Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is an American artist and writer best-known for his books on creativity and productivity. Kleon has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Wired, and NPR. He's been described as a "new media artist" and "youthful agitator" as his books often feature illustrative cut-and-paste visuals and incorporate snippets of text and quotes.

Kleon was born in Ohio and currently lives in Texas. He received a B.F.A. in studio art from the University of Dayton and an M.F.A. in design communication arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Kleon's first book, Newspaper Blackout (2010), consists of poems he created entirely by cutting out words from existing newspaper articles. It was successful and earned him appearances on the Today Show and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Kleon's second book, Steal Like an Artist (2012), is an inspirational guide for creative people of all ages—from aspiring artists to established professionals. In the book, Kleon outlines a framework for unleashing creativity—from almost stealing and building on ideas, to questioning the status quo. The book has been translated into Spanish, German, and French, and has sold over 500,000 copies.

Kleon's third book, Show Your Work! (2014), is a guide for getting noticed by showcasing one's talent and ideas on the Internet, with advice on how to develop a strong body of work, be more productive, and create opportunities for further success and recognition.

Kleon's fourth book, Keep Going (2019), provides advice on topics such as how to recognize and draw energy from personal victories and how to use "darksights" to motivate success. This book also contains reference material, practical tips, and examples from the lives of influential figures such as Andy Warhol, Pearl S. Buck, Johnny Cash, and Jack Kerouac.

Kleon is also a writer and editor of The Mentor newsletter. He also authors a blog largely focused on creativity, writing, and productivity. His work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine and Fortune Magazine.

Apart from his books, Kleon also produces art, often by finding and combining existing images. He also leads workshops on topics such as information design, creative storytelling, and creative small-group dynamics.

In summary, Austin Kleon is a bestselling author and creator of innovative books and art. His insights on creativity, productivity and other aspects of life have influenced many people, allowing them to make the most of their lives. His books, blog and newsletter offer ideas, advice, and strategies for those who seek to express their creativity and tap into their potential.