On Originality

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One of the reasons why I resisted returning to my creative roots is this persistent fear that I'm not creative enough. I mentioned this to an artist friend and he said, "It's not about plucking inspiration out of nowhere; it's about developing and refining an idea." It was good advice but the huge expectations on designers to come up with something "new" all the time still scare me. Any thoughts?

Photo credits: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/inspiration/how-do-you-keep-things-original-074336
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13 comments:

  1. SugarblushJanuary 21, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    amen : )

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  2. michelleJanuary 21, 2009 at 4:13 PM

    I've seen that image before, it's so true! :D

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  3. Rebecca, A Clothes HorseJanuary 21, 2009 at 5:10 PM

    I think originality does exist and new ideas can be made...but that they are very rare and extreme. Sometimes though we don't need "new" we just need a different perspective...

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  4. yiqin;January 21, 2009 at 10:46 PM

    I don't think I am creative enough though...

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  5. 50twoJanuary 21, 2009 at 11:55 PM

    i think things always change as a reaction to the 'old'. because there is always a demand for different :) well thats what i learned in art class anyway haha

    awesome blog by the way!! im following :)

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  6. essenceJanuary 22, 2009 at 2:23 AM

    Your friend gave you great advice! I think that creativity comes when least expected,
    x

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  7. Nicki's NotebookJanuary 22, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    Yeah I agree, being creative is about inspiring and being inspired, so plucking something new is awesome but seeing it through and evolving it is also creativity at its best!! xx

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  8. VanessasRunwayJanuary 22, 2009 at 6:15 AM

    Your friend is a genius. They made a great point and I agree!

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  9. Tina { Luphia Loves... }January 22, 2009 at 7:26 AM

    i think being in a creative environment will definitely help, magazines, internet, all great designers have inspirations right? so once you go back and be surrounded by so many creative things new ideas will definitely keep coming to you! x

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2009 at 7:42 AM

    SO TRUE!

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 22, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    love this quote.

    x

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  12. hmstrjamJanuary 23, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    love this!

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  13. Classic BlackMarch 4, 2009 at 2:54 PM

    Being a professional designer, I have to say that your friend is right. There are no "original" ideas left, if there were any in the first place. We are all inspired by everyone else. If I get stuck on an idea, I just have to look at a good design book or mag and sure enough something comes to mind. Thank gawd!

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