Today Erin from Design For Mankind is here to talk to us on a topic that I asked her to write about because I thought she’d have a lot to say on the matter and she does! I think her words just may encourage a good discussion here today so I invite you to grab a cup of tea, sit back, and tune in to Erin’s message below — and be sure to add your comment to the mix, too! Take it away, Miss E!
We’ve heard from the fashion folk. It’s been noted by renowned photographers. Interior designers are speaking up. Web programmers are furrowing their brows.
Call it what you will: visual plagiarism, hacks, or sheer knock-offs. However you slice it, an increasingly saturated art/design community is becoming a feeding ground for inspiration… or is it imitation?
I recently read an article in Harper’s Bazaar about the inspiration behind today’s fashion designers. Many designers mentioned historical figures such as Napoleon, Carmen Miranda and [no joke] Minnie Mouse.
And I can’t help but wonder what exactly dear Minnie Mouse would think if she knew her look was being imitated. I can only imagine she’d hijack Goofy’s wagon and skitter on over to Zac Posen’s studio to give him a prompt speaking to.
Yet can we really control when inspiration sets in? Not at all. What we can control is what we do with that inspiration. Do we carbon copy the design? Or do we tastefully implement elements from the designs that we, ourselves, cherish? [And for the record, Zac Posen’s inspiration was quite tasteful in fact!]
Of course, this is how a trend is born. We certainly didn’t don gladiator sandals this summer for comfort; the Greek and Roman influences were found to be inspirational by a few key designers. And that’s perfectly fine. What’s not perfectly fine is an intentional lifting of originality. I mean truly, how odd would we look like running around in togas AND gladiator sandals?
I’m saddened at how often this happens in our creative community. Rather than lifting each other up and encouraging originality, I fear that we’ve become envious of the instant gratification that the Internet often provides. It seems that one good design and a few press mentions can skyrocket an artist into serious success. Just how far will we go to present that “one good design?”
It breaks my heart to see an unoriginal piece. To me, a unique design has life. It has passion. And it becomes beautiful only when you can truly see the artist’s spirit behind his/her work. Thus, when we attempt to borrow elements of someone else’s work, the result is often never quite right. Much like a person without a genuine spirit can be spotted like a sore thumb, so, too, can an artist without an individualistic nature.
And you know what? Bloggers, we’re to blame as well. How often have we posted material that originated from somewhere else, only to (a) forget, (b) refuse or (c) fail to credit our source?
Indeed, there is a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and although I hate to create additional boundaries in art, I’d like to see us all work harder to find our true passions. I quite understand that many of our inspirations derive from the same source, and I think that’s a wonderful thing. The problem lies in our intentions. Are we creating something that we truly believe in? Or are we creating a spin-off of something that already exists simply because it sells?
From now on, let’s embrace the community that we’ve helped to build. Let’s encourage, congratulate and experience alongside of each other, not across from. I hope that someday we can each feel proud of the talents we’ve been given and showcase these unique gifts in beautiful, original ways.
Until then, know that imitation? It’s not such a form of flattery after all.
What are your thoughts on this topic? When does inspiration become imitation? What is the difference between inspired by and ripped off? Your thoughts?
- All text by Erin from Design For Mankind.
(images from evaxebra)
August 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Erin,
I agree with 100% that now-a-days a lot of designers/stylists don’t see where the fine line between inspiration and imitation is. To top it off, it’s even worse when such imitations end up taking most of the credit ($$) just because that certain designer/stylist has connections or/and is in the public eye.
In my opinion, inspiration becomes imitation when a creation doesn’t have the creator’s personal touch and/or uniqueness.
Best wishes.
P.S (loved your input on Decor8, as well as your personal blog)
August 14th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Everyone copies everyone. It is a fact of life. Where the really bad problem comes in is along that line between knockoff and outright, unlicensed copy or counterfeit. Designers have been copying each other for centuries; only one designer truly starts a trend; when the others join in it becomes a trend. By the time you see Suzani-inspired prints on a duvet cover at Pottery Barn or West Elm, the trend is pushing its way right over the tipping point.
As for bloggers, I wish someone would write a good bloggers guide (yours truly still doesn’t know nearly enough to author it, or I would!). I’ve learned by starting out knowing nothing, learning from mistakes, and picking up tips from other bloggers along the way. For example, a few years ago, I didn’t even know how to make a link, and I didn’t realize I needed to be doing that! I think I first really “got it” after seeing a very polite post about linking/crediting sources on Desire to Inspire. Same for crediting photographers. It’s stupid, I know, but picking up on that fact that I needed to do that was part of the learning curve! I guess my mindset was still in the old days of Napster, lawless internet mode, and I didn’t know the etiquette!
I think it’s important that we continue to spread the word about proper credit being given where it’s due, in a constructive and helpful way; many of the people who aren’t giving proper credits probably don’t know it’s a blogging infraction. Send someone a nice email about it before they have a nasty cease and desist letter break their spirits! BTW, I’ve noticed a VERY prestigious newspaper getting stories directly from blogs and giving them no credit whatsoever. Most recently it concerned the Alice Ball House in New Canaan CT.
