The Relationship Between Influence and Originality
In his book Drawing For Illustration, author Martin Salisbury talks about the number of artistic influences that modern day illustrators have access to. They are exposed to so much creativity from around the world at the click of a button. This access to information is incredible. Before the internet, artists would have to look for inspiration wherever they could find it, now it is readily available. But there is also a cost to all of this.
The modern-day illustrator will be exposed to this creativity circus before they are able to fully develop their own style. Without realizing it, they will lose some of their originality in the process. This will happen in both conscious and unconscious ways.
This is something that I by no means have an answer to and it is a problem in many careers, not just artistic ones. Unseen digital influence plays a role in advertising, politics, the news we see, etc. Thoughts are not being developed originally. People don’t have the time or space to develop these thoughts which makes them vulnerable to bad influences and can cause them to be a lesser version of themselves, one that mimics others.
Being Alone With My Own Thoughts
I think one of the reasons why I am enjoying this blog so much is that it is getting me closer to that inner space within me. I tried blogging in the same room as a friend recently and I felt my mind wander. I could feel their energy.
I am much better at blogging when I am in a room all by myself, alone with my thoughts. It is nice to spend time with them. It has been too long since my life has been quiet enough to hear them.
Messy Bun Book Lover
(Originally posted on May 10, 2025)
Other posts involving Drawing for Illustration are:
- Book #12- Reflections on “Drawing For Illustration”
- When Curiosity Chooses the Book: Reading Drawing For Illustration
- A New Way of Looking at the World
- Modern-Day Posters
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