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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon) Paperback – February 28, 2012

by Austin Kleon (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 19,054 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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Unlock your creativity.

An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.
 
Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you—what feels like a hobby may turn into you life’s work. Forget the old cliché about writing what you know: Instead, write the book you want to read, make the movie you want to watch.
 
And finally, stay Smart, stay out of debt, and risk being boring in the everyday world so that you have the space to be wild and daring in your imagination and your work.

 “Brilliant and real and true.”—Rosanne Cash
 
Read more
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  1. Print length
    160 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Workman Publishing Company
  4. Publication date
    February 28, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6.02 x 0.56 x 5.9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780761169253
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0761169253
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Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered (Austin Kleon)
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.
    Highlighted by 11,555 Kindle readers
  2. If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.
    Highlighted by 10,595 Kindle readers
  3. Establishing and keeping a routine can be even more important than having a lot of time.
    Highlighted by 10,483 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brilliant and real and true."
-Rosanne Cash

"Austin Kleon is positively one of the most interesting people on the Internet... Kleon makes an articulate and compelling case for combinatorial creativity and the role of remix in the idea economy."
-The Atlantic

"Breezy and fun and yes, scary. Scary because it calls your bluff."
-Seth Godin

"A quick, easily digestible read that is particularly relevant in today's digital world."-School Library Journal

"Filled with well-formed advice that applies to nearly any kind of work."-Lifehacker.com

From the Back Cover

Unlock your creativity.
  1. Steal like an artist.
  2. Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.
  3. Write the book you want to read.
  4. Use your hands.
  5. Side projects and hobbies are important.
  6. The secret: do good work and share it with people.
  7. Geography is no longer our master.
  8. Be nice. (The world is a small town.)
  9. Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done.)
  10. Creativity is subtraction.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0761169253
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman Publishing Company
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 28, 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780761169253
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761169253
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.02 x 0.56 x 5.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 19,054 ratings

About the author

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Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon

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Austin Kleon is a writer and artist living in Austin, Texas. He's the author of two bestselling books: Steal Like an Artist, a manifesto for creativity in the digital age, and Newspaper Blackout, a collection of poetry made by redacting newspaper articles with a permanent marker. He speaks about creativity for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. Visit him online at www.austinkleon.com.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
19,054 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand, with one review noting how it skillfully guides readers through the creative process. Moreover, the book serves as an inspiration for creative souls, providing beautiful insights into art creation, and customers appreciate its brevity, being less than 150 pages long. Additionally, the humor receives positive feedback, with customers noting it's full of humor and ideas that make them laugh out loud. However, the content receives mixed reviews, with some finding it insightful while others say it lacks depth.

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ReadabilityInspirationCreativityShortnessStart-up valueHumorValue for moneyContent
1,396 customers mention "Readability"1,383 positive13 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to understand, noting it's a quick read worth reading carefully. One customer mentions it guides readers skillfully through the creative process.

"...Perfect for students: a quick read with pictures and bullet points that starts a very good conversation." Read more

"This book was such a fun and refreshing read. It’s short, but filled with creative advice that actually sticks...." Read more

"...Reading all from Austin Kleon has really inspired my writing and my writing process lately. Thank you." Read more

"The book is great! I love it, helps me a lot" Read more

1,237 customers mention "Inspiration"1,210 positive27 negative

Customers find the book inspirational, describing it as an excellent source of wisdom and an inspiration-churning machine for creative souls.

"...he said he learned more things about himself and gained confidence in himself and his work!" Read more

"...the creative process in a way that feels honest, simple, and surprisingly motivating...." Read more

"...Kleon points out the value of side projects and hobbies in sparking creativity. “..." Read more

"...Several have become classic insights. Here is a representative selection: o "Art is theft." Pablo Picasso..." Read more

412 customers mention "Creativity"382 positive30 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights on art creation, noting its entertaining illustrations and good design elements.

"This book inspired me to appreciate others art work and photos, then copy and add my own touches . This has improved my artwork ...." Read more

"Austin Kleon's "Steal Like An Artist" is like having a cool, hipster art friend you can carry around in your backpack and take out when you need a..." Read more

"..."Good Ideas" is one of the best new books about spurring creativity, but it's primarily focused on principles of creativity and their historical..." Read more

"...This book also told me that I already possessed the tools to be creative. Since I know that I like Kleon suggest that I study why I like it...." Read more

202 customers mention "Shortness"164 positive38 negative

Customers appreciate the book's brevity, noting it has less than 150 pages of content and can be read in one sitting.

"This book was such a fun and refreshing read. It’s short, but filled with creative advice that actually sticks...." Read more

"...Steal Like an artist is a short and easy read, I finished the whole book in less than 2 hours and did some notes in the process...." Read more

"...The book is small, like a big cocktail napkin. It's full of illustrations by Kleon and little flourishes that keep things brisk as you read...." Read more

"...It’s not long either. You won’t regret it" Read more

132 customers mention "Start-up value"118 positive14 negative

Customers appreciate the book's straightforward approach to getting started with creative projects, providing great insights along the way.