One more thought. It would be kind of cool if we had some sort of community post area or perhaps a blog where all kinds of people could contribute blogging tips and advice. It could be the blogger guide with many contributors. I’m not sure what the proper format would be, but I’d certainly be up for it.
becky from hatchs last blog post: Eat, Shop, Kayak, Explore, Stay in Port Clyde Maine
August 14th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Funny, just last night I read an article in the German Brigitte magazine about the creative genius behind H&M’s head designer person - she said they go to the shows in Paris, make sketches, and go back to the office and recreate the look based on what they think their customers will buy. I think this qualifies as RIPPING OFF. The interviewer didn’t address this issue and just flattered the ‘designer’. Anyhow…
Basically, I think it comes down to money in most cases. It’s marketing, somebody sees what sells and wants a piece of the action. You can knock that behavior, but we can’t really stop it from happening unless people go bonkers trying to patent every creation and then pay for the design police to hunt down the offenders. It sucks but it’s true.
In other cases - I just have to say to copy-cat artists: WAKE UP - what are you really doing? Maybe you haven’t really noticed that you’re copying (which is a whole issue in and of it self) or maybe you don’t care (another issue) - but to the perps with ’such-and-such designer’ next to your name on your business card, or even those with an at-home side business on Etsy: Shame on you!
I think part of this issue goes back to the whole ‘what is art?’ question. It’s also a creative-ethics question. Do design schools have classes on ethics in the arts? Probably. Somebody share on this, I’m interested. If it’s not art, and just a trend, can we all feel free to copy in our own way? (insert image of cute bird on twig/wire/what-have-you here) Since we copy the trend IN OUR OWN WAY, is that copying, or just imitating and following a trend? Also - if large groups of people aren’t in the income bracket to buy “art”, isn’t it only fair to have an H&M selling rip-off design at prices the masses can afford? Hmm…fodder for discussion.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
In regards to blogging, I had my first negative experience today. I love to blog about companies or product I have recently “discovered”. I blogged a picture from a flickr pool of yarn, normally it will show as “orginally uploaded by” and have a link to the orginal flickr stream. I post a comment on the picture about how lovely it was and put a comment on her blog that I had put them up on my blog to show how gorgoeous the yarn was. Well, apparently when I went in to edit it that night the “uploaded by” link disappered and I didn’t realize. She came unglued. Put a comment on my blog and and sent an email on ravelry about I was infringing copyright, I could get in huge trouble, etc etc. It was an honest mistake, I aplogized, and took the post down, but it made me feel terrible.
jens last blog post: More Yarn! Three Irish Girls
August 14th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Great topic. Great opening statement. I agree there is a wafer-thin line that often divides inspiration & imitation. I think, tho, that imitation comes in a few forms: coincidental, incremental and blatant. The last of the 3 is the easiest to say is out-and-out wrong, illegal (all artwork is copywritten whether through formality or not), distasteful and opportunistic.
Coincidental imitation I believe happens when creative divinity strikes more than once. We are snowflakes, to a point, but I do believe our common experiences, educations, habits, backgrounds, lifestyles, etc. propel us in similar directions more often than we think.
The last kind of imitation, incremental, happens when certain styles, designs, motifs, genres have already become a trend - the status quo so to speak. When you’re exposed to the same thing again and again and again like a broken record, the novelty wears off and we completely indoctrinate these designs and ideas into our psyche. They become part of our creative fiber, and sometimes they start to seep back out into our own work.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
What a fantastically important topic. Personally I worry (maybe a little too much) that I will UNintentionally copy from all the scads and scads of inspiration I see on the internet each day. A sort of subconcious collaboration is a wonderful byproduct of the blogging world, but when is it too insular?
In addition to being more aware of our intentions (great point, Erin!) non-art items and experiences are a wide-open source of inspriation. Nature, books, neighbors, garbage, and just about anything else can be used to make personal connections which leads to meaningful expression. Which isn’t to say that a (careful) involvement in this beautiful interent world of art and design and craft should be avoided.
In fact the inspiration to simply keep creating is the best type of inspiration I can get from seeing all the talent out there!
sweetcheeses last blog post: MIA
August 14th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi Erin & Holly,
I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about this exact topic. I want to eventually start my own bedding/fabric business. I am inspired by the designs I see in magazines and on the web. A majority of the designs I have developed reflect this. I am honest enough to admit that I am not going to be the person who will revolutionize the home fabric industry. But my designs are different from what is in the market and reflect my background and my sensibilities.
But it becomes very hard sometimes to separate what is truly your work and what is somebody else’s work. I have seen a lot of products recently, featured on blogs and in magazines, which are inspired by traditional Indian designs. Sometimes very small changes are made and products are presented as originals. Is this wrong? This is an ethical dilemma. Where do you draw the line? Is just changing the color of a motif and printing it on cotton instead of silk really an inspiration or plagiarism?
