'This is literally me': Artist defends bluejay painting from social media callout

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… or so they say. The person who said that (Oscar Wilde) was actually saying that people who imitate others' artwork are mediocre, and that their work is paying homage to the actual greats. He's saying if anyone imitates your work, they're just a fan. 

Copying other people's work is unavoidable as you grow and learn in any field. You might learn to write by scribbling out spec scripts of your favorite TV characters, or maybe you got a lot better at painting by emulating the works of your favorite painter. Over time, you improve at your craft. You start to notice little details and you'll soon find your own style. Then, you can come into your own standing as an artist without ever calling someone else's work your own. 

The line between inspiration and plagiarism can be difficult to parse, and that's especially true on the internet, where people oftentimes go uncredited for their work. In an effort to correct the record, sometimes commenters will tag an artist if they see their work going viral without credit, or if they notice someone else claiming the piece as their own. in this case, it's caused a lot confusion, and it's all thanks to a painting of a bird. 

Next, read about the 35-year-old who was renovating her MIL's house until the MIL suddenly insisted she pay off the house in full: 'I do not want to give her any money until we have that paperwork.'