I've mentioned Austin Kleon several times. It was his advice about self promotion —"Write something that you would want to read"— that motivated me to write this letter.
He is prolific but perhaps best known for his book, Steal Like an Artist, 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. He says that he's learned these things while trying to figure out how to make art. "But a funny thing happened when I started sharing them with others," he says, "I realized that they aren't just for artists. They are for everyone."
Each of the ideas is woven together with primary weft themes. One is, "nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, and remix and reimagine to discover our own path." Another is to make the work we want to see in the world. Another is to "work out loud". He coaches us to show others what we are doing as we are doing it.
"The more open you are about sharing your passions, the closer people will feel to your work. Artists aren't magicians. There's no penalty for sharing your secrets."
Book: Steal Like an Artist, 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
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