“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?
Fantastic quote and thoughts. I struggle with this unintentionally. It is far easier to jump online and start thumbing through the hoard of image pollution to find some inspiration… but creativity has always had more originality and integrity! Great post!
“Follow no one” but I say more than that don’t reject the good things others discover by following the non followers…..life is so full of catch 22s!
Inspiration is the spark that starts the fire but our true inner vision is what fuels it.
If we are limited to artistic in-breeding we inevitably we come up with derivative work sooner or later.
I guess that is the challenge of using a visual medium. I feel like we missed one more point in the whole equation.
INSPIRATION-IMAGINATION-CREATION
I’m one of these people that never likes to follow the path of others but instead go the opposite way. I like trying something new and different and if it works or has potential I’ll travel that path until I’m pleased with the results, if not I try, try again.