Create The Art You Want To Consume

The third lesson learned from reading Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist

“Create the art you want to consume” seems to be an easy lesson to learn.

But that is easier said than done.

Creatives often get bamboozled. You are told you must make your art palatable to everyone to make money. Or, you must stick to a niche and not leave it lest the algorithm smite you. Virality and numbers become the end goal instead of building a catalog of creative work you can look back on with pride.

Here’s the thing.

When you create the art you would like to see more of, you are also creating art for people who love the work that has inspired your art. Fanfiction and fanart are examples of this.

That’s why Kleon’s advice to “write the book you want to read” (42-43) is pertinent to all creatives seeking something beyond a paycheck.

Human beings love to create art because we love to consume art.

And when we love a piece of work, we often become desperate for more. Again, look at the popularity of fanfiction and fanart. Your art can continue a branch from a group of creatives you found inspiration in. Along the way, your creative work will entice people who loved the same creatives that inspired you.

So create the work you want to see.

Not what you think others ‘s may want to see — your work will quickly become hollow. Void of life.