I am, at this moment at my digital desk (distracted by your post but it's on the screen) working on a book that is short, that will be square and will feature some nearly blank pages with very large type. I toyed with hand-written lettering (at my analog desk) but that wasn't working (I played with stencils and if it had been before the brush pen, that might have made a difference).
It will happen, though. Actually, it's book No. 4 (and all are wildly different). All because someone suggesting it might be OK to "write the book you want to read."
I have all your books and I am currently waiting on the anniversary addition I ordered from the Book People.
I bought my first copy of “Steal…!” At the MFA in Boston, MA. I have read it a few times and have passed it on to friends so they can enjoy too.
Your message has always been simple, to believe in yourself! You, my friend have been such an inspiration for me to keep writing. I am 66 years old now with a lot more time on my hands to do the things I love.
I enjoy your weekly newsletter and your fresh insight into all things creative. You have taught me to do the verb thing with creativity and this has morphed over into my love of photography. On my desk right now is a fresh copy of, “365 Days if Drawing!”
Life is such a sliver, thanks for throwing stuff at me that sticks so easily, and in such an enjoyable way!
Re-reading your trilogy of books at the end of 2020 was what made me finally launch my newsletter, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent years. So thank you for changing my life too!
I have read all your book multiple times, online and physically, I have also listened to the trilogy on audible many times. I bet your work has changed many lives, it has definitely changed mine and the people around me. I am going to order the tenth anniversary for sure! Thanks again, thanks for inspires us to steal like an artist, to show our work and keep going.
I’ll never forget browsing a book shop in Geneva, Switzerland, that doesn’t exist anymore, in 2012 looking for something worthwhile to read. I saw this book, picked it up and it is still one of my favorite inspiring reads when I believe I could actually do something about my writing and art…have been a trusted follower of yours ever since! Kudos, Austin, kudos!
What a journey it has been, and thanks to the Internet I am so happy to have access to your work all these years.
A friend gave me a copy of Steal for my birthday, in 2015 I believe. This was the time I had been offered by a publisher to write my own book, and I ended up quitting my day job (that I just started months before). Your book has been an important tool in my creative journey from that year on.
I'm currently rereading Keep Going as I'm settling in a new city, and your blog posts have kept me company time and time again as I found comfort in the words and ideas and art you've shared. I always mention your work to creative folks and my community, because it just always hits the spot. So thank you for the work that you do.
Can't wait to get my hands on the 10th anniv edition. Congratulations!!!
I absolutely love this story - thank you for sharing! I used to be incredibly jealous/envious when I heard stories like this: "he just cobbled this thing together, and 10 years later, it's still paying his bills!"
But that over-simplication misses out on the fact that you *were* doing lots of peripheral work, flying to random readings, holding down a day job, blogging like crazy, learning about creativity, building an audience, and becoming findable. You already had all of the ingredients in your kitchen, and then assembled them in a way that continues to resonate with audiences.
I really appreciate all of the material and helpful lessons that you've been putting out into the world—thank you for being you!
I am an avid follower on IG and a glad recipient of your newsletter. I pre-ordered the 10th Anniversary Edition of Steal Like an Artist because I'd given away my earlier copy and I look forward to a careful day-by-day read. Thank you for sharing your playfulness and your wisdom. I can always use both! Also, keep up the Coco stuff - I envy you your owl.
Mar 15, 2022·edited Mar 15, 2022Liked by Austin Kleon
What a great story, Austin — thanks for sharing it! The importance of spontaneity and adrenaline can’t be overestimated when you’re preparing to talk to people; not that you should phone it in, of course, but you always have to remember who you’re talking with and what might help you engage them in an authentic and interesting way. (My signed preorder is on the way, btw, and I can’t wait — my original paperback is falling apart!) 💪
Oh how much I enjoyed reading about how this began. You worked very hard all along, and the opportunities came. Thank you for doing all of it. I have had your books for a long time. I even bought several sets of the books to give to people, my art students, family and friends that "needed" what you had to say in such a wonderful and fun way. I have followed you and your posts, your newsletters, and always picking up one of the books at random times. When you offered to order signed editions, that is when I decided to order several sets for very close friends, and one set for myself... I love having your signed editions, and it seems one other hard-back edition... hmmm.. I'll have to pull them out to see what that one was.... found it and it is the 10th Anniversary Edition. Again, I love hearing your story. So, after reading this and writing the comment I am picking back up the one "Keep Going" to read for about the third or fourth time. Seems I need "it" right now.
Thank you, Austen.
I am, at this moment at my digital desk (distracted by your post but it's on the screen) working on a book that is short, that will be square and will feature some nearly blank pages with very large type. I toyed with hand-written lettering (at my analog desk) but that wasn't working (I played with stencils and if it had been before the brush pen, that might have made a difference).
