Copying as a means to an end.

"Steal Like An Artist" by Austin Kleon, Chapter 1 (pg 1-23)

"Steal Like An Artist" by Austin Kleon, Chapter 1 (pg 1-23)

Many years ago, I met an artist from China. His name is Xian Chen. He was in the master’s program at ISU in printmaking. He made some of the most beautiful work of an artist I had the fortune of meeting in person. His skill at reproducing classically drawn human figures was incredible.

I asked Chen how he became so good. He told me the Chinese educational system identifies young students with artistic talents. These students are taught to copy western and eastern Master of Art for many years before they are allowed to make their own art unlike in the United States. I think this is a good way for artists to learn how to improve their skills.

When I was a child I did something very similar. I copied mostly cartoonists, illustrators and “how to draw books” for many years, before making my own designs. When I meet young artists and designers I always encourage them to do the same. I suggest there is no shame in copying work they like as a way to improve their own skills. I think it's really the best way to learn.  

Austin Kleon’s book titled, "Steal Like an Artist", promotes a similar concept, but he likes to call it “stealing” and he’s not ashamed to say it. I will be reviewing this book today and in future posts.

Now this bares the question. Isn't originality valued in art and design? I say yes, but this is a specifically a graphic design blog. Art for art sake is an entirely different subject. I think a good designer can be original by constantly working and learning. I think a good designer will always be searching for new reference material and inspiration, so they can hone their craft as designers.

In the first chapter Kleon talks about being mindful of the world around you and he gives some suggestions on how to document those experiences such as keeping a “swap file” for reference material. Later in the book he goes into more detail defining his concept of stealing.

My initial thoughts are positive. While I agree with the Kleon's thesis, I believe there are some things one must consider when reading it and not take everything literally. There are some boundaries you may want to consider.

Before I go down that path, I want to make it very clear I am not an attorney and unable to give credible legal advice. The following statements are purely speculation and based on my opinion. The general rule is when in doubt, check it out. If your gut tells you something is wrong, then chances are it's wrong.

There might be some legal concerns such as copyright laws, which could get you in some legal problems, but I am under the impression that if you use reference material purely for educational purposes you might be safe. I think what Kleon says "stealing", he means to embrace work you really like and to make the spirit of that work you own.

Another, more recent topic, not illegal, but in public opinion there is a term called cultural appropriation. You could be criticized for using motifs from another culture without giving them credit and people are sensitive to that type of “stealing.” Where do you draw the line?

Kleon’s book is a quick read, so there’s not a lot of in-depth content. The book could be read in a less than a day. My favorite quote from chapter one is from the French writer Andre’ Gide. He said. “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” There is a lot of truth to this. 

Kleon gives you creative license to not worry about what has been done or what will be done, because he argues that every design motif has been done already.

I think it’s important for humanity to recognize good work and then to keep that work alive. I think as humans we should act together, knowingly or unknowingly, to make life a little better. We should continue to allow ideas to evolve, even if that means we “steal” the ideas from one another. I like to think of the concept as a global consciousness.  

Chapter One also encourages the reader to become a collector. I am going to try to become a better collector this semester. I’m already a collector of odd things, but I need to collect more reference material.

My taste in things to collect changes a from time to time. It just depends on my mood. I keep my stash of non-digital items collection in a drawer and when I can on my walls.

I stash my internet links in my web browser’s bookmarks. I keep separate folders for different subjects. I just started a Pinterest account to help find more reference material and so far, I’m glad I did.  

We’ve also been instructed to choose a mentor. I choose Art Chantry for now. I'm also a big fan of Jason Munn. Chantry and Munn have very divergent styles, which are reflected in their personalities a lot. Chantry is outspoken and rude. Munn is humble and quiet. Here are examples of Chantry and Munn's work.

Art Chantry

Jason Munn

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