What Young Creators Can Learn From Austin Kleon?

ustin Kleon, the best-selling author and artist, has been a guiding light for countless young creators seeking to navigate the sometimes murky waters of the creative process.

Through his insightful books and lectures, Kleon has imparted invaluable wisdom that can help aspiring artists, writers, musicians, and innovators unleash their creative potential. In this blog post, we'll explore some of Austin Kleon's fundamental principles that young creators can incorporate into their journeys.

Steal Like an Artist:

One of Kleon's most famous mottos is "Steal like an artist." At first glance, this might sound counterintuitive, but Kleon means we should draw inspiration from others. Young creators should understand that creativity doesn't exist in a vacuum.

By embracing the influences and works of others, you can build upon existing ideas, reimagining them uniquely. Remember, it's not about copying but rather about remixing and reinventing.

Don't Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started:

It's easy for young creators to get caught up in the quest for self-identity. Kleon's advice here is simple yet profound: don't wait for a revelation of who you are or what your art should be. Start creating now, experiment, and your creative identity will evolve naturally. Action precedes clarity.

Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done." ― Austin Kleon

Write the Book You Want to Read:

This principle applies beyond just writing. It encourages young creators to work on projects that genuinely excite them. Create the art, music, or content you wish existed. By doing so, you'll tap into your passion and authenticity, which are essential for success.

Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use — do the work you want to see done.

Use Your Hands:

In today's digital age, the value of physical, hands-on work cannot be underestimated. Kleon advocates for using tangible tools, engaging with the physical world, and making things with your hands. This connection to the material can inspire fresh perspectives and innovation.

The computer is perfect for editing your ideas, and it's ideal for getting your ideas ready for publishing out in the world, but it's not suitable for generating ideas.

Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important:

Side projects and hobbies often serve as creative outlets where you can explore new ideas without the pressure of a main project. These endeavours can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and help you stay motivated and engaged in your primary creative pursuits.

Take time to get bored. It's the side projects that really take off — the stuff that you thought was just messing around. Stuff that's just play. That's actually the good stuff. That's when magic happens. Don't throw any of yourself away, and practice productive procrastination. - Austin Kleon

The Secret: Do Good Work and Share It with People:

Creating exceptional work is only half the equation; sharing it is equally crucial. Don't keep your creativity hidden away. Share your work with the world. It's through this sharing that you'll find an audience, receive feedback, and make meaningful connections.

Once a day, after you've done your day's work, find one little piece of your process that you can share. Where you are in your process will determine what that piece is. If you're in the very early stages, share your influences and what's inspiring you. If you're in the middle of executing a project, write about your methods or share works in progress. If you've just completed a project, show the final product, share scraps from the cutting-room floor, or write about what you learned. - Austin Kleon

Geography Is No Longer Our Master:

Thanks to the internet, geography is no longer a barrier for young creators. You can connect with a global audience, collaborate with artists from around the world, and find inspiration in diverse cultures and perspectives.

"You don't get to pick your family, but you can pick your teachers, and you can pick your friends, and you can pick the music you listen to, and you can pick the books you read, and you can pick the movies you see. You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life. You are the sum of your influences. The German writer Goethe said, "We are shaped and fashioned by what we love." ― Austin Kleon

Be Nice (The World Is a Small Town):

Kindness and collaboration go a long way in the creative world. Treat fellow creators and collaborators with respect and generosity, as you never know when your paths may cross again.

Find the most talented person in the room and stand beside them. Hang out with them. Try to be helpful. Quit picking fights and make something instead. Say nice things about people you admire and write public fan letters. The important thing is that you show your appreciation without expecting anything in return.

Be Boring (It's the Only Way to Get Work Done):

In a world filled with distractions, embracing boredom and monotony can be a superpower. Routine and consistency are often essential for sustained creative output. Find your rhythm, and stick to it.

It takes a lot of energy to be creative. You don't have the point if you waste it on other stuff. Take care of yourself. Keep your day job and stay out of debt. Get yourself a calendar and keep a logbook. Find the right partner.

Creativity Is Subtraction:

Kleon's idea that creativity is often about removing the unnecessary is a valuable principle. Sometimes, less is more. Feel free to simplify and refine your work to its essence.

