It's in the act of making things that we figure out who we are.
Austin KleonRead
If we're free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running from it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing influence allows for greater creativity without the pressure of being original.
This quote by Austin Kleon emphasizes the idea that creativity does not always require complete originality and that one can draw inspiration from existing ideas. By recognizing and accepting the influences around us, we can free ourselves from the pressure of creating something entirely new and instead combine various influences to innovate and express ourselves more authentically.
Themes
CreativityInfluenceOriginalityArtInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote when discussing creative collaboration in a workshop.
More from Austin Kleon
All quotes →Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.
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The best way to get started on the path of sharing your work is to think about what you want to learn, and make a commitment to learning it in front of others.
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The only way to find your voice is to use it. It’s hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.
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Usually, when we talk about creativity, it's about self-expression, which is great, but for work to be art or design, there has to be someone on the other end. The audience makes the work come alive.
Austin KleonRead
Don't think of your website as a self-promotion machine, think of it as a self-invention machine.
Austin KleonRead
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