Musings, Learning Out Loud

Also an unofficial “Steal Like An Artist Trilogy” Review

I’ve always been a big fan of being bored.

Now hear me out because that sounds weird on the surface but for me boredom has always been a great motivator for creativity, for trying new things, for innovation, for learning. My siblings and I came up with our best (and, sorry mum: worst!) ideas because we were bored. These days, we’ve all gotten so good at just mindlessly consuming to fill the gaps, we’re in danger of losing out on our creative spark - a spark that thrives in the “darkness” of boredom.

Similarly, we worry that what we might put out won’t meet some arbitrary standard we’ve put up as a roadblock to progress, like we’re not being original enough, or we fear “putting it out there” until it’s finished. I mean, look, I know - I’ve been a frequent perfectionist procrastinator, or suffered my share of impostor syndrome so I understand the hole the mindset can dig for you.

This is why I was a big fan of the “The Steal Like an Artist audio trilogy—comprising Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work!, and Keep Going” by Austin Kleon that I listened to recently on car trips with my daughter who I worried was paralyzed by fear of failure. ¹ (We do like a good audiobook)

It gave a refreshing approach to creativity that aligns perfectly with the concepts of “learning in public” and “learning out loud.” Kleon starts by recognizing first that “there is nothing truly new under the sun” emphasizing that creativity is not about waiting for the perfect idea or waiting until your work is polished. Instead, it’s about sharing the messy, unfinished, and imperfect parts of your process. This is where learning in public comes in: by showing your work as you create it, you open yourself up to feedback, collaboration, and growth, (and maybe some helpful criticism). It’s not about presenting a final product, but about engaging others in the journey of your creative evolution.

In Show Your Work!, he dives deeper into the idea of learning out loud, encouraging creators to document and share their process, even the moments of doubt or struggle, which removes the pressure of perfection and fosters a culture of shared learning. When you share your process openly—whether through blog posts, musings, social media updates, or podcasts—you invite others into your journey. Not only does this make the act of creation more transparent, but it also allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who are also learning, iterating, and growing in public. The emphasis is on the story behind the work, not just the work itself.

Lastly, in Keep Going, Kleon stresses the importance of consistency and resilience. By committing to share your creative journey regularly, you create a form of accountability that encourages you to keep going, even on days when motivation is low. This, for me, is the true power of learning in public—it helps you stay on track and pushes you to show up, even when it feels hard. The feedback and support you receive from others can fuel your progress and remind you that creativity is an ongoing, collaborative process.

Together, the trilogy exemplifies how learning out loud—by sharing both your successes and setbacks—can transform your creative practice and build a community of continuous growth.

Footnotes

1. Trigger Warning: He does have some “offbeat” takes, like reading obituaries to gain an insights and inspirations - so know your audience! ↩