Inspiration versus Imitation

Fashion is a fickle thing. Styles change. Colors change. And, jewelry changes right along with it. This past summer, necklaces were selling in my etsy shop, at local gift shops and boutiques as fast as I could conceive and create them. Now bracelets seem to be the item of choice.  So, I am expanding my line to include cuffs and leather bracelets as well (look for those items soon in my etsy shop!) 

One thing that remains the same, however, is that there will always be another designer or shop that simply takes cues from another.  No creativity. Nothing unique. Simple imitation.

So, it begs the question: what’s the difference between taking inspiration from something you’ve seen and creating something that is uniquely your style, versus imitating something to the extent that it is an exact duplicate and then offering it as though it were your own unique creation?

I believe inspiration is at the heart of most artists. You see something and are inspired to create something new. That is an awesome process! Inspiration motivates the creative spirit and sparks more new ideas. It feeds the ambitious mind and spurs more creativity. Inspiration can come from anything…nature, fashion, travel. Inspiration knows no boundaries.

Imitation is exhausting. My grandmother used to say, “The view never changes if you are not the lead dog.” Imitation means that your view never changes – you are always chasing someone else’s tail. That can’t be as much fun as inspiration and creativity.

Are you inspired?

Do you inspire others?