There is a great exhibit going on at the Musée d’Orsay at the moment, in Paris. Comparing Art Nouveau, at the turn of the century, and its subsequent revivals, mainly the psychedelic art of record covers and poster in the 60s and 70s. Art Nouveau Revival is a great example of evolution of style.

(Albert Angus Turbayne, 1903; Bonnie MacLean, 1967)

Any designer, photographer, artist, writer, etcetera that says they don’t copy is a liar—or not very good. It’s in the very nature of us to work in groups. Nothing is created by one person. The exhibit at the d’Orsay is another stellar example showing there’s nothing wrong with copying. Cut, paste, change, mimic, trace, and borrow… but learn from it, make it your own, and don’t be shy about giving credit.