Have you ever dared to think about creating something completely innovative, without actually copying others? Don’t you want to be the creator of your own unique masterpieces, while also reinterpreting the famous works of noted artists? Then, this opportunity is just for you!
In his book, Austin Kleon, the famous artist and writer who conducts lectures and creativity master classes at companies like Pixar, Google, SXSW, and TEDx, unleashes 10 superpowerful lessons that will guide you through the long road to infinite success. Why waste time? Let’s get started, shall we? :)
"Steal like an artist"
“Where do you find your ideas?”
And the honest artist answers:
“I steal them.”
Austin Kleon cites the quote by David Bowie: “The only art I'll ever study is stuff I can steal from.”
Every new idea is a mishmash, a mixture of previous ideas. Our task is to collect and inherit those good ideas. The more great ideas we gather, our knowledge and experience will be heavier. This will help us in our future endeavors.
"Don't wait till you know who you are to get started"
People understand our inner world only when we are actually doing something. Our hard work sometimes leads us to fear eventually. This genuine feeling sometimes even evolves into something called “impostor syndrome” - a psychological phenomenon in which people cannot internalize their accomplishments. But all people go through this. All people who have devoted their lives to creativity sincerely answer that they do not know the origin of their ideas AT ALL! Because they (ideas, I mean) have been born amidst the creativity process :)
"Write the book you want to read"
Books, books, books. People who want to write their first book always stumbled upon this simple question: “What exactly should I write about?” And the answer is so simple. You don’t have to write about things you know. You’d better write about things you’d like to know. Write the story you’ll like because only in this case will the writing process submerge you. Draw pictures you want to see, compose music you’ll love to listen to within every second of your life.
"Use your hands"
Austin Kleon’s favorite cartoonist, Lynda Barry, says: “In the digital age, don’t forget to use your digits!” And that’s true! Isn't it a miracle to see how every letter of your future poem is drawn on that blank piece of paper, or is that future book outline being drafted?
"Side projects and hobbies are important"
The next step is simple: find your hobby—embroidery, sketching, music, whatever! This hobby should be your uniqueness, your inner world, your everything. It will guide you to the triumphant finish line.
"The secret: do good work and share it with people"
Yeah, you haven’t misread it. Do not be afraid of posting the results of your work online. This process has two stages. The first one is the hardest because you have actually to create something. And it might take months or even years. You might fall one hundred times, but eventually, you’ll get up and win. After you've achieved the long-awaited results, share those with like-minded people. The second step is not that difficult because today, we have the Internet and technology that evolve at an unprecedented rate.
"Geography is no longer our master"
At some point in our lives, we leave our homes…Sure, there are always reasons (and no reasons) to return. However, this first time to leave does happen. We are not accustomed to leaving our comfort zones, but we need to do it occasionally. Be it road-tripping, a new job to start, or a new city to live in. Our emotional palette shines brighter, and our brain works much smarter.
"Be nice (the world is a small town)"
Harold Ramis, the actor and director, once explained his rule for success: “Find the most talented person in the room, and if it’s not you, go stand next to him. Hang out with him. Try to be helpful.” You may have to find another room if you are the most talented person in this room.
"Be boring. It's the only way to get work done"
Gustave Flaubert once said: “Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.” And that’s true. Creative work requires a lot of passion, dedication, and strength. Plan your budget and activities, and note everything in your logbook. And the most important thing is to find the person who will always support you.
"Creativity is subtraction"
We live in an era of extensive amounts of data, and only those people win, who can sort that information can concentrate their attention on the most critical aspects. That’s why we should always work on ourselves, pay our attention only to the most vital things…
And here is what we have! Inspiration! Good luck in your future endeavors!