The Chronicles of a Novice Writer: On Steal Like An Artist [Part 3] Who We Are and What We Want to Be?

Have you ever felt the weight of expectation on your shoulders, the continual pressure to uncover yourself and carve out your position in the world? As an aspiring artist, this weight may feel especially challenging, with every artwork and phrase examined for being in "your own voice." What if I told you there was a different way? In this blog post, we'll look at Austin Kleon's unique approach to self-discovery and creativity, as described in his book

"Steal Like An Artist."

Creativity is sometimes viewed as a mysterious force possessed only by a chosen few. But what if I told you that creativity isn't a mystical talent bestowed upon the selected few? This realization is precisely what Austin Kleon reveals in his thought-provoking book, "Steal Like an Artist." Kleon's remarks have a strong resonance with me as an artist exploring the complicated avenues of literature. His practical wisdom not only provides advice but also inspires me to realize my creative potential as a novice writer, on the verge of publishing my first book.

Don’t Wait 

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, uncharted wilderness, the air thick with the promise of adventure and discovery. You're filled with a sense of anticipation, eager to begin your journey into the unknown. But as you take that first step forward, doubt creeps in—what if you're not ready? What if you don't have all the answers? What if you never truly find yourself? 

In a world that bombards us with messages of self-discovery and personal branding, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to have it all figured out. We're told that we must know ourselves before we can create, that our art must reflect our true essence, our unique voice. But what if I told you that you don't have to have it all figured out? What if I told you that the journey of self-discovery begins not with knowing, but with doing? 

This is the radical notion put forth by Austin Kleon in "Steal Like An Artist": "Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started." These words are like a beacon of light in the darkness, a gentle reminder that creativity is not about having all the answers, but about embracing the process of exploration and discovery. It's about diving headfirst into the unknown, trusting that the journey itself will lead you to where you need to be. 

As I read these words, they resonated deeply with me, echoing the sentiments I've often felt but struggled to articulate. They came at a time when I needed them most, serving as a guiding principle for my own creative journey. They reminded me that it's okay to start before I'm ready, to embrace the uncertainty and the ambiguity, to trust in the process of creation. 

And so, I take that first step forward, not knowing where it will lead me, but trusting that each step will bring me closer to my true self. I embrace the journey of self-discovery through the act of creation itself, knowing that in the end, it's not about reaching a destination, but about enjoying the adventure along the way. 

Who We Are and What We Want to Be? 

Caught between the expectations of society and the desires of our hearts, navigating the murky waters of self-discovery can feel like a daunting task. We're bombarded with messages telling us who we should be, what we should want, and how we should live our lives. But deep down, we know that there's more to us than meets the eye—that our true selves are waiting to be unearthed beneath the layers of societal conditioning and self-doubt. Constantly in search of who are, while also

In these moments of uncertainty, Austin Kleon's words offer a glimmer of hope—a reminder that the path to self-discovery lies not in striving to meet external expectations, but in embracing the process of creation as a means of exploration and expression. Through engaging in creative pursuits, whether it be writing, painting, dancing, or any other form of artistic endeavor, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities—a world where our true selves can emerge organically, unencumbered by the constraints of societal norms and expectations. 

For me, this idea of using creativity as a tool for self-exploration resonates deeply. It's in the act of writing that I often find myself most in tune with my inner thoughts and feelings, allowing me to explore aspects of myself that I may not have otherwise discovered. Whether I'm crafting a story, working on a painting, or simply jotting down my thoughts in a journal, each creative act becomes a journey of self-discovery—a journey that allows me to peel back the layers of my own psyche and uncover the truths that lie beneath. 

And it's not just about discovering who we are in the present moment, but also about exploring what we want to be in the future. Through the process of creation, we have the opportunity to envision new possibilities for ourselves—to experiment with different identities, to explore new interests, and to chart our own path forward. In this way, creativity becomes not just a means of self-expression, but a catalyst for personal growth and transformation—a journey of becoming who we were always meant to be. 

Nobody Knows 

Imagine a bustling city street, teeming with people going about their daily lives. As you look around, you see faces illuminated by the glow of their smartphones, their expressions a mix of determination and uncertainty. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, it's easy to feel like everyone else has it all figured out—that they're moving through life with purpose and confidence while you're left stumbling in the dark. 

But the truth is, appearances can be deceiving. Behind every facade of confidence lies a hidden world of doubts and insecurities, fears and uncertainties. We're all just figuring it out as we go, navigating the twists and turns of life with varying degrees of grace and resilience. 

