“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?
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For some, inspiration simply means replicating the work of another. For others, inspiration is a starting point… a place from which to leap head first into their creative journey.
It seems to me that most creative works build upon the accomplishments of others… the music of the Rolling Stones was built on a foundation of Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry, for example.
Therefore, in my opinion, inspiration in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing. What matters is what one does with that inspiration.
Thanks for posing these questions Chase . . .
I would say I look at the work of others for inspiration for creativity only when I feel I am myself getting repetitive in my work. For example, this summer I photographed a number of beach weddings that all had 1 hour for the ceremony and photography. I found myself quickly establishing a routine of the same poses, the same types of shot with the bride & groom.
To add some new creativity I talked to a colleague or two and looked through a book of poses. I added a “dip” shot and a few more closeup shots of the couple.
Then on my own I grew unsatisfied with what I could do with one strobe (SB-800) on a light stand so I added a SB-600 to the strobist setup. Now I have a new area to learn how to be creative in, a 2-strobe lighting environment.
why create. when people like what they see now. if you are in business you have to do what the client wants. so what the client wants is what is popular. i struggle daily with this idea.
Emulation is certainly a form of suicide in my view. Having said that, I don’t think we can completely eradicate external influences whether we like it or not. For me, it really is becoming more challenging to be original but it is always possible to be authentic. Authenticity is also a big deal.
I do agree that its too easy to sit back and troll websites and magazines searching for “inspiration” instead of letting the problem or environment you’re working in inform the inspiration. I try, though I don’t always succeed, in using the ‘falling forward’ concept used at Industrial Design firm IDEO’s offices. They analyze a problem, come up with a few ideas worth prototyping, then test the designs and rework as necessary. Its pretty amazing what comes out of this process and how quickly and broadly creative energy expands.
Great post from Viget.com Chase. Thanks!