where is the line between imitation and inspiration?

Hi Reader,

I want to talk about a moment that almost every artist hits at some point.

You’re working from reference, trying to get it right. And you’re improving.

And then this thought creeps in: “Is this actually mine?”

I hear this all the time.

Recently, a student told me she didn’t really see her painting as original because of the photo she used. And I get it.

But that question can quietly stop you if you don’t understand what’s really happening.

Think about it: when you are learning, you are not trying to be original, you are trying to see.

There’s a middle stage that no one really talks about.

It’s the shift from:
“How do I make this look the same?”

to:
“Why does this look the way it does?”

That shift is where your voice starts forming.

I made a video breaking this down, because if your work doesn’t feel like yours yet, you’re probably not behind.

You’re just in the middle. (Thanks Lydia for the great Q!)

​👉 Watch it here.​

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with your work lately, I want you to hear this clearly:

That gap you feel between what you want to make and what you’re making?

That’s not failure.

That’s the work.

And if you stay with it, something does change.
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Remember: proudly call yourself an artist.
Together we are Artist Strong.

Carrie

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