Steal like an Artist Trilogy- Book Summary

Steal Like an Artist

“Steal Like an Artist” emphasizes that all creative work is influenced by something that came before it, and encourages readers to embrace their influences and inspirations to find their own unique creative voice. The book encourages a mindset of openness and curiosity, with a focus on learning from the work of others and sharing your own work with the world. Ultimately, the main lesson is that creativity is not about being original, but about building on the work of others to create something new and uniquely your own.

The 10 key lessons of Steal like an Artist:

Be open to learning from and steal ideas from others.
Get started and figure it out along the way
Create what you wished existed in the world
Creation is a physical process. Step away from the computer to create.
Follow you interests and hobbies even if they don’t earn you money.
Create valuable work and share it with others
Use the internet to connect with inspiring people
Treat others with kindness and generosity.
Focus and routine are important for sustained creative work. Be boring!
Mastery is eliminating unnecessary elements to create the most distilled message

Chapter 1 – Steal Like an Artist

Main Lessons:

Creativity is not about coming up with something entirely new, but rather about combining existing ideas and influences in a new way.
Embracing your influences and inspirations is essential to finding your own unique creative voice.
Learning from the work of others can help you improve your own skills and develop your own style.

Practical Steps:

Collect and curate a “swipe file” of inspiring work from other artists and creators.
Study the work of your favorite artists and try to identify what you admire about their work.
Continue by studying the 3 main inspirations of your favorite artists.
Experiment with combining different influences and styles to create something new and original.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creativity is not about being original, but about building on the work of others to create something that is uniquely your own. By embracing your influences and actively seeking out new sources of inspiration, you can improve your skills and develop your own unique style.

Chapter 2 – Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are to Get Started

Main Lessons:

You don’t have to know your “purpose” or “passion” before you start creating; often, it’s through the act of creating that you discover these things.
Creativity is a process of trial and error, and you need to be willing to make bad work in order to get to the good stuff.
Your early work is likely to be derivative or imitative, but that’s okay – it’s part of the process of finding your own voice.

Practical Steps:

Start creating now, without worrying about whether it’s “good” or “original.”
Make a lot of work, even if it’s not great – you’ll learn from your mistakes and improve over time.
Don’t be afraid to imitate the work of your favorite artists or creators in order to learn from them.
Over time, you’ll develop your own unique style and voice by combining your influences in new and interesting ways.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that you don’t have to have everything figured out before you start creating – in fact, it’s often through the process of creating that you discover your purpose and passion. By being willing to make bad work and imitate the work of others, you can learn from your mistakes and develop your own unique style over time.

Chapter 3 – Write the Book You Want to Read

Main Lessons:

Don’t cater your creation to what you think others want or expect.
Your unique perspective and experiences are what make your work interesting and worth sharing.

Practical Steps:

Think about the things that you wish existed in the world and create them.
Draw inspiration from your own experiences and perspective to create work that is uniquely your own.
Share your work with others, even if it’s not finished or polished, in order to get feedback and improve.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that you should create the things that you want to see in the world, drawing from your own unique perspective and experiences. By sharing your work with others and seeking feedback, you can improve and refine your ideas over time.

Chapter 4 – Use Your Hands

Main Lessons:

Creativity is not just about ideas – it’s also about the physical act of making things.
Working with your hands can be a valuable source of inspiration and can help you generate new ideas.
Physical tools and materials can also inspire you in new ways and help you break out of creative ruts.

Practical Steps:

Make something every day, even if it’s small or doesn’t seem important.
Use physical tools like pens, markers, and paper to sketch out your ideas and concepts.
Experiment with different materials and mediums to find what inspires you.
Take breaks from digital devices and screens to give your hands and mind a rest.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that working with your hands is an important part of the creative process. By using physical tools and materials, you can generate new ideas and break out of creative ruts. Making something every day, even if it’s small or seemingly unimportant, can help keep your creative juices flowing and keep you inspired.

Chapter 5 – Side Projects and Hobbies Are Important

Main Lessons:

Side projects give you a chance to experiment and try new things without the pressure of your main creative work.
Hobbies can help you find new interests and passions that can influence and enhance your main creative work.

Practical Steps:

Carve out time in your schedule for side projects and hobbies, even if it’s just a little bit each day.
Don’t worry about making your side projects perfect – they’re a chance to experiment and have fun.
Use your side projects to explore new ideas and interests that you might not be able to pursue in your main creative work.
Share your side projects and hobbies with others to get feedback and inspiration.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that pursuing side projects and hobbies can be a valuable way to enhance your creativity and find new sources of inspiration. By giving yourself the freedom to experiment and try new things, you can break out of creative ruts and explore new ideas. Even if your side projects and hobbies don’t directly relate to your main creative work, they can still inform and enhance it in unexpected ways.