It will happen, though. Actually, it's book No. 4 (and all are wildly different). All because someone suggesting it might be OK to "write the book you want to read."
And so, I repeat. Thank you.
Anon.
Ridge
Thanks, Austin!
I have all your books and I am currently waiting on the anniversary addition I ordered from the Book People.
I bought my first copy of “Steal…!” At the MFA in Boston, MA. I have read it a few times and have passed it on to friends so they can enjoy too.
Your message has always been simple, to believe in yourself! You, my friend have been such an inspiration for me to keep writing. I am 66 years old now with a lot more time on my hands to do the things I love.
I enjoy your weekly newsletter and your fresh insight into all things creative. You have taught me to do the verb thing with creativity and this has morphed over into my love of photography. On my desk right now is a fresh copy of, “365 Days if Drawing!”
Life is such a sliver, thanks for throwing stuff at me that sticks so easily, and in such an enjoyable way!
I appreciate you!
Gerry
Thanks, y'all — you're very kind :)
Re-reading your trilogy of books at the end of 2020 was what made me finally launch my newsletter, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent years. So thank you for changing my life too!
What a great and fun story and journey. You rocked it. Keep going!
Thank you, for this look-back and for all the postings and books--my friends on my studio bookshelf.
I have read all your book multiple times, online and physically, I have also listened to the trilogy on audible many times. I bet your work has changed many lives, it has definitely changed mine and the people around me. I am going to order the tenth anniversary for sure! Thanks again, thanks for inspires us to steal like an artist, to show our work and keep going.
I’ll never forget browsing a book shop in Geneva, Switzerland, that doesn’t exist anymore, in 2012 looking for something worthwhile to read. I saw this book, picked it up and it is still one of my favorite inspiring reads when I believe I could actually do something about my writing and art…have been a trusted follower of yours ever since! Kudos, Austin, kudos!
Hi Austin! Happy 10 years to Steal.
What a journey it has been, and thanks to the Internet I am so happy to have access to your work all these years.
A friend gave me a copy of Steal for my birthday, in 2015 I believe. This was the time I had been offered by a publisher to write my own book, and I ended up quitting my day job (that I just started months before). Your book has been an important tool in my creative journey from that year on.
I'm currently rereading Keep Going as I'm settling in a new city, and your blog posts have kept me company time and time again as I found comfort in the words and ideas and art you've shared. I always mention your work to creative folks and my community, because it just always hits the spot. So thank you for the work that you do.
Can't wait to get my hands on the 10th anniv edition. Congratulations!!!
I absolutely love this story - thank you for sharing! I used to be incredibly jealous/envious when I heard stories like this: "he just cobbled this thing together, and 10 years later, it's still paying his bills!"
But that over-simplication misses out on the fact that you *were* doing lots of peripheral work, flying to random readings, holding down a day job, blogging like crazy, learning about creativity, building an audience, and becoming findable. You already had all of the ingredients in your kitchen, and then assembled them in a way that continues to resonate with audiences.
I really appreciate all of the material and helpful lessons that you've been putting out into the world—thank you for being you!
I am an avid follower on IG and a glad recipient of your newsletter. I pre-ordered the 10th Anniversary Edition of Steal Like an Artist because I'd given away my earlier copy and I look forward to a careful day-by-day read. Thank you for sharing your playfulness and your wisdom. I can always use both! Also, keep up the Coco stuff - I envy you your owl.
This changed me.
Thanks for sharing this with us. On to the second decade of Stealing!
What a great story, Austin — thanks for sharing it! The importance of spontaneity and adrenaline can’t be overestimated when you’re preparing to talk to people; not that you should phone it in, of course, but you always have to remember who you’re talking with and what might help you engage them in an authentic and interesting way. (My signed preorder is on the way, btw, and I can’t wait — my original paperback is falling apart!) 💪
This is beautiful to read. :) Thanks Austin for sharing this and so much more. Picking up the hardcover, need to begin again.
Oh how much I enjoyed reading about how this began. You worked very hard all along, and the opportunities came. Thank you for doing all of it. I have had your books for a long time. I even bought several sets of the books to give to people, my art students, family and friends that "needed" what you had to say in such a wonderful and fun way. I have followed you and your posts, your newsletters, and always picking up one of the books at random times. When you offered to order signed editions, that is when I decided to order several sets for very close friends, and one set for myself... I love having your signed editions, and it seems one other hard-back edition... hmmm.. I'll have to pull them out to see what that one was.... found it and it is the 10th Anniversary Edition. Again, I love hearing your story. So, after reading this and writing the comment I am picking back up the one "Keep Going" to read for about the third or fourth time. Seems I need "it" right now.