How to Steal Like an Artist (Without Actually Stealing)
If you’ve been making art for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard the phrase “steal like an artist.” It sounds edgy, like we’re all sneaking around in black berets with crowbars, but the truth is far less dramatic (and way more fun).
“Stealing like an artist” isn’t about copying someone else’s work line for line. It’s about learning, remixing, and creating something fresh from the ingredients of what you love. So how do you do it without turning into a knockoff factory? Let’s talk about it.
Collect Ingredients, Not Finished Meals
Think of your favorite artists like restaurants. You don’t go into a restaurant, swipe a plate of food, and serve it at your own dinner party. (At least I hope not.) But you can take note of the spices, the plating, the vibe then go home and cook something inspired by it.
In art, this means: save references, study techniques, and notice color palettes or shapes you’re drawn to. Those are your ingredients. When you make something new from them, it’s your recipe.
Remix, Don’t Reproduce
Copying a piece exactly is like microwaving someone else’s leftovers. It’ll never taste as good as the first time. Instead, change it up. Combine elements from multiple sources, add your own voice, swap the mood, or change the medium.
Example: You love a 70s floral print and a mid-century geometric pattern. What happens if you mash them together in your own color palette? Instant originality.
For example in the photo below I used different things where I gathered inspiration from, I really liked the imagery of Xray vision goggles so I used that and then I found some free images of horned lizards meaning no copywrite. I made it mine.
Focus on Why You Like It
When you find a piece of art you love, ask yourself: “What’s actually working here?” Is it the texture? The color combo? The quirky lettering? Knowing why helps you apply the principle to your own work instead of lifting the whole thing.
It’s like learning a magic trick without stealing the magician’s entire act.
Put Yourself in the Mix
No matter how good your “inspiration” is, your art only becomes truly yours when you show up in it. Your sense of humor, your favorite shapes, your weird obsession with avocado green that’s what makes a piece unmistakably you.
When you’re deliberate about this, even your most inspired-by pieces will look like you, not a cover band.
Credit Where It’s Due
If you’re heavily inspired by someone’s specific piece, say so. Share their name, tag them, link back. It costs nothing and shows respect. Plus, it builds community and most artists love knowing they’ve inspired someone.
A Quick Test
Before you hit publish or sell that new design, ask:
- Could someone point to the original and say “this is basically the same thing”?
- Did I add my own twist a new subject, palette, layout, or mood?
- Does it feel like me?
If the answer is yes, you’re in “steal like an artist” territory. If it’s no…back to the sketchbook.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Color is one of the easiest ways to turn inspiration into something uniquely yours. That’s why I’ve put together my Retro Color Swatch Packs for Procreate
They’re full of palettes inspired by vintage vibes but designed to help you create fresh, modern work. Drop them straight into your projects and instantly make your art feel like you.
Get the Retro Color Swatch Pack Here
