Show your work, and when the right people show up, pay close attention to them, because they'll have a lot to show you.
Austin KleonArt is theftโ) and Igor Stravinsky (โLesser artists borrow, great artists stealโ), Iโve always stolen from the people I admire โ not plagiarized, mind you, but stolen bits of ideas and stylistic influences. If you steal widely enough, after all, your models are inevitably changed and the result is in the end completely yours. Kleon cites Andrรฉ Gide to this point, in a quotation I love: โEverything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again.
Austin KleonWe're always being told 'find your voice.' When I was younger, I never really knew what this meant. I used to worry a lot about voice, wondering if I had my own. But now I realize that the only way to find your voice is to use it. It's hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.
Austin Kleon