IS ORIGINALITY DEAD?

Hi ScribeSquad, how was your weekend? Mine was good, slept, ate and just recharged.

So, is originality dead? I ask because some days ago, I had a conversation with my friend, where he talked about the reason why he can’t start a blog for his poetry yet. He basically said, he felt his work lacked originality.

And In this social media age, it feels like nothing is new and we are all a photocopy of the other. This got me thinking, is there really Originality in people’s works anymore?

Well from my stand point; Originality is lowkey dead and very much overrated.

Click HERE to read what others have to say on this.

Before you beat me, I do know that there are people who still come up with unique, never seen before ideas. However, even if you come up with an idea that feels original, truth is someone somewhere has probably thought about it too. It is just a thing of, whose version hits the market first and at what level. (e.g., when a cover song is more known than the original)

“The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity.” — Thomas Carlyle

So, the megawatt question is; How do you create without being a fraud?

One word; INDIVIDUALITY, this is what sets you apart from everyone else. This is what separates inspiration from copycat! Let your personality shine through. Let people feel a sense of you through your work.

There is this photography challenge by Jessica kobeissi, called “four photographers shoot one model” (the model is shot in same location and outfit). At the end of the day you see, same conditions but different images! And what blows my mind is; if you had to pick, you knew whose image was which. Why? Individuality.

Focus on yourself! We are so busy trying to be the “next best thing” that our energy and focus is split. We put ourselves under undue pressure, trying to beat the other person’s idea. This takes away from you, because you pay so much attention to the other person’s work, you forget yourself and in doing this you end up as a wannabe confused version of someone else.

I remember in high school; my teacher would ask a question, and someone would say the answer, but he still asks another person to say it and he says, “SAY YOUR OWN”.

“True originality consists not in a new manner, but in a new vision.” — Edith Wharton

Creativity means birthing your imagination.

And do not forget that your imagination is a product of what you have heard, seen, felt or smelt.

I will leave you with these words from iamKomposed;

You are a creative. But no creative is an island. As B.J. Neblett said, “We are the sum total of our experiences.” Embrace the influences and inspirations you find around you in your world, and channel them into your creativity. After all, that’s where the best ideas come from.

What are your thoughts on originality? Is it dead?

Have an amazing week ahead! See you on Thursday!

 STAY SHINING LOVELIES

MODEL: CHARLOTTE

PHOTOGRAPHER: THE BLACKSCRIBBLER.

MUA: MYDAH