Categories
Art and Design Reflection Writing

Draw inspiration from, not be influenced by

Liked How To Be Influenced by Ian Leslie (The Ruffian)

Artists (in the broad sense – painters, novelists, composers, etc) are pretty much defined by the struggle to be themselves; to absorb influences without surrendering to them; to be open to others and stubbornly individual. Consequently, artists have a different relationship to influence than the rest of us do. The core difference is this: artists do not absorb their influences passively. They choose their influences, and they choose how to be influenced by them.

“Interrogate your influences.”

Thoughtful, intentional curation and inspiration. I also appreciate the thought to go narrow — some phases of work and thinking benefit from a wide range of inputs, while other times focusing the inputs you’re taking in purposefully can align and refine your work.

By Tracy Durnell

Writer and designer in the Seattle area. Freelance sustainability consultant. Reach me at tracy.durnell@gmail.com. She/her.

One reply on “Draw inspiration from, not be influenced by”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *