Don’t Betray Your Art

Why illustrators should know the difference between inspiration and infatuation.

We’ve all done it at one point or another. We’re artists. We’ve drifted once or twice. We’ve looked at someone else’s artwork and thought, now that is how I’d like to create.

When you excessively look at, and obsessively think more about, what other illustrators are doing with their art, what you are essentially doing is cheating. You’re cheating on your art.

Sure, it’s a good idea to study the work of those who truly inspire you. But not so much so, that you find yourself in an imitation situation. It’s difficult to do, but try to avoid comparing your illustrations to someone else’s. It’s like comparing apples to pineapples. They both have “apples” in the name. Other than that, there’s no good reason to compare them. In case you were wondering, apples are pomes and pineapples are berries. That’s right. Berries.

Let’s talk about the relationship you establish with your art, how you can be the partner it deserves, and why the thing you’re looking for as an artist is likely right in front of you.