Think no one’s paying attention? They are. In this hyper-connected world, everything you put out there is under scrutiny.
Think no one’s paying attention? They are. In this hyper-connected world, everything you put out there is under scrutiny. That little “design lift” you thought no one would notice? Someone noticed. And once trust is broken, it’s nearly impossible to get back.
In the world of design, inspiration is everywhere. But where do we draw the line between borrowing brilliance and committing creative theft? Enter the philosophy of “Steal Like an Artist,” a concept that encourages creators to build on existing ideas in a way that’s transformative and innovative—not just duplicative. Here’s how to navigate this philosophy responsibly, turn inspiration into innovation, and avoid the pitfalls of lazy imitation.
The phrase “Steal Like an Artist” originates from Austin Kleon’s bestselling book of the same name. Kleon redefined the idea of creativity, arguing that nothing is truly original. Instead, all ideas are built on the work of others. But the key lies in how you “steal.” Kleon emphasizes borrowing ideas in a way that transforms them into something uniquely your own, rather than outright copying. His message? Stealing ideas is acceptable, but only if it’s done with integrity and innovation.
It’s about taking ideas and turning them into something better, something yours. Do it right, and you’ll innovate. Do it wrong, and, well, you’ll tank your reputation. Let’s break it down.
The heart of this philosophy lies in focusing on transformation. When you see something you admire, it’s not about lifting it wholesale—it’s about using it as a stepping stone to something greater for your business and users.
Be Curious
Ask yourself, “Why does this design work? What problem does it solve? How can I improve on it or adapt it to a different audience?”
Make It Yours
Combine inspiration from multiple sources to create something new. For example, if you love the minimalist interface of one app and the playful typography of another, find a way to blend these ideas into a fresh, cohesive design.
Add Value
Innovation in design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about solving problems in a better way. When you take inspiration, use it as a foundation to build something that enhances the user experience or reimagines the concept entirely. This is the most important step. Don’t just repackage the idea—improve it. Add value. If you’re not bringing something new to the table, you’re wasting your time and everyone else’s.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: copying is lazy, and it shows. Maybe you think, “No one will care.” Guess what? They do. And it hurts your brand in more ways than one. When designers and marketers cross the line from inspiration to duplication, the consequences can be damaging—not just to their reputation but to their business.
In tight-knit local markets or industries, plagiarism doesn’t go unnoticed. A design lift—whether intentional or not—can quickly spread, alienating potential collaborators and tarnishing your credibility. You also do the worst for your team, you stifle their creativity. By resorting to shortcuts, you rob yourself and your business of the opportunity to innovate, which is a most important tool. Your brand becomes associated with imitation rather than originality, and that limits your long-term growth and reinforces your own decision making whether it’s buried in your subconscious or you’re aware of it.
But let’s address reputation with customers too. When users recognize a copied design, or product, it erodes trust. It’s that slimy feeling in your gut. Customers are drawn to brands that offer unique, memorable experiences—and maybe they don’t notice it at first, the copy, but they sure will realize you fail to deliver on your innovative promises when they don’t come from your own creation .
And yeah, I’m speaking from experience. I don’t shy away from honesty here, we at Brandch fell into the trap of a design lift early in our journey in 2020. The backlash from the design community was swift, well deserved and eye-opening. It taught us a valuable lesson: originality isn’t optional—it’s essential.
To truly “steal like an artist,” you must understand the difference between being inspired by greatness and simply replicating it. Walking this line takes discipline. Here’s how to stay on the right side:
Whether it’s your peers, competitors, or customers, someone is always observing your work. The smallest misstep—a design lift, a copied feature—can have some consequences. Think no one’s paying attention? They are. In this hyper-connected world, everything you put out there is under scrutiny. That little “design lift” you thought no one would notice? Someone noticed. And once trust is broken, it’s nearly impossible to get back. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your competitors’ and peers’ trust doesn’t matter!
At Brandch, we learned that accountability is a powerful motivator. Knowing that our work is always being watched pushes us to innovate, not imitate. It keeps us sharp and keeps our clients coming back. This is something I am very proud of our team for, their sharp innovative brains with seemingly endless creativity (I apologize for the not humble brag, but really, I am so proud of them).
“Steal Like an Artist” is a call to action for designers to embrace inspiration as a tool for innovation. When done right, it allows you to honor the brilliance of others while crafting something entirely your own. But when done wrong, it can derail your reputation and diminish your brand’s value.
So, steal smartly. Transform ideas. Innovate boldly. And most importantly, remember: originality is the cornerstone of trust, and trust is the foundation of great design.
