Think Like an Artist Summary: Unlock Your Genius
Think Like an Artist Summary! Will Gompertz reveals 11 artist secrets for innovation & joy
Introduction: What If Your Most Creative Self Was Just a Mindset Away?
Ever stare at a blank page, a problem at work, or even your daily routine and feel… empty?
Like your creative spark has fizzled out?
That frustrating sense that truly original ideas are for “other people” – the Picassos and Michelangelos of the world. Will Gompertz’s “Think Like an Artist” blew that myth wide open for me.
As the BBC’s Arts Editor, Gompertz spent decades with creative giants and discovered a powerful truth: Creativity isn’t magic; it’s a set of learnable behaviors.
This Think Like an Artist Summary cracks open his playbook, showing how anyone – yes, you – can tap into their innate artistic mindset for a richer, smarter, more inventive life.
Ready to ditch the creative block? Let’s dive in.
TL;DR: Think Like an Artist Quick Summary
Core Idea: Creativity isn’t magic; it’s a set of learnable behaviors used by successful artists that anyone can adopt.
Key Behaviors: 11 practical habits including embracing failure as “Plan B”, serious curiosity, transforming inspiration (“stealing”), asking questions, balancing vision/detail, finding your point of view, bravery, and pausing to reflect.
Big Takeaway: “We are all artists” capable of greater innovation and fulfillment by applying this artistic mindset beyond traditional art.
Verdict: 4.5/5 Stars. An inspiring, practical, and timely guide to unlocking your creative potential. Highly recommended.
Best For: Anyone feeling creatively blocked, professionals seeking innovation, educators, artists, entrepreneurs.
Pros: Actionable framework, demystifies creativity, compelling real-world examples, clear writing, broad relevance.
Cons: Primarily Western artist examples; “free agent future” vision may downplay economic challenges.
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Real Readers (What People Are Saying About Think Like an Artist)
“Finally freed me from the ‘I’m not creative’ lie. The ‘stealing’ chapter revolutionized my design process.” (Amazon Review)
“Loved the ‘Plan B’ mentality! It helped me pivot my failing startup into something viable.” (Amazon Review)
“The artist stories are gold. Understanding how Warhol or Picasso thought is incredibly empowering.” (Goodreads Review)
“Changed how I approach teaching. My classroom is becoming an ‘art school’!” (Amazon Review)
“More than just inspiration; it’s a practical manual for thinking differently in any field.” (Goodreads Review)
“The ‘pause for thought’ concept improved my writing more than any workshop.” (Amazon Review)
“This book changed how I approach my work. I’ve never considered myself creative, but Gompertz convinced me otherwise.” — Goodreads Reviewer
“Finally, a book about creativity that’s practical rather than mystical. The artist examples make the principles come alive.” — Amazon Customer
“As a teacher, I’ve implemented many of these ideas in my classroom. The difference in student engagement is remarkable.” — Educator Review
“Gompertz writes with such warmth and clarity. It feels like he’s personally cheering you on to unlock your creative potential.” — Art Enthusiast
“The chapter on failure alone is worth the price. I’ve stopped seeing setbacks as endings and now view them as part of the process.” — Business Professional
“I bought this for my artist daughter, but ended up loving it myself. It speaks to anyone wanting to live more creatively.” — Parent Review
Think Like an Artist Book Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Think Like an Artist: How to Live a Happier, Smarter, More Creative Life |
| Author | Will Gompertz |
| Publisher | Viking |
| Pub Date | August 11, 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 200 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0241970806 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0241970805 |
| Item Weight | 6 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.16 x 0.54 x 7 inches |
| Best Sellers | #46 in Art Antiques & Collectibles |
| Avg. Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars (365 ratings) |
My Deep Think Like an Artist Summary & Book Review
10 Burning Questions This Book Answers
- Is true creativity only for gifted artists, or can anyone learn it?
- How do successful artists actually overcome failure and creative blocks?
- What practical habits can I adopt to boost my everyday creativity?
- Is copying ideas wrong? How do artists ethically “steal” inspiration?
- Why is asking questions more important than having answers for creativity?
- How can I balance big-picture vision with getting the small details right?
- What does it mean to have a unique “point of view,” and how do I find mine?
- How can I be braver about sharing my ideas and dealing with criticism?
- Why is taking time to pause and reflect crucial for creative work?
- How can schools and workplaces be redesigned to foster more creativity?
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What’s This Book Really About?
Forget dusty art history lectures. “Think Like an Artist” is a practical manifesto arguing that creativity is our universal human superpower.
Gompertz’s core message hit me hard: “We are all artists.” The difference between a “creative genius” and the rest of us isn’t innate talent; it’s adopting specific habits and attitudes that successful artists consistently use. This isn’t about learning to paint (unless you want to!), but about applying an artist’s mindset to everything – your job, your hobbies, your problem-solving, your life.
Gompertz identifies 11 key behaviors observed across wildly different artists, from Andy Warhol to Marina Abramović:
Artists Are Enterprising: They’re savvy CEOs of their own ideas. Profit buys freedom, freedom provides time – the artist’s most precious resource. Think Warhol turning business itself into art.
