I’ve had a couple conversations lately with different people where the idea of copying other artists has come up. Naturally, as with anything that comes up repeatedly, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.
Why do we get so uptight, as artists, with people copying our creations?I mean, it’s one thing if it’s the EXACT representation I suppose. But really, how often does that happen? I think we’re scared as artists (I know I have been at times) that if someone copies us then we really must not be that special afterall. If anyone can do it, then we’re not unique. We don’t see it as a compliment. “Wow, they like my art enough to want to try it themselves.” Instead we cling tightly to “our idea” and put up walls around it. We want our art to inspire others, but not to the degree that they inspire to make it themselves. Then our claws come out. “It is mine,” we say. But really, is it entirely?
This can go the other way too. We may fail to create because we don’t want to copy another artists and make them mad. As artists, we are drawn to other creative people. We are inspired by other artists and then we fear if we create out of that inspiration we’ll start writing like him or drawing like her or painting like them.
Most recently I noticed this playing out in my own life. I was reading about something that someone else was doing during their day. I thought, “Oh man, I wish I would have thought of doing that. I want to live a life like that. Why didn’t I think to incorporate that into my day?” I nearly talked myself out of any chance of ever doing it. And I found myself getting bitter towards the person who did it. What’s that about?!
Now what it was really doesn’t matter. You fill in the blank for your own life. It could be wearing skirts or getting your hair dyed blond. It could be reading with your kids or going for walks in the morning. It could be painting a daily picture or writing a new song by moonlight. My point is, we are so good at finding a way out for ourselves. So good at discounting ourselves and saying, “See, I knew that wasn’t me. Some other artist is already doing it. I missed my chance. I knew I would never be an artist.” We are so worried about failing or about making someone else mad that we never take the risk. Is it any wonder that we then get so discontented and frustrated with ourself and so jealous of everyone else?
I think there is room enough in the world for artists that do the same things. Artists that like the same sorts of food or paint with the same color scheme, or draw with the same pens. Artists that play in the same key, or sew with the same fabric or use the same distressed digital background. Artists that decorate with the same furniture or use the same make-up or FILL IN THE BLANK. We do, afterall, all come from the same creative God, and all things come from Him. There is nothing new under the sun.
But, just so, we are also all very unique. And I believe our own voice will find its way into our art, and no one will be able to capture that. It flows much too freely. It can’t be caught. It is a gift. We all have it, just in our own way. Do not be afraid, as an artist, to encourage someone else in their creativity. Don’t be so white-knuckled in your grip on your art that you can’t let it go to create the next thing your heart is calling you to.
AND do not fail to live the life you feel called to live just because so-and-so artist is already doing it and has already arrived and there is no place left for you. Step into what you long to do boldly. Realize the powers working in you are from a much greater source. Believe that you will put your own spin on it. It will have your voice. You are not a copy cat.
*EDITED TO ADD THIS SUPER COOL QUOTE THAT MY FRIEND ABBI SHARED WITH ME:
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, sister. You just put some of my exact thoughts into words. Thanks so much for this post. Love you!
So I really do think you and I were separated at birth.
This is exactly why I was scared to ask about the hair things, which in the end turned out to be something completely different like you said!
I find myself doing everything you mentioned on at least a weekly basis- not feeling “allowed” to do certain things b/c someone else already is. And like you said, it’s usually more of a day-to-day life thing than an art-thing right now. I’ve been trying to feel more secure in my own appreciations of my “likes” so as to be INSPIRED by other people more than jealous and wishing I’d thought of it first. Hard, hard lesson! You’re so great at articulating these thoughts that I think most women- whether artists or not- find themselves thinking.
Wow. I want to get there as well – to that ‘place’ you speak of, not being afraid, jealous or angry about what other people do. Either it is copying your work or having greats works already made! It’s something I have no control over yet.
Damn, it happens a lot. How to change my feel over this subject? It’s hard indeed.
Thank you! I hope your wonderful words can help me get through to a more calm, peaceful and secure state of mind
Thanks for your honesty. It is a hard fight. But clinging to our art to protect it stifles the beauty of our art. We would all do better to have hands wide open I think. I’m still working on this as well.
I see. I totally get your view. But… I’ve been thinking. Not everyone is well intended. It’s like opening the door of our homes to whoever wants to come in. Common sense would immediately tell us: DANGER. So, why’s art in any way different? They’re both really intimate things of ours.
Anyway, your words will stay with. Maybe finding a balance between relying on others, letting art fly freely and being cautious, at the same time, it’s a good bet. Let’s share our view, our thoughts, our art, our feelings, our knowledge, … but not in a naive way.
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