Whether you’re feeling burnt out, just starting your creative journey, or enjoying success, the critical question remains: How do you sustain your creativity? This book guides maintaining your creative spark during both challenging and prosperous times.

‘Keep Going’ is the third instalment in Austin Kleon’s trilogy, following ‘Steal Like an Artist‘ and ‘Show Your Work.’

In this article, we’ve highlighted 18 practical lessons to help you nurture your creativity:

1. Take It Day by Day

Focus on what you want to achieve and work on it every single day, regardless of the circumstances. Remember, you can only control today; yesterday is in the past, and tomorrow is uncertain.

2. Make Time for Yourself by Disconnecting from the World

Dedicate a specific place or hour each day to connect with your inner self. This is your personal space for thinking, practising your art, and creating something meaningful to share with others. In a world filled with constant news and notifications, finding solitude and creating a clear space is essential.

3. Start Your Day Mindfully, Not with News

Avoid reaching for your phone or laptop as soon as you wake up, as it can bring immediate anxiety and chaos into your life. Before bedtime, place your phone away from arm’s reach or across the room. In the morning, try not to check it immediately. There are many better ways to start your day: spend time in a peaceful space, have breakfast, stretch, exercise, take a walk, listen to calming music, shower, read a book, spend time with loved ones, or simply enjoy a moment of silence.

4. Focus on Actions, Not Labels

Creativity is not just a static identity; it’s an ongoing process. Job titles can limit the range of work you believe you can do. For instance, if you only see yourself as a “painter,” what happens when you want to explore writing? Even when you attain a specific job title, don’t stop engaging in the creative process itself.

5. Keep Your Passion Separate from Profit

Instead of turning your hobbies into money-making endeavours, maintain a clear distinction. When you transform the very thing that feeds your soul into a means of livelihood, it may lead to dissatisfaction and decreased enjoyment.

6. Don’t Obsess Over Metrics

Sharing your work online often involves tracking metrics like website visits, likes, shares, follower counts, and more. It’s easy to become overly fixated on these online statistics, similar to an obsession with money. Sometimes, your most cherished creations may not receive the attention they deserve, while something less significant can unexpectedly go viral. If you allow these metrics to dictate your creative journey, it can be emotionally taxing in the long run.

7. The Power of Gift-Giving in Art

When you feel like you’ve lost your creative spark, the quickest way to reignite it is to step away from commercial concerns and create gifts. Give it a try: When you’re feeling down about your work, make something special for someone in your life. If you have a larger audience, create something unique for them and share it freely. You never know when a gift meant for one person can become a gift for the entire world.

8. You Have All You Need for Extraordinary Art

You don’t need an extraordinary life to produce exceptional art. Everything required for extraordinary creativity can be found in your everyday experiences. The first step in turning your life into art is to pay closer attention.

9. Slow Down and Express Yourself Through Drawing

To cultivate mindfulness and truly observe your surroundings, grab a pencil and paper and start drawing what you see. Drawing is essentially an exercise in keen observation, and even if you’re not a skilled artist, it can offer profound benefits. As Roger Ebert noted, “By sketching something, I was compelled to deeply experience a place or moment.” Drawing can be a form of meditation.

10. Be Mindful of Your Attention

Your attention is one of your most valuable assets. First, safeguard it, and then direct it wisely. What you choose to focus on shapes both your life and your work. Take the time to revisit your journal, flip through your sketchbook, review your camera roll, or listen to your recorded music. Having a system for revisiting your work allows you to gain a better perspective on your creative journey and determine your next steps.

11. Embrace Change to Grow

We often fear changing our minds because we worry about how others will perceive us. However, personal growth occurs when we open ourselves up to new ideas. Unfortunately, the internet may not be the best place for experimental thinking anymore. To truly change your perspective, consider offline options like keeping a paper journal, having private conversations in trusted settings, or engaging with people who have different viewpoints. Interacting with those who don’t share our opinions can lead to reevaluating, strengthening, or improving our ideas.

12. Seek Wisdom from the Past

If you’re struggling to find people to engage in thoughtful discussions with, turn to the wisdom of those who came before us. Ancient texts and old books often contain insights into problems similar to the ones we face today. The voices of individuals who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago can still offer valuable perspectives.

13. Maintain Organised Tools and Embrace Creative Chaos

It’s not necessary to keep your workspace impeccably tidy; what matters is that it’s ready for you to work when inspiration strikes. Many artists thrive in messy environments. While their studios may appear disorganised, this mess is intentional and conducive to their creative process.

14. Sleep Clears the Mind

Sleep plays a vital role in clearing mental clutter. Naps, in particular, can be a secret weapon for artists. Consider the “caffeine nap” method: Drink a cup of coffee or tea, rest for fifteen minutes, and then resume work when the caffeine boost kicks in.

15. Transform the Unpleasant into Art

Art isn’t solely created from things that bring joy; it can also emerge from what we find unattractive or repulsive. Part of an artist’s role is to bring order to chaos, turning trash into treasure and revealing beauty where it may not be immediately apparent. Cultivate a keen eye to observe and create beauty even in the most unexpected places.

16. The Therapeutic Power of Walking

Walking is a remarkable remedy for those seeking clarity of thought. When we’re glued to screens, the world can seem unreal and disheartening. However, stepping outside and taking a walk helps us regain our senses. Many renowned artists, poets, and scientists, such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Charles Dickens, and Bob Dylan, found inspiration during their strolls. Make it a daily habit to go outside, whether alone or with a companion or pet. Always keep a notebook or camera handy to capture any fleeting thoughts or images.

17. Creative Work Has Seasons

Like a tree, creative work goes through different seasons. It’s essential to recognise which season you’re in and adjust your actions accordingly. In the creative “winter,” things may appear dormant, but beneath the surface, significant processes are at work, leading to “spring” and “summer” phases. Pay attention to the natural rhythms and cycles of your creative process, be patient during quieter times, and allow yourself the space to evolve while observing your patterns.

18. Embrace Impermanence

Remember that everything, including challenging situations, will eventually pass. Strive to spend your days engaging in activities that bring you closer to your goals. Be gentle with yourself and take your time. Focus less on completing tasks and more on pursuing meaningful endeavours. Instead of worrying about becoming a great artist, prioritise being a good human being who creates art.

Conclusion

In a world filled with constant information and distractions, staying true to your artistic path can be demanding. This book offers guidance on persevering regardless of your current circumstances. The question “What’s next?” is an enduring journey for every artist, never truly reaching an end.