Steal Like an Artist

1. Steal Like an Artist: Embrace Influence and Remix Ideas

"What is originality? Undetected plagiarism."

Nothing is truly original. All creative work builds on what came before. Embrace this fact and use it to your advantage. Instead of trying to be completely original, focus on studying the work of others and remixing ideas to create something new.

Collect inspiration actively. Keep a "swipe file" of ideas, images, and concepts that resonate with you. This collection becomes the raw material for your own creative work. Remember, it's not about copying directly, but about understanding and internalizing influences to inform your unique perspective.

• Study your heroes and their influences
• Remix and combine ideas from multiple sources
• Transform what you steal into something new and personal

2. Start Creating Now: Don't Wait for Perfection

"Fake it 'til you make it."

Overcome imposter syndrome. Many creatives feel like frauds, especially when starting out. Recognize that this is normal and push through it. The only way to become the artist you want to be is to start making work, even if you don't feel ready.

Embrace the learning process. Your early work might not be great, but it's a necessary step towards improvement. Focus on quantity over quality at first, allowing yourself to experiment and fail. Remember that even successful artists started somewhere.

• Start creating, even if you don't feel "qualified"
• Learn by doing and iterating
• Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them

3. Write What You Like: Create the Work You Want to See

"Write the book you want to read."

Follow your interests. Instead of trying to guess what others want, focus on creating work that genuinely excites you. Your enthusiasm will shine through and attract like-minded audiences.

Fill the gaps you see. If you're craving a certain type of content that doesn't exist, create it yourself. This approach ensures you're making something unique and fulfilling a real need, even if it's just your own.

• Create for yourself first
• Identify underserved niches in your interests
• Let your passion guide your creative choices

4. Use Your Hands: Engage in Analog Creation

"In the digital age, don't forget to use your digits!"

Reconnect with physical creation. While digital tools are powerful, they can sometimes disconnect us from the tactile experience of making. Incorporate analog methods into your creative process to engage different parts of your brain and body.

Set up dual workspaces. If possible, create separate analog and digital workstations. Use the analog space for brainstorming, sketching, and initial idea generation. Move to the digital space for refinement and production.

• Experiment with physical materials and tools
• Use analog methods for ideation and problem-solving
• Balance screen time with hands-on creation

5. Embrace Side Projects: Nurture Multiple Passions

"The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life."

Don't limit yourself. Pursuing multiple interests can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and connections. Allow yourself to explore different creative avenues, even if they seem unrelated to your main work.

Use side projects as creative fuel. Often, the work we do for fun or as a hobby can become our most fulfilling and successful endeavors. Pay attention to what you're drawn to when you're not "working."

• Cultivate diverse interests and skills
• Allow different passions to cross-pollinate
• Be open to shifting focus based on what excites you

6. Share Your Work: Put Your Creations Out There

"It's not enough to be good. In order to be found, you have to be findable."

Embrace the internet as a platform. The web provides unprecedented opportunities to share your work and connect with an audience. Don't wait for permission or validation – start putting your creations out into the world.

Share your process, not just the results. People are often just as interested in how you create as they are in the final product. Documenting your creative journey can build engagement and provide value to others.

• Utilize social media and online platforms
• Build a consistent online presence
• Be generous with your knowledge and experiences

7. Geography Is No Longer a Limitation: Connect Globally

"Your brain gets too comfortable in your everyday surroundings. You need to make it uncomfortable."

Leverage online communities. The internet allows you to connect with like-minded creatives and potential collaborators from around the world. Actively seek out and engage with these communities to expand your network and perspectives.

Travel (physically or virtually) for inspiration. Exposing yourself to new environments and cultures can spark creativity. If physical travel isn't possible, use the internet to explore and learn about different places and ways of thinking.

• Join online forums and groups in your field
• Collaborate with people from different backgrounds
• Seek out diverse influences and experiences

8. Be Nice and Build Relationships: Cultivate a Supportive Network

"There's only one rule I know of: You've got to be kind."

Practice generosity. Support and promote the work of others in your field. This not only helps build goodwill but also expands your own network and opportunities.

Focus on meaningful connections. Quality relationships are more valuable than a large number of superficial contacts. Invest time in nurturing genuine connections with people whose work you admire.

• Offer help and support without expecting immediate returns
• Celebrate the successes of others in your field
• Be authentic in your interactions, online and offline

9. Embrace Boredom: Find Creativity in Routine

"The trick is to find a day job that pays decently, doesn't make you want to vomit, and leaves you with enough energy to make things in your spare time."

Create a sustainable routine. Consistency is key in creative work. Establish a regular schedule for your creative pursuits, even if it's just a small amount of time each day.

Use constraints to your advantage. Limited time or resources can actually boost creativity by forcing you to think innovatively. Embrace the challenge of working within constraints rather than seeing them as obstacles.

• Set aside dedicated time for creative work
• Use "productive procrastination" to tackle different projects
• Find ways to be creative within your existing routines

10. Take Care of Yourself: Maintain a Sustainable Creative Life

"Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work."

Prioritize your well-being. Creative work requires energy and focus. Take care of your physical and mental health to sustain your creative output in the long term.

Manage your finances. Financial stress can be a major creativity killer. Learn to budget, save, and make smart financial decisions to give yourself the freedom to pursue your creative work.

• Develop healthy habits (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
• Create a stable financial foundation
• Find a balance between your day job and creative pursuits

Last updated: July 19, 2024