Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Question 1

What is originality according to William Ralph Inge?

Answer 1

Undetected plagiarism.

Question 2

What should you do with a thinker you admire?

Answer 2

Study everything about that thinker and find three people they loved.

Question 3

What is the significance of carrying a notebook and pen?

Answer 3

To jot down thoughts and observations whenever inspiration strikes.

Question 4

What does ‘fake it ’til you make it’ mean in a creative context?

Answer 4

Start creating even if you don’t fully know who you are yet.

Question 5

What is the best advice for writing?

Answer 5

Write what you like, not just what you know.

Question 6

What should you do when you’re at a loss for what to do next?

Answer 6

Ask yourself, ‘What would make a better story?’

Question 7

Why are side projects and hobbies important?

Answer 7

They help generate ideas and keep creativity flowing.

Question 8

What can you do if you’re out of ideas?

Answer 8

Take a long walk, wash the dishes, or do something mindless.

Question 9

What is the secret to becoming known in your field?

Answer 9

Do good work and share it with people.

Question 10

What should you wonder at to invite others to wonder with you?

Answer 10

Things nobody else is wondering about.

Question 11

What is one rule to follow according to Kurt Vonnegut?

Answer 11

You’ve got to be kind.

Question 12

What does it mean to be the most talented person in the room?

Answer 12

You need to find another room.

Question 13

What is the benefit of having a day job?

Answer 13

It provides a routine and opportunities to learn from others.

Question 14

What is inertia in relation to creativity?

Answer 14

It is the death of creativity; staying in the groove is essential.

Question 15

What should you keep to track your creative work?

Answer 15

A logbook listing daily activities and projects.

Question 16

What is creativity in the context of information overload?

Answer 16

Figuring out what to leave out to focus on what’s important.

Question 17

What can help overcome creative block?

Answer 17

Placing constraints on yourself.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Creativity is _______.

Answer 18

Subtraction.

Question 19

What is one action you can take to kickstart creativity?

Answer 19

Start a blog.

Question 20

What should you do with your ideas and observations?

Answer 20

Start a swipe file.

Question 21

Why should you copy your heroes?

Answer 21

Examine where you fall short. What’s in there that makes you different? That’s what you should amplify and transform into your own work.

Question 22

What Now?

Answer 22

What Now?

Talk a walk
Start your swipe file
Go to the library
Buy a notebook and use it
Get yourself a calendar
Start your logbook
Give a copy of this book away
Start a blog
Take a nap

Question 23

Recommended Reading

Answer 23

Linda Barry, What It Is
Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody
Jason Fried + David Heinemeier Hansson, Rework
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
Jonathan Lethem, The Ecstasy of Influence
David Shields, Reality Hunger
Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow
Ed Emberley, Make a World

Question 24

What is a recommended way to express admiration for someone’s work?

Answer 24

Write a blog post about their work and link to their site

This encourages engagement and allows for sharing of one’s perspective.

Question 25

What is the quote by Craig Damrauer regarding modern art?

Answer 25

Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t.

Question 26

What should you keep instead of a rejection file?

Answer 26

A praise file ## Footnote This can provide motivation and encouragement when needed.

Question 27

What does Bill Cunningham say about taking money?

Answer 27

If you don’t take money, they can’t tell you what to do.

Question 28

What should you establish to enhance creativity?

Answer 28

A daily routine ## Footnote Routines can help maintain creativity and productivity.

Question 29

How can one maintain a creative flow?

Answer 29

Figure out and stick to a routine, doing the work every day.

Question 30

What is the purpose of a logbook?

Answer 30

To list the things you do every day.

Question 31

What is the most important decision one will ever make?

Answer 31

Who you marry ## Footnote This also includes business partners and friends.

Question 32

What is the theme of 'Creativity is Subtraction'?

Answer 32

Focusing on what to leave out to concentrate on what’s really important.

Question 33

What is a suggested method to overcome creative block?

Answer 33

Place constraints on yourself.

Question 34

What does placing limitations on creative work provide?

Answer 34

Freedom ## Footnote Limitations can stimulate creativity by forcing focus.

Question 35

What is the essence of creativity, according to the text?

Answer 35

It's the things we choose to leave out.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: 'Don't make excuses for not working—make things with the time, space, and materials you have, right ______.'

Answer 36

now.

Question 37

Who should you copy when trying to create your own work?

Answer 37

Your heroes—the people you love, the people you’re inspired by, the people you want to be. ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the importance of learning from those who inspire you.

Question 38

What does Nick Lowe suggest as a starting point for creativity?

Answer 38

Rewriting your hero’s catalog. ## Footnote This implies taking inspiration from established works to develop your own voice.

Question 39

What should you examine to find your unique voice?

Answer 39

Where you fall short compared to your heroes. ## Footnote Identifying differences can help amplify your individual strengths.

Question 40

What is the best advice related to writing?

Answer 40

Write what you like, not just what you know. ## Footnote This encourages personal passion to guide creative work.

Question 41

What is the manifesto about creating work?

Answer 41

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. ## Footnote This encourages individuals to pursue their true interests.

Question 42

What is the significance of using your hands in the creative process?

Answer 42

It is important for engaging with your work physically. ## Footnote This can lead to new ideas and insights.

Question 43

Why are side projects and hobbies important?

Answer 43

They help generate ideas and keep creativity flowing. ## Footnote Engaging in diverse activities can spark inspiration.

Question 44

What should you do if you're out of ideas?

Answer 44

Wash the dishes, take a long walk, or stare at a spot on the wall. ## Footnote These activities can help clear your mind and foster creativity.

Question 45

What does Maira Kalman say about avoiding work?

Answer 45

Avoiding work is the way to focus my mind. ## Footnote This suggests that taking breaks can enhance concentration.

Question 46

What should you do if you have multiple passions?

Answer 46

Don’t feel like you have to pick and choose—keep all your passions in your life. ## Footnote Embracing multiple interests can enrich your creative output.

Question 47

What unifies your work according to the text?

Answer 47

The fact that you made it. ## Footnote This highlights personal authenticity as a unifying factor in creative endeavors.