Steal Like an Artist
Austin Kleon

Summary

A great short read that talks about being a creative and that all of your ideas are really just taking from your influences

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Notes

Steal ideas and make them better

We are shaped and fashioned by what we love

Always study and never stop reading

Keep writing down notes in your phone about ideas that pop into your head

Don’t overthink about anything, just start doing it

Don’t just steal from one person, steal from every one of your influences

It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique

Write about that you like and do what you want to see done

Think about setting up multiple work stations: an analog with no electronics and a digital station

Never forget to wander and take a walk, you’ll never know what can happen

Enjoy your obscurity while it lasts; use it

Enjoy the moments in between because that’s where the best ideas come from

If your the most talented person in a room, leave the room

Choose what to leave out

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Notes from 2nd time I read it:

Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again - andre gide

Whether you’re in school or not, it’s always your job to get an education

Write the book you want to read

The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life

Have a hobby: something that is creative just for you

Enjoy your obscurity while it lasts, use it

So good work and share it with people

Write fan letters to those you admire

Who you marry is the most important decision you’ll ever make

Creativity is subtraction

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