THE ART OF STEALING

How to Borrow Ideas from Other Artists and Make Them Your Own

by GJ Gillespie artist and founder of Leda Art Supply 

Ideas are the lifeblood of creativity. Without them, we would be lost. And one of the best ways to come up with new ideas is to steal them from other artists. In this blog post, we'll explore how to borrow ideas from other artists and make them your own. We'll look at different ways to adapt and learn from successful artists in the past, and discuss the different levels of theft or borrowing that are possible. We'll also talk about how to create something new by building on the shoulders of giants. So if you're looking for some fresh inspiration, read on!

One of the most effective methods for coming up with new ideas is to look to other artists for inspiration. Whether it's adapting techniques and styles from another genre or creatively borrowing concepts from other fields, there are many ways to learn from and build on the creativity of others.

For example, if you're an artist looking to experiment with different styles, you might try studying the work of a successful painter or sculptor in your field. By observing their techniques and processes, and emulating them in your own work, you can gain new insights into what makes great art stand out.

"With a Little Help from My Friends" (after the Classical Graces) by GJ Gillespie.

Another strategy is to look outside of your field entirely for creative inspiration. For example, you might draw upon concepts from science, psychology, or engineering when developing your next project. By studying how these fields tackle problems and identify new solutions, you can gain valuable insights into creativity that can be applied to your own work in the arts.

At the same time, it's important to remember that creativity is not just about copying others – it's also about taking risks, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing boundaries.

As the writer Henry Miller once said, "One's destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things." So don't be afraid to embrace creativity in all its forms – even if that means being bold enough to steal from some of the biggest names in your field.

By learning from the creativity of others, you can unlock your own potential and bring fresh, innovative ideas into the world. 

"Double Elvis after Andy Warhol" by GJ Gillespie