This post was inspired by the Creative by Nature podcast episode, “Inspiration Vs. Copying: Is Looking at Other Artists’ Work Cheating?” You can listen to the full episode by clicking here.
Many artists worry that looking at other artists’ work might influence their own style too much. There’s often a belief that true creativity must come entirely from within.
But the reality is that artists have always inspired one another.
Creativity grows through observation, curiosity, and community. Sometimes the spark for a new idea comes from seeing a technique you’ve never tried before, discovering a material you didn’t know existed, or simply asking yourself: Is this something I want to explore?
For many creatives, inspiration shows up in small ways.
You might scroll through Pinterest collecting ideas that resonate with you. You might visit a museum and feel moved by a painting. You might see another artist using a technique that makes you curious enough to experiment on your own.
The key isn’t copying someone else’s work. It’s allowing inspiration to open new possibilities. This idea is beautifully explored in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon, which reminds artists that creativity is often built through influence and curiosity.
How another artist changed my creative process…
For many years, my approach to art was very structured. I would start a project and work on it from beginning to end before moving on to the next piece. My process was controlled and methodical, shaped by my training and my own self-taught exploration as an artist.
But everything began to shift after my mom passed away.
During my healing journey, I began working with intuitive medium and artist Stephanie Riegel. She creates what she calls soul art, artwork guided by intuitive and spiritual impressions. Watching and learning about her process opened a door for me that I didn’t even realize existed. Her work invited me to loosen my grip on control and trust a more intuitive approach to creativity.
As I continued healing, my guides began encouraging me to create more often — wherever and whenever I could. At first, this simply helped me reconnect with art again. But over time something deeper started happening.
Instead of creating from a purely technical or structured place, I began sensing energy within my artwork. Sometimes the inspiration reflected what was happening in my personal life, within my community, or even on a collective level.
Eventually I began receiving impressions of animals who had passed away — especially dogs. I could see their essence clearly in my mind, along with colors that seemed connected to their presence. That’s when I began creating what I now call aura paintings.
A new, intuitive creative process
My current process is very different from how I once worked. Instead of completing a piece in one continuous session, I often work in layers over time. The first layer reflects the present energy — what is currently happening or what healing may need to unfold. Then the artwork rests until I feel intuitively guided to return to it.
Sometimes the painting is meant for me. Other times it eventually finds its way to someone else who resonates with the energy within it. And that entire shift in my creative process began because I allowed myself to learn from another artist.
Creativity is meant to be shared
Artists don’t grow in isolation.
We grow through conversation, inspiration, curiosity, and connection. Sometimes the artist who changes your work forever isn’t a famous painter in a museum. Sometimes it’s simply another creative person who shows you a different way of seeing. And when you allow inspiration to flow freely, you may discover that your most authentic creative voice was waiting there all along.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If this blog post resonated with you, you can listen to the full podcast episode:
Inspiration Vs Copying: Is Looking at Other Artists’ Work Cheating?
When you look at other artists’ work, what feelings or ideas arise within you — curiosity, comparison, inspiration, or something else? What might those responses be trying to teach you about your own creative journey?
How might allowing yourself to explore inspiration from others — while still honoring your unique voice — open new possibilities in your creative practice?