Chapter 6 – The Secret: Do Good Work and Share It with People

Main Lessons:

Focus on doing good work that you are proud of, rather than trying to be famous or successful.
Sharing your work with others can be a valuable way to get feedback, connect with others, and build a community.
Don’t be afraid to share your work, even if it’s not perfect – the act of sharing can help you improve and grow as a creative.

Practical Steps:

Create a website or social media presence to share your work with others.
Be genuine and authentic in your sharing, and avoid trying to create a false image or persona.
Engage with your audience and seek out feedback and criticism to help improve your work.
Collaborate with others and build a community around your work.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that doing good work and sharing it with others is a key part of building a successful creative career. By focusing on the quality of your work and being genuine in your sharing, you can attract an audience and build a community of supporters. Don’t be afraid to share your work and seek out feedback – it’s a valuable way to improve and grow as a creative.

Chapter 7 – Geography Is No Longer Our Master

Main Lessons:

Thanks to the internet, we now have access to a global creative community, no matter where we are located.
The internet allows us to find and connect with other creatives, share our work, and learn from others.
Being part of a creative community can provide inspiration, support, and valuable feedback.

Practical Steps:

Use the internet to connect with other creatives through social media, forums, and other online platforms.
Seek out local creative communities, such as artist groups or writing workshops, to connect with other creatives in person.
Attend creative conferences and events to meet other creatives and learn from experts in your field.
Leave home and discover a new perspective and get to know other people.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that thanks to the internet, we are no longer limited by geography in terms of finding and connecting with other creatives. By using the internet and seeking out local creative communities, we can build a network of like-minded creatives who can provide valuable inspiration, support, and feedback. Collaborating with other creatives can also help us push the boundaries of our own creativity and produce work that we might not have been able to create on our own.

Chapter 8 – Be Nice (The World Is a Small Town)

Main Lessons:

Being kind and generous to others is essential for building a strong creative network and for fostering a supportive community.
Networking is about making genuine connections and helping others, not just trying to get something for yourself.
Your reputation is everything, and being known for being kind and helpful can open doors and lead to new opportunities.

Practical Steps:

Be kind and generous to others, both in person and online. Offer to help others, share your resources and knowledge, and be supportive.
Follow up with people you meet and maintain relationships over time.
Be professional and reliable, and always deliver on your promises.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that building a strong creative network requires being kind and generous to others. Networking is not about simply trying to get something for yourself, but about making genuine connections and helping others. By being known for being kind and helpful, you can build a positive reputation and open doors to new opportunities.

Chapter 9 – Be Boring (It’s the Only Way to Get Work Done)

Main Lessons:

Building a daily routine and creating habits is essential for sustaining a long-term creative practice.
Establishing a daily creative practice helps to reduce decision fatigue and allows you to focus on the actual work.
Creating boundaries and limits, such as setting specific work hours or taking breaks, can help to avoid burnout and increase productivity.

Practical Steps:

Set aside a specific time and place for your daily creative practice, and stick to it.
Get a calendar and break your work into small daily chunks
Find a day job that pays you, doesn’t want to make you vomit and leaves you with enough energy for doing the things you love.
Take breaks and rest regularly to avoid burnout and increase productivity.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that building a daily creative practice requires establishing routines, creating habits, and setting boundaries. By doing so, you can reduce decision fatigue and focus on the actual work, which is essential for sustaining a long-term creative practice.

Chapter 10 – Creativity Is Subtraction

Main Lessons:

Eliminating unnecessary elements from your work can often lead to a more powerful and impactful result.
Knowing what to leave out can be just as important as knowing what to include in your work.
Learning to say “no” and eliminating distractions from your life can help you focus on what is truly important.

Practical Steps:

Practice simplifying your work by removing unnecessary elements.
When editing your work, focus on what can be removed to make it more powerful.
Limitation means freedom, make things with the material you have right now.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creativity is often about subtraction, not addition. By simplifying your work and eliminating unnecessary elements, you can often achieve a more impactful and powerful result. Learning to say “no” and eliminating distractions from your life can also help you focus on what is truly important, and ultimately lead to greater creative success.

Show your work

“Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing creative work with the world and building a network of supporters. The book provides practical advice for artists and creatives on how to develop their own voice and find an audience, with a focus on authenticity and openness.

