“The reality is that it’s easier to be inspired than it is to create an original idea and we are hardwired to take the path of least resistance. It’s easier to jump onto a design inspiration gallery site than it is to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. It’s easier to follow a pattern than it is to test-drive new options. It’s easier to copy a style or idea that works than try something that might miss the mark or outright fail. Above all, it’s cheaper mentally for us to rally around what’s already been done and emulate it…”
The above excerpt is from a brilliant post by Owen over at Viget.com. Well worth the read. Do it.
Personally, I couldn’t agree more. How much time is the right amount to stroll thru galleries, troll creative sites, and watch online videos?
And what about you?
Are you too busy getting inspired by the work of others to create your own?
Do you read about the failures of others, so you don’t have to try?
Is the convenience of information actually reducing your willingness to struggle to make something worthwhile?
Jason, I think I know what you’re getting at, but I would change the wording a bit. I never start any project with “the goal of failure”, but I have wasted a good bit of life not doing things because of “the fear of failure”. Just as bad if not worse is when you have a fear of success, because then you think you’ll eventually be asked to do more complicated projects, and then eventually you’ll fail…I had this also until I got older and realized you just have to on and try…like Nike says “Just Do It”
Hey, it’s life! Speaking as a photographer, I get inspired by words/stories I’ve read, music, other photographs…life. I see what I consider a great photograph, it inspires me…gets the juices flowing. I see what I consider a bad photograph, the idea may inspire me to try and do a better one. How many times have you set up what you consider a great idea in your mind only to be disappointed at what’s happening on camera…and then something unexpected happens, and you have your dynamite shot. This blog subject has many quotes from other people which helped inspire them to write what they wrote. We’re human beings first and artists second…it’s not a bad thing to be inspired by others as long as we’re not just ripping off someone else’s work. O.K. I’m starting to ramble, so someone stop me already!!
Damn — this post hit me right between the eyes this morning. I stopped here on my way to get inspired by watching some more “behind the scenes” videos. . . .
This all relates to the importance of personal projects and personal shooting. It is a time to explore and fail. You do not have the pressures of money or clients. Take risks, have fun, explore, experiment, fail. We should all start personal projects with the goal of failure.
Man you guys gotta hear what filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky says about cinema… Real Talk!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENrzp_hZNxM