It’s tempting to imagine yourself as a solitary creator, working long hours at your desk. This image of solitude was popularized in the 19th century. When you visit Balzac’s House in Paris, you can easily picture him writing in the middle of the night. Beyond his supposed daily rituals, The Human Comedy stands as proof of his dedication.

However, there’s another way to think about the creation process. During the Renaissance, workshops were common for collaborative creation. Although only the main artist was credited, many assistants contributed and apprentices learned their craft. When you admire Raphael’s works, you recognize his unique style and inventiveness, often forgetting that he managed a workshop. Patrons sought the reputation of a singular artist, even if the artist’s direct involvement in the final piece varied. Apprentices learned by copying and contributing to these compositions.

Today, even supposed lone creators rely on collective intelligence. Google, AI tools, blog posts, video tutorials, books—it’s easier than ever to benchmark and fuel your creativity with online resources. In a nutshell, you’re not alone.