Creations, How to Steal like an Artist
Steal like an artist! I recently came across this book by Austin Kleon.
His basic premise is that there are no original ideas, that all ideas are the metamorphism of the ones before them, and thus original because of the unique combination each person puts on them. He says, “Steal Like an Artist!” It’s ok! we all inspire each other!
Exactly, isn’t this what we bloggers do, create and inspire~
I did this painting for my SIL. It is NOT my style, but she she fell in love with the original we saw at an art show. I copied the original style and subject matter but took some liberties with subject color and placement. In the far right corner I wrote “after Joan Curtis” by my signature, indicating that this was not my original work. It’s okay to borrow, just give credit where credit belongs~
This painting is by Carol Lee Clark. She uses lots of color and repeating patterns, in a fearless and free way. She was my inspiration for the Mermaid below:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! One of the first painting classes I was required to take in college was to copy the Masters. I painted Matisse, Picasso, Degas, Dali. Unfortunately [or maybe fortunately!] I have no photos of these attempts, but trust me, they looked nothing like the original, as hard as I tried. I couldn’t get the composition, colors, shapes exactly as the Master had done. It is our nature to individualize what we do, our way surely is a little better…how often to you follow a recipe EXACTLY? So, go ahead, don’t feel guilty when you are inspired by someone else’s creation, you are not stealing, you are creating!
Frames by Consuela Style actually inspired a whole line of frames that I sold locally for several years, like the one I shared with you the other day
As you can see mine looks nothing like the inspiration frame!
This frame I bought recently and just painted the words and dots on it~it certainly looks like another artist was inspired by Consuela too, and created a whole line of inexpensive knock-offs! I purchased this frame for $12. Consuela’s range from $195-$250!!
This chair cover from Carol over at Oasis in the Desert was the inspiration for my studio chair
I felt like mine was similar enough to hers that I should mention her and her great idea~
Right now I’m working on some projects for an upcoming Mexican Party that I can’t wait to share with you! I am getting my inspirations from party blogs, decorations, paintings, menus, magazines and other bloggers. I am keeping a Pinterest board of all the things that I see that I like. This is such a great way to organize your thoughts and have them and their sources at your fingertips.
So be inspired! Steal like and artist! It’s OK! When you see something that appeals to you, use it as a jumping off point and make it your own!
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Oh, I love this post! Doesn’t it feel good when you are inspired by something you’ve discovered and come up with something different and unique? That’s what it’s all about! Nothing I do is original. I just make it my way.
Gail, I really appreciate your sweet comment! I was iffy about posting this, and was wondering what kind of reactions I would get~I am thrilled that you loved it, my very creative blogland friend, a huge compliment coming from you! Everything you do is definitely unique!
Steal like an artist, what a great concept! Putting your own stamp on it makes it your own and giving credit where credit is due is so important. Love your mermaid! I can only imagine how muy bueno your Mexican fiesta will be 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I see things all the time after the idea had already come to me. Of course, I had drawn the inspiration from somewhere else before. Sometimes I am hesitant to re-create something that has inspired me because I don’t want to be a copycat. Thanks for encouraging me to put my own spin on an idea.
Thank you so much for your comment Faith, I am so glad this encouraged you!
I like this take on “stealing”. And it’s so true – I constantly say how no idea is 100% original because somewhere, someone has done/thought/created the same thing. It’s a nice way to think of borrowing inspiration and putting our own spins on things!
Thanks Caitlin, I was delighted when I stumbled upon this book, it was kind of like the universe was explained! Appreciate your comment~
oh i am so crushed, this book was on sale for kindles this weekend and i forgot to go online and grab it! i love books like this, i have several similar coming up for the novel bakers is how i even knew about this book, drats, i could kick myself, nothing better then good books on sale!
i love love LOVE you memaid! i am reading the mermaid collector right now too, and i even have a mermaid book mark 🙂
FUN post, and double drats to me!
oy, i should have proofread before i posted, i see like 10 errors up there 🙁
Great thoughts! Its good to find inspiration from the world around us and give credit to those who inspire us.
Love this post! Every artist, crafter and blogger should read this book! Stop by my Friday’s Five Features this week and link up this post (and others)! diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com
Thanks Becca! I will see you Friday!
Thanks for stopping by DIY Vintage Chic’s Friday’s Five Features and Fun Festivities. Don’t forget to stop back by this Friday!
I love this Jenna!! Going to need to check out this book! And I totally love the concept — we all inspire each other so much.
Kenley