In the quest for creativity, how many of you have found yourself staring at a blank page on a screen, longing for that elusive spark of inspiration.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that true innovation demands we reinvent the wheel - to come up with something entirely new and groundbreaking.

But what if this pursuit of novelty is not only exhausting, but also fundamentally flawed?

In “Steal Like an Artist,” Austin Kleon challenges the notion that creativity occurs in a vacuum. He argues that instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, we should embrace the art of stealing creativity.

Don’t throw your toys just yet. Kleon isn’t advocating for outright plagiarism. Instead, he suggests that true creativity often stems from building upon existing ideas.

Pablo Picasso famously proclaimed that art is theft. This statement refers to his belief that all new ideas are essentially manifestations of previous ones. That every masterpiece, every groundbreaking invention, every revolutionary concept has its roots in something that came before it. It’s not copying; it’s remixing, reimagining, and putting a unique twist on existing ideas.

Indirect inspiration, as Kleon puts it, sounds far more palatable than plagiarism. It’s about drawing from a wide range of sources, synthesising information, and allowing ideas to percolate and evolve organically. This approach not only fosters creativity but also honours the rich tapestry of human knowledge and innovation that precedes us.

Even the greatest creatives in history didn’t start from scratch. They immersed themselves in the work of their predecessors, learning from their triumphs and failures, and used that knowledge to fuel their own creative endeavours. Innovation isn’t always about reinventing the wheel.

Creativity is not a solo endeavour. Surround yourself with knowledge, research tirelessly, and don’t be afraid to borrow from the greats who came before you.

Instead of chasing novelty, start celebrating the power of iteration, adaptation, and evolution.