I started writing this article to make a summary of Steal Like an Artist. But, I thought it was more important to share a beatmaker’s interpretation of the book.
Find sample-worthy ideas.
This book helped me realize how I looked at the world for the past few years. I filter what I consume.
When I started reading the first chapter of this book, it jumped out at me. “Sample like a music producer”.
The philosophy behind the book is pretty similar to how I think, and I’ll show you how.
How I look at the world (through the lens of a beatmaker/music producer)
The first chapter starts with a picture of a decision tree. You need to answer one question, “Is it worth stealing?”
I loved this because it reminded me of how I think about music. However, I ask, “Is it sample-worthy?”
If it’s not, move on so that you can find something that is sample-worthy.
If it is, it’s worth your attention! Now, you can consume it to get a feel for it and start mapping out what it could become if you use it.
Then, sample it. Chop it. Dissect it into the pieces of the puzzle your mind wants to assemble.
Play around with the pieces to see how they fit together.
Test your assumptions about what you can build. Confront the reality of making your vision work. See what’s possible.
After having fun, move on to the next sample-worthy thing you can find.
It’s just like playing with Legos, but better. Why? Because you can make a Lego set out of what you sample.
Then, repurpose that into something new.
What you sample serves as the building blocks for your new creation.
Although this is my philosophy about music, I now realize that I need to sample everything like I do in music. Filter everything through the lens of a beatmaker by asking, “Is it sample-worthy?”
Why finding sample-worthy ideas matters
Finding sample-worthy ideas ignites something in you. Those ideas compel you to act. They lead you to create effortlessly. Sort of. Compared to the pressure you put on yourself to create something original, the process is effortless.
Before you even start thinking about how it’s plagiarism and unoriginal, I invite you to think about the dynamics of a group conversation.
Eventually, someone says something that triggers a memory or a thought. Once that happens, you go from “I have nothing to say” to “I’m getting tired of the sound of my own voice, where’s my off button?”
You got prompted to participate in the conversation by something that was sample-worthy.
The same thing happens when you try to write. You suffer from blank page syndrome if you don’t have something sample-worthy to prompt you to write.
I’m sampling a piece of Austin Kleon’s work because it triggered something. I read the first few pages of the first chapter of his book. Then, I wrote this article. It’s easy to build on what inspires you. Trying to make something out of nothing is tough.
The underlying principle is to stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Start using the wheel as the foundation of what you’ll create.
What if you want to be original?
The point that the book tries to convey is that nothing is original. If you think something is, you don’t know the creator’s sources of inspiration that used it first.
We all sample to express ourselves.
We all pick and choose what we keep in our lives. What inspires you is reflected in your identity, your behavior, and your culture. Embrace it.
Don’t try to hide it.
What should you do when you use something sample-worthy?
Give people their flowers and credit them. Do that so you can feel free to sample without feeling guilty.
Attribution is crucial.
Link to the work that inspired you.
Make sure that you allow the world to find the creators.
How can you start applying this sample-worthy philosophy intentionally?
Too many things fight for your attention. The sample-worthy approach acts as a filter for what is worthy of your attention.
The sample-worthy Notion template is a tool that helps you save what matters. I created it to help you build a collection of ideas you can build on.
I mentioned that sampling is like playing with Legos, which is one of the reasons I love using Notion. It’s a digital playground that runs on blocks and bends to your will. It’s not as fun as playing with a drum machine, but it makes writing more enjoyable.
Ultimately, to create, you want to use a database of sample-worthy ideas. Get your sample-worthy database!
0 Comments