"Steal Like a Professional: The Art of Becoming Unforgettable"

I’ll never forget the day I unveiled Hustling Johnny—a vivid portrait of a slick, streetwise pool shark that captured the cunning dance between talent and deception. The piece won national acclaim, opening doors for me as a young artist. But what followed was unexpected. The image was stolen, reproduced, and sold worldwide without permission. My team sent cease-and-desist letters, but they went unanswered. At first, I was furious. But over time, I realized: maybe there was a hint of a compliment in the situation. Someone had stolen but I only wish they would have "stolen like an artist.”

That phrase would come full circle years later when I read Austin Kleon’s book Steal Like an Artist. It’s a brilliant little manifesto of creative truths—10 powerful principles that, frankly, don’t just apply to artists. They apply to anyone trying to make a living doing meaningful work.

Three Lessons from the Book That Shaped My Journey

1. Nothing Is Original—But Your Voice Can Be
Kleon reminds us that creativity is about collecting, connecting, and reinterpreting—not starting from scratch. I’ve borrowed from Andrew Wyeth’s emotional restraint, the looseness of John Singer Sargent, and the modern edge of Wolf Kahn. But I never copied them—I studied, filtered, and let their influence shape my voice. You can do the same. Stealing wisely isn’t theft—it’s transformation.

2. Your Career Demands More Than Talent
I’ve often been told, “You’re so lucky to make a living as an artist.” But luck didn’t build this 50-year career. Alliance, Resourcefulness, and Tenacity—my personal A.R.T. of success—did. I aligned with the right partners, found inventive ways to create opportunities, and refused to quit when things got hard. Kleon’s advice is clear: don’t wait for permission. Make your own momentum.

3. Share Generously, Stay Curious
The artist’s path is not a straight line—it’s a messy, shared experience. Whether you’re speaking, designing, building, or leading, Kleon’s advice to “do good work and share it with people” is gold. That’s how we grow communities and careers. I’ve spoken to countless groups who’ve said, “I didn’t just hear your story—I saw myself in it.” That only happens when you create from a place of humility and curiosity.

Closing Thought:
In a world full of copycats and AI clones, authenticity still wins. Learn from those who came before you. Borrow their structure, remix their style, but never lose your voice. Whether you’re painting, pitching, or planning your next big idea—steal like an artist… and succeed like a pro.