Artists Don’t Fail (They Iterate): Failure isn’t fatal; it’s feedback. Edison’s 10,000 “failures” were steps to the lightbulb. Success often comes from a brilliant “Plan B” (like Bridget Riley finding Op Art after heartbreak).
Artists Are Seriously Curious: Deep passion fuels relentless questioning. They devour knowledge and see everything as potential inspiration. Curiosity is the engine of new ideas.
Artists “Steal” (Then Transform): Originality is a myth! Great artists absorb influences (copying to learn) then “steal” ideas by filtering them through their unique perspective, creating something new (like Picasso blending Old Masters with his own blues).
Artists Are Skeptics: They start by asking tough questions, challenging assumptions (the Socratic Method!). “The unexamined idea is not worth realizing.” Doubt refines.
Artists Think Big Picture AND Fine Detail: They constantly zoom in and out. A tiny detail (like the pink dot on Vermeer’s Girl) can transform the whole. Vision plus precision.
Artists Have a Point of View: It’s not just skill; it’s what you uniquely have to say. Kerry James Marshall’s point of view? Putting Black lives center stage in Western art. Find your voice.
Artists Are Brave: Creating means vulnerability. Sharing your work takes guts against potential ridicule (Michelangelo feared the Sistine Chapel!). Courage is essential.
Artists Pause for Thought: They step back, critique, and refine. David Hockney adds tiny dots that change everything. Marcel Duchamp spent 20 years contemplating his final work. Reflection is key.
All Schools Should Be Art Schools: Education should teach how to think, not what to think – fostering curiosity, projects, and self-discovery.
All Offices Should Be Artists’ Studios: The future needs flexible, collaborative spaces where “free agents” thrive, not rigid hierarchies that kill imagination.
Why This Mindset Matters NOW: In our age of AI and digital upheaval, human creativity is our irreplaceable edge. This book is your toolkit to harness it.
Gompertz’s Toolkit: Your Action Plan for an Artistic Mindset
This book isn’t theory; it’s packed with actionable ways to think differently:
Become the CEO of You: Treat your ideas and skills like a business. What’s your unique value? How can you create the time and freedom (your “profit”) to explore them? (Inspired by Warhol, Theaster Gates)
Embrace the “Plan B” Mentality: When stuck or facing setback, ask: “What can this become instead?” Don’t mourn the derailed Plan A; pivot. Failure is just a detour sign. (Inspired by Bridget Riley, David Ogilvy)
Steal Like a Pro: Immerse yourself in great work (in any field!). Don’t just copy – absorb, then combine ideas in new ways filtered through your experience. What can you remix? (Inspired by Picasso)
Ask Ruthless Questions: Before diving in, channel your inner skeptic. Why am I doing this? What assumptions am I making? What could go wrong? Questioning strengthens your foundation. (Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Piero della Francesca)
Zoom In, Zoom Out: Practice shifting perspective constantly. Keep your big vision clear while obsessing over the crucial details that make it sing. (Inspired by Luc Tuymans, Vermeer)
Find Your Point of View & Change Your Scene: What unique angle do you bring? If stuck, physically change your environment – a walk, a new cafe – to jolt your senses and perspective. (Inspired by Peter Doig, Rembrandt)
Schedule Pause Time: Build in moments to step back from creating and put on your “critic” hat. What tiny adjustment would make a big difference? Don’t rush the finish. (Inspired by David Hockney, Marcel Duchamp)
Be Courageously You: Share your ideas, even if your voice shakes. Accept that criticism comes with the territory. Vulnerability is the price of authentic creation. (Inspired by Michelangelo, Ai Weiwei)
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Book Themes & Analysis
Detailed Think Like an Artist Summary by Chapter
My Personal Review & Deep Analysis & Ratings
Gompertz writes with infectious enthusiasm and clarity.
Having met so many artists, he shares stories like a friend recounting fascinating conversations. It’s conversational, jargon-free, and deeply relatable.
He uses vivid artist examples not to lecture, but to show the behaviors in action.
Quotes from creators are woven in seamlessly.
The book moves with purpose.
Each chapter focuses on one behavior, blending biography, analysis, and practical takeaways. It never drags. The structure makes it easy to digest one powerful idea at a time. The stories (Warhol’s hustle! Michelangelo’s fear!) keep it lively.
The final chapters on education and work feel urgent and forward-thinking.
It ends not with closure, but with a call to action: Reshape your learning and work environments to nurture creativity. It’s motivating, leaving you fired up to apply the lessons. Felt like: “You have the blueprint – now go build a more creative world!”
My Verdict: Should You Steal Some Time for This Book?
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars. A refreshing, practical, and inspiring guide.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely. It transformed how I view my own creative potential. The “Plan B” and “stealing” chapters were game-changers for me.
Would I recommend it? Wholeheartedly YES! It’s perfect for:
Anyone who feels “not creative.”
