Navigating The Fine Line Between Inspired By and Copied
Blog by Jada Parrish | Article | 02/06/23
It's a fine line, but what's the real difference between "inspired by" and "copied"?
When you're just starting out, it's totally normal to look up to the masters in your field and use their work as inspiration for your own. As an artist, you probably spend a ton of time exploring different art forms, soaking up new ideas, and searching for that next big spark of inspiration.
There's nothing wrong with being inspired by someone else's work - in fact, it's pretty much a given that you'll draw inspiration from other artists as you find your own style and voice. But there's a big difference between being inspired by something and just flat-out copying it.
In today's world where everything is digital and we're all constantly sharing our work with the world, it's more important than ever to really understand that difference and make sure you're staying true to your own unique vision. So let's take a closer look and dive into what it means to be truly inspired - and how you can make sure you're not just copying someone else's work.
Copying is the act of taking someone else's work, idea, or concept and recreating it in a way that very closely resembles the original - and then passing it off as your own. It's basically like taking someone else's cake recipe, baking it exactly the same way, and then claiming you came up with it all on your own. Not cool!
To be inspired by someone's work means taking a closer look and finding the elements that really speak to you. Maybe it's the bold colors, the intricate details, or the way the artist uses negative space - whatever it is, you know it when you see it. From there, the goal is to take those elements and weave them into your own work, but in your own unique style and with your own point of view. Think of it like remixing a classic song - you take the pieces that you love, add your own spin, and create something totally new and fresh.
As creatives, we often look to others for inspiration and guidance. However, it's important to understand the difference between copying and being inspired by someone else's work.
Here's an example of when copying is okay and when it's not.
Imagine you come across an artist who painted a rabbit eating a carrot. If you're a beginner painter, it's okay to try to replicate that painting for practice and learning purposes, as long as you don't claim it as your own original work. On the other hand, if you're an established painter, intentionally copying the same painting and selling it as your own is incredbily unethical.
Being inspired by someone's work, on the other hand, means finding aspects you admire and incorporating them into your own unique style and vision. You might take the same subject matter of a rabbit eating a carrot and put your own spin on it, or use the original artist's style to create a completely different piece of work. The key is to make it your own and give credit where credit is due.
Great art comes from the deepest parts of ourselves - our emotions, feelings, and thoughts. When we create work that is true to who we are, it resonates in a profound and powerful way.
As artists, our work is deeply personal and it can be devastating when someone takes our original ideas and presents them as their own. This is especially hurtful when it happens to smaller, lesser-known artists. While it's obvious when someone copies a well-known work like the Mona Lisa, it's not as easy to spot when someone copies the work of a lesser-known artist.
Remember, as artists, we have a responsibility to honor the creative process and respect each other's work. By doing so, we create a culture where all artists can thrive and be recognized for their unique contributions to the world of art.
Let's strive to be inspired by, rather than copy, and keep the spirit of creativity alive!
