Introduction
In the colourful domain of animation, you must have heard this quote “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” This phrase, often attributed to Pablo Picasso, has become a mantra for animators worldwide. But wait–stealing? Doesn’t this sound wrong? In most industries, yes but in animation, borrowing ideas, techniques, and inspiration is encouraged!
Borrowing ideas is a fundamental part of the creative process. In fact, you’d be surprised to know that some of the most celebrated animators and filmmakers have ‘stolen’ from their predecessors to craft appealing masterpieces.
The Art of "Stealing" in Animation
Stealing in animation is encouraged as it doesn’t mean plagiarism or outright copying someone’s work and claiming it as your own. Instead, it is about learning from the best, observing techniques, and reimagining ideas in a fresh and innovative way. Every artist, animator, and filmmaker is inspired by something. Huge animation companies like Disney, DreamWorks, Pixar, pull ideas from real life, classic films, older cartoons, and even each other to craft something new. You can master the art of animation by studying movement, storytelling techniques, and bringing your creative ideas on the screen.
At Frameboxx 2.0, our animation courses emphasize this fundamental aspect of creative growth. We teach students to observe and analyze the work of masters, understanding what makes their animations successful before applying those insights to their own projects
Why Is “Stealing” Encouraged in Animation?
1. Animation Is a Learning Process–Every professional artist has learned by studying the works of great artists. When you replicate a famous animation style by adding your own ideas in it, you train your skills and that’s not stealing.
2. It’s About Evolution, Not Duplication–The best animators borrow, adapt, and evolve. Animation industry constantly evolves and classic movies and art have always been a source of inspiration.
3. Even the Biggest Studios Do It–You must have noticed that some animated movies have a similar animation. That’s because studios often “steal” successful storytelling methods and animation techniques.
4. The Industry Runs on Inspiration–Inspiration fuels creativity. Inspiration comes from observing the things around and about. By watching and analyzing existing animations, artists figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Learning the Right Way to "Steal"
At Frameboxx 2.0, a leading Animation Institute in Mumbai teaches our students the ethical dimensions of creative inspiration. We teach the ethics of creativity, transform inspiration, never plagiarize, always credit, and focus on principles over imitation.
So, how can you “steal” the right way without crossing ethical boundaries? Here’s how:
● Study Frame by Frame– Watch animations in slow motion and analyze how movements are created. Understand the principles behind the motion.
● Remix and Reimagine– Don’t copy a character or scene exactly—add your own twist, modify the style, and create something original.
● Combine Different Influences– Pull inspiration from multiple sources and merge them into something unique.
● Give Credit Where It’s Due– If you’re deeply inspired by an artist or studio, acknowledge it. Learning from the best is a sign of respect, not theft.
Conclusion
Observing and mimicking in animation is all about learning, evolving and bringing the imaginary ideas to computer screens. The best animators are the ones who absorb inspiration from everywhere, remix it with their own creativity, and create a new masterpiece.
So, the next time you feel guilty about “stealing” an idea, remember that the greatest artists before you did the same thing. Take inspiration, experiment with it, and make it your own! Looking to refine your animation skills and learn industry secrets? Frameboxx 2.0 offers top-notch Animation Courses in Mumbai that help you grow as a creative professional. Explore more at our website and start your journey today!