✨ Sticky Notes, Creativity, and Permission to Steal: My Take on “Steal Like an Artist”

I recently picked up Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon after hearing it recommended in a YouTube video—and I’m so glad I did. It’s one of those rare books that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture. The tone is light, but the insights are anything but shallow.

It’s a quick read, and it’s fun—like a creative pep talk in book form. But more than anything, it’s inspiring. I found myself reaching for sticky notes, jotting down quotes and ideas I didn’t want to forget, and sticking them up on my wall as creative reminders.

🎨 Am I an artist, a writer, or a maker?

Truthfully? I’m a little mix of all three. That’s one of the reasons this book spoke to me so strongly—it doesn’t box creativity into just one discipline. Instead, it encourages us to pull from everything around us, remix what inspires us, and make something new-ish.

💡 Favorite Takeaways

One quote in particular really stuck with me:

“Whenever you’re at a loss for what move to make next, just ask yourself, ‘What would make a better story?’”

I love this as a creative prompt and a life philosophy. Whether you’re deciding what to paint, whether to take a new job, or whether to go on that spontaneous road trip… asking what would make the better story suddenly makes things clearer. It gives you permission to live bigger.

Another big takeaway? I don’t need a grand plan to create. I just need to start. The book reminded me to simply draw anything—but just draw. Or paint. Or write. Or get out of the house and chase an adventure. Creativity isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we practice.

🌼 Creative Rituals I’m Trying

Inspired by Kleon’s advice, I’ve started:

Writing down sticky-note quotes that light a spark in me
Drawing or painting something even if I don’t feel inspired
Saying yes to small adventures that might become stories later
Letting go of “originality” and embracing “influence + remix”

✍️ Questions to Reflect On

Here are a few questions I asked myself while reading—and that you might want to ask too:

Who are the artists, thinkers, or makers that I admire most—and why?
What’s something I’ve always wanted to create but keep waiting for permission?
What tiny creative habit could I start today?
What would make my wall of sticky notes feel like a reflection of who I’m becoming?

💬 A Question for You:

Have you read Steal Like an Artist? Or is there another book that’s lit a creative fire for you recently?

Drop a comment and let me know what you’re reading—or what quotes you’d stick on your wall.

PS: If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or creatively uninspired—this book is your gentle wake-up call. Go draw. Go write. Go live your story.

Wildflower & Lavender Notes