“Then you can choose to take the high road, consider that imitation is a form of flattery so to speak and decide to not spend too much energy on the issue. Publicize your art as much as you can and make it sure serious buyers and art galleries know that your style is genuinely yours. Copycats usually get tired after a while: after all there is not much personal satisfaction in copying and they will often go from copying one artist to copying another. What they are copying is also something you did in the past, and because you are the creative force behind the art that is being copied, you often moved on to the next step in your art journey being always one step ahead. You own the creative tools, they are just replicating an end product.”
“The first step to following in the footsteps of someone who appears brilliant is to realise that they are not a demi-god sent down to Earth to shame us all, but they are only human – and like all humans they are prone to errors with their own range of flaws and weaknesses.”
“Your ego takes you away from the present moment. Imagine living your whole life thinking about the past and the future, and then realising at the end that all you ever had was the present moment – but you were too stuck in your head to fully engage your senses and enjoy the world around you.”
Finding creative ideas can come from a blend of exploration, inspiration, and structure. Here are some techniques you can try:
Divergent Thinking: Start with brainstorming without limits. Jot down as many ideas as possible, no matter how unconventional. Quantity often leads to quality by pushing past the obvious.
Mind Mapping: Begin with a core concept and visually branch out with related ideas. This approach can reveal connections you hadn’t considered.
Combine and Remix: Take two unrelated concepts and see if you can combine them into something new. For example, think about how the paper industry could intersect with environmental education, or how digital platforms can simulate real-world investment.
Observe and Take Notes: Everyday life is a constant source of inspiration. Notice trends, user pain points, or processes that could be streamlined. Keep a notebook to capture these thoughts, even if they seem random at first.
Reverse Thinking: Instead of asking “How can I create a great idea?”, try thinking in reverse—consider how not to solve a problem or list “don’ts” for a project. This can lead to breakthrough thinking by clarifying what you do want.
Draw from Other Industries: Looking at innovation in completely different fields often brings fresh perspectives. For instance, if you’re in the paper industry, examine what the tech or entertainment industries are doing to engage customers and consider how you might apply similar strategies.
Set Constraints: Ironically, limitations can fuel creativity. Setting a constraint like “this idea must be doable with only one material” forces you to think deeply about how to work within boundaries.
Collaborate with Others: Bringing other perspectives into the mix can help generate more ideas and refine them. Try brainstorming sessions with people who have different backgrounds or expertise.
Experiment and Prototype: Sometimes ideas only become clear through trial and error. Don’t wait for a perfect concept—build quick prototypes or mockups to test the feasibility and refine them as you go.
Take Breaks: Finally, stepping away and engaging in different activities, like a walk or even enjoying a beer, can refresh your mind and lead to unexpected insights.
