Copying Is Still Creating, Just Don’t Try To Sell It

If you are really inspired by something, copy it. I don’t mean digitally copy it, I don’t mean duplicate it, I mean try to reproduce a version in your own way. That’s how you learn. Everyone thinks you need to be original right out of the gate, but that’s simply not true. The old master painters copied the older master painters. Apprentices copied their mentors. Authors borrowed each others’ styles. That’s how people used to learn, before copyrights and lawyers and major corporations got in the way. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And no matter how hard you try, your version will come out different if you use your own talent. Try re-writing Harry Potter, right now, without referencing the material. You will get a different story. Try painting the Mona Lisa. You won’t even have the exact same material, and it will turn out different. Try remembering and recording your favourite song. If you don’t DUPLICATE it, it will end up being different. Plus you will learn a lot about what you are capable of, and your own personal style will start to come through. Just don’t try to sell it.