Austin Kleon's new book 'Don't Call It Art' offers creative play tips for adults
Austin Kleon, author of 'Steal Like an Artist', releases his sixth book 'Don't Call It Art' on 9 June (Penguin Books, £20), offering exercises to help adults rediscover creativity through childlike play. Kleon, 42, draws inspiration from his two sons Owen (13) and Jules (11), whom he credits with reigniting his own creative spark after a slump. The book suggests becoming a beginner, making time for daily play, creating with hands, and following personal obsessions. Kleon's blackout poetry—marking up newspaper articles—is presented as a low-stakes entry point. His five previous books have sold over 2 million copies in English and been translated into 30+ languages. Kleon runs a popular Substack newsletter and lives in Austin, Texas.
Key facts
- Austin Kleon's sixth book 'Don't Call It Art' is published on 9 June by Penguin Books, £20.
- Kleon is author of 'Steal Like an Artist' and four other illustrated creativity guides.
- His books have sold over 2 million copies in English and been translated into 30+ languages.
- Kleon lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife Meghan and sons Owen (13) and Jules (11).
- The book encourages adults to learn from children's exploratory mindset.
- Kleon's blackout poetry involves marking up newspaper articles to create poems.
- He recommends daily playtime away from digital devices with simple materials.
- Kleon started his blog in the mid-2000s and now runs a popular Substack newsletter.
Entities
Artists
- Austin Kleon
Institutions
- Penguin Books
- Substack
- The Guardian
Locations
- Austin
- Texas
- United States
- Ohio
- Egypt