Rediscovering the Spark: Lessons from Austin Kleon on Creativity and Play
Have you ever felt like life has lost its luster? That the days blend into a predictable routine, and the vibrant, playful energy of childhood seems like a distant memory? Personally, I’ve been there. It’s not depression, but it’s a dullness, a sense of going through the motions. And then I stumbled upon Austin Kleon’s work, which made me wonder: What if the key to reigniting that spark lies in embracing our inner child?
The Paradox of Adulthood: Losing the Spark
One thing that immediately stands out is how adulthood often robs us of the very things that made life magical as kids. Remember the excitement of owning exotic pets or painting walls pink? Now, it’s more about dishwashers and endless hours on Google Docs. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we approach life. As Kleon points out, kids are in ‘explore mode,’ driven by curiosity and play. Adults, on the other hand, default to ‘exploit mode,’ leveraging expertise and efficiency. But here’s the kicker: the explore mode is where the fun—and the spark—resides.
The Power of Becoming a Beginner Again
Kleon’s advice to ‘become a beginner’ isn’t just a feel-good mantra; it’s a radical shift in perspective. When I tried his suggestion of setting up a ‘play area’ with pens and paper, I was struck by my own resistance. I felt silly, self-conscious, and unsure where to start. But that’s the point. What this really suggests is that we’ve internalized the idea that creativity must be purposeful or polished. Kleon’s ‘ridiculous’ apron, which he wears in his studio, is a brilliant reminder: playtime doesn’t require perfection—it requires permission to be bad.
The Analogue Escape: Making with Our Hands
In a world dominated by screens, Kleon’s emphasis on handmade work feels like a breath of fresh air. His blackout poetry exercise, where I transformed a newspaper article into something new, was unexpectedly liberating. It wasn’t about creating a masterpiece; it was about engaging with the process. What makes this particularly fascinating is how analogue activities reconnect us with our senses, offering a relief from the digital grind. It’s no wonder Kleon still prioritizes physical materials, even in his digital career. This raises a deeper question: Are we sacrificing joy for efficiency in our tech-driven lives?
The Art of Obsessing: Finding What You Really Like
Kleon’s encouragement to ‘find what you really, really like’ hit home. As kids, we dove into obsessions without hesitation—seashells, dinosaurs, Indiana Jones. But as adults, we often dismiss these interests as frivolous. When I decided to explore ancient Egypt, inspired by a temple wall drawing, it felt like unlocking a part of myself I’d neglected. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about hobbies; it’s about reclaiming the joy of discovery. Kleon’s owl obsession, with no end goal in sight, is a perfect example of how passion can be its own reward.
Parenting Ourselves: The Importance of Play
One of Kleon’s most profound insights is that we need to ‘be our own parent.’ We’d never deny a child playtime, yet we constantly deprive ourselves of it. Play isn’t frivolous—it’s essential for keeping our spirits alive. From my perspective, this is where many of us go wrong. We treat creativity as a luxury, not a necessity. Kleon’s analogy of parents prioritizing their kids’ soccer games is spot-on. We need to advocate for our own needs with the same dedication.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
What this conversation with Kleon really suggests is that the loss of spark isn’t inevitable. It’s a byproduct of how we’ve structured our lives. In my opinion, the pressure to be productive, the fear of looking silly, and the digital overload are all culprits. But the antidote is simpler than we think: tiny experiments, analogue activities, and a willingness to explore without judgment. It’s not about becoming an artist or even being ‘creative’ in the traditional sense. It’s about reconnecting with the joy of making, playing, and discovering.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Zag
As I reflect on Kleon’s advice, I’m reminded that sometimes the most transformative changes are the smallest. Clearing off that desk, doodling for 15 minutes, or sending a handwritten letter instead of a text—these aren’t grand gestures, but they’re powerful. What many people don’t realize is that the spark isn’t something we find; it’s something we cultivate. So, if you’ve been zigging for too long, maybe it’s time to zag. Put on that silly apron, pick up a pen, and see what happens. Your inner child—and your spirit—will thank you.
