In the spring of 2011, when Austin Kleon was invited to speak to students at Broome Community College in upstate New York, he compiled a straightforward list of things he wished he had heard during his own youth. The list included the following advice: “Steal like an artist; Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things; Write the book you want to read; Use your hands; Side projects are important; Do good work and put it where people can see it; Geography is no longer our master; Be nice (the world is a small town.); Be boring (it’s the only way to get work done.); and, Creativity is subtraction.”
After delivering his speech, Austin Kleon shared the text and slides on his popular blog, and it quickly gained viral attention. Due to its widespread impact, he decided to expand his original manifesto into an illustrated guide. This guide is intended to inspire individuals in various creative fields, including writers, artists, entrepreneurs, designers, photographers, musicians, and anyone striving to create something meaningful in the digital age.
The book is succinct, direct, and visually engaging, incorporating illustrative anecdotes and mini-exercises that encourage readers to take practical actions to unlock their own creative potential. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to explore their artistic inclinations and carve a path towards a fulfilling and imaginative life.
