Mood Ring: Blue

Studio Noise: None–it's one of those "silence days"

Well, do you look?

No, this beefcake is not Hubby–it's just some free clip art that best illustrated my thoughts.

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When got my start in jewelry, I used to regularly look at the work of other artists in books, magazines, online, etc., for the sake of inspiration and trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I also sought out information on tutorials and techniques.

Nowadays, I find that I don't *want* to look anymore. For one thing, so much of what I see seems to look alike; but, most importantly, I want to develop "my own voice" and I don't want to be influenced by what anybody else does.

On the other hand though, I find that looking is almost a requirement. From that perspective, the main reasons I look are:

• I want to make sure that my work doesn't resemble anyone else's too closely (for my own sanity)–the thought of "copying" somebody else's work by accident feels really weird. Not even "copying" as much as just doing something so similar that you can't tell the difference between artists.

• I want to try to make sure nobody is "biting" off of my work. Unfortunately, if you're a business owner, you have to keep up with this for the sake of protecting your interests. David Yurman and the big guys certainly do–smaller entities should as well. There's an interesting thread right now on the Orchid Forum called, "I'm Being Knocked Off,"
  in which a large company used the work of a smaller independent
  artist–her logo and all–without her permission.  Some on the forum
  consider it a compliment; and others think it's just wrong. I'm am
  in the "it's just wrong" camp because stealing is stealing, period. On top of it all, the
  thief/company didn't make any modifications to the design.
  How crazy is that?! AND, when this happens, you can't vouch for the quality of the work when the manufacturer didn't include you, the artist/designer/*original* producer in the
  process–so that's your name and reputation on the line.

• I like to check out/support my friends and colleagues and see what they've been up to–and bug them when they haven't updated their sites (as if *I* have room to talk given that my website hasn't been up dated since forever (and won't be, for a while));

• Sharing/examining technique for the sake of learning–I will usually ask first, though.

The main reason I WON'T look: Creative inspiration

I'm so over the phase of *needing* to see the work of others to inspire ideas. On the other hand though,  in doing a lot of research and reading about processes I am studying, sure, ideas and inspiration abound simply as part of the research process, and from seeing other work done a particular way. But in these cases, I still very much look for ways to do things differently, and to make something my own.

There are tons of "500" books out there, and hopefully one day I'll make it into one. I'm not ready yet though.That is, "500 Bracelets," "500 Rings," "500 Earrings," etc. You get the point.  As a beginner, I wouldn't have hesitated to buy a "500" book. Now, no way–especially when I'm in the design phase of something. I just simply do not want to see what other people are doing.

Although, if I'm at the dentist's or doctor's office, and there's a "500" book just sitting on the table, sure–I might pick it up and flip through. THAT will keep my mind preoccupied and prevent me from becoming steamed that the dentist/doctor is keeping me waiting so long…

So,  yes, *I* look–but not for inspiration.

And to clarify, I don't think anything is wrong with looking for inspiration for those who choose to–just as long as one realizes that there is a difference between looking and "being inspired" vs. copying…