The Myth of Originality
I am a passionate Madridista, and my Madridismo often spills into other parts of my life.
The latest version of the MKT Studios logo is one example. I wanted something simple and elegant that looked good digitally. Given the brand name, text felt more fitting than symbols. I started sketching and noticed the letters M, K, and T blended nicely together. Stacking them made the logo compact, and when I finished, it felt original. But like most so-called original ideas, it began with admiration — in this case, my love for Real Madrid and years of being drawn to the club’s crest.
As a creator, I’ve long craved originality. I wanted my ideas to come purely from me. I wanted my art to be something only I could make. But when I think about it, my photos are influenced by everything — scenes from movies, illustrations, paintings, murals, other photos, things I see around me, and even music. My illustrations take cues from my photos. My animations take cues from my illustrations. And the cycle continues.
What we see, feel, and hear doesn’t stay separate in our heads. Everything mixes together. Our art becomes an amalgamation of memories, experiences, and references, all blending into one expression. It’s like trying to recreate a restaurant dish at home. You might have the skill, the taste, and the tools, and the result might come close. But it will never be the same. And that’s fine. When you borrow ideas with intent and honesty, you evolve them. Then others take your work and evolve it further.
There’s no shame in admitting inspiration. Take pride in it. Every idea comes from somewhere. Rarely does it come from nowhere. If art were limited only to things that were completely original, the world would be a duller place.
Madridista: A supporter or fan of Real Madrid. The word carries more than just allegiance; it reflects a sense of pride, identity, and belonging to the culture and ethos of the club. To be a Madridista is to be part of a legacy — a blend of passion, excellence, and tradition that extends beyond the sport itself.
Madridismo: The spirit or philosophy that defines Real Madrid. It’s the collective mindset that fuels the club: the relentless pursuit of excellence, resilience in the face of defeat, and belief in constant reinvention while honoring roots.