The Art of Stealing

If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself… But from a thriving Artist perspective you should learn the art of stealing like and artist and not just stealing art.

Artists often find themselves grappling with the concept of originality. The age-old adage, “good artists copy, great artists steal,” attributed to Pablo Picasso, resonates deeply within the creative community. But what does it truly mean to steal like an artist, and how can one leverage this approach to foster success and innovation?

At the heart of stealing like an artist lies the art of influence. Rather than outright copying, successful creatives draw inspiration from a myriad of sources, synthesising them into something uniquely their own. They recognise the brilliance of those who came before them and use it as a springboard for their own ideas.

Thriving artists understand the importance of a diverse creative diet. They actively seek out inspiration from various mediums, genres, and cultures, enriching their artistic palette. By exposing themselves to a wide range of influences, they are better equipped to create work that stands out in a crowded field.

Stealing like an artist involves more than just passively consuming content; it requires active engagement and reinterpretation. Successful creatives aren’t afraid to remix and reimagine existing ideas, putting their own unique spin on familiar concepts. This process of iteration and innovation is essential for pushing the boundaries of creativity.

The path to artistic success is rarely linear. Thriving artists understand the value of iteration and refinement. They embrace the process of trial and error, constantly iterating on their ideas until they find the perfect expression. Each iteration brings them closer to their vision, allowing for growth and evolution as an artist.

While stealing like an artist involves drawing inspiration from others, it ultimately culminates in finding your unique voice. Successful creatives understand the importance of authenticity and originality. They use their influences as a foundation, but ultimately strive to create work that is unmistakably their own.

No artist exists in a vacuum. Collaboration is key to fostering creativity and innovation. Successful artists surround themselves with a diverse network of collaborators who challenge and inspire them. Through collaboration, they are able to leverage the collective genius of their peers, pushing their work to new heights.

Stealing like an artist has become a guiding principle for many successful creatives. By embracing influence, curating a diverse palette, remixing and reimagining ideas, iterating relentlessly, finding their unique voice, and embracing collaboration, thriving artists are able to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. So, the next time you find yourself struggling with originality, remember: good artists copy, great artists steal.