3 Levels Of Influence

As artists, we are influenced in many different ways, but today, I want to focus in on 3 key areas:

1. Similar Artists

Sometimes, we find an artist whose work resonates with us so much, that we become influenced by their style, methods and ideas.

Personally, I think that it's one the best ideas to imitate the work of your favorite artists, but only as a way to LEARN and expand your horizons.

I definitely don't think that it's a good idea to blatantly rip off anyone's work, but by copying someone else's art, you are essentially learning from them.

As artists, I think that it's important to have mentors and teachers, but if the people who you feel are qualified for those roles aren't available, then imitating their stuff is probably the best way to learn from them.

Remember, the focus here is STRICTLY to learn.

2. Dissimilar Artists

If you want to keep your work interesting, I suggest that you become influenced by artists whose work is absolutely NOTHING like yours.

If you write heavy metal songs, try becoming influenced by salsa music.

If you like to draw realistic portraits, try becoming influenced by cartoons.

If you like to dance, try becoming influenced by martial arts.

Who knows...

All I know, is that if your work is directly influenced by artists who create similar work to yours, people are going to pick up on it and think that you are inauthentic.

But if you allow yourself to become influenced by art that is absolutely nothing like yours, no one will ever be able to tell - that's how you keep things interesting.

3.  Life

This is my favorite area of influence.

Whenever I am out of ideas or have writer's block or find myself staring at a blank page or whatever - I look to life.

Life is an ENDLESS resource for ideas.

If you want something profound to paint, write about, sing about, etc., then draw from your own experiences - and in MY experience, the BEST ideas are those that are ironic and true.

Try these out, EVERYONE who is an artist, in their own right, can utilize these concepts to evolve their own styles, methods and ideas.

Let me know how it goes!

After today, I'm going to start trying out some new ideas for this blog, so keep an eye out for that - I'll talk to you soon!

Eddie