"...This has improved my artwork . No more “copy cat” nagging in my mind !!!!" Read more

"...It’s the cycle of creation. The complexities you find are worth learning and from any knowledge that you receive exists an opportunity...." Read more

"...It's very easy for creatives to get lost and detached in their own creativity. Clearly that hasn't happened with Austin...." Read more

"...no revelations or life answers in this book, but it WILL help you think outside the box...." Read more

113 customers mention "Humor"108 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it witty and having them laughing out loud, with one customer noting how the advice is delivered with a sense of humor.

"...He designed the book himself and his voice and style shine through. "Artist" feels unified, innovative, balanced, and, above all, intimate...." Read more

"Super funny and easy to read, yet super insightful. I read it during one Lunch break at work and it left a smile on my Face for the rest of the day." Read more

"...It is fun. And very funny. Thank you Austin. You rocked it for me as an Artist and Musician...." Read more

"Loved the Authors humor, the lightness and ease of read. Short book many good points. Bought with the journal...." Read more

82 customers mention "Value for money"64 positive18 negative

Customers find the book worth every penny, with one mentioning it provides practical advice on living within a budget.

"...This is a quick, clear, concise and highly valuable book...." Read more

"What an absolute gem! This book is filled with practical tips, funny quips, and brain flips! I sat down and read it cover to cover...." Read more

"...This book is worth many times what I paid for it. Updated on 11/21/22...." Read more

"Overall a good book however tends to be less valuable after the first half...." Read more

88 customers mention "Content"49 positive39 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's content, with some finding it straightforward and true, while others report it being lacking in depth and substance.

"...Why? Because I got the truth, and the truth will immediately unblock you. So, I was immediately unblocked...." Read more

"...It's a quick, easy read. Nothing particularly profound but a good reminder that creativity is in many ways something anyone can learn and apply to..." Read more

"...This book will provide inspiration, kick in the pants truth, and motivation for wherever you find yourself in life." Read more

"...But after that,the treatise turns into a lecture on discipline. Ho hum...." Read more

I would recommend
5 out of 5 stars
I would recommend
bought this for my boyfriend cause he wanted to grow as an artist and he loved it.. he said he learned more things about himself and gained confidence in himself and his work!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • sissyounger
    5.0 out of 5 stars freedom to create from what you see
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book inspired me to appreciate others art work and photos, then copy and add my own touches . This has improved my artwork . No more “copy cat” nagging in my mind !!!!
    Helpful
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  • Alize Candelaria
    5.0 out of 5 stars I would recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    bought this for my boyfriend cause he wanted to grow as an artist and he loved it.. he said he learned more things about himself and gained confidence in himself and his work!
    Customer image
    Alize Candelaria
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    I would recommend

    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2025
    bought this for my boyfriend cause he wanted to grow as an artist and he loved it.. he said he learned more things about himself and gained confidence in himself and his work!
    Images in this review
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  • William Bingham Gordon
    4.0 out of 5 stars easy and motivating
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is in the syllabus for the AI for Games course at USC. Perfect for students: a quick read with pictures and bullet points that starts a very good conversation.
    Helpful
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  • Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great boost for creative flow!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was such a fun and refreshing read. It’s short, but filled with creative advice that actually sticks. Austin Kleon explains the creative process in a way that feels honest, simple, and surprisingly motivating. If you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired, this one really helps shake things loose.

    I also bought the companion workbook, and it’s absolutely worth it. The prompts helped me reflect and turn the book’s ideas into real action. It’s one thing to read about creativity, but it’s another to sit with the questions and figure out what that means for your own work.

    This book is not just for artists. It’s for anyone who wants to make things and needs a little spark. I’ll definitely be keeping it nearby for when I need a creative nudge.
    Customer image
    Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A great boost for creative flow!

    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    This book was such a fun and refreshing read. It’s short, but filled with creative advice that actually sticks. Austin Kleon explains the creative process in a way that feels honest, simple, and surprisingly motivating. If you’ve been feeling stuck or uninspired, this one really helps shake things loose.

    I also bought the companion workbook, and it’s absolutely worth it. The prompts helped me reflect and turn the book’s ideas into real action. It’s one thing to read about creativity, but it’s another to sit with the questions and figure out what that means for your own work.

    This book is not just for artists. It’s for anyone who wants to make things and needs a little spark. I’ll definitely be keeping it nearby for when I need a creative nudge.
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  • Christina Vourcos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better the second time around
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read this book even though I was initially wanting to read Austin’s second “Show Your Work” and third books “Keep Going.” I went through this book feeling like it was a lot of what I already knew as a creative.

    But the next books caught my interest so much more. It made me puzzled. I went through Austin’s website and social media. A lot of what he shares connected with me, especially with having several notebooks at a time.

