Getting inspired by someone else’s work is completely normal. In fact, it’s how creativity evolves. But there’s a fine line between drawing inspiration and straight-up copying—one that can be easy to cross if you’re not careful. So, how do you make sure you’re staying original while still taking notes from the greats?
Here are 3 tips to help you keep things fresh and uniquely yours.
Absorb, Then Remix in Your Own Way
Inspiration isn’t about copying the surface-level stuff—it’s about understanding what makes something work and then reinterpreting it through your own perspective. Think about music: sampling is a huge part of the industry, but the best artists don’t just lift a beat and call it a day. They add layers, tweak the rhythm, and make it something entirely new.
The same goes for any creative field. If you love a writer’s storytelling style, don’t mimic their sentence structure—figure out why their work resonates with you. Is it the humor? The depth of their descriptions? Once you pinpoint that, you can experiment with those elements in your own way.
Take Ideas from Multiple Sources
One of the easiest ways to avoid copying is to mix your influences. If you’re only looking at one person’s work, you risk sounding just like them. But when you pull inspiration from a variety of places—books, movies, conversations, random thoughts in the shower—you create something new from that blend.
A great example of this is interior design. Popular interior styles each have distinct characteristics, but designers often mix elements to create fresh, personalized spaces. Maybe you love the clean lines of Scandinavian design but want to add a touch of boho warmth with layered textures and earthy colors. Or perhaps you admire industrial aesthetics but soften them with mid-century furniture.
Really, the more diverse your sources of inspiration, the more original your final product will be.
Add Your Own Voice and Experience
At the end of the day, what sets your work apart is you. Your personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions are things no one else can replicate. So, when you’re working on something inspired by others, ask yourself: What’s my unique angle? How can I make this personal?
Maybe you love a filmmaker’s way of telling emotional stories. Instead of copying their plotlines, tell your own story using a similar depth of emotion. Maybe you admire a designer’s minimal aesthetic. Instead of replicating their exact style, find ways to blend it with your own preferences and influences.
The key is to filter everything through your own perspective. That’s what turns inspiration into originality instead of imitation.
There’s nothing wrong with being influenced by great work—it’s how we all grow as creators. Really, the trick is to take inspiration and make it yours.