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When you think of creativity, it’s tempting to imagine it as a lightning bolt of pure originality — something that springs fully formed from within. But the truth is, most creative breakthroughs begin with borrowing.
Artists throughout history have learned by copying the work of others. In the Renaissance, apprentices in the studios of masters like Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo weren’t told to “invent something brand new.” Instead, they sketched, studied, and imitated their mentors’ works. By copying line for line, they absorbed technique, composition, and perspective until those tools became second nature. Only then did they evolve into their own styles.
In his book Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon reminds us that creativity isn’t about making something from nothing — it’s about remixing, reimagining, and reshaping what already exists. “Nothing is original,” he writes. “What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere.” Borrowing isn’t theft; it’s part of the process.
Think of it this way: when a musician learns their first songs, they don’t start by composing symphonies. They play covers. When a writer begins, they often mimic the voice of authors they admire. Over time, the act of borrowing becomes a bridge to something uniquely their own.
Borrowed creativity is not about imitation forever — it’s about training your creative muscles. You learn the rhythm of creativity from others, then let your own melody emerge.
How to Practice Borrowed Creativity in Everyday Life
- Copy to Learn: Try sketching a favorite painting, rewriting a beloved poem in your own words, or recreating a recipe with small tweaks.
- Remix with Intention: Take something you love — a playlist, a photo style, a journaling format — and make it yours.
- Collect Inspirations: Keep a “swipe file” (digital or physical) of images, quotes, or ideas that inspire you. Use them as raw material for your own projects.
Borrowing is how we grow. Every spark you take in from the world can be kindling for your own fire. And once your fire is lit, you’ll pass along sparks of your own — inspiration for the next person ready to borrow.
What’s something you’ve borrowed, copied, or remixed that later turned into something all your own? I’d love to hear in the comments.
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