Austin Kleon Talks About Routine, Creativity, and Paying Attention

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Mar 26, 2025

Austin Kleon, author of 'Keep Going' and 'Steal Like an Artist,' shares his insights on creativity and routine, drawing inspiration from his kids for his upcoming book, 'Don’t Call It Art.' He discusses the necessity of establishing daily rituals and boundaries to enhance focus. Paying attention in a distracted world is vital, and Austin emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal journals for self-reflection. His perspective on creating dedicated 'bliss stations' sheds light on how space and time can fuel our creative flows.

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ADVICE

Routine Fuels Creativity

Establish a daily routine to support creative work consistently each day.
Structure your morning for creative tasks and afternoons for administrative duties.

ADVICE

Dedicated Creative Space

Create a dedicated creative space or time called a "bliss station" to help access creative flow.
Use distinct zones for different work types, such as analog for ideas and digital for writing.

ADVICE

Schedule Disconnection Time

Combat the speed and distractions of life by scheduling disconnection time to focus on creative work.
Avoid checking emails or social media in the morning to protect your attention.

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It was a real treat to reconnect with Austin Kleon for this episode of A Productive Conversation. Before we got into the heart of the conversation, Austin gave us a quick update: his next book Don’t Call It Art is in the works, inspired by the playful creativity he’s witnessed in his kids. He also mentioned that his once-weekly newsletter has now doubled in frequency—and it continues to be one of the best things I read online.

What followed was one of the most down-to-earth, real conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Austin and I explored how routines shape creative work, why space and time are both essential, and what it means to pay attention in a world that’s constantly pulling at you. His approach to creative living—one grounded in ritual, space, boundaries, and self-awareness—is something we can all learn from, whether we’re artists, entrepreneurs, or just trying to make a little more room for what matters.

Six Discussion Points

Austin’s upcoming book Don’t Call It Art and how it was inspired by parenting
The power of routine in a creative life—and how Austin structures his day
Why boundaries (including physical signs on doors) help protect focus
Using analog and digital “zones” for different types of work
Paying attention to what you pay attention to—and why it matters
The idea of a “bliss station” and how space (or time) supports creative flow
Revisiting your own journaling and notes as a form of orientation and reflection

Three Connection Points

Whether you’re deep into your own creative practice or trying to carve out more space for it, this conversation with Austin is a reminder that creativity isn’t about hustle—it’s about attention, boundaries, and giving yourself room to work and think. It’s always a joy to talk with Austin, and I hope this episode helps you reconnect with your own creative rhythm. (Originally released April 2019)

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