    But it was his strategy for those notebooks that peaked my interest. My mind came back to this book feeling like I missed something while reading the first time. Now that I re-read the book, I took more out of it. I see the strategies that Austin is sharing for us to use and make our own. I’m thankful that I re-read this book after reading his other books. I look forward to reading his Newspaper Poetry book as soon as possible. I also look forward to reading upcoming books and newsletter updates (and basically any kind of updates).

    Reading all from Austin Kleon has really inspired my writing and my writing process lately. Thank you.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Andrew Everett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Words (and pictures) of wisdom for a creative life
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Austin Kleon writes, “All advice in autobiographical… This book is me talking to a previous version of myself… These ideas apply to anyone who’s trying to inject some creativity into their life and their work. (That should describe all of us.)” The book is thoughtfully written and designed in a creative six-inch by six-inch format.

    The idea behind stealing like an artist is that “nothing is completely original… All creative work builds on what came before... If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.”

    “We learn by copying. We’re talking about practice here, not plagiarism—plagiarism is trying to pass someone else’s work off as your own. Copying is about reverse engineering… Remember: Even The Beatles started as a cover band.”

    “You are the sum of your influences… Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by… Seeing yourself as part of a creative lineage will help you feel less alone as you start making your own stuff… You don’t want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes… That’s what you really want—to internalize their way of looking at the world… It is the act of making things and doing our work that we figure out who we are.”

    “You have to be curious about the world in which you live… Always be reading…. Don’t worry about doing research. Just search.”

    “You’re only going to be as good as the people you surround yourself with… If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.”

    “The manifesto is this: 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.”

    The author urges readers to “step away from the screen… You need to find a way to bring your body into your work… If we strum a guitar, or shuffle sticky notes around a conference table, or start kneading clay, the motion kickstarts our brain into thinking… The computer is really good for editing your ideas… but it’s not really good for generating ideas. There are too many opportunities to hit the delete key.”

    Kleon points out the value of side projects and hobbies in sparking creativity. “By side projects I mean the stuff that you thought was just messing around. Stuff that’s just play. That’s actually the good stuff. That’s when the magic happens… I think it’s good to have a lot of projects going on at once so you can bounce between them. When you get sick of one project, move over to another… Practice productive procrastination.” The author quotes playwright Steven Tomlinson about having diverse interests: “Let them talk to each other. Something will begin to happen.”

    “Creativity is subtraction.” The answer to information overload is to “figure out what to leave out” so you can focus on what’s most important to you. “It seems contradictory, but when it comes to creative work, limitations mean freedom… Establishing and keeping a routine can be even more important than having a lot of time.”

    Kleon touches on the theme of his second book, Show Your Work. “If there was a secret formula for becoming known, I would give it to you. But there’s only one not-so-secret formula that I know: Do good work and share it with people. It’s a two-step process… Not everyone will get it… So get comfortable with being misunderstood, disparaged, or ignored—the trick is to be too busy doing your work to care.” That said, the author says to, “enjoy your obscurity while it lasts… There’s no pressure when you’re unknown. You can do what you want. Experiment. Do things just for the fun of it. When you’re unknown, there’s nothing to distract your form getting better.”

    On a final note, Kleon writes, “Your mileage may vary… Feel free to take what you can use and leave the rest.”
    67 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Hamzah AHMED
    5.0 out of 5 stars ...
    Reviewed in Turkey on January 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Great book , and great seller
    Just 4 days arrived to turkey 😍.
    Iam Really Happy to buy from you
    Report
  • Jaime Eduardo Sauret Fagre
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book to bring your creative idea to life!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 4, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Austin is a great inspirational author who doesn’t care about sharing his secrets!

    After reading “Show your work” from Austin a while back I had “Steal like an artist” on my list and finally read it, and the only thing I can say is… WHY I HAVEN’T READ IT SOONER?

    This book not only encourages you to work on your thing (whatever it is) but gives a clear way on how to do it and makes you feel that you can.

    If you have a creative idea in mind but haven’t started waiting for the perfect time or the muse to feel inspired, shake those feelings and get this book. If after you wonder how to share what you do, get the “Show your work” book from Austin and you’ll have the perfect combo to out your work out in the world!
    Report
  • gian marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo
    Reviewed in Italy on March 17, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Bellissimo libro per grandi e piccini. Super consigliato e semplice da leggere, con tanti messaggi da cogliere.
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    gian marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Ottimo

    Reviewed in Italy on March 17, 2023
    Bellissimo libro per grandi e piccini. Super consigliato e semplice da leggere, con tanti messaggi da cogliere.
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  • Migle Masiulyte
    5.0 out of 5 stars Steal like artist
    Reviewed in Belgium on May 6, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Very nice book
    Report
  • GdelC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!
    Customer image
    GdelC
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Inspiring!

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2025
    Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!
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