Creativity is an extension of who we are. Whether an artist, designer, writer, or musician, it is a personal practice that we perform in our everyday lives. And because of this nature, it’s only natural for us to feel ownership over it; this could probably spring from the desire to set ourselves apart and ensure our ideas are uniquely ours. But it becomes a completely different experience once that same mindset becomes more paralyzing than fulfilling.
As an educator and creative designer, I have observed a pattern in and out of the classroom: the hunger to stand out and be consistent in doing so. While this is a vital aspect of every creative’s life, I also know and have experienced a few heartaches here and there in my design and creative journey.
As somebody who embodied the same struggle in both my student and professional life, I’ve spent countless hours worrying about standing out and ensuring that whatever work I put out would be different from everything we already see. Over time, after countless successes and errors, I realized that in this lifetime, one cannot have complete ownership of the styles we put out for visual or experiential consumption. And maybe, we don’t really have to worry about it in the first place.
The reality is that everything we create is, in some way or form, influenced by something that has already existed—whether it’s history, culture, or personal experience. And in this digital age, inspiration has become more accessible than ever. With this truth come two things:
1. We will, at some point, share the same creative influences with others. It could be in the form of style, color palette, choice of font, trend patterns, even our writing voice.
2. Someone out there will likely come up with something similar to what we have done not because they copied us, but simply because of the shared inspirations, movements, and even patterns.
Creativity isn’t about being the first—it’s about creating with sincerity. I once believed standing out was key to success, obsessing over uniqueness in my work. But instead of feeling in control, I felt drained, stuck in a cycle of trying to “out-unique” others.
The turning point came when I realized creativity isn’t about ownership but authenticity. Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist reinforced that all creative work builds on the past, freeing me to focus on honesty rather than competition.
The goal isn’t originality—it’s authenticity. It’s about creating work that feels true, connects with others, and leaves a lasting impact.
What are some of the prompts that helped me shift my focus
1. Instead of obsessing about finishing first to claim ownership, focus on your process and embrace the idea of finishing with a purpose. What are you trying to tell? What perspective are you bringing to the table? Our whys are what make our work more meaningful.
2. Instead of competing, find your rhythm. Constantly wanting to outsmart, outdo, and be unique will consume you; in all aspects of your life, it is the quickest road to burnout. Allow yourself to create at your own pace, pause and look at your work from afar, and observe if there must be adjustments to improve the overall output. Consistency over pace.
3. Use trends as tools, do not run away from them and let them cripple you. We must learn to teach ourselves that trends aren’t the enemy, it’s about what you do with these trends that matter most. Use them as references, use them to find your own interpretation and process.
People connect with our work not because it’s new but because it makes them feel something. If you feel protective of your creativity, know that it’s a common phase—but it shouldn’t define your journey.
Creativity is a shared experience, and sincerity matters more than originality. In the end, it’s not about who did it first or best, but why and how it was done, and the impact it leaves on others.
About the author
Hannah Galang-Dumlao is a licensed interior designer specializing in residential and retail design, visual merchandising, and creative branding. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Assumption College and a master’s in fine arts and design with high distinction from the Philippine Women’s University.
As Creative and Design Director of Happy Heyday Creative Studio, she leads projects in space design, creative direction, and design journalism. With over a decade in academia, she has taught interior design at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Enderun Colleges. Passionate about multidisciplinary design, she explores the intersection of culture, art, and space.