What about copying others & creativity?

I was on Pinterest (my new outlet for collecting all things that inspire me) and I found this picture from tumblr.com:

Now let’s get something straight.

I don’t believe there isn’t anything *wrong* with copying a master, adapting someone else’s idea, or doing something creative just like someone else.

I LOVE taking art classes to grow my creativity.  Sometimes I will do just what my instructor tells me and replicate a technique, style, or process that I am there to learn. Does that make me a copy cat? Nope. It makes me a learner…and explorer…someone willing to try new things…growing and sparking my creativity.

Once you understand HOW to do something you are copying/learning….then it is your responsibility to change it.

The key to being an original is to PURPOSELY move past the copying…you have to try it and then change it up and make it your own.

Give yourself permission. Copy and try and then commit to making the process your own. Do something completely different. Take it to the next level. Explore a new medium doing the same technique. Change the steps. Put yourself into it. I mean the REAL you…the one that is dying to create for itself.

YOU are creative.

YOU are an original.

YOU know how to make it your own.

YOU can take into your creativity and be yourself.

YOU need to share your creative gifts because you will inspire others.

YOU owe it to yourself to grow creatively

YOU know deep inside how to be true to yourself.

NOW… go on and copy if you want….and then live your uniqueness.

Be YOUR creative self.

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