Every ambitious artist, restless entrepreneur, or hopeful innovator has felt that nagging voice whisper, “You’re not original enough.” Austin Kleon’s “Steal Like an Artist” shatters this myth and dares you to rethink everything you know about creativity. The first page alone dares the reader to imagine a world where the greatest artists are not lone geniuses, but curious magpies, gathering glimmers of inspiration from unexpected places. In a culture obsessed with innovation, this book’s unapologetic manifesto is an open invitation to embrace your inner thief, and transform the act of borrowing into a springboard for brilliance.
The book has earned cult status among creative circles for its bold, straightforward wisdom. Instead of demanding that readers wait for a bolt of inspiration, Kleon urges everyone to join the ongoing conversation of creativity. With his trademark black-and-white visuals and conversational tone, Kleon strips away the intimidation that so often stifles new creators. The message is clear: you don’t need permission to begin, just the courage to remix, reframe, and run with the influences that move you.
Real-world stories ripple throughout the book. Consider how the Beatles, once just boys imitating their musical idols, became icons by remixing everything they loved. Picasso famously admitted, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” Kleon leans into this tradition, weaving in case studies from artists, musicians, writers, and designers who flourished by paying homage to their influences and building on the past. These stories drive home the point that creative work is a relay, not a solo marathon.
Beyond inspiration, “Steal Like an Artist” offers practical guidance for surviving the creative rollercoaster. From breaking out of perfectionism to building a network of creative allies, every page pulses with actionable advice that goes beyond theory. Readers discover how to keep momentum even when motivation flags, sidestep creative block, and transform “copycat” shame into a launchpad for greatness.
By the end of the introduction, you’re hooked. The fear of being “not original enough” has been replaced by a powerful sense of agency. Instead of feeling isolated, you become part of a global tribe of makers, doers, and dreamers. “Steal Like an Artist” is a love letter to the restless spirit that dwells inside everyone, waiting for permission to break the rules, remix the masters, and leave a mark on the world.
Quick Notes
- Originality Is Overrated: All creative work builds on what came before; embracing influence is the secret to innovation.
- Collect Widely: Fill your life with diverse inspirations from every field, then mix them boldly to create something fresh.
- Imitation Is the First Step: Copy to learn, then break away to develop your authentic style.
- Side Projects Spark Genius: Pursue playful experiments and hobbies to unlock unexpected breakthroughs in your main work.
- Build Your Creative Circle: Surround yourself with mentors, muses, and fellow explorers who fuel your journey.
Steal Like an Artist Unpacked
“Steal Like an Artist” is Austin Kleon’s radical manifesto on creativity, tailored for the digital age. The book dismantles the myth of the lone genius and invites readers into the creative lineage shared by every great innovator. Kleon structures his advice in ten punchy principles, each designed to empower rather than intimidate. He encourages everyone, regardless of skill level, to start creating with what they have, where they are, and with all the influences that shaped them.
The narrative dives deep into the history of art, music, and literature, spotlighting examples of legendary creators who embraced borrowing as a badge of honor. From Bob Dylan’s early mimicry to David Bowie’s wild reinventions, Kleon shows that all icons begin as imitators. By encouraging readers to “steal” from their heroes, he makes a case for creative confidence built on curiosity, not shame.
Kleon’s rules for creative living extend beyond artistic pursuits. He recommends building a “swipe file” filled with ideas, quotes, and visual snippets that resonate with you. The book gives readers permission to learn by imitation, but stresses the importance of moving beyond copying to find their own voice. By experimenting, remixing, and reimagining, creators turn influence into originality.
Each page bursts with actionable wisdom: find mentors in books if you can’t reach them in person, create every day, and don’t let perfectionism kill your spark. Practical advice sits alongside playful doodles and motivational mantras. The message is simple but profound—everybody can become an artist by giving themselves permission to start.
The book ends with a call to action: creative growth is not about waiting for lightning to strike, but building habits that welcome inspiration. “Steal Like an Artist” is as much a rallying cry as it is a toolkit, encouraging readers to stop worrying about being “original” and start getting to work.
Copycats or Creators? The Real Meaning of “Steal”
One of the most provocative lessons in Kleon’s book is his reclamation of the word “steal.” Instead of criminalizing influence, he reveals how borrowing ideas, structures, and even failures from others can lead to true innovation. He references artists who transformed entire genres by unapologetically borrowing and then making it their own, demonstrating that creativity thrives when we celebrate connection, not isolation.