Professionals seeking innovation (business, tech, education, etc.).
Artists needing a mindset boost.
Problem-solvers and lifelong learners.
Standout Strengths:
Demystifies Creativity: Proves it’s a habit, not a halo.
Actionable Framework: 11 clear, memorable behaviors to practice.
Compelling Stories: Real artist examples bring concepts to life.
Broad Relevance: Applies far beyond the traditional “arts.”
Timely Message: Essential for thriving alongside AI.
Considerations:
While Gompertz mentions global artists, Western examples dominate. The “free agent” future vision is exciting but may gloss over economic security concerns.
Compared to Other Books:
Unlike abstract creativity theory (The Artist’s Way) or pure business innovation (Creative Confidence), Gompertz uniquely decodes the lived behaviors of successful artists into a universal toolkit.
It’s more practical than poetic, more “how they think” than “how to make art.”
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Meet Will Gompertz: The Art World Insider Demystifying Genius
Will Gompertz isn’t an academic theorist; he’s been inside the art world trenches. As the BBC’s Arts Editor, he’s interviewed countless icons (Damien Hirst, Meryl Streep).
Recognized as one of the world’s 50 most original thinkers, his journey started humbly – as a stagehand at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre in the 1980s. Watching legends like Ninette de Valois in the pub sparked his lifelong question: How do they DO that?
His earlier book, What Are You Looking At?, tackled modern art history, setting the stage for this deep dive into the creative mind itself. Gompertz writes to democratize genius, showing us the practical steps behind the brilliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is “Think Like an Artist” worth reading?
A: Absolutely! It’s a refreshingly practical and inspiring guide that demystifies creativity. If you want actionable strategies (beyond just “brainstorm more!”) to unlock innovation in your work or life, derived from real artist behaviors, it’s highly valuable.
Q: What are the key lessons from the book?
A: Core lessons: Creativity is a universal skill built on behaviors, not innate magic. Embrace failure as iteration (“Plan B”). Be seriously curious and absorb diverse influences. “Steal” ideas ethically by transforming them uniquely. Constantly ask questions. Balance big vision with fine detail. Develop your distinct point of view. Cultivate courage to share work. Make time for reflection. Apply these principles beyond traditional art.
Q: Who should read this book?
A: Essential for anyone feeling creatively stuck or believing they “aren’t creative.” Crucial for professionals (business, tech, education) seeking innovation. Valuable for artists, designers, writers, educators, entrepreneurs, students, and lifelong learners wanting practical mindset tools.
Q: What is the main idea of “Think Like an Artist”?
A: The main idea is that everyone possesses innate creativity, and by adopting 11 key behaviors common to successful artists (like embracing failure, serious curiosity, strategic “stealing,” skepticism, balancing vision/detail, bravery, and reflection), anyone can unlock greater innovation, problem-solving, and fulfillment in any aspect of life.
Q: Does the book focus on making traditional art?
A: No. While it uses artists (painters, sculptors, performers) as primary examples to illustrate the behaviors, the focus is entirely on their mindset and working methods. The goal is to apply these universal creative behaviors to business, problem-solving, daily life, education, and work – not necessarily to teach painting or sculpture.
Q: Is it based on research or just opinion?
A: It’s based on Will Gompertz’s decades of direct observation and interviews with leading artists as the BBC’s Arts Editor. While not presenting formal academic studies, it distills practical wisdom and observable patterns from the lives and practices of highly successful creators.
Q: Is the book motivational or practical?
A: Both. It’s highly inspiring (showing what’s possible) but firmly grounded in practical behaviors and strategies you can implement immediately. Each chapter offers clear takeaways on how to adopt the featured artist’s mindset.
Q: How is “Think Like an Artist” relevant in the age of AI?
A: Gompertz argues that human imagination and creativity are our irreplaceable edge in a world of automation and AI. The book provides the toolkit to hone precisely those uniquely human skills – original thinking, synthesis, questioning, perspective – that machines cannot replicate, making it more relevant than ever.
We invite you to explore more of our book summaries:
Conclusion: Your Creative Awakening Starts Now
Reading “Think Like an Artist” felt like getting permission to reclaim a birthright I’d forgotten I had.
Gompertz dismantles the intimidating myth of the “creative genius” and hands you the keys to your own imaginative potential.
The most powerful shift for me? Embracing the “Plan B” mentality – seeing setbacks not as dead ends, but as signposts pointing toward unexpected, often better, destinations.
Learning how Picasso “stole” or how Hockney uses tiny details transformed how I approach my own projects.
This book isn’t about becoming a famous painter; it’s about living with more curiosity, courage, and inventive spirit in everything you do.
In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, your uniquely human creativity is your superpower.
Ready to activate yours? Grab “Think Like an Artist” today – your happier, smarter, more creative life is waiting to be painted.
Start thinking like one now!
Grab Your Copy NOW!
- Think Like an Artist: How to Live a Happier, Smarter, More Creative Life by Will Gompertz
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Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: wikipedia.org
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
