We’re talking about practice here, not plagiarism—plagiarism is trying to pass someone else’s work off as your own. Copying is about reverse-engineering. It’s like a mechanic taking apart a car to see how it works.

Austin Kleon from his book Steal Like an Artist.

Just started Austin's book. So far it is killer! Packed full of dynamite quotes from explosive thinkers.

"It’s one of my theories that when people give you advice, they’re really just talking to themselves in the past."

Austin Kleon 

Yep. That is the truth; dead center bulls-eye. 

So.......

 “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” 

Andre Gide

“Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.” —Jim Jarmusch

“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.”

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali

“We want you to take from us. We want you, at first, to steal from us, because you can’t steal. You will take what we give you and you will put it in your own voice and that’s how you will find your voice. And that’s how you begin. And then one day someone will steal from you.” 

Francis Ford Coppola