How To Use Our References Instead of Copy-pasting
I recently watched an interview with Osgood Perkins, the director of the hit horror film Longlegs, about where he gets the influence for his film.
Interesting point. None of the films he mentioned are horror!
It’s the first lesson here. Never take your influence or reference in the face. Meaning: Don’t be obvious! In fact, stay away from the banality of the obvious. Learn to do a twist and make something different.
Elevate the genre you’re working on, or you’re at risk of xeroxing other people's work.
Here’s another trick.
Many moons ago, I was talking with a musician who was thinking about the same thing. His trick is quite simple. Get the influence from the roots of an artist you like and learn from there.
For example:
You like Nirvana, Nirvana likes The Beatles, and The Beatles likes Buddy Holly.
So don’t only listen to Nirvana; listen to Buddy Holly too.
Unless you’re the guy who wrote Wonderwall, you can’t just copy pasting The Beatles.
But not everyone is Noel Gallagher, darling.
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On a slow Saturday night, I promise myself I’ll write more about creativity, pop culture, or whatever crap comes from my monkey mind. If you like this piece, follow me on Instagram
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