Introduction
In the world of creativity, there are peaks and valleys. Sometimes, inspiration flows freely, and you feel confident and passionate about your work. Other times, you might find yourself in a creative rut, struggling to find motivation or doubting your abilities. Austin Kleon's book "Keep Going" is a guide for navigating these ups and downs, offering practical advice on how to maintain and reignite your creative spark.
Kleon, an artist and writer himself, understands the challenges that come with creative work. He's compiled a set of strategies and insights to help you push through difficult times and continue making progress on your creative journey. Whether you're a professional artist, a hobbyist, or someone who simply wants to infuse more creativity into their life, this book provides valuable tools to keep you moving forward.
The Importance of Showing Up
One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining creativity is simply showing up to do the work, regardless of how inspired you feel. Kleon emphasizes that creativity isn't always about waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of inspiration. Instead, it's about creating a consistent practice that allows you to be ready when inspiration does strike.
Establishing a Routine
To ensure you show up for your creative work, Kleon suggests establishing a daily routine. This doesn't mean you need to follow a rigid schedule, but rather create a framework that works for your lifestyle and creative needs. Some famous examples include:
- Sylvia Plath, who wrote early in the morning before her children woke up
- Franz Kafka, who preferred writing late at night after his family went to sleep
- John Steinbeck, who sharpened a dozen pencils before sitting down to write
- Goethe, who smelled rotten apples to stimulate his creative juices
The key is to find what works for you. Consider when you have the most energy, when you have uninterrupted time, and what rituals help you get into a creative mindset. Your routine should be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
The Freedom of Routine
While the idea of a routine might seem restrictive, especially to free-spirited creative types, Kleon argues that it actually provides freedom. By setting aside dedicated time for your creative work, you're protecting it from the demands and distractions of daily life. This structure gives you the space to explore your creativity without constantly battling against other commitments.
Creating Space for Creativity
In today's fast-paced, constantly connected world, finding time and space for creative work can be challenging. Kleon introduces the concept of a "Bliss Station," inspired by writer Joseph Campbell, as a way to carve out a sacred space for creativity.
Building a Bliss Station
A Bliss Station can be a physical space, like a dedicated room or corner of your home, or it can be a specific time of day when you're free from distractions. The important thing is that it's a protected environment where you can focus on your creative work without interruptions.
Disconnecting from Distractions
To maintain the sanctity of your Bliss Station and protect your creative energy, Kleon suggests:
Embracing "airplane mode" as a way of life. Just as you disconnect from the world when you're on a flight, try to create periods of disconnection in your daily life to focus on your work.
Limiting exposure to news, especially first thing in the morning. Start your day with something uplifting or inspiring instead of immediately diving into the often-negative news cycle.
Tools for Creativity
Kleon offers several simple yet effective tools to support your creative process and bring order to the chaos of ideas:
The Power of Lists
Making lists can be a powerful creative tool. Some examples include:
- To-do lists for organizing tasks
- Idea lists for future projects
- Lists of things to draw or write about
- Lists defining your artistic vision or boundaries
The Art of Tidying
While some creative mess can be beneficial, there comes a point when clutter becomes overwhelming. Kleon suggests:
- Keeping your tools organized, even if your materials are in creative disarray
- Using tidying as a backup activity when you're feeling creatively blocked
- Tidying slowly and reflectively, as you might rediscover forgotten ideas or projects
The Importance of Rest
Don't underestimate the power of a good nap. Sleep helps clear toxins from your brain and often leads to new ideas upon waking. Many famous creatives, including the Coen Brothers, Phillip Roth, and Salvador Dalí, were known to harness the power of napping.
Balancing Creativity and Commerce
One of the challenges many creatives face is how to balance their passion with the need to make a living. Kleon offers some insights on navigating this tricky terrain:
The Pitfalls of Monetizing Passion
While the idea of "doing what you love" for a living is appealing, it can also put immense pressure on your creative work. When your passion becomes your sole source of income, it can lead to burnout and resentment. Kleon suggests:
- Considering keeping a day job and pursuing creative work in your spare time
- If you do monetize your creativity, make sure to keep some aspects of it purely for personal enjoyment
Avoiding the Popularity Trap
In the age of social media, it's easy to become fixated on metrics like followers, likes, and shares. To protect your creativity:
- Take breaks from checking your metrics
- Create work just for the sake of creating, without worrying about how it will be received
The Power of Gifting
Reconnect with the pure joy of creativity by making things as gifts for others. This can help you remember why you started creating in the first place and can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. For example, many beloved children's books, like Winnie-the-Pooh and The Hobbit, began as stories the authors created for their own children.
