Studying Masters
Is it okay to copy art?
Don’t worry—I’m not talking about AI. Come take a break with me.
If the goal is to learn, then studying the masters can be deeply inspiring and invigorate new ideas.
Still, I’ve heard plenty of opposition to copying. Some folks say it’ll water down your individuality, or worse—that it “degrades the soul” of the copier.
If that were true, then half our favorite creators would be husks wandering the earth by now.
It’s funny how taboo this can feel in visual arts, when in music, it’s just... expected. From day one, kids are taught to recite existing music.
How often are beginner musicians asked to write something totally new? Unless they’re in jazz band or experimenting at home, a lot of students go through years of music classes without composing a single original thing - and no one thinks that’s a problem.
There’s great value in playing what’s already been written—or transcribing an existing piece. Most musicians will tell you it sharpens your instincts and deepens your skills.
So, yeah—I think it makes total sense for visual artists to study the greats. Not as a shortcut, but as a way to bridge the gaps when instruction or critique aren’t always on hand. Like it says in The Shonen Jump Guide to Making Manga:
"Of course, [copying] for a contest or official submission without express permission would get you in trouble. I'm just talking about a way to practice and learn how a given manga is put together on the most basic level. It can show you how an author approaches every page of their story with intention, and how they utilize specific elements in deliberate ways."
With that in mind, I decided to copy a spread from the Wano arc of One Piece.
And wow—humbling doesn’t even begin to cover it. It was a lot of work, but there’s no substitute for what happens when you move your hand across the page.
Original panel from One Piece:
My attempt at recreating it:
Ack! The proportions are off all over the place—but I hope some of the feeling still comes through. I used a smaller art board to save some time, and I’m glad that I did for a study. I’m deeply inspired by the coordination the One Piece team must have to deliver stories like this every week.
For my next study, I want to try my hand at Moebius' Starwatcher:
or maybe Miyazaki’s concept art for Nausicaa:
What about you?
Ever copied a master’s work to learn? Got strong feelings either way? I’d love to hear your take.
Thanks for reading.
This is incredible, and thought provoking, exactly the kinda writing I love to read. And yes, very good point... whose to say we can't "copy" from the best, how else will you get better? Through these "practices" I find my own creative confidence come through when put on the spot.