10 Key lessons of Show your work:

Share something small every day to build.
Make your creative process visible to tell your story.
Share what you love and find others who love the same things.
Embrace your influences and be open to collaboration.
Craft narratives around your work to make it more engaging.
Share your expertise and help others.
Be authentic and provide value to your audience. More isn’t always better.
Be resilient and learn from criticism.
Embrace the business side of creativity.
Keep creating and sharing your work.

Chapter 1 – You Don’t Have to Be a Genius.

Main Lessons:

You don’t have to be a genius to share your work and find an audience.
Sharing your work and process can help you gain valuable feedback, learn from others, and build a following.
By sharing your work and process, you can also build a community around your work and inspire others.
You can’t find your voice if you don’t use it.

Practical Steps:

Start sharing your work and process online, whether it’s through a blog, social media, or other platform.
Be consistent in your sharing, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly.
Focus on sharing your process and the behind-the-scenes aspects of your work, rather than just the finished product.
Engage with your audience and seek feedback to improve your work and build a community.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that you don’t have to be a genius to share your work and find an audience. By sharing your work and process, you can gain valuable feedback, learn from others, and build a following. This can ultimately lead to a stronger creative practice and a more engaged community around your work.

Chapter 2 – Think Process, Not Product.

Main Lessons:

Sharing your creative process can be just as valuable and interesting as sharing your finished product.
By documenting and sharing your creative process, you can make your work more accessible and relatable to others.
Sharing your process can also help you to receive feedback and build a community around your work.

Practical Steps:

Document your creative process, such as taking photos or videos of your work in progress.
Share your process online, through platforms like social media, blogs, or YouTube.
Be authentic and honest in sharing your process, including both successes and failures.
Engage with your audience and seek feedback, building a community around your work.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that sharing your creative process can be just as valuable as sharing your finished product. By documenting and sharing your process, you can make your work more accessible and relatable to others, while also receiving feedback and building a community around your work.

Chapter 3 – Share Something Small Every Day.

Main Lessons:

Consistently sharing small updates about your work can help you to build an audience and make progress towards your goals.
Sharing something small every day is less intimidating and more achievable than trying to create a big masterpiece all at once.
Sharing something small every day can also help you to develop a daily creative habit and maintain momentum in your work.

Practical Steps:

Set a goal to share something small about your work every day, whether it’s a photo, a quote, a sketch, or a brief update.
Use social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube to share your updates.
Be consistent and make sharing a part of your daily routine.
Share your work in progress and be willing to experiment but don’t overshare.
Make a Blog.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that sharing something small about your work every day can help you to build an audience and make progress towards your goals. By being consistent and sharing regularly, you can develop a daily creative habit and maintain momentum in your work, while also being willing to experiment and take risks.

Chapter 4 – Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities.

Main Lessons:

Sharing your interests and hobbies outside of your work can provide inspiration and a deeper understanding of your creative process.
By sharing your personal interests and curiosities, you can attract like-minded people and build a community around your work.
Embracing your passions can also help you to stay motivated and inspired in your creative pursuits.

Practical Steps:

Share your personal interests and hobbies online, through social media, blogs, or personal websites.
Make connections between your personal interests and your creative work, showing how they intersect and influence each other.
Seek out and engage with others who share your interests, building a community around your work.
Embrace your passions and use them to stay motivated and inspired in your creative pursuits.
Credit the Source.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that sharing your personal interests and hobbies can be just as valuable as sharing your creative work. By opening up your “cabinet of curiosities,” you can attract like-minded people and build a community around your work, while also staying motivated and inspired in your creative pursuits.

Chapter 5 – Tell Good Stories.

Main Lessons:

People are drawn to stories, so incorporating storytelling into your creative work can be a powerful way to connect with and engage your audience.
Every creative project has a story behind it, whether it’s the process of how you made it or the inspiration that led to it. Sharing these stories can add depth and meaning to your work.
Sharing your creative process, including both the successes and the failures, can be a compelling way to tell a story and connect with your audience.

Practical Steps:

Identify the stories behind your creative work and consider how you can incorporate them into your marketing and promotion efforts.
Be honest and transparent about your failures and challenges, as these can make for some of the most compelling and relatable stories.
Use Story-structures and fill them with your own elements. For example: Idea => Resistance => Results => Solution.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that storytelling can be a powerful tool for creative people looking to connect with their audience and add depth and meaning to their work. By identifying the stories behind their creative projects and sharing their process with their audience, creators can build engagement and create a deeper connection with their fans.

