Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon Flashcards
What is originality according to William Ralph Inge?
Undetected plagiarism.
What should you do with a thinker you admire?
Study everything about that thinker and find three people they loved.
What is the significance of carrying a notebook and pen?
To jot down thoughts and observations whenever inspiration strikes.
What does ‘fake it ’til you make it’ mean in a creative context?
Start creating even if you don’t fully know who you are yet.
What is the best advice for writing?
Write what you like, not just what you know.
What should you do when you’re at a loss for what to do next?
Ask yourself, ‘What would make a better story?’
Why are side projects and hobbies important?
They help generate ideas and keep creativity flowing.
What can you do if you’re out of ideas?
Take a long walk, wash the dishes, or do something mindless.
What is the secret to becoming known in your field?
Do good work and share it with people.
What should you wonder at to invite others to wonder with you?
Things nobody else is wondering about.
What is one rule to follow according to Kurt Vonnegut?
You’ve got to be kind.
What does it mean to be the most talented person in the room?
You need to find another room.
What is the benefit of having a day job?
It provides a routine and opportunities to learn from others.
What is inertia in relation to creativity?
It is the death of creativity; staying in the groove is essential.
What should you keep to track your creative work?
A logbook listing daily activities and projects.
What is creativity in the context of information overload?
Figuring out what to leave out to focus on what’s important.
What can help overcome creative block?
Placing constraints on yourself.
Fill in the blank: Creativity is _______.
Subtraction.
What is one action you can take to kickstart creativity?
Start a blog.
What should you do with your ideas and observations?
Start a swipe file.
Why should you copy your heroes?
Examine where you fall short. What’s in there that makes you different? That’s what you should amplify and transform into your own work.
What Now?
What Now?
Talk a walk
Start your swipe file
Go to the library
Buy a notebook and use it
Get yourself a calendar
Start your logbook
Give a copy of this book away
Start a blog
Take a nap
Recommended Reading
Linda Barry, What It Is
Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody
Jason Fried + David Heinemeier Hansson, Rework
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
Jonathan Lethem, The Ecstasy of Influence
David Shields, Reality Hunger
Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow
Ed Emberley, Make a World
What is a recommended way to express admiration for someone’s work?
Write a blog post about their work and link to their site
This encourages engagement and allows for sharing of one’s perspective.
What is the quote by Craig Damrauer regarding modern art?
Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t.
What should you keep instead of a rejection file?
A praise file
This can provide motivation and encouragement when needed.
What does Bill Cunningham say about taking money?
If you don’t take money, they can’t tell you what to do.
What should you establish to enhance creativity?
A daily routine
Routines can help maintain creativity and productivity.
How can one maintain a creative flow?
Figure out and stick to a routine, doing the work every day.
What is the purpose of a logbook?
To list the things you do every day.
What is the most important decision one will ever make?
Who you marry
This also includes business partners and friends.
What is the theme of ‘Creativity is Subtraction’?
Focusing on what to leave out to concentrate on what’s really important.
What is a suggested method to overcome creative block?
Place constraints on yourself.
What does placing limitations on creative work provide?
Freedom
Limitations can stimulate creativity by forcing focus.
What is the essence of creativity, according to the text?
It’s the things we choose to leave out.
Fill in the blank: ‘Don’t make excuses for not working—make things with the time, space, and materials you have, right ______.’
now.
Who should you copy when trying to create your own work?
Your heroes—the people you love, the people you’re inspired by, the people you want to be.
This concept emphasizes the importance of learning from those who inspire you.
What does Nick Lowe suggest as a starting point for creativity?
Rewriting your hero’s catalog.
This implies taking inspiration from established works to develop your own voice.
What should you examine to find your unique voice?
Where you fall short compared to your heroes.
Identifying differences can help amplify your individual strengths.
What is the best advice related to writing?
Write what you like, not just what you know.
This encourages personal passion to guide creative work.
What is the manifesto about creating work?
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.
This encourages individuals to pursue their true interests.
What is the significance of using your hands in the creative process?
It is important for engaging with your work physically.
This can lead to new ideas and insights.
Why are side projects and hobbies important?
They help generate ideas and keep creativity flowing.
Engaging in diverse activities can spark inspiration.
What should you do if you’re out of ideas?
Wash the dishes, take a long walk, or stare at a spot on the wall.
These activities can help clear your mind and foster creativity.
What does Maira Kalman say about avoiding work?
Avoiding work is the way to focus my mind.
This suggests that taking breaks can enhance concentration.
What should you do if you have multiple passions?
Don’t feel like you have to pick and choose—keep all your passions in your life.
Embracing multiple interests can enrich your creative output.
What unifies your work according to the text?
The fact that you made it.
This highlights personal authenticity as a unifying factor in creative endeavors.