In Silicon Valley, the notion of “stealing like an artist” has fueled a wave of product innovation. Companies openly borrow and iterate on each other’s features, leading to faster progress and better solutions for consumers. The smartphone wars are a perfect example—each generation of devices borrows the best from rivals and adds a new twist, delighting users and driving the industry forward.
Personal stories from readers abound. A high school teacher recounts using Kleon’s principles to inspire reluctant writers, encouraging them to mimic their favorite authors before developing their own narrative voice. The results are astonishing: students who once feared “not being creative enough” discover that creativity is a practice, not a gift.
“Steal Like an Artist” also addresses the fear of plagiarism, drawing a clear distinction between mindless copying and transformative remixing. Kleon’s nuanced advice reassures readers that great work honors its influences, while lazy imitation falls flat. This distinction liberates creators to experiment fearlessly while respecting the giants on whose shoulders they stand.
By reframing “stealing” as an act of homage and evolution, the book emboldens readers to join the creative conversation. Originality, Kleon insists, emerges from bold combinations and courageous risk-taking, not from working in a vacuum.
Why Imitation Is the Ultimate Classroom
Aspiring creators often freeze at the thought of being unoriginal, but “Steal Like an Artist” reframes imitation as the best teacher. Kleon explains that copying the work of masters helps develop technical skill, build confidence, and unlock hidden talents. Musicians learn by playing covers, writers improve by rewriting beloved passages, and designers hone their craft by recreating iconic layouts.
Case studies bring this idea to life. Pablo Picasso, hailed as a pioneer, spent years imitating his idols before forging new artistic ground. Steve Jobs famously admired and borrowed from calligraphy classes, leading to the breakthrough typography on Apple computers. In every field, imitation is a launchpad, not a dead end.
Kleon provides practical exercises to help readers turn imitation into growth. He suggests picking apart favorite works, experimenting with different techniques, and then infusing the results with personal perspective. The goal isn’t to become a clone, but to build a foundation strong enough to support unique expression.
Educators and mentors can use these principles to cultivate a growth mindset in students. Rather than obsessing over originality, they can encourage exploration, trial and error, and creative “failure” as part of the journey. Kleon’s message is clear: the best ideas often come from blending old influences in entirely new ways.
By embracing imitation as a stage in the creative process, readers gain freedom to make mistakes, iterate, and eventually outgrow their heroes. This permission to copy, remix, and reinvent is the secret behind some of the world’s most celebrated creators.
Make Play Your Secret Weapon
Kleon’s manifesto puts a spotlight on the power of play in creative work. The book advocates for side projects, passion experiments, and hobbyist tinkering as fuel for major breakthroughs. In a world obsessed with productivity and efficiency, Kleon’s playful approach is refreshingly subversive.
Consider the Google founders, who famously devoted “20 percent time” for employees to pursue side projects. This policy led to the birth of Gmail and Google News—ideas that would have never emerged in a rigid, top-down environment. Kleon’s case for playful work aligns perfectly with stories from the world’s most innovative companies.
Readers are encouraged to view every doodle, poem, or silly experiment as a stepping stone rather than a distraction. The book brims with anecdotes about creators who stumbled upon genius while pursuing hobbies unrelated to their main craft. A novelist who moonlights as a jazz musician, a coder who paints on weekends—these side passions often cross-pollinate, resulting in unexpectedly brilliant outcomes.
Kleon’s advice to keep a notebook, collect scraps, and chase rabbit holes offers practical tools for readers eager to inject more play into their process. The permission to tinker, mess up, and start over is the antidote to perfectionism and burnout.
By making play a daily habit, creators open themselves to serendipity, innovation, and joy. “Steal Like an Artist” argues that creative breakthroughs rarely happen in straight lines—they emerge from curiosity, play, and an openness to the unexpected.
Network Like an Artist: Building Your Creative Tribe
No creator succeeds alone, and Kleon champions the importance of creative communities. The book dispels the myth of the “tortured genius” locked away in a garret, emphasizing the value of connection, collaboration, and mentorship. Whether online or in person, building a network of fellow travelers is essential to staying inspired and resilient.
Real-world case studies back this up. From the literary salons of Paris to today’s design meetups and online writing groups, creative communities have always been hotbeds of innovation. Kleon highlights how peer feedback, shared resources, and mutual encouragement can transform solo work into a movement.
The book also stresses the importance of generosity and gratitude. Kleon encourages creators to “be a fan” of others, give credit, and share resources openly. This collaborative spirit often leads to unexpected opportunities, partnerships, and lasting friendships.
