature, etc., we have to get ideas from somewhere. The world around us is full of things to use as inspiration; why not take advantage of it?

After reading Kleon's book, I'm inspired to try new things, seek new influences and just overall, be a better artist. If you haven't picked up your own copy of it yet and you are in a creative rut, PLEASE read it. It's validating. And awesome.

If you want to learn more about Austin Kleon and his work, check him out here!

http://austinkleon.com/

Hope you guys enjoyed today's post and get to read an awesome new book!

Yours truly,