Steal Like an (Actual) Artist

Step 1: Find good examples to reference

Step 2: Ask yourself: for every person in my similar role/job/gig, how easy would it be for them to find these references?

Step 2.5: If Step 1 was too easy, then redo.

Step 3: Collage / Remix / Redefine / Defamiliarize the work by synthesizing the reference with something new (eg: if it was drawn by hand, it could be as simple as drawing it with ketchup). *Pro Tip: The more layers of new ideations you add on top, the more “unique” the idea becomes.