Austin Kleon, a writer and artist renowned for his book 'Steal Like an Artist', dives into the joys of creative theft, suggesting that borrowing inspiration helps us pay closer attention to the world. He speaks about 'scenius', the collaborative genius found within groups, and emphasizes how children can be incredible creative teachers. Kleon also shares insights on balancing discipline with spontaneity in art, advocating for a playful approach that embraces imperfections, making creativity a joyful experience.
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insights INSIGHT
Creativity as Meaningful Stealing
Austin Kleon sees creativity as stealing meaningful ideas from others and transforming them.
This approach makes paying close attention to the world essential for creative work.
insights INSIGHT
Value of Creative Lineage
Discovering your artistic lineage strengthens your creative roots and ideas.
Studying predecessors helps you find gaps your work can fill or ways to collaborate conceptually.
insights INSIGHT
Collaboration Over Solo Genius
Creative genius often arises from a group's collective energy, called 'scenius,' rather than isolated individuals.
Your creative work collaborates with past, present, and future influences and audiences.
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In 'Keep Going', Austin Kleon offers ten simple yet profound rules to help creative individuals stay inspired, focused, and true to themselves. The book emphasizes the importance of daily routines, disconnecting from the world to connect with oneself, and finding inspiration in everyday life. It also delves into themes such as the value of tidying up, the importance of fresh air, and the need to leave things better than you found them. The book is filled with motivational quotes, anecdotes, and artwork, making it a unique and inspiring read for anyone looking to sustain their creative journey[1][3][5].
Leaves of Grass
Walt Whitman
Natalie Montoto
First published in 1855, 'Leaves of Grass' is Walt Whitman's magnum opus and a cornerstone of American literature. The collection, which Whitman continued to revise and expand until his death, explores themes of identity, nature, democracy, and the human condition through free verse poetry. It is renowned for its innovative style and its celebration of the individual and the collective.
Still
The Art of Noticing
Mary Jo Hoffman
Steal like an artist
10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Austin Kleon
This book, which began as a speech given by Austin Kleon to college students, expands into a manifesto for creativity. It outlines ten transformative principles such as 'Steal like an artist' (honoring, studying, and transforming ideas), 'Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things,' and 'Use your hands' (emphasizing physical work). Kleon argues that creativity is not original but builds on what came before, and he provides practical tips and inspiring concepts for artists, writers, musicians, and anyone generating creative work[2][3][4].
Show Your Work!
Austin Kleon
In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon provides a manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity over genius, getting 'findable' by using the network, and self-discovery through sharing your creative process. It offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive, including chapters on sharing something small every day, engaging with your audience, and the etiquette of sharing online. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples to inspire and guide readers in their creative journeys[2][3][4].
Austin Kleon thinks stealing inspiration is a good thing — because it requires you to pay attention to the world. Austin is a self-proclaimed “creative kleptomaniac” and the author of five books, including Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. In his conversation with Chris, they discuss “scenius,” or the creative genius of a group, how children are invaluable creative teachers, and why he thrives in the tension between discipline and spontaneity.
How to Be a Better Human 