Shifting Focus from Being to Doing
Kleon emphasizes the importance of focusing on the act of creating rather than the identity of being a creator. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on your creative life.
The Problem with Creative Nouns
Many people get caught up in the idea of "being" a writer, painter, or musician, rather than focusing on the actual act of writing, painting, or making music. This can lead to:
- Waiting for external validation before fully committing to your craft
- Limiting yourself to one form of creativity
- Feeling like an imposter if you haven't "arrived" as an artist
Embracing the Creative Journey
Kleon reminds us that there is no real "arrival" point in a creative life. Even the most successful artists face the same blank page or canvas each day. The key is to show up and do the work, regardless of your perceived status or success.
Reconnecting with Playfulness
To shift your focus back to the act of creating, Kleon suggests reconnecting with a childlike sense of playfulness:
- Observe how young children approach art, focusing on the joy of creating rather than the end product
- Try creating work and then immediately destroying it to detach from the results
- Deliberately make "bad" art to free yourself from perfectionism
- Play with actual toys or building blocks to spark creativity
Finding Inspiration in the Ordinary
Many creatives fall into the trap of thinking they need extraordinary life experiences to create extraordinary work. Kleon argues that this isn't the case and that inspiration can be found in even the most mundane aspects of life.
The Magic in the Mundane
Great art can come from ordinary circumstances. For example, comic book writer Harvey Pekar created compelling stories based on his experiences as a file clerk in Cleveland. The key is to pay close attention to the world around you and find the magic in everyday details.
Practicing Observation
To hone your observation skills, Kleon suggests:
- Slowing down and really looking at your surroundings
- Trying drawing exercises, even if you're not an artist, to practice seeing details
- Spending time in nature or in new environments to fresh your perspective
The Ethics of Creativity
While creativity is generally seen as a positive force, Kleon reminds us to consider the impact of our work on ourselves and others.
Challenging the "Tortured Artist" Myth
There's a common belief that great art comes from suffering, but Kleon argues that this is a harmful and unnecessary mindset. If your creative work is making you or others miserable, it might be time to step back and reevaluate.
Creativity in Service of Life
Remember that creative work should ultimately serve to make our lives better, not worse. If your pursuit of creativity is causing more harm than good, it's okay to take a break or explore other ways to contribute to the world.
Practical Tips for Keeping Going
Throughout the book, Kleon offers numerous practical suggestions for maintaining and rekindling your creativity:
Create a routine: Establish a regular time and place for your creative work.
Build a Bliss Station: Carve out a protected space or time for creativity.
Disconnect: Use "airplane mode" and limit news consumption to reduce distractions.
Make lists: Use various types of lists to organize thoughts and spark ideas.
Tidy strategically: Keep your tools organized and use tidying as a backup activity.
Nap: Harness the power of rest to refresh your mind and spark new ideas.
Gift your work: Create things just for the joy of giving them to others.
Focus on verbs, not nouns: Emphasize the act of creating rather than the identity of being a creator.
Play: Reconnect with a childlike sense of creativity and experimentation.
Observe: Pay close attention to the world around you, finding inspiration in ordinary moments.
Take walks: Use walking as a way to clear your mind and gain new perspectives.
Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the good things in your life and work.
Embrace limitations: Use constraints as a source of creativity rather than a hindrance.
Collaborate: Work with others to spark new ideas and stay motivated.
Keep a logbook: Document your daily activities to track progress and find patterns.
Create a "done list": Focus on what you've accomplished rather than just what's left to do.
Practice "productive procrastination": When stuck on one project, switch to another creative task.
Embrace analog tools: Sometimes stepping away from digital devices can boost creativity.
Share your process: Let others see your work-in-progress to stay accountable and get feedback.
Cultivate patience: Remember that creative work often takes time to develop and mature.
The Importance of Persistence
Throughout "Keep Going," Kleon emphasizes the value of persistence in creative work. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike or achieving overnight success. Instead, it's about showing up day after day, even when it's difficult, and trusting in the process.
Embracing the Ups and Downs
Creativity isn't a linear journey. There will be good days and bad days, productive periods and dry spells. By accepting this reality and committing to your practice regardless of how you feel, you increase your chances of creating meaningful work over time.
