Book Review - Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Discover 10 powerful takeaways from Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist—a must-read for any creative looking to reignite their spark.

10 Things I Learned from Steal Like an Artist (and Why You Should Read It Too)

There’s a little black book that lives on my art desk—and no, it’s not a sketchbook. It’s Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.

If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt, creative ruts, or the nagging feeling that everything’s already been done—this book is for you. It’s honest, it’s punchy, and it’ll give you the artistic kick in the pants you didn’t know you needed.

In this week’s Tuesday Art Chat, I broke down some of my favorite takeaways from the book. But if you missed the live, don’t worry—here’s the recap in blog form. Let’s dive into 10 truths from Austin Kleon that every artist (especially us overthinkers) needs to hear:

1. "Steal like an artist."

No, this isn’t about plagiarism—it’s about permission. Everything’s a remix. The artists we admire were inspired by artists before them. When you “steal,” you’re taking inspiration, making it your own, and adding to the creative conversation. You’re not copying—you’re transforming.

“Nothing is original. Everything is a remix.” – Austin Kleon

2. Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.

You don’t need to be 100% confident to begin. You figure it out by doing the thing. If you’re sitting around waiting for some mystical sign that you’re ready, this is it: you're ready enough. Start now. Learn as you go.

3. Write the book (or paint the art) you want to see.

Kleon’s advice here is gold. Make the kind of work you wish existed. If you feel there’s something missing in the art world, in your niche, in your genre—create it.

That’s exactly why I started The Creative Barn. I couldn’t find an art membership that mixed techniques, mindset, and community in a meaningful way. So I made one.

4. Use your hands.

This one hit me: "Computers are good for editing ideas, but not generating them." As pastel artists, we already understand the joy of physically working with our materials. But even if you're working digitally or sketching thumbnails—don’t underestimate the magic of getting your hands dirty.

5. Side projects and hobbies are important.

Your creative brain needs space to wander. Not everything has to be productive. Bake the cake. Grow the garden. Rearrange your studio for the tenth time. These “unproductive” moments feed your art more than you think.

6. Be boring.

This isn’t as dull as it sounds. Kleon means: make your life stable enough that your art can be wild. Good sleep, a simple routine, paying your bills—those things aren’t distractions from creativity. They support it.

7. Do good work and share it.

This is one of the biggest game-changers. You don’t have to be world-famous to start sharing your art. Post the behind-the-scenes. Share what you’re learning. Invite people along for the ride.

Because the more you show up, the more your audience can connect with you—and your work.

8. Creativity is subtraction.

It’s not about having every color, every tool, every art supply (even though we all love a good art haul). It’s about working with what you’ve got. Put up some creative constraints—like working in black and white for a series—and you’ll be amazed how it forces you to focus on what matters.

9. Geography is no longer our master.

This one feels especially true for those of us living rurally. You don’t need to live in New York or Melbourne to be a “real artist.” You just need an internet connection and the courage to share. The art world is wide open—and there’s room for you in it.

10. Follow what excites you.

Kleon says, “You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life.” If something lights you up—follow it. Make art about it. Build your creative world around the things you care about.

Reading Steal Like an Artist feels like having coffee with a creatively wise (but cheeky) friend. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers—but it does remind you that you're not alone.

So if you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Everything’s already been done.”
“I’m not original enough.”

Go read this book. Then read it again. And remind yourself: the world needs your version of what already exists.

Because when you steal like an artist… you make something only you can make.

Over to You

Have you read Steal Like an Artist? What was your biggest lightbulb moment? I’d love to hear it—drop a comment or message me on Facebook @kerridixonart.

And if you’re looking for more book-inspired art chats, stay tuned for upcoming episodes where I’ll be sharing more of my bookshelf faves!

Kerri xx

Categories: : artist, inspiration