{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 125: Stop Copying. Start Creating: Reference vs Imagination","description":"Copying your reference photos line-for-line is boring AF. Here\u2019s how to use them without losing your voice.&amp;nbsp; Many artists start with reference photos because that\u2019s what we were taught: paint the flower yellow, the grass green, the cow black and white. And while that\u2019s fine for learning, it\u2019s a fast track to creating lifeless art that looks like everyone else\u2019s.&amp;nbsp; The truth is, reference photos are meant to be a starting point, not a destination. If you copy them exactly, you erase the most important part of your art \u2026 your unique voice. In this episode of the Honest Art \u00ae Podcast, I break down how to break free from perfectionism and start using reference photos in a way that fuels your creativity instead of smothering it.&amp;nbsp; Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don\u2019t miss a thing! And don\u2019t forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art\u00ae? Email me at amy@jodieking.com! Resources mentioned:   Honest Art Workshop: Austin, TX Oct 22-26, 2025: https:\/\/jodieking.com\/honest-art-workshop-austin-october-2025&amp;nbsp;   Honest Art Society Membership: https:\/\/www.jodiekingart.com\/has&amp;nbsp;   Color Course for Rebels: https:\/\/www.jodiekingart.com\/ccfr&amp;nbsp;   Palette Knife: https:\/\/amzn.to\/46AqZe5&amp;nbsp;   Spatula: https:\/\/amzn.to\/4772ntv&amp;nbsp;     Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https:\/\/forms.gle\/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6&amp;nbsp;   How are you liking the Honest Art\u00ae Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLMquJfuMsSg0fr46BRdia1cWd-81GThzF   For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog:&amp;nbsp;www.jodieking.com\/podcast&amp;nbsp;   ","author_name":"Honest Art Podcast with Jodie King","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/455256","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38460570\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/193802685"}