Chapter 6 – Teach What You Know.

Main Lessons:

Sharing what you know is a powerful way to build your reputation, attract new opportunities, and connect with others in your field.
Teaching others can also help you deepen your own knowledge and understanding of your subject matter.
You don’t have to be an expert to teach what you know; in fact, sharing your learning process and inviting others to learn alongside you can be more engaging and relatable.

Practical Steps:

Start small by sharing something you’ve learned recently with a friend or colleague.
Teaching the things you learn and share your insights
Don’t worry about being an expert; focus on sharing your learning process and engaging with others who are interested in the same topic.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that teaching what you know can be a powerful way to build your reputation, connect with others, and deepen your own understanding. By sharing your learning process and engaging with others who are interested in the same topics, you can establish yourself as a valuable contributor in your field.

Chapter 7 – Don’t Turn into Human Spam.

Main Lessons:

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information and to oversaturate your audience with too much content.
To avoid becoming “human spam,” it’s important to be strategic and intentional about what you share online.
Instead of just broadcasting everything, focus on sharing meaningful and valuable content that provides real value to your audience.

Practical Steps:

Be selective about what you share online and only post things that are interesting and valuable to your audience.
Don’t just share your own work – share the work of others that you find inspiring or interesting. Listen, learn and read – be interested as much as possible.
Be authentic and genuine in your online interactions, and avoid coming across as too self-promotional or spammy.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that in order to succeed in the digital world, it’s important to be intentional about what you share online and to focus on providing value to your audience. By being authentic, genuine, and selective in your online interactions, you can build a strong following and avoid becoming just another piece of “human spam.”

Chapter 8 – Learn to Take a Punch.

Main Lessons:

Rejection and criticism are inevitable in any creative pursuit, and learning to handle them is a crucial part of becoming a successful artist.
You have to learn to take risks and put your work out there, even if it means potentially facing negative feedback or failure.
Reframing negative feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning can help you move past it and improve your work.

Practical Steps:

Embrace the concept of “productive failure” by reframing your failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
Seek out feedback and critique from trusted sources, such as fellow artists or mentors, in order to identify areas for improvement.
Recognize that rejection and failure are simply part of the creative process, and don’t let them hold you back from pursuing your goals. Don’t take it personal.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that learning to handle rejection, criticism, and failure is essential to becoming a successful artist. By reframing negative feedback as an opportunity for growth, seeking out constructive criticism, and recognizing that failure is a necessary part of the creative process, you can develop the resilience and confidence needed to pursue your artistic goals.

Chapter 9 – Sell Out.

Main Lessons:

“Selling out” doesn’t have to be a dirty word – Money in itself isn’t a bad thing. Many Creative works only exist because of money.
There are many different ways to make money as an artist or creative person, so it’s important to think outside the box.
It’s possible to sell out without compromising your artistic integrity if you’re intentional about your choices.

Practical Steps:

Identify your core values and goals as an artist or creative person.
Explore different avenues for making money, such as selling products, offering services, or collaborating with brands. But stay true to your own values.
Be intentional about the choices you make and the opportunities you accept – don’t compromise your values or sacrifice your creative vision.
Remember that making money doesn’t have to be your top priority, but it’s okay to prioritize it if that’s what you need to do in order to sustain your creative practice.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that it’s possible to make a living as a creative person without “selling out” or compromising your artistic integrity. By being intentional about your choices and exploring different avenues for making money, you can create a sustainable and fulfilling career as an artist or creative person.

Chapter 10 – Stick Around.

Main Lessons:

Building a sustainable career as a creative person requires you to stick around and stay engaged with your audience.
Consistency and persistence are key to building a loyal following and establishing a reputation in your field.
It’s important to make space for rest and reflection, but also to keep creating and sharing your work regularly.

Practical Steps:

Set long-term goals and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks to stay motivated and on track.
Make time for rest and self-care, but don’t let it become an excuse for not creating and sharing your work.
Build relationships with other creatives in your field and collaborate on projects to expand your reach and audience.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that sticking around and consistently creating and sharing your work is essential to building a sustainable career as a creative person. By setting goals, establishing a regular sharing routine, and building relationships with others in your field, you can continue to grow and evolve as an artist while maintaining a loyal following.

Keep Going

“Keep Going” by Austin Kleon is a guidebook for anyone looking to build and sustain a creative practice. The book offers a variety of strategies and mindsets for staying inspired, motivated, and productive, with a focus on cultivating resilience and maintaining a sense of joy and playfulness in your work.

