Nothing is original
Published on Jun 07, 2020
I have an unhealthy obsession with trying to create something original—I think we all do. But, it’s only when I let go of that obsession that something creative happens. The most important part is Enabling a Chance for Something to Happen.
I would highly recommend reading the book or watching the TED talk titled “Steal Like An Artist”. It’s great at demonstrating how the most innovative and creative people use other peoples work as a basis for theirs.
If you’re a web designer, you may find my article on lazy web design useful
The following are some quotes from famous designers and artists.
The Secret to Creativity Is Knowing How to Hide Your Sources
—Albert Einstein
Expose yourself to the best things humans have done. And then try and bring those things in to what you’re doing.
—Steve Jobs
Good artists copy, great artists steal.
—Pablo Picasso
In an interview by Cameron Crowe, David Bowie was asked: “Since you put yourself first, do you consider yourself an original thinker?”
His response was:
Not by any means. More like a tasteful thief. The only art I’ll ever study is stuff that I can steal from. I do think that my plagiarism is effective. Why does an artist create, anyway? The way I see it, if you’re an inventor, you invent something that you hope people can use. I want art to be just as practical.
—David Bowie