Choose what to leave out. The proper constraints can lead to your very best work. Creativity isn't just the things we choose to put in; it's what we choose to leave out. Choose wisely. And have fun.

Engage in Deep Work:

Deep work, a concept popularized by author Cal Newport, emphasizes the importance of focused, uninterrupted work. In a world filled with distractions, mastering the art of deep work can significantly boost your productivity and the quality of your creations.

Set aside specific blocks of time for undistracted, deep creative work to maximise your creative potential.

"Be curious about the world in which you live. Look things up. Chase down every reference. Go deeper than anybody else--that's how you'll get ahead." ― Austin Kleon

Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone:

Failure is an integral part of any creative journey. Rather than fearing it, embrace failure as a valuable learning experience. Many renowned artists and innovators have faced setbacks on their paths to success. Each failure provides an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow as a creator.

Build a Supportive Community:

Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creators and mentors. Seek out like-minded individuals who can offer feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. A solid creative community can provide invaluable guidance and motivation throughout your journey.

Learn to Take Constructive Criticism:

Criticism, when offered constructively, can be a powerful tool for growth. Develop the ability to accept feedback on your work with an open mind. Constructive criticism can help you refine your skills and produce better creations.

"Not everybody will get it. People will misinterpret you and what you do. They might even call you names. So get comfortable with being misunderstood, disparaged, or ignored -- the trick is to be too busy doing your work to care."― Austin Kleon

Stay Curious and Keep Learning:

Creativity thrives on curiosity. Keep your mind open to new ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Continuously seek inspiration from various sources, whether books, art, science, or everyday life. The more you learn, the richer your creative palette becomes.

"Google everything. I mean everything. Google your dreams, Google your problems. Don't ask a question before you Google it. You'll either find the answer or you'll come up with a better question."― Austin Kleon

Document Your Process:

Consider keeping a creative journal or documenting your creative process. Recording your thoughts, ideas, and progress can be enlightening and help you track your growth as a creator. It can also serve as a source of inspiration during moments of creative block.

Take Breaks and Rest:

Creativity isn't a 24/7 endeavor. Rest and downtime are essential for rejuvenating your creative energy. Feel free to take breaks, walk, or engage in activities unrelated to your work. Often, your best ideas come when you least expect them.

"Your brain gets too comfortable in your everyday surroundings. You need to make it uncomfortable. You need to spend some time in another land, among people that do things differently than you. Travel makes the world look new, and when the world looks new, our brains work harder."― Austin Kleon

Practice Mindfulness and Mind-Wandering:

Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present in your creative process, enabling you to immerse yourself in your work fully. Additionally, allowing your mind to wander occasionally can lead to serendipitous insights and innovative breakthroughs.

Cultivate Resilience:

The creative path can be challenging filled with rejection and self-doubt. Cultivate resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Believe in your creative vision and your ability to overcome obstacles along the way.

Cultivate a Reading Habit:

Austin Kleon ardently advocates for reading as a source of inspiration and knowledge. Regularly engaging with books, articles, and diverse written content exposes you to different perspectives, ideas, and writing styles.

"Always be reading. Go to the library. There's magic in being surrounded by books. Get lost in the stacks. Read bibliographies. It's not the book you start with, it's the book that book leads you to. Collect books, even if you don't plan on reading them right away. Filmmaker John Waters has said, "Nothing is more important than an unread library." Don't worry about doing research. Just search."- Austin Kleon

Share Your Journey, Not Just Your Work:

In addition to sharing your finished creations, consider sharing your creative journey. Document your progress, setbacks, and the lessons you've learned. Sharing the process can humanize your work and connect you with an audience on a deeper level.

Incorporating these additional principles into Austin Kleon's wisdom can help young creators develop their creative skills and navigate the often complex and ever-evolving landscape of the creative world.

Austin Kleon's principles are like a roadmap for young creators embarking on their creative journeys. By embracing these ideas and putting them into practice, you can find your unique voice, create remarkable work, and share it with the world.

Creativity is a process, and Kleon's wisdom can help you navigate the winding path with confidence and purpose. So, steal like an artist, and make your mark on the world.