Start your art journey by copying, yes copy others.

Finding creativity in drawing often begins with inspiration, and old books and magazines are treasure troves of ideas. Reference materials, whether vintage illustrations or intriguing articles, can help develop your skills and shape your artistic taste.

Austin Kleon writes in Steal Like an Artist, "Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination." Copying what inspires you isn’t about imitation but about understanding and learning. It’s how artists develop their style and has been since year 0.

I picked up a copy of Hellebore zine in Blackmoon Botanica in Edinburgh which has been filling me with inspo, its a beautifully curated exploration of British folklore and the occult. Its intricate illustrations and compelling stories have been rich sources for copying and reinterpreting. The act of drawing from such materials isn't just technical practice; it’s a way of immersing yourself in an aesthetic, letting it inform and expand your own creative instincts.

Creativity, contrary to myth, doesn’t strike out of the blue. It’s a process, a structure built on curiosity. Kleon reminds us, “You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself.” Taking a spark of intrigue—whether from architecture, fashion, interior design, typography, or nature—and translating it through your hand helps you engage deeply with what inspires you.

When copying, you’re not merely replicating; you’re studying form, texture, and emotion. Over time, you build a library of influences that fuel original work. Kleon wisely advises, “The best way to get started on your next piece of work is to find a piece of work you love and copy it.” By engaging with the creativity of the past, you’re actively cultivating your own. With patience and curiosity, the fragments you borrow transform into something uniquely yours.

Austin Kleon - Steal Like an Artist

Hellebore Zine