Issue 2 - Steal like an artist
My thoughts on a book that claims to be "10 things nobody told you about being creative"
I got this book for my Birthday recently and thought I would share some quick takeaways from it with you. I had looked at it a few times in bookshops and gallery gift shops but never taken it home with me but when I received it as a gift I was happy to finally own a copy. While I am not calling this a review, it may help you decide if you want to buy a copy.
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First up - asking for books for your birthday, Christmas, or other special gift-giving occasion is a great idea. Not only will you receive something you want but you will receive something you will keep forever. Check out my haul from my latest birthday, it was a big number hence the overwhelming showing of love I received in the form of books, earrings, and gin, all my favourite things!
While this little book doesn’t look like much size-wise compared to some of the others in the stack it was the first one I read and upon my first read it has already given me some great ideas and some encouragement, I know ill refer back to it time and time again. It’s also worth noting this book isn’t just for visual artists, it’s all creatives so if you are a musician, a writer, or have a creative hobby then the book will help you.
There were lots I liked about this book but here are my top 3.
Tip 1 - Save your thefts for later.
I am constantly inspired by other artists so in a way I was already practising the art of stealing like an artist. Whether it’s a colour they used, a work they made, an idea they had… I already saved these and referred to them, blending the elements of what caught my eye into my practice whether that is in life or the studio. I do need to organise these things as currently, I have things saved on social media, saved as screenshots or photos from being out and about, I have things saved in my reading list on my browser and have a notes/list app on my phone and a paper notebook. So you can see I am a little all over the place. The next stage for me is to organise my “swipe file” as the book calls it so I can easily refer to it.
Tip 2 - School yourself.
Well, I just enrolled in University to study fine art so again, I am on it. The book talks about reading more and growing your family tree of information, something I need to do more of. I now have a huge pile of books to look at and weekly readings to do for class but I also wanted to read for me, something that sparks my interest. The book talks about this idea of not trying to learn all the information at once but going on a journey of information consumption. So I thought ok I need to read something, where do I start, there is a brief mention a few pages along that talks about Patti Smith’s book “Just Kids”, I love her as a poet and musician so I borrow that from the library and will see where I do next.
Tip 3 - Get yourself a calendar.
I am a visual person so it surprised me that I didn’t read so something like this but now I have started I love it. I would show you a picture but being only a few weeks in it does not look that impressive. I made a little grid inspired by the example in the book, it’s a basic little cross each day you do your thing. I am using it to mark the days I do something creative. This could be a sketch, a piece of writing, or working on new artwork.
Other parts I like and will remember for the future -
Be boring!
Write the book you want to read.
Practice productive procrastination.
All in all, I took some of this book and put it into action right away I also know I will pick it up again and revisit it. I also know there are things in the book I want to do in the future but I am not ready to do them now. The clogs in my head are turning and that’s a good thing as I like to sit with my ideas for a while before I put them into action. The author’s voice is helpful and pushy at the same time, so I found that good as I wanted to put his words into action. It gave me some ideas and actions I felt I could do and succeed at. Not sure about you but sometimes I read or watch something that is meant to be helpful but it makes me feel overwhelmed and the effort doesn’t match the output. There is also a recommended reading list so I will be sure to put those onto my to-read list.
You can also check out his website and his substack blog here -
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