it's really like the Nike tag line

I spend a lot of time reading about art and creativity. Lots of books about how someone has managed to corral the wild creature that is creativity in seven easy steps and now has it eating out of their hands.

Most of these have a lot in common with cookbooks, there's one or two good recipes but the rest just isn't for you. They are worth reading for two reasons. Firstly you may find a nugget that turns everything around for you. Maybe a new way of thinking or approaching what you do. Secondly they remind you that someone has got through the kind of struggles you are going through and come out the other side.

My favourite of these books is Austen Kleon’s “Steal like an Artist”. Which reminds us that all the great artists have stolen from those who went before. The important thing is how you make the stolen thing yours.

When I get stuck or find myself lacking in inspiration I like to find an image in a book or on-line and try to copy it. I'm never going to draw like Picasso or E H Shepherd or Quentin Blake. But trying is a learning experience. How did they mix that colour, make that line, make that splodge look like a person? It's the best way to learn that all art is a collaboration with each viewer as well. (A subject for another time)

That's one way to keep moving forward. And forward is the best direction.