How to Develop Creative Abilities: Exercises from the Book “Steal Like an Artist: Creative Journal”
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-discovery and unlocking your creative potential can be challenging. However, as the renowned writer George Bernard Shaw once said, “Thinking about yourself is the first step towards living harmoniously with yourself.” For those eager to unleash their creativity, Austin Kleon’s book “Steal Like an Artist: Creative Journal” offers wonderful exercises designed to inspire and infuse more creativity into your daily routine.
The first exercise is “Imaginary Plot.” This task challenges you to take an unfamiliar book and, based solely on its title, invent a plot. For instance, if the book is titled “The Dance of Silence,” imagine what kind of story this mysterious phrase could weave. Perhaps it’s a novel about a deaf ballerina who shares her story with the world through dance? You can also apply this technique to other areas: when starting a new project, try to envision the idea based solely on its title. This approach helps expand the boundaries of your thinking and find unconventional solutions.
The second exercise is “Create Your Own Captions.” This method fosters creativity and helps you learn to express your thoughts concisely and effectively. Start by crafting unique captions for your social media photos that go beyond the typical “Picnic with friends.” Consider something more original, like “Nature’s touch is the best antidepressant.” Incorporating this wordplay into daily activities will make your content more engaging. Try sharing your thoughts and ideas through brief yet meaningful phrases in both social media and everyday conversations.
One of the most intriguing tasks is “Make Your Enemy Laugh.” Write a letter to someone you dislike and try to make it humorous. For instance, you might say: “Dear Ivan, your habit of being late to meetings is like the clock hands deciding to take a vacation. Thanks for constantly adding to my life’s comedy reel.” This exercise allows you to view negative situations from a different angle and teaches you to find positivity even in the most unpleasant circumstances. Such practices promote emotional release and develop the skill of finding light in dark moments, making you more productive and happier.
Remember, creativity isn’t an innate gift but a discipline that requires constant practice and improvement. Try out assignments from Austin Kleon’s book in your life, and you’ll see how your perception of the world and yourself changes. As the famous artist Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
These and many other exercises described in the fascinating book “Steal Like an Artist: The Creative Journal” will not only help you boost your creativity but also enrich your creative process significantly. Each of us can find something valuable and unique in these exercises.
For example, one task suggests drawing a picture using only a limited set of tools and colors, forcing you to think outside the box and discover new ways to express yourself. Another exercise recommends daily journaling your observations about the world around you, which over time sharpens your perception and attention to detail.
I personally spent several weeks completing tasks from this book and noticed a remarkable improvement in my ability to generate fresh ideas. Give it a try, because it’s truly fun and beneficial.
