23 Best Austin Kleon Quotes

“You don't have to be a genius. You just have to be an amateur who is willing to learn in public.”

From the first chapter, 'You Don't Have to Be a Genius,' where Kleon argues that sharing your learning process is more important than being an expert.

“The best way to get started on the path to sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn, and make a commitment to learning it in front of others.”

From the first chapter, encouraging readers to embrace the amateur mindset and share their learning journey.

“Share what you love, and the people who love the same things will find you.”

From the chapter 'Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities,' about sharing your inspirations to attract like-minded people.

“If you want to be a writer, you have to write. If you want to be an artist, you have to make art. If you want to to be a musician, you have to make music. And then you have to share it.”

From the introduction or early chapters, emphasizing the necessity of both making and sharing your work.

“The work doesn't speak for itself. You have to speak for it.”

From the introduction or early chapters, arguing that you must actively share and explain your work to get discovered.

“Don't be afraid to be an amateur. The word amateur comes from the Latin word amare, which means to love.”

From the first chapter, redefining 'amateur' as someone who does something for love, not for money.

“You can't control the response to your work. You can only control the work itself.”

From the chapter 'Learn to Take a Punch,' about dealing with criticism and focusing on what you can control.

“Steal like an artist.”

This is the central thesis of the book, encouraging creators to draw inspiration from others' work, not by plagiarizing, but by studying, remixing, and transforming ideas into something new and personal.

“Nothing is original.”

Kleon argues that all creative work builds upon what came before. This line frees artists from the pressure of absolute originality, encouraging them to embrace influence and see their work as part of a larger continuum.

“Don't wait until you know who you are to start.”

This advice encourages aspiring creators to begin making things immediately, even if they haven't fully defined their style or identity. The act of creating is how one discovers their artistic self.

“Do good work and put it where people can see it.”

This is a fundamental call to action. It emphasizes both the quality of the creative output and the importance of sharing it with the world, rather than keeping it hidden, to foster connection and growth.

“Get a day job.”

Kleon advocates for having a stable source of income separate from creative pursuits. This reduces financial pressure on art, allowing creators to pursue their passions freely without the burden of making them profitable.

“Share your work.”

This instruction highlights the importance of putting creative output out into the world. Sharing allows for feedback, connection with an audience, and the potential for new opportunities and collaborations.

“The only way to find your voice is to use it.”

This emphasizes that an artist's unique style and perspective emerge through consistent practice and creation. It's not something found through introspection alone, but through active engagement with one's craft.

“Creativity is subtraction.”

Kleon suggests that limitations and constraints can actually foster creativity. By removing options or working within boundaries, artists are forced to be more inventive and resourceful with what they have.

“Use your hands.”

This encourages creators to engage in tactile, analog work, stepping away from screens. It promotes a different kind of thinking and problem-solving, often leading to unexpected discoveries and a deeper connection to the craft.

“Boredom is where great ideas are born.”

Kleon argues that in our constantly connected world, allowing oneself to be bored creates mental space for new ideas to emerge. It's a call to embrace quiet moments for creative incubation.

“Geography is no longer our master.”

This refers to the power of the internet to connect artists and creators regardless of their physical location. It allows for the formation of virtual communities and the sharing of work globally.

“Build your own world.”

This encourages creators to curate their environment, influences, and community to support their creative practice. It's about actively shaping the conditions that foster inspiration and productivity.

“Keep your side projects going.”

Kleon advises maintaining diverse creative interests outside of one's main work. These side projects can be sources of joy, experimentation, and unexpected breakthroughs that inform the primary creative path.

“Be nice. The world is a small town.”

This emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity in the creative community. Building positive relationships and being supportive of others can lead to unexpected opportunities and a stronger network.

“Write the book you want to read.”

This encourages creators to produce the kind of work they themselves would enjoy consuming. It's about creating from a place of genuine passion and filling a perceived void in the creative landscape.

“Copying is about reverse-engineering. Stealing is about research.”

Kleon distinguishes between merely replicating and deeply understanding. Copying helps learn mechanics, while "stealing" involves researching influences, dissecting them, and transforming them into something new.