Social media platforms can be both a blessing and a curse for networking. Kleon’s practical tips help readers navigate these spaces mindfully, cultivating meaningful connections while avoiding the traps of comparison and distraction. The focus remains on learning, sharing, and supporting others.
For anyone struggling with isolation or self-doubt, “Steal Like an Artist” provides a roadmap for building a creative tribe. Community, Kleon insists, is where magic happens and ideas take flight.
Practice, Process, Persistence: The Real Magic Behind Mastery
Kleon’s philosophy is grounded in the messy, daily reality of creative work. The book celebrates persistence, embracing process over product, and showing up even when inspiration is nowhere in sight. Readers are encouraged to set routines, build rituals, and measure progress by what they create, not how they feel.
Case studies of world-class athletes, prolific writers, and tech innovators drive home the value of consistent effort. Serena Williams hones her serve through endless repetition. Stephen King writes every morning, rain or shine. Kleon’s emphasis on process demystifies talent, reframing greatness as the result of patient, persistent practice.
The book offers concrete strategies for staying motivated: set deadlines, limit distractions, and celebrate small wins. Kleon’s advice to “show your work” encourages creators to share their progress publicly, inviting feedback and accountability. This transparency builds confidence and fosters growth.
Rather than waiting for inspiration, readers learn to create habits that make creativity inevitable. Kleon’s approach is both liberating and practical—every day spent making, even imperfectly, is a day closer to mastery.
Persistence, not perfection, is the hallmark of every celebrated creator. The book inspires readers to keep moving forward, trusting that progress will come through the process.
Find Your Creative DNA: Lessons and Insights
The heart of “Steal Like an Artist” beats with a call to uncover your own creative DNA. Kleon argues that everyone is the sum of their influences, passions, and peculiarities. Rather than chasing someone else’s path, readers are urged to embrace what makes them different and weave it into their work.
Personal anecdotes bring this to life. A chef inspired by punk rock channels that energy into her cooking, creating dishes with attitude and flair. A software developer who loves comic books injects visual storytelling into app design, standing out in a crowded field. Kleon’s message is empowering: creativity flourishes when you own your weirdness and celebrate your unique voice.
The book encourages regular self-reflection and experimentation. Readers are invited to document their process, ask questions, and refine their craft over time. Kleon’s philosophy turns the creative journey into an adventure, not a chore.
Mentors, muses, and heroes are seen as stepping stones, not destinations. The goal is to learn, remix, and ultimately outgrow them. By embracing influence while forging your own path, every reader can become both student and master.
Authenticity, not imitation, is the true hallmark of creative greatness. Kleon’s insights empower readers to find and amplify their own creative DNA.
The Artist’s Manifesto for Everyday Life
Kleon’s closing argument is both a rallying cry and a practical guide for lifelong creativity. The world rewards those who take risks, play with ideas, and persist in the face of uncertainty. “Steal Like an Artist” arms readers with the mindset, tools, and community needed to thrive in any creative field.
The journey does not end with the book’s final page. Kleon challenges readers to continue stealing, remixing, and making every day. Each project, experiment, and failure becomes a building block in the creative legacy. The true artist is not the one who waits for perfection, but the one who shows up, makes, and shares.
The sense of wonder cultivated by the book lingers long after reading. Readers leave empowered to take bold steps, make unexpected connections, and build a body of work that reflects both influence and individuality. Creativity, Kleon insists, is everyone’s birthright.
“Steal Like an Artist” is a must-read for anyone yearning to create, connect, and contribute. It belongs on every desk, in every classroom, and at the bedside of every restless dreamer.
About the Author
Austin Kleon is a writer, artist, and creative thought leader renowned for his ability to distill big ideas into simple, actionable wisdom. His bestselling trilogy—“Steal Like an Artist,” “Show Your Work,” and “Keep Going”—has inspired millions to embrace creativity in everyday life. Kleon’s popular talks, newsletters, and workshops have made him a trusted voice for artists, entrepreneurs, and educators seeking inspiration and practical guidance. Based in Austin, Texas, he champions the power of play, curiosity, and community, helping readers worldwide unlock their creative potential.
Disclaimer
Note that the ideas and content in the book are solely from the Author of the book and not the ESYRITE Editorial Team. All opinions expressed in this book review are entirely from the ESYRITE Editorial Team. This review may contains affiliate links, meaning ESYRITE may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
