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Austin Kleon
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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon) Kindle Edition

by Austin Kleon (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 18,565 ratings
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
 
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  1. Print length
    174 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Workman Publishing Company
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    28 Feb. 2012
  6. File size
    25.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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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 ‏ : ‎ B0B5L9GMSW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman Publishing Company
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Feb. 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 25.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 174 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761171256
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 18,565 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
18,565 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspirational, packed with useful advice for creatives, and appreciate its concise and easy-to-grasp content. Moreover, the book is visually engaging with creative illustrations, and customers find it entertaining and refreshing. They consider it worth the price, and one customer notes it provides a candid account of the author's journeys. However, the physical quality receives mixed reviews - while the book is well-styled, several customers report pages falling out.

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InspirationReadabilityEntertainment valueValue for moneyVisual qualityHonestyFunctionalityPage retention
150 customers mention ‘Inspiration’150 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspirational, providing useful advice for creatives and being packed full of thoughtful ideas.

"Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...Doesn't take long to read- leaves you feeling inspired and cuts through the crap! A book that you could read again and I probably will" Read more

"A very quick read with good nuggets of wisdom. I would recommend this book if you want some inspiration and to think creatively" Read more

"...field of creative work you wish to pursue, you're sure to find useful tools in this easy to read book of golden nuggets!" Read more

85 customers mention ‘Readability’82 positive3 negative

Customers find the book readable, describing it as concise, quick, and simple to understand, with one customer noting that the ideas are easy to grasp and remember.

"Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!" Read more

"Packed with inspiration! Doesn't take long to read- leaves you feeling inspired and cuts through the crap!..." Read more

"A very quick read with good nuggets of wisdom. I would recommend this book if you want some inspiration and to think creatively" Read more

"...And I'm so glad I did buy this. It all made sense, it all seemed so relatable, in particular section 2 - Don't wait until you know who you are to..." Read more

42 customers mention ‘Entertainment value’38 positive4 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and refreshing, with one mentioning it provides a motivating perspective on content creation.

"...Not to mention it is fun and entertaining too! Could not stop myself and finished it in a few hours...." Read more

"This book is short, fun and delivers a punch of value when it comes to building your digital and relational capital as a content creator and..." Read more

"...Engaging, inspiring and practical advice on becoming a successful artist, advice that applies well beyond artistic pursuits...." Read more

"...this book did just that, not only is it easy to read and digest, it is a fun and really keeps you entertained and interested...." Read more

42 customers mention ‘Value for money’31 positive11 negative

Customers find the book worth buying, with one mentioning it's a consolidated advice worth 7 quid.

"Brought as a gift and my brother loved the book. Good buy." Read more

"...to not be overwhelmed, and content packed enough to feel you got your money's worth." Read more

"Quite pricey for the size and length of the book. I read it in about 20 minutes...." Read more

"...If it's half as good, it will be well worth the time." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Visual quality’25 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's visual presentation, noting its well-styled layout and creative illustrations, with one customer mentioning how the diagrams and pictures effectively complement the text.

"...job of delivering his ideas and points across, including the creative illustrations. Not to mention it is fun and entertaining too!..." Read more

"...There is no wrong way to do art, anyone who tells you otherwise is someone you don't need in your life" Read more

"Nice and easy to read Full of creative ideas Candid and honest account of own journeys Very encouraging Cam finish in an evening" Read more

"...The diagrams and pictures nicely tie with and complement the text...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Honesty’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the honesty of the book, with one noting it's never read so much truth in a book, while another mentions it provides a candid account of the author's journeys.

"...Insightful, honest, comfortingly realistic about limitations (see marry well section) and inspiring." Read more

"Nice and easy to read Full of creative ideas Candid and honest account of own journeys Very encouraging Cam finish in an evening" Read more

"Loved the book very engaging and I never read so much truth in a book...." Read more

"...manages expectations, lights a fire under your butt, and encourages honesty with oneself." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Functionality’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content effective.

"...this book helped remind me of what really counts: doing good work and being kind. Thank you Austin Kleon." Read more

"...Concise and wise. It's a pep talk from the page and worked like a shot of espresso...." Read more

"...This stuff works." Read more

"Well and Truly presented...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Page retention’0 positive7 negative

Customers report issues with the book's binding, with multiple customers noting that seven pages fell out and the glue doesn't keep them secure.

"I actually enjoyed the book but every page fell away until it was all in pieces , Quite annoying if I wanted to read it again which I probably would..." Read more

"Having just received this today and started to read it, the pages started getting loose at around page 8!..." Read more

"...Seven pages fell out while I was looking at it for the first time...." Read more

"The day I received the book, the pages were falling out as I was reading. Couldn't believe it...." Read more

Inspiring!
5 out of 5 stars
Inspiring!
Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • GdelC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 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 3 May 2025
    Fantastic book! Simple but very powerful and inspiring ideas. Highly recommended!
    Images in this review
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  • peta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 April 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Packed with inspiration! Doesn't take long to read- leaves you feeling inspired and cuts through the crap! A book that you could read again and I probably will
    Helpful
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  • G. D. Allen
    4.0 out of 5 stars short and sweet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A very quick read with good nuggets of wisdom.
    I would recommend this book if you want some inspiration and to think creatively
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect inspiration for creatives
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 February 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Whatever field of creative work you wish to pursue, you're sure to find useful tools in this easy to read book of golden nuggets!
    Helpful
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  • Beasy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Brought as a gift and my brother loved the book.

