Steal Like an Artist Austin Kleon: Summary and Lessons

“In the beginning, we learn by pretending to be our heroes. We learn by copying”

“Nobody is born with a style or a voice. We don’t come out of the womb knowing who we are. In the beginning, we learn by pretending to be our heroes. We learn by copying.”

Rating: 10/10

Related: Show Your Work!, Keep Going, The War of Art, Ignore Everybody, The Practice, The Creative Habit

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Steal Like an Artist Short Summary

One of my favorites books about creativity in the digital age. In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon argues that nothing is original and all artists steal. By embracing your influences, you’ll become a master of your craft by learning from your heroes.

1. Steal Like an Artist

“Art is theft.”-Pablo Picasso

All artists steal. First, they figure out what’s worth stealing, then they move on to the next thing.