Steal Like an Artist

1. Steal Like an Artist: Embrace Influence and Remix Ideas

"What is originality? Undetected plagiarism."

Total originality is a misconception, as all creative work is fundamentally constructed from existing foundations. Acknowledge this reality to utilize influence effectively. Rather than attempting to create in a vacuum, analyze the work of others and synthesize various concepts to generate new iterations.

Systematically gather influential materials. Maintaining a "swipe file" of data, imagery, and concepts provides the essential raw material for future production. This process is not about direct imitation, but rather about internalizing diverse influences to develop a more informed and unique analytical perspective.

• Analyze the work of established figures and their specific influences
• Integrate and synthesize concepts from multiple origins
• Convert gathered material into a personalized contribution

2. Start Creating Now: Don't Wait for Perfection

"Fake it 'til you make it."

Address the phenomenon of imposter syndrome, which is a common experience for those beginning new projects. Overcoming this requires active engagement in work regardless of perceived readiness. Proficiency is developed through the act of production itself rather than waiting for a feeling of qualification.

View the initial stages of work as a necessary learning curve. Early output functions as a bridge toward higher quality through iteration. Prioritizing volume over initial excellence allows for the experimentation and failure required for professional growth, noting that even successful figures began at a foundational level.

• Initiate production without waiting for formal validation
• Apply an iterative approach to learning through action
• Accept errors as an essential component of the developmental process

3. Write What You Like: Create the Work You Want to See

"Write the book you want to read."

Prioritize personal interests over perceived market demands. Authenticity and engagement levels are typically higher when the creator is genuinely invested in the subject matter, which naturally attracts a relevant audience with similar interests.

Target deficiencies identified in existing content. If specific material or solutions are missing from the current landscape, develop them personally. This strategy ensures the creation of unique value and addresses specific requirements that are currently unmet in the field.

• Prioritize personal curiosity within the creative process
• Locate and address underserved niches within specific fields
• Utilize personal interest as the primary driver for project choices

4. Use Your Hands: Engage in Analog Creation

"In the digital age, don't forget to use your digits!"

Re-establish a connection with physical production methods. Digital environments can sometimes limit the sensory involvement required for certain types of cognitive work. Integrating analog techniques helps engage different mental and physical faculties during the development cycle.

Establish distinct environments for different types of tasks. When possible, use physical spaces for initial brainstorming and conceptualization. Reserved digital stations should be utilized for the final refinement and technical execution of the project to maintain a balance between ideation and production.

• Utilize physical tools and tactile materials for experimentation
• Apply analog techniques for problem-solving and initial ideation
• Coordinate between manual tasks and digital refinement

5. Embrace Side Projects: Nurture Multiple Passions

"The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life."

Avoid restricting focus to a single area of interest. Diversifying pursuits facilitates unexpected cognitive links and technical progress across different fields. Exploring various avenues can yield benefits even if they appear disconnected from primary professional goals.

Treat secondary interests as a source of momentum. Activities pursued for recreation often contain the most potential for long-term fulfillment and success. Identify the subjects and tasks that naturally draw attention during periods of unstructured time.

• Develop a broad range of skills and cross-disciplinary interests
• Allow diverse fields of study to influence one another
• Remain flexible regarding professional focus based on engagement levels

6. Share Your Work: Put Your Creations Out There

"It's not enough to be good. In order to be found, you have to be findable."

View digital networks as essential distribution platforms. The internet removes traditional barriers to reaching an audience and connecting with peers. Direct publication and sharing are effective ways to establish a presence without waiting for external endorsement.

Reveal the methodology behind the output rather than just the final result. Documentation of the creative process provides transparency and value to others. Sharing the journey of a project can generate more engagement and professional interest than the completed work alone.

• Leverage digital platforms to ensure visibility
• Maintain a consistent presence within relevant online spaces
• Distribute insights and methodologies freely to provide value

7. Geography Is No Longer a Limitation: Connect Globally

"Your brain gets too comfortable in your everyday surroundings. You need to make it uncomfortable."

Utilize global networks to transcend the limitations of physical location. Digital communities allow for collaboration and networking regardless of geographical distance. Engaging with these groups expands professional reach and provides access to varied global perspectives.

Seek environmental shifts to stimulate new thinking. Exposure to different cultural contexts and settings prevents cognitive stagnation. In the absence of physical travel, digital resources can be used to investigate different environments and diverse conceptual frameworks.

• Participate in specialized digital forums and professional groups
• Engage in collaborations with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Search for varied cultural and intellectual influences to expand perspectives

8. Be Nice and Build Relationships: Cultivate a Supportive Network

"There's only one rule I know of: You've got to be kind."

Adopt a supportive stance toward peers within the field. Promoting and acknowledging the contributions of others builds social capital and broadens personal professional networks. This approach fosters a collaborative environment that benefits all participants.

Focus on developing high-quality, authentic relationships. Substantial connections with respected peers are more impactful than a high volume of superficial interactions. Investing in genuine rapport is essential for long-term professional stability and growth.

• Provide assistance to others without immediate expectation of return
• Acknowledge and support the achievements of peers in the field
• Maintain authenticity in all professional and social interactions

9. Embrace Boredom: Find Creativity in Routine

"The trick is to find a day job that pays decently, doesn't make you want to vomit, and leaves you with enough energy to make things in your spare time."

Implement a sustainable work structure based on consistency. Regularity is fundamental to long-term productive output. Designating specific times for focused work ensures steady progress, even if the daily time commitment is relatively small.

Leverage limitations to drive innovation. Scarcity of time or resources often necessitates more creative problem-solving and efficient workflows. View these constraints as frameworks that can sharpen focus rather than as simple barriers to progress.

• Allocate consistent, dedicated time for focused production
• Manage multiple tasks through structured daily routines
• Identify creative opportunities within existing professional constraints

10. Take Care of Yourself: Maintain a Sustainable Creative Life

"Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work."

Make health and well-being a priority for long-term productivity. Creative and professional work requires significant mental and physical energy. Sustaining high-level output is dependent on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels.

Ensure financial stability to support independent work. Economic pressure can inhibit the creative process and limit decision-making freedom. Effective budgeting and financial planning provide the necessary security to pursue projects without undue external pressure.

• Establish healthy routines involving sleep, exercise, and nutrition
• Build a secure financial foundation for professional independence
• Balance professional obligations with personal project pursuits

Last updated: January 22, 2025