Steal Like an Artist

This book was recommended to me by a few fellow creatives in an amazing community I'm part of on social media.I needed this book, but didn't know about it until it was recommended.I'd reached out to the group about the fact that as an illustrator I felt a bit lost in the creative world, like I hadn't found my place, because I didn't have a 'style' by which people could recognise my work, and no particular style that I favoured illustrating over others, I just felt like I wasn't a real illustrator if I didn't produce consistent work that was clearly 'me', like everyone else seems to do. I would (and still do really) trawl through the art by others I admired, and be able to say oh that's by so and so, they're so good!No one could do that with me, as my illustrations are so random, there's no cohesion. Should I stop putting my art out there until I know who I am as an artist?So this book was one of two recommended to me to read (find your artistic voice by Lisa Congdon is the other).And I'm so glad I did buy this. It all made sense, it all seemed so relatable, in particular section 2 - Don't wait until you know who you are to get started.If you're an artist just starting out, or one who already creates a lot of art (any kind of creation really) and are unsure you belong in the creative world yet because you're not good enough, or you're not original enough, or you don't know your style yet - get this book.

I looked forward to reading this book for so long! And I finally did!The book feels delightful to hold in our hands. And it is delightful to look at. And stare at. And open a random page and read a couple of lines.BUTIt is not a 'book'. It is a coffee-table book. The quality is good, but the quantity of content is that of a tiny coffee-table book. It is a very small book, you can read it in less than an hour even if you read very very slowly like I do. And most of the content is borrowed (or stolen) from other artists! The only interesting or creative part of the book are the doodles and sketches, which the author has drawn himself.Why I was slightly disappointed with this book?Because it was repeating of the content I have read over and over in other art and creativity books. Though it may be a good place to begin if you are new to the art and creativity arenas.If you are a seasoned artist, having spent much time studying the 'creative' processes, you may consider giving this book a pass.Also, this book is highly priced, given the imported version. I bought it for Rs.490, and have seen it at lower prices around Rs.400 (Just to give an idea of the price variations). The cover price is 12.95 USD.[I bought a paperback version, and the cover, print, layout and paper quality are beyond excellent. The binding is weak and seems to have already started coming off]

Left me speechless and inspired! I got this book after stumbling upon one of its quotes on Pinterest. Not going to lie, when I unpacked it, I was a bit sceptical and slightly disappointed, as the size of the book was smaller than expected. However, few pages in, I understood that I SHOULDN'T have judged the book by its cover!Love the fact that it is so easy and simple to read and relate to. The author had done a fantastic job of delivering his ideas and points across, including the creative illustrations. Not to mention it is fun and entertaining too! Could not stop myself and finished it in a few hours.I am an artist, however I feel like this book would suit anyone! I find that it helps to ignite the lost curiosity towards simple things of life...To summarise: I would recommend this book.

Fabulous book with great quotes. Bought this for an A'level student who is off to University but who lacks creative inspiration. This is ideal as it tells her it's ok to rip off other people's ideas.

I got this this morning and have already read it. That's not a criticism. That's praise. It's an excellent book. It's a brilliantly written manifesto on creativity and how to access it, not just in your artistic life, but in any aspect of life you want to use it as a lens to create content through. It's simple to understand, easy to action and properly inspiring. I loved it.