Here are the 10 key lessons from “Keep Going”:

Every day is an opportunity to start fresh and build momentum in your creative practice.
Create a space, where you can go to find peace and inspiration.
Focus on the process of creating, rather than the end result.
Share your work with others and use your creativity to give back to the world.
Find beauty and inspiration in the everyday, and give it the attention and care it deserves.
Confront and overcome the fears and anxieties that can hold you back.
Give yourself permission to evolve and grow as a creative person.
Keep your toolbox and brain clutter free to create space for new ideas and creativity.
Take care of yourself and go for a walk.
Invest time and energy in building a creative practice that can sustain you for the long term, and cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your work.

Overall, “Keep Going” offers a positive and practical approach to creativity, emphasizing the importance of persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Chapter 1 – Every Day Is Groundhog Day

Main Lessons:

Creative work is not about inspiration and motivation, but about showing up every day and doing the work.
Creating a daily routine and making small, consistent progress is key to achieving your creative goals.
A creative journey doesn’t have a set endpoint, learn to embrace the process and enjoy the small moments can help you stay motivated and inspired even in the face of setbacks.

Practical Steps:

Establish a daily routine and make a habit of showing up and doing the work, regardless of how you’re feeling.
Break your larger goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks to help you make consistent progress.
Find joy in the process of creating, and celebrate small victories along the way.
When you inevitably encounter setbacks or obstacles, focus on the present moment and keep going, one step at a time.
Make lists to keep the priorities straight and bring order to the tasks you need to do. You can make a list for any occasion.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that success in creative work is not about waiting for inspiration to strike, but about showing up every day and putting in the work, even when it’s difficult. By establishing a daily routine, breaking down larger goals, finding joy in the process, and persevering through setbacks, you can make consistent progress towards your creative goals.

Chapter 2 – Build a Bliss Station

Main Lessons:

A “bliss station” is a space, physical or mental, that you can go to for sustained periods of time to do your creative work.
Rituals and routines can be helpful in establishing and maintaining a bliss station, as they can help you get into the right mindset for creative work.

Practical Steps:

Identify a place or time where you can do your creative work.
Set boundaries to protect your bliss station from interruptions and distractions.
Establish rituals and routines that help you get into the right mindset for creative work, such as a specific playlist or a pre-work meditation. And remove all distractive routines like waking up to the news on your phone.
Schedule uninterrupted time for your creative work, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creating a bliss station is essential for sustaining creativity in the long term. By setting aside a space, time, and rituals for creative work, you can establish the habits and mindset necessary for making progress on your creative projects.

Chapter 3 – Forget the Noun, Do the Verb

Main Lessons:

Focusing on the process of creating rather than the end result can lead to greater creativity and fulfillment.
It’s important to prioritize action and focus on doing the work, rather than worrying about external validation or labels.
Embracing experimentation and taking risks can help to break through creative blocks and discover new ideas.

Practical Steps:

Approach your work with a focus on the process rather than the outcome. Enjoy the act of creating and let go of the pressure to produce a “perfect” end product.
Try to eliminate distractions and focus on doing the work. Make it a regular part of your routine.
Allow yourself to experiment and take risks. Don’t be afraid to try new things and fail.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that the process of creating is just as important, if not more so, than the final product. By focusing on the act of doing and embracing experimentation, you can tap into greater creativity and find fulfillment in the process itself.

Chapter 4 – Make Gifts

Main Lessons:

The act of creating and giving is a powerful way to connect with others and find meaning in your work.
Making and giving gifts is a way to break out of the cycle of constantly seeking validation and to focus on the joy of creating for its own sake.
The act of giving a gift can be as important as the gift itself, and can create a positive feedback loop of creativity and generosity.

Practical Steps:

Set aside time to create something that you can give as a gift to someone you know.
Avoid seeking validation or recognition for your work, and instead focus on the joy of creating something for others.
Making your passion your work can be tricky, try to keep your overhead low and set clear boundaries of what you do offer and what you don’t offer.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that the act of creating and giving can be a powerful way to find meaning and joy in your work. By focusing on the act of giving, rather than seeking validation or recognition, you can break out of the cycle of self-doubt and find new inspiration. Making and giving gifts can also be a way to connect with others and build relationships, creating a positive feedback loop of creativity and generosity.