The Compound Effect of Daily Practice
Kleon reminds us that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant results over time. By focusing on what you can do today, rather than getting overwhelmed by long-term goals, you build momentum and develop your skills incrementally.
Redefining Success
Instead of measuring success by external validation or commercial success, Kleon encourages readers to find satisfaction in the act of creation itself. By shifting your focus to the process rather than the outcome, you can find joy and fulfillment in your creative work, regardless of how it's received by others.
The Role of Community
While much of creative work is solitary, Kleon acknowledges the importance of community in sustaining a creative life.
Finding Your Tribe
Surrounding yourself with other creative individuals can provide inspiration, support, and accountability. This doesn't necessarily mean joining formal groups or classes (although those can be helpful). It could be as simple as following other artists online, attending local events, or collaborating with friends.
Sharing Your Work
Kleon encourages creatives to share their work, even if it feels vulnerable. By putting your creations out into the world, you open yourself up to feedback, connections, and opportunities. However, he also cautions against becoming too dependent on external validation, reminding readers to maintain a balance between sharing and creating for personal satisfaction.
Being a Good Citizen of the Creative Community
Just as you benefit from the support and inspiration of others, it's important to contribute positively to the creative community. This might involve:
- Supporting other artists by attending their shows or buying their work
- Offering constructive feedback when asked
- Sharing resources and opportunities
- Collaborating on projects
- Mentoring younger or less experienced creatives
Adapting to Change
The creative landscape is constantly evolving, particularly in the digital age. Kleon offers advice on how to adapt to these changes while staying true to your creative vision.
Embracing New Technologies
While it's important to find what works for you, don't be afraid to experiment with new tools and technologies. They might open up new avenues for creativity or help you reach a wider audience.
Maintaining Core Principles
At the same time, Kleon emphasizes the importance of maintaining your core creative principles. Technology and trends may change, but the fundamental aspects of your creative practice – your voice, your perspective, your dedication to the craft – should remain constant.
Lifelong Learning
To keep your creativity fresh and adaptable, commit to being a lifelong learner. This might involve:
- Reading widely, both within and outside your field
- Taking classes or workshops to learn new skills
- Experimenting with different mediums or styles
- Seeking out new experiences and perspectives
The Bigger Picture
As Kleon wraps up "Keep Going," he reminds readers to consider the bigger picture of their creative lives.
Creating a Body of Work
Rather than focusing on individual projects or pieces, think about building a body of work over time. This long-term perspective can help you weather the ups and downs of the creative process and see how your work evolves and improves over time.
Making a Positive Impact
Consider how your creative work can contribute positively to the world. This doesn't mean every piece needs to have a grand purpose, but thinking about the potential impact of your creativity can provide motivation and direction.
Finding Balance
While creativity is important, it's crucial to maintain balance in your life. Make time for relationships, self-care, and other interests. Not only will this make for a more fulfilling life, but it will also enrich your creative work by providing new experiences and perspectives.
Conclusion
"Keep Going" is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and self-reflection in the creative process. Kleon's advice serves as both a practical guide and a source of inspiration for anyone engaged in creative work.
The book's core message is that creativity is not about waiting for the perfect moment or achieving a particular status. It's about showing up day after day, embracing the process, and finding joy in the act of creation itself. By focusing on small, consistent efforts, disconnecting from distractions, and maintaining a playful, curious approach to your work, you can sustain your creativity through both good times and bad.
Kleon reminds us that the creative journey is ongoing. There's no final destination or point of arrival. Instead, it's a continuous process of growth, exploration, and self-discovery. By embracing this mindset, you can find fulfillment in your creative practice, regardless of external measures of success.
Ultimately, "Keep Going" is a call to action for all creatives. It's an encouragement to persist in the face of challenges, to find inspiration in the ordinary, and to keep creating, no matter what. Because in the end, it's not about being a great artist – it's about doing great work, one day at a time.
As you apply the principles and practices outlined in this book, remember that your creative journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to experiment, reflect, and find the approaches that resonate with you and your creative practice.
So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, take Kleon's advice to heart: keep showing up, keep experimenting, keep learning, and above all, keep going. Your creativity is a valuable gift, both to yourself and to the world. Nurture it, challenge it, and let it flourish. The world needs your unique voice and vision, so keep creating, one step at a time.