What I Learned from "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon | Sahil Bagwan

Books have the power to reshape how we think and approach life. One such book that profoundly impacted me is Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist. It’s a guide for unlocking creativity, filled with simple yet powerful ideas that are relevant not just for artists but for anyone looking to lead a more creative life.

Here, I’ll share the key learnings from the book that resonated with me the most and how I plan to apply them in my journey.

1. Creativity is About Collecting and Remixing Ideas

The book’s core idea is that nothing is entirely original. Every creative work is inspired by something that came before it. Kleon encourages us to embrace this fact and become “collectors of ideas.”

💡 My takeaway:
Instead of waiting for a “unique” idea, I’ve started to observe, read, and collect inspiration from everything around me—books, conversations, experiences, and even the internet. The goal is not to copy but to mix and transform these influences into something new.

2. Follow Your Creative Heroes

Kleon advises finding creative role models and studying their work, style, and approach. He calls it “reverse-engineering your heroes.”

💡 My takeaway:
I’ve always admired writers like Robin Sharma and Dale Carnegie. Now, instead of just admiring their work, I’m diving deeper—reading their interviews, understanding their writing processes, and figuring out how I can learn from their journeys.

3. Side Projects and Hobbies Matter

One of the book’s refreshing ideas is that your creativity isn’t confined to your main job or project. Side projects and hobbies often fuel your best ideas.

💡 My takeaway:
I’ve always enjoyed reading and exploring digital marketing. Kleon’s insight pushed me to take these interests seriously. For instance, my plan to dive into content creation and personal branding feels less daunting when I treat it as a side project rather than an obligation.

4. Share Your Work With the World

Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing your creations, even if they’re not perfect. Putting your work out there helps you connect with like-minded people and opens up opportunities for collaboration.

💡 My takeaway:
This idea aligns with my goal to start creating content. It’s a reminder to stop waiting for perfection and start sharing my thoughts, learnings, and experiences with the world.

5. Embrace Constraints

Constraints, Kleon argues, can actually enhance creativity. When you have limited resources or time, you’re forced to think differently and make the most of what you have.

💡 My takeaway:
Whether it’s juggling a full-time job or working with minimal tools, I’ve realized that constraints shouldn’t be seen as obstacles. Instead, they’re opportunities to think outside the box.

6. Be Boring to Stay Creative

This might sound counterintuitive, but Kleon explains that a stable, routine-filled life gives you the mental space to create. The idea isn’t to be dull but to save your energy for creative pursuits by keeping the rest of your life simple.

💡 My takeaway:
I’ve started paying more attention to organizing my day and setting aside dedicated time for creative work. This small change has already helped me feel more focused and productive.

7. Keep Learning and Stay Curious

The book highlights the importance of lifelong learning. Curiosity is the foundation of creativity, and the more you learn, the more connections you can make.

💡 My takeaway:
This aligns perfectly with my love for reading and exploring diverse topics like finance, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. Every piece of knowledge adds another layer to your creative toolkit.

Steal Like an Artist isn’t just a book—it’s a mindset. It teaches us to embrace imperfection, find inspiration in the ordinary, and keep experimenting without fear. For me, it’s a reminder that creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike. It’s about showing up every day, collecting ideas, and transforming them into something meaningful.

If you’re someone who feels stuck or uninspired, I highly recommend this book. And remember, as Kleon says:

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

So, let’s stop waiting and start creating! 😊

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