    Good buy.
    Helpful
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  • Bec Webb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book if you're questioning your place in the creative world
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was recommended to me by a few fellow creatives in an amazing community I'm part of on social media.

    I needed this book, but didn't know about it until it was recommended.
    I'd reached out to the group about the fact that as an illustrator I felt a bit lost in the creative world, like I hadn't found my place, because I didn't have a 'style' by which people could recognise my work, and no particular style that I favoured illustrating over others, I just felt like I wasn't a real illustrator if I didn't produce consistent work that was clearly 'me', like everyone else seems to do. I would (and still do really) trawl through the art by others I admired, and be able to say oh that's by so and so, they're so good!
    No one could do that with me, as my illustrations are so random, there's no cohesion. Should I stop putting my art out there until I know who I am as an artist?

    So this book was one of two recommended to me to read (find your artistic voice by Lisa Congdon is the other).

    And I'm so glad I did buy this. It all made sense, it all seemed so relatable, in particular section 2 - Don't wait until you know who you are to get started.

    If you're an artist just starting out, or one who already creates a lot of art (any kind of creation really) and are unsure you belong in the creative world yet because you're not good enough, or you're not original enough, or you don't know your style yet - get this book.
    Customer image
    Bec Webb
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Perfect book if you're questioning your place in the creative world

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2020
    This book was recommended to me by a few fellow creatives in an amazing community I'm part of on social media.

    I needed this book, but didn't know about it until it was recommended.
    I'd reached out to the group about the fact that as an illustrator I felt a bit lost in the creative world, like I hadn't found my place, because I didn't have a 'style' by which people could recognise my work, and no particular style that I favoured illustrating over others, I just felt like I wasn't a real illustrator if I didn't produce consistent work that was clearly 'me', like everyone else seems to do. I would (and still do really) trawl through the art by others I admired, and be able to say oh that's by so and so, they're so good!
    No one could do that with me, as my illustrations are so random, there's no cohesion. Should I stop putting my art out there until I know who I am as an artist?

    So this book was one of two recommended to me to read (find your artistic voice by Lisa Congdon is the other).

    And I'm so glad I did buy this. It all made sense, it all seemed so relatable, in particular section 2 - Don't wait until you know who you are to get started.

    If you're an artist just starting out, or one who already creates a lot of art (any kind of creation really) and are unsure you belong in the creative world yet because you're not good enough, or you're not original enough, or you don't know your style yet - get this book.
    Images in this review
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    59 people found this helpful
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  • Adam E-M
    3.0 out of 5 stars I don’t see the hype.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It’s fine
    It’s a quick read which is fine
    I wouldn’t expect anyone to have a light bulb moment when finishing this

    It’s a wee book to get you motivated. I couldn’t but that’s more on me ?
    One person found this helpful
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  • Olga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Left me speechless and inspired! I got this book after stumbling upon one of its quotes on Pinterest. Not going to lie, when I unpacked it, I was a bit sceptical and slightly disappointed, as the size of the book was smaller than expected. However, few pages in, I understood that I SHOULDN'T have judged the book by its cover!

    Love the fact that it is so easy and simple to read and relate to. The author had done a fantastic job of delivering his ideas and points across, including the creative illustrations. Not to mention it is fun and entertaining too! Could not stop myself and finished it in a few hours.

    I am an artist, however I feel like this book would suit anyone! I find that it helps to ignite the lost curiosity towards simple things of life...

    To summarise: I would recommend this book.
    10 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 15 January 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 4 June 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 17 March 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Bellissimo libro per grandi e piccini. Super consigliato e semplice da leggere, con tanti messaggi da cogliere.
    Customer image
    gian marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Ottimo

    Reviewed in Italy on 17 March 2023
    Bellissimo libro per grandi e piccini. Super consigliato e semplice da leggere, con tanti messaggi da cogliere.
    Images in this review
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    Report
  • Zeyad
    2.0 out of 5 stars NOT THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE BOOK
    Reviewed in Egypt on 12 June 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Print quallity is realy low, and the book is not original
    Report
  • Laura reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quick delivery
    Reviewed in Sweden on 25 September 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It’s an amazing book also for peeps that don’t work in the creative industry. The author puts things into perspective and the book is written in a very simple and fun way, with lots of doodles and side notes.
    I have both the pocket version and the hard cover, the size is a bit odd but I think that’s part of the design. :)
    Report

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