Built, Not Borrowed (Part Two)

Sometimes, influence appears in ways that feel all too familiar. It could be a caption, a visual concept, or a specific tone or phrase. When you see it, you may pause, not because you possess the idea, but because it resonates with something that seems to have emerged from your own hands, mind, or voice.

In creative spaces, inspiration is part of the process. We’re all shaped by what we see, hear, and admire. However, what happens when that admiration turns into imitation? When what once felt personal begins to echo back without acknowledgment? It’s a subtle shift, but a significant one.

Photo by: Norma Villatoro

This post isn’t about assigning blame but about asking essential questions. What does it mean to be inspired by someone else’s work? How can we honor inspiration without crossing the line between appreciation and appropriation? And how can we ensure that our creative journeys are guided by curiosity rather than convenience?

The truth is, social media doesn’t make it easy. The pace is fast, feeds are busy, and it’s easier than ever to absorb something unconsciously. We’re bombarded with ideas, and sometimes we adopt them without even realizing it.

That’s why slowing down matters. Taking a moment to pause and reflect before we post or share. Asking, “Is this idea mine? Where did it come from? Am I giving credit where it’s due? Am I bringing something original, or just something familiar?”

In my own creative practice, these questions have become part of my process. I want the things I put into the world to carry a sense of origin. To be rooted in something lived and not just liked. From my writing, to hosting, and curating experiences, I want my work to feel honest, even if it’s imperfect.

We all engage with inspiration differently. I genuinely believe that if we want to create work that resonates, we must be honest about where our ideas originate, not to gatekeep, but to grow. Because in the end, originality isn’t about never being influenced. It’s in light of it; it’s about knowing how to turn influence into something that feels like your own.

So the next time you feel drawn to recreate what you’ve seen, ask yourself, “What’s waiting to be created from where you really are?”