Rediscovering the Spark: Lessons from Austin Kleon on Creativity and Play
Have you ever felt like life has lost its luster? That the days blend into a predictable routine, devoid of the excitement and curiosity that once defined your younger years? Personally, I’ve been there. It’s not depression, but it’s a dullness, a sense of going through the motions. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it’s a universal experience—one that Austin Kleon, author and creativity guru, has not only acknowledged but also tackled head-on. His latest book, Don’t Call It Art, is more than a guide; it’s a manifesto for reclaiming the playful, exploratory spirit of childhood. But what’s truly intriguing is how Kleon’s insights challenge our assumptions about creativity and adulthood.
The Myth of Adulthood’s Seriousness
One thing that immediately stands out is how society equates adulthood with seriousness. We’re told to grow up, to stop playing, to focus on productivity. But Kleon flips this narrative on its head. He argues that the very thing we lose as adults—playfulness—is the key to unlocking creativity and joy. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t about regressing to childhood; it’s about adopting a mindset. Kids don’t overthink; they just do. They explore because it’s fun, not because it’s productive. If you take a step back and think about it, this is revolutionary. We’ve been conditioned to believe that value comes from outcomes, but Kleon suggests that the process itself—the act of making, experimenting, and playing—is where the magic lies.
The Power of Becoming a Beginner
Kleon’s advice to “become a beginner” is deceptively simple. It’s not just about trying something new; it’s about shedding the weight of expertise. As adults, we’re so accustomed to knowing what we’re doing that we forget the joy of not knowing. This raises a deeper question: What if our fear of failure is what’s holding us back? Kleon’s own journey—from a rural Ohio kid doodling in a cornfield to a bestselling author—is a testament to the power of embracing inexperience. His breakout book, Steal Like an Artist, was a hodgepodge of ideas, and he admits it probably shouldn’t exist. But that’s precisely why it worked. It was raw, unpolished, and authentic. In my opinion, this is a lesson we all need to hear: sometimes, not knowing what you’re doing is the best place to start.
Play as a Radical Act
Kleon’s prescription for daily playtime feels almost subversive in today’s hyper-productive world. He suggests setting aside 15–20 minutes a day to mess around with pens, paper, and craft supplies. When I tried this, I was struck by my own resistance. Even with a dedicated space, I found excuses to avoid it. But here’s the kicker: Kleon says that feeling silly or self-conscious is the point. It’s about breaking down the barriers we’ve built around creativity. A detail that I find especially interesting is his use of a “ridiculous” apron in his studio. It’s not just a garment; it’s a signal to his brain that it’s time to play. What this really suggests is that creativity isn’t a serious endeavor—it’s a form of liberation.
The Analogue Revival
In a world dominated by screens, Kleon’s emphasis on handmade work feels like a breath of fresh air. His blackout poetry exercise, where you transform a newspaper article into something new, is a perfect example. It’s low-stakes, tactile, and surprisingly meditative. What’s fascinating is how this analogue approach contrasts with the digital overload of modern life. Kleon even sends print questionnaires for his Substack interviews, a process that’s slower but more intentional. This made me wonder: What if the key to reigniting our passion lies in stepping away from technology? It’s not about rejecting it entirely, but about finding balance. Personally, I’ve started sending handwritten letters instead of texts, and it’s been a game-changer.
The Art of Obsession
Kleon’s advice to “find what you really, really like” is a call to embrace our inner weirdness. As kids, we were obsessed with dinosaurs, space, or seashells—whatever captured our imagination. But as adults, we’re often too cool for that. Kleon challenges this by sharing his own recent obsession: owls. He didn’t have an end goal; he just enjoyed learning about them. This made me think: What if the secret to a fulfilling life is allowing ourselves to be unapologetically curious? I’ve started diving into ancient Egypt, a topic I’ve always been intrigued by but never explored. It’s been like opening a door to a part of myself I’d forgotten. What this really suggests is that passion isn’t something to be curated; it’s something to be indulged.
Parenting Yourself
Perhaps the most profound takeaway from Kleon’s work is the idea of being your own parent. Parents prioritize their children’s needs—why can’t we do the same for ourselves? Kleon’s experience as a father taught him the importance of meeting his own needs, whether it’s playtime or rest. This raises a deeper question: What if self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and meditation, but about creating space for joy and exploration? It’s a radical shift in perspective, one that challenges the notion that play is frivolous. As Kleon puts it, “Play is how you keep your spirit alive.”
Final Thoughts
Austin Kleon’s work isn’t just about creativity; it’s about reclaiming a way of being. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be serious all the time, that exploration and play are not just for kids. Personally, I think his greatest gift is permission—permission to be messy, to be silly, to be a beginner. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s what we’re all craving: the freedom to be ourselves, without judgment or expectation. So, wear something ridiculous, pick up a pen, and start making something. Who knows? You might just rediscover the spark you thought was gone.
