The Road #17 – Steal Like An Artist
Take inspiration from multiple sources and blend them together. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to unexpected and original creations.
"Steal Like An Artist" is a creative manifesto penned by Austin Kleon that encourages individuals to draw inspiration from various sources and remix them into something uniquely their own. The book suggests that the act of creation is not about inventing something entirely new, but rather about curating and blending existing ideas to produce fresh and innovative results. This concept is rooted in the belief that creativity is a collaborative process, and the pursuit of inspiration involves an active engagement with the world around us.
In the quest for inspiration following the principles of "Steal Like An Artist," there are several strategies that can be employed:
Embrace Curiosity: Approach the world with an open mind and an insatiable curiosity. Be willing to explore new fields, dive into different cultures, and learn about a variety of subjects. Curiosity is the fuel that drives the search for inspiration.
Diverse Inputs: Engage with a wide range of media, including books, movies, music, art, and even conversations. Exposure to different forms of expression can help you absorb a rich palette of ideas, styles, and perspectives.
Copy and Transform: Don't be afraid to start by imitating the work of those who inspire you. Copying allows you to analyze their techniques and gain insights into their creative processes. However, the key is to transform what you've copied into something that reflects your unique voice.
Combine Influences: Take inspiration from multiple sources and blend them together. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to unexpected and original creations.
Document Your Insights: Keep a journal or digital notebook to record your thoughts, observations, and snippets of inspiration. This practice helps you capture fleeting ideas and serves as a wellspring of creativity to draw from later.
Break Down Barriers: Remove the pressure to be completely original. Creativity often flourishes when you allow yourself to play, experiment, and build upon existing concepts.
Seek Unconventional Sources: Inspiration can come from unlikely places. Look beyond your usual interests and explore fields that might seem unrelated – you never know what connections you might uncover.
Collaborate and Share: Engage with fellow creators, bounce ideas off each other, and collaborate on projects. The exchange of ideas can lead to fresh perspectives and spark new directions for your work.
Iteration and Evolution: Understand that your creative journey is a continuous process of refinement and evolution. Your initial ideas are just starting points – allow them to grow, change, and mature over time.
Find Your Unique Voice: As you explore and borrow from different sources, pay attention to the elements that resonate most with you. Gradually, you'll discover your unique voice and style that reflect your personal experiences and passions.
Remember, the act of "stealing" in the context of creativity isn't about plagiarism or dishonesty. It's about learning from others, remixing ideas, and building upon the work that has come before you. "Steal Like An Artist" encourages you to transform external influences into something that only you could create, enriching the creative landscape in the process. So, embrace your sources of inspiration, and let them guide you on your journey to producing authentic and innovative work.
Spoilers
Lisbon Diaries | A Youtube Series
Lisbon Diaries will be a new series on my Youtube channel where I will document my life as a Software Engineer and Content Creator here in Lisbon. Each episode will be a summary of how my week was. I'm really excited for this because it's something I've always wanted to do and now it's finally becoming a reality.
Link Lowdown
A collection of links to stuff I think are worth sharing.
Sigma OS - a new browser, with a very beautiful design.
Epidemic Sound - music for your videos.
Lazy - Interesting new bookmarking and notes service. Love the website design.