Stealing Like An Artist
Lesson 11: Imitation is the Seed from which Innovation Blooms.
Imitation is about understanding, not copying. Life offers us countless opportunities to learn by observing and emulating those we admire. Imitation isn’t about duplicating someone else’s work; it’s about understanding their principles, incorporating them into your own journey, and eventually crafting something uniquely yours.
Growing up, I had a deep love for art. In primary school and my early high school years, I was known for my drawings—cars, cartoon figures, anything I could visualize, I would sketch. My classmates and teachers often celebrated my talent, and this recognition fuelled my passion. As I got older, my interests shifted toward graphic design, especially during O’levels when I pursued Art as one of my electives.
Here are some pieces I created from the archives, drawn about 13 years ago using just pen and paper. As a huge basketball fan, I played the sport during my high school years, and my love for the game is reflected in these works. Music has also been a significant passion of mine, and these drawings capture that as well. In the last three pieces, you’ll see several attempts I made at designing a personal logo. Looking back at these gives me chills—I can see how raw and unrefined I was, even in my language.
While I didn’t continue with art as a professional path, the artist within me never died. Today, my love for creativity manifests in unexpected ways—through writing, amateur graphic design, and applying design principles to both work and life. These creative outlets have become essential for balancing the demands of a hectic schedule.
However, as with many creative pursuits, I often battle perfectionism. I tend to get stuck in analysis paralysis, where the desire to create something flawless hinders me from creating anything at all. Over the years, this struggle has killed many potential projects before they even began.
One way I’ve learned to overcome this is by adopting the mindset of “stealing like an artist,” a principle inspired by Austin Kleon’s book of the same title. The idea is simple but transformative: no art is created in a vacuum. By borrowing inspiration, techniques, and ideas from those we admire, we can develop our own unique creations. This approach has taught me to prioritize progress over perfection, focusing on the process rather than being paralyzed by an unattainable ideal. Here is how we can practically embrace imitation.
- Identify Your Models: Observe people whose work or habits inspire you. What specific qualities or principles resonate with you?
- Start Small: Emulate aspects of their approach that align with your goals. Focus on understanding their methods rather than replicating results.
- Adapt and Personalize: Use imitation as a foundation, then infuse your personality and creativity to make the outcome uniquely yours.
- Prioritize Progress: Embrace imperfection as part of the process. Let each iteration be a step closer to mastery.
- Build a Creative Routine: Consistency is key. Dedicate time to practice your craft regularly, even when inspiration feels elusive.
The journey of creativity and growth often begins with imitation. By learning from others, we set a foundation for innovation, gradually finding our voice and refining our style. Imitation is not about losing oneself, but rather discovering oneself through the influence of others.
So,
Who inspires you, and what can you learn from them?
In case you missed lesson 10, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize