“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?
I might be especially brave, or crazy. I’ve learned to trust the wacky ideas that pop into my head – I used to put them away thinking they were too weird. No. No they’re not. I don’t look to see if or what someone else might doing in the neighborhood of the idea, I know I’ll do it differently, especially if I don’t look. I actively choose to not second guess myself by checking in on what the cool kids are doing. Moreover I don’t really care if I’m one of the cool kids, or not. So, no, I’m not relying on the convenience of information. It’s an intentional choice. If I’m not feeling particularly “inspired” or “creative” I know to give it some time, it’ll all return soon enough, especially if trust every wacky idea and don’t second guess the weird thoughts 😉
Speaking from the very beginnings of the journey… I would argue that originality will only be sacrificed to inspiration by those artists who do not want their vision to go beyond what has inspired. And I imagine that can happen to any of us when we stop asking the why’s, what’s and how’s. Why do I like that… what is it I like about that… how can I bring that into my work.
We all have our “muse”… that thing that drives us to want to create. We are all “inspired” in some way. I know that my work looks like a million other photographers but I am happy to recreate right now as I search for my own “style” and learn. I think David is very right, learning by recreation is an amazing part of the process. To be able to recreate is to understand.
And if we are serve customers what we may think as old and trite may be bold and creative to them… and may be that thing that brings them great joy.
“News is old things happening to new people.” – Malcolm Muggeridge
I just say keeping on hustling; that’s what I’m doing!!
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DT.
Miami, Florida | Nassau, Bahamas
I’m a big fan of this – and equally as guilty…
For God’s sake go out and SHOOT!!
This ties in with education too – don’t get me wrong, it’s important and we will (hopefully) never stop learning, but there comes a point where you have to stop with the classes, and PRACTICE!!
As a sax player/teacher first, this rings true with me – anyone else?
Toby.
I do tend to look through other’s work to draw inspiration before a shoot. And not to sound like I’m making excuses, but I’m relatively new to the game. Wouldn’t you say it could be similar to those who have been in the game for 10, 20 or even 30 years and have oodles of shots and ideas already in their head to draw inspiration from?