Learning Through Copying: Respecting the Line Between Inspiration and Originality
In every creative journey, there comes a time when we study the work of those who came before us. We try to recreate their forms, mimic their techniques, and understand their process. This is a vital part of growth. Copying, in this context, is not theft. It is how we learn.
But there’s an important boundary that every artist, designer, and craftsperson must come to understand: copies made for learning must stay within the realm of personal development. They are not meant for public sale, online promotion, or branding as your own original designs.
Take the example of one of my former students. She made a few vases based on my original "MoonTree" design. These were part of her learning process during the course I taught. Later, she more of the same design vases to test a glaze and ended up posting them on social media advertising them for a small local sale event. While her intentions were not malicious, this is a good example of how blurred lines can lead to unintentional missteps.
This is what I sent her: “Copying pieces like that is absolutely fine for practice—testing techniques or glazes, for example—but selling them, even locally or casually, crosses a line. That shifts things from learning into profiting from someone else’s creative work. Even if it’s just a one-off sale, it opens the door to more difficult questions—like what happens if someone asks for more, or a full collection? It puts you in an ethically grey area and risks misrepresenting the authorship of the design. It’s a slippery slope, and one that can easily be avoided by keeping those learning pieces out of public sales.”
Feel free to be inspired by my work. It is okay to make copies of my pieces as part of your learning—that’s exactly what we do during my courses! But these learning pieces should remain for your personal use only. Do not advertise, sell, or present them—online or in-person—as your own original work.
Anyone can learn to use a brush or throw a pot, but originality comes from integrating those techniques into something that reflects your personal ideas, emotions, and aesthetics. Copying helps build your toolkit. Originality begins when you use that toolkit to say something only you can say.
I love teaching and sharing all that I have discovered over the years. That’s why we host a summer full of courses, retreats, and a rich calendar of workshops. Seeing students grow and explore their creative voice brings me deep joy. But that joy flourishes best when boundaries are kept clean and clear—because clarity allows for real connection, mutual respect, and lasting inspiration.
The time of the anonymous craftsman is in the past. Today, we show appreciation and respect by giving proper credit, the same way we would to any artist or designer. Studio potters are often all three: artist, designer, and craftsperson. Our work is our voice, and using that voice without acknowledgement is more than just disrespectful—it erodes trust in the community.
Copying as learning is essential. Copying for profit or recognition is not.
Clarity is safety. Clarity is connection. When we clearly distinguish between inspiration and imitation, we create a safer space for everyone to explore, learn, and grow creatively.
So take inspiration. Learn boldly. But always return to your own creative voice. That's where the real magic begins.
Warmly, Laima
This article was written by Laima with editorial support from ChatGPT, and it too- should be given the due credit ;)
