In a society that worships creativity, originality is held up as the highest virtue, yet what we call design is often nothing more than a sophisticated remix of what came before, a reimagining of existing ideas rather than the birth of something entirely new.

For years, designers and consumers alike have been fed the narrative that groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind creations are the pinnacle of innovation, even though every brushstroke, every layout, and every typographic choice echoes influences from the past.

A Double-Edged Sword

‍What if the obsession with being "original" is, in fact, a lie that stifles progress? History shows us that every great design is built on the foundation of earlier work, borrowing elements from diverse sources and combining them in novel ways. The pursuit of originality becomes a marketing tool, a way to elevate a product or an artist above the competition, even if that supposed uniqueness is merely a clever assembly of familiar components.

The Remix of Past Influences

‍This myth of originality creates an environment where imitation is frowned upon, even though mimicking successful ideas can be a powerful engine for innovation. When everyone is busy chasing an elusive idea of perfection, the true potential for creative problem solving may be lost in a sea of overhyped promises and unrealistic standards. In many cases, the most impactful designs are those that honor their predecessors, reinventing and refining what already exists rather than tearing it down in a misguided quest for novelty.

When ‘Genius’ Is Just a Collage

‍Critics argue that this relentless chase for originality has led to an elitist mindset, where only a select few are praised for being "innovative" while the rest are dismissed as copycats, even though all design is inherently derivative. This controversy forces us to confront a painful truth: what we celebrate as genius might just be an elaborate collage of ideas that have stood the test of time.

Perhaps it is time to redefine what we mean by original, to embrace the notion that creativity thrives on connection and transformation, not isolation and false exclusivity. By acknowledging that every design is an evolution rather than a revolution, we may free ourselves to pursue more meaningful, authentic work that resonates on a deeper level with a broader audience.