About a year or so ago I read Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. It was very instrumental in my creative adventures because it helped me see that I don’t have to be an artistic genius just to try different art forms.

I don’t have to be Picasso to paint.

I don’t have to be Nabokov to write.

I don’t have to be anyone but me to do anything creative.

Many good points are made in the book. I was especially glad to see the one that stated “don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.” Shwew. Because I just don’t really know who I am artistically, hence these adventures in creativity to find out.

Some interesting advice and exercises are also provided in the book. For example, keeping a swipe file, learning more about artists you admire, and using a calendar to plan work. I’ve kinda started a swipe file and learning more about artists I really like, and I have to say both have helped with finding inspiration and ideas.

I was recently thinking about reading through the book again when I happened to see that the The Steal Like an Artist Journal is available for pre-order. I looked through it on Amazon and I am really excited about this journal. It kinda reminds me of the Wreck This Journal series, but with a more creative slant to it. My copy is pre-ordered, and I submitted my request for a free, limited-edition pen for pre-ordering. 🙂

Have any books inspired you? If so, please share with a comment on this post. I’d love to hear about it, and I know others would, too.

Steal Like an Artist

The Steal Like an Artist Journal