Chapter 5 – The Ordinary + Extra Attention = The Extraordinary

Main Lessons:

Creativity is often about taking something ordinary and transforming it with extra attention and care.
By focusing on the details and giving something your full attention, you can create something truly extraordinary.
Paying attention to the world around you can help spark your creativity and inspire new ideas.

Practical Steps:

Look for beauty in the everyday by taking notice of the details that others might overlook.
Take on a creative challenge that involves transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary.
Practice being fully present and giving your full attention to whatever task or project you’re working on.
Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder by exploring new places and trying new things.
Pay attention to what you pay attention

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creativity can be found in the ordinary, but it requires extra attention and care to transform it into something extraordinary. By paying attention to the details, focusing on the present moment, and cultivating a sense of curiosity and wonder, you can infuse your work with a new sense of life and vitality.

Chapter 6 – Slay the Art Monsters

Main Lessons:

Creative work is challenging and full of obstacles, but it’s important to persevere and slay the “art monsters” that stand in your way.
Fear, self-doubt, and other negative emotions can be powerful obstacles to creative work, but they can be overcome with determination and hard work.
Staying organized and developing good habits can help you stay focused and productive, even when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Practical Steps:

Identify the “art monsters” that are holding you back, such as fear, perfectionism, or procrastination.
Develop a plan to slay your art monsters, such as setting goals, breaking tasks into smaller pieces, and creating a supportive community.
Use your art to have a net positive impact on the world, don’t be afraid to try something new if making some specific art makes you miserable.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creative work can be challenging, but it’s important to stay focused and persevere in the face of obstacles. By identifying and slaying your “art monsters” and developing good habits and routines, you can stay organized, motivated, and productive over the long term.

Chapter 7 – You Are Allowed to Change Your Mind

Main Lessons:

It’s okay to change your mind and explore different paths in your creative journey.
Your past work and experiences are valuable, even if they don’t align with your current goals.

Practical Steps:

Take time to reflect on your creative journey and the changes you’ve experienced. Be open for possibility.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and change your focus, even if it’s different from your past work.
Embrace your past experiences and the lessons you’ve learned from them.
Surround yourself with like hearted people, who can listen to your ideas and think about them, even if they don’t agree with them.

Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of being open to change and growth in your creative pursuits. It’s okay to explore different paths and to let go of past work that no longer serves you. By embracing new experiences and learning from your past, you can continue to grow and evolve as a creator.

Chapter 8 – When in Doubt, Tidy Up

Main Lessons:

A Clean environment has it’s place but human thoughts are messy, good ideas come from interesting juxtapositions.
Tidying and explore your room can help you get unstuck. Don’t tidy to get perfect order but aim for spontaneous inspiration.

Practical Steps:

Create an intentional Mess. Your room doesn’t need to be tidy and sterile, but functional and ready.
Keep your tools organized and your materials messy.
Sleep tidies up your brain. Naps are the secret weapon of artist.
Tidy up the world – leave things better then you found them, .

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that physical clutter can be a major obstacle to creativity and productivity, and that developing good habits and routines around tidying and organization your tools and brain can help you maintain a more focused and energized state. But creativity as an chaotic endeavor, create a mess with intention to visualize ideas and connection, which otherwise would stay hidden.

Chapter 9 – Demons Hate Fresh Air

Main Lessons:

Demons are the negative thoughts that can plague creative people and prevent them from making progress.
Demons thrive in darkness and isolation, but can be weakened by fresh air and human interaction.
Simple activities like taking a walk or having a conversation with a friend can help to clear the mind and banish creative demons.

Practical Steps:

Take breaks and get outside. Fresh air and exercise can help to clear the mind and improve overall well-being.
Spend time with other people, whether it’s through collaboration or simply socializing.
Walking is a way to find possibilities in your life, when it seems that there aren’t any.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creative demons can be conquered through intentional effort to bring light, fresh air, and human interaction into your creative process.

Chapter 10 – Plant Your Garden

Main Lessons:

It’s important to cultivate a sense of purpose and long-term vision for your creative work.
Planting and tending to a creative “garden” requires patience, dedication, and consistency.
It’s important to focus on the process of creating rather than just the end result.

Practical Steps:

Treat your creative work like a garden, tending to it regularly and consistently.
Celebrate small victories and progress along the way, rather than just focusing on the end result.
Creative work has seasons, in winter the creative tree looks dead, but it prepares for spring and summer.

Overall, the main takeaway from this chapter is that creative work requires patience, dedication, and a long-term vision. By treating your creative work like a garden and tending to it regularly, you can cultivate a sense of purpose and enjoyment in the process of creating.

Thank you!

Thank you!