Steal Like an Artist Summary

"Good artists borrow; great artists steal." – Discover how embracing the art of appropriation can fuel your creativity and help you find your unique voice.

1. Originality is a myth

Art and creativity are often mistaken for something entirely new and untouched, but true originality doesn’t exist. Every piece of art is rooted in its creator's influences and inspirations. The drive to create something "completely original" often sets artists up for failure, as nothing is born in isolation.

Renowned examples like Picasso, Dali, or even The Beatles demonstrate this principle. The Beatles began their journey as a cover band, immersing themselves in the work of their idols before developing their unique sound. Similarly, great poets like W.B. Yeats drew heavily from the literary traditions before them.

To embrace this creative truth, the book suggests building your own "artistic family tree." By identifying an artist whose work you admire, researching their influences, and connecting further back through their inspirations, you create a network of ideas to draw upon. This web of creativity becomes the soil where your originality grows.

Examples

• The Beatles transitioned from covering classics to defining contemporary music.
• Picasso borrowed styles from African, Iberian, and classic European art.
• Yeats infused Irish mythology into his poetry, reviving old tales for modern audiences.

2. Copy heroes, then find your twist

Starting as a copycat might seem unoriginal, but it’s necessary to development. By studying and imitating the works of those you admire, you internalize their process. Over time, differences emerge, and those differences become your distinct voice.

Nick Cave, a celebrated musician, began by replicating the style of his heroes. Similarly, Conan O’Brien initially mimicked David Letterman. However, O’Brien’s unique quirks—his exaggerated physical comedy and absurd humor—made him stand out. You begin with imitation but end up forging your own path by exploring what doesn't quite fit.

Copying is not about replication, it’s about understanding. You’re dissecting not just the end results but the habits, methods, and decisions behind them. The areas where you deviate reveal where your personal style and strengths lie.

Examples

• Nick Cave mastered punk rock by mimicking The Birthday Party before he refined his own darker, literary sound.
• Conan O’Brien’s attempt to mirror David Letterman ultimately carved out his offbeat, clownish persona.
• David Letterman, in turn, attempted to model Johnny Carson, each innovating along the way.

3. Don’t abandon your hobbies

Focusing solely on your art might seem like the most productive route, but removing hobbies or side projects can lead to an empty creative well. These other interests not only provide mental breaks but act as catalysts for new ideas when you feel blocked.

Hobbies create an alternative path for your creativity. If you're stuck on a primary project, stepping away to do something mundane or unrelated allows your subconscious to process problems. Some of history’s most inventive moments happened away from the drawing board—scientists like Einstein would famously play the violin when pondering tough problems.

By quitting his guitar playing to focus on visual art, the author discovered a void in his life. Returning to this hobby, he found he was happier and, surprisingly, more productive. Energy spent on side pursuits often revitalizes an artist’s main project.

Examples

• Einstein forged solutions while taking breaks for music or walking.
• Renaissance polymaths like da Vinci balanced painting with engineering and anatomy studies.
• Kleon’s artistic rhythm improved after taking up hobbies he once set aside.

4. Obscurity is liberating

Being unknown is an unexpected blessing. Early in their journey, artists have more freedom to experiment, fail, and grow. When no one is watching, there’s no pressure to meet expectations.

When you're famous, every attempt is met with scrutiny. Fame limits creative risks because audiences and critics often demand what they already appreciate. Obscurity, conversely, provides a playground for exploration. Bob Dylan, for example, found his voice experimenting in small clubs long before he gained worldwide acclaim.

To get noticed eventually, though, it’s important to start sharing your work. Platforms like blogs or social media help you connect with others and build an audience. Share imperfect work, drafts, and experiments—audiences often appreciate seeing the journey. What matters is enthusiasm, not perfection.

Examples

• Bob Dylan reinvented himself multiple times before achieving musical fame.
• Street artists like Banksy began by sharing anonymously, gaining momentum through online buzz.
• Blogging lets amateur writers find readers without gatekeepers like publishers.

5. Balance technology with analog tools

Digital tools make art accessible, but they can limit your creativity. A computer screen keeps ideas in an abstract state, while working hands-on lets you interact with materials differently.

Many artists flourish when combining the two. The author of Steal Like an Artist highlights how he creates by cutting up words printed on paper. This tactile approach lets him physically rearrange ideas, leading to discoveries that wouldn’t arise working digitally.

Consider setting up a workspace with zones: one for screen-based tasks and another for hands-on creativity. The physical act of sketching or collaging introduces an assemblage of senses beyond the keyboard or tablet.

Examples

• Newspaper Blackout poetry, created by physically manipulating printed text.
• Fashion designers sketch garments before using software like CAD.
• Writers like Neil Gaiman draft longhand in notebooks before typing the final edits.

6. Relocate for fresh perspectives

Staying rooted in one place for too long can dull your creativity. Moving to a new city or country injects fresh ideas into your work by introducing you to unfamiliar cultures, environments, and challenges.

The Romantic era was driven partly by the European Grand Tour, where writers and artists traveled to Italy or Greece for inspiration. Moving doesn’t have to involve literal relocation—you can also explore new parts of your existing city or routine. However, stepping outside your bubble keeps life and ideas vibrant.

The author experienced this firsthand, moving from Texas to England and then Italy. Shifting locations jumpstarted his vision and broadened his horizons.

Examples

• Ernest Hemingway produced classics inspired by his time in Paris and Spain.
• Georgia O'Keeffe's desert landscapes came after leaving urban New York.
• Digital nomads create fresh art by constantly shifting scenery.

7. Share, but expect criticism

Sharing your work online opens new opportunities, but it also exposes you to harsh criticism. The internet amplifies both appreciation and negativity. Handling that criticism is part of the process.

Ignorance is often best. Responding to hateful comments can waste precious energy better spent on creation. However, criticism can fuel you. The author admits that reading toxic messages sometimes motivates him to dig deeper into his work.

Balance the negativity by saving positive feedback. File away uplifting emails or kind comments for those days when you need validation and encouragement.

Examples

• Vincent van Gogh faced decades of criticism; now he's considered a master.
• J.K. Rowling received rejection letters before Harry Potter found a publisher.
• The author keeps “praise files” of inspiring support messages for bad days.

8. Praise your idols

Praise is a powerful tool. Complimenting others’ work not only builds goodwill but deepens your understanding of what inspires you. Writing about your idols or sharing how their work influences yours connects you with fans of similar things.

By praising others, you add something positive to the world. This habit improves connections, catches the attention of like-minded creatives, and even helps you generate ideas.

Examples

• Blogs discussing inspirations grow niche communities.
• Artists pay homage to mentors, as Quentin Tarantino often credits past filmmakers.
• Writing tributes sharpens personal inspiration and bonds creators.

9. Embrace your failures

Failure is a teacher. Each mistake builds experience, and as long as you keep creating, these setbacks guide your way to better work. Fearing failure stalls progress, while accepting it keeps momentum alive.

Learn to see failure as practice. Every famous artist has an early portfolio filled with missteps. They improve because they’re willing to keep trying after setbacks.

Failures also lead to unexpected discoveries. Stumbling across happy accidents during miscalculated efforts often sparks innovative thinking.

Examples

• Thomas Edison’s failed experiments led to the light bulb.
• Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin through lab mishaps.
• Steve Jobs’ ousting from Apple eventually led to his finest innovations.

Takeaways

1. Surround yourself with inspiration by building an artistic family tree.
2. Establish a dedicated workspace that balances digital tech with hands-on materials.
3. Share your work and save positive feedback in a "praise file" for encouragement.