And that's where Austin Kleon's wisdom comes in. He reminds us that the key to navigating this journey of self-discovery is not to have all the answers, but simply to show up—to be present in the moment, to engage with the world around us, and to embrace our vulnerabilities with open arms. 

In a world that prizes perfection and certainty, this notion of showing up authentically, flaws and all, can feel like a radical act of rebellion. But in reality, it's a profound act of courage—a declaration that we refuse to be defined by our shortcomings and that we're willing to embrace the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery with open hearts and minds. 

So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life, remember that you're not alone. We're all in this together, stumbling and fumbling our way through the darkness, searching for the light. And in our shared vulnerability, we find strength—a strength that allows us to show up, day after day, ready to face whatever challenges life throws our way. 

Fake It Till You Become It 

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a vast, open field, the horizon stretching out before you in an endless expanse of possibility. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape as a gentle breeze rustles the grass at your feet. In this moment of quiet contemplation, you feel a sense of both excitement and trepidation—a feeling of being on the brink of something new and unknown. 

It's a feeling we've all experienced at one time or another—the feeling of being caught between who we are and who we want to be, between the familiar comforts of the past and the uncertain possibilities of the future. It's a feeling of being stuck in limbo, unsure of which direction to turn or how to move forward. 

In the world of creativity, we are all sculptors in our own right, shaping and molding our ideas into works of art. And just like the sculptor with their block of marble, we are faced with the choice of how to approach our creative process. Do we strive for perfection, tirelessly polishing and refining our work until it meets some unattainable standard of flawlessness? Or do we embrace the messy, imperfect nature of creation, allowing ourselves the freedom to make mistakes, to experiment, and to grow along the way? 

As aspiring artists, writers, and innovators, we often find ourselves grappling with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning whether we have what it takes to succeed. But what if, instead of succumbing to our fears, we embraced them as opportunities for growth? 

Pretending to be something we're not—whether it's a successful entrepreneur, a bestselling author, or a renowned artist—allows us to step outside our comfort zones and push the boundaries of what we believe is possible. It's not about deceiving others or pretending to be someone we're not—it's about embodying the qualities and characteristics of the person we aspire to become until those traits become second nature. 

As we continue to inhabit this persona, something remarkable happens we begin to internalize the qualities we once only pretended to possess. We find ourselves speaking with newfound confidence, taking risks we never thought possible, and achieving success beyond our wildest dreams. 

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of this approach is the way it transforms our perception of ourselves. By pretending to be successful, we shift our mindset from one of doubt and insecurity to one of possibility and potential. We begin to see ourselves not as imposters, but as creators of our own destiny, capable of achieving anything we set our minds to. 

So the next time you find yourself doubting your abilities or questioning whether you have what it takes to succeed, remember this: it's okay to pretend. In fact, it might just be the key to unlocking your full potential and realizing your dreams. After all, as the old saying goes, "fake it until you make it"—until one day, you wake up and realize that you've become everything you ever wanted to be. 

Learn to Steal Good 

Learning to "steal" good is not about taking someone else's work and claiming it as your own. It's about recognizing the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that exists in the world around us and using it to fuel our own creativity. Just as a chef might draw inspiration from different cuisines to create a unique dish, or a musician might sample various genres to compose a new song, we as artists can borrow elements from the works of others to enrich our own creations. 

Think of it as building a collage of influences—a mosaic of ideas, techniques, and styles that come together to form something entirely new and original. It's about taking what resonates with us from the works of others and combining it with our own unique perspective to create something that is uniquely ours. 

For example, a painter might study the brushwork of the old masters, the use of color by impressionists, and the abstract compositions of modern artists. By experimenting with these different techniques and styles, they can develop their own distinctive approach to painting—one that reflects their personal vision and artistic sensibility. 

Similarly, a writer might draw inspiration from the storytelling techniques of their favorite authors, the themes explored in classic literature, and the structure of ancient myths and legends. By weaving together these disparate influences, they can craft a narrative that is both timeless and uniquely their own. 

In this way, learning to "steal" good is not only a means of honing our craft and expanding our creative repertoire but also a way of paying homage to the artists who have come before us. It's a celebration of the rich tapestry of human creativity—a testament to the idea that innovation is not about starting from scratch, but about building on the foundations laid by those who have paved the way. 

Closing Thoughts 

As we continue on our creative journeys, let us remember to start wherever we are, to embrace our imperfections, and to learn from the world around us. After all, the path to self-discovery is not a straight line, but a winding, meandering road filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, and endless opportunities for growth and transformation.