Please let me know what you think. I don’t care about others but I would like to do the right thing.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
This is such a huge problem in the fashion industry and the rules are getting more and more strict. We just had a lecture the other day from some textile designers and they told a story about how they had designed an exclusive print for a client, and the overseas manufacturers produced double the amount asked and sold the excess to other designers as their own product. So sometimes it’s not even designers, the manufacturers are getting cheeky too!
Alis last blog post: Help Miette!
August 14th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I completely agree with Felipe Diz commented: In my opinion, inspiration becomes imitation when a creation doesn’t have the creator’s personal touch and/or uniqueness.
I’m a scrap booker and graphic artist. I have a deep love for art. But i most certainly have seen this outright imitation both in studio classes and online in scrap galleries. An imitator is one who is “trying to be or pass as something they are not” and unfortunately, not everyone is an artist. Therefore I believe many imitators emerge.
A studio professor of mine once told me to leave my mark. Let the outside inspire and reflect my thoughts and heart through my work. You can see it in paintings of the masters. They stayed true to themselves and fought to be uniquely themselves. I love that reminder. I think we all need to value our individual uniqueness and work on expressing it better.
thank you for always sharing such inspiring art
-debee
debees last blog post: crazy kinda life
August 14th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
i used to work on trademark infringement cases for louis vuitton and we would receive letters from people who purchased authentic bags complaining about fakes. sure lv is a big time brand and its customers have deep pockets, but counterfeiting is still thievery at its core.
illegal downloading of music is not much different. people lose sight that it’s not just the owners/artists who are hurt by these practices, but also the guy who works in the mail room or in the local shop that just closed. it trickles down to the average joe who could be your neighbor, or worse, you. and, it trickles down to the handmade community we all love.
i think if people truly valued authenticity copying would never enter their minds. consumers ultimately have the power. they don’t have to go down to canal street and buy that “rolex” watch as soon as they get to nyc.
August 14th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hello.
I’m someone who was trained in fashion design and has worked in that industry. While in college we were trained to be creative and ‘original’, but only within certain perimeters. You learn very quickly that there is no designing in a vacuum and that there is a financial bottom line that often necessitates walking the thin line between inspiration and imitation.
What the head designer at H&M is doing at the fashion shows is nothing new. It’s been happening forever, but it’s now just more obvious because of instant global communication. As soon as those looks hit the runway, they’re on Style.com for all the world to see and knock-off.
For fashion this has been more of a blessing than a curse. The ability of the masses to get their hands on knock-off fashion for a reasonable price has led to a resurgence in licensing and the selling of more inexpensive accessories, like shoes and handbags. It’s an unspoken symbiotic relationship that I feel Fashion enjoys. The only time they don’t is when it’s a direct lift a la Louis Vuitton vs Asia.
I work in another field now and while I try to be mindful of this fine line, I also try not to be hypersensitive about it either. Would I get upset if someone copied one of my designs? Sure. Would I be upset if someone had a similar concept? Not really. That’s just the reality of designing, in my opinion.
Carries last blog post: Ciao!
August 14th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Erin,
I am happy to see that you brought up this subject. As a shop owner I come across this problem on a weekly basis. In fact Becky (from Hatch) and I had this very converstion via email a couple of months ago. It is good that the general public will now be aware of the topic by reading this post. Consumers are making the final decision (by purchasing the item) and are so out of the loop when it comes to the origin of the idea. So the bad guys are being rewarded for their unethical behavior. To keep movng forward I often find myself saying “they” can’t re-create what is in my heart and in my mind.
Thanks so much!
Liz Demos
@home
Savannah, GA
August 14th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
This post brings up so many good poins Erin and I hope many read and think about it. A while ago Art In America magazine ran a letter from one of its writers how all artists copy from one another and that’s just what has to be done in order to make it. I was so disgusted with both the tone and ethics of that piece that I created my own art project called “Copy Cat”. I’m still not sure if anyone has picked up on it yet but he (the project) will keep making the rounds.
The real problem I think is there is still a *minor few* who have true personal style or vision… in order to join in or make up for this some have turned to copying what they think will spell success. This has gone on to create a tone of clones. How can anything new come from this? It’s like a figure 8. Even worse it seems like those who do go in a unique direction are ignored or treated with indifference.
This isn’t limited to the arts sadly. I’m pretty sure it was SEED magazine that ran an article on Chinese scientists using other scientists papers so much that hardly any new scientific discoveries are being published in the area. It would be awful if our era ended up turning into some “gray ages” where no real art was produced, just the same things recycled over and over.
Anas last blog post: Porcelian Jewelry - etsy Find
August 14th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Just want to say that I appreciate your thoughts. You have many readers and I know this will have an impact. Thanks:)
Lynette Andreasens last blog post: Front Page!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I think this topic is always a dilemer for designers and artist alike.
My buisness partner and i have been working on sevrel ideas for the last five months which we thought were origional only to vist australia recently and see two very similar products. We are sure we hadn’t seen them around anywhere else but what have we picked up subconsiously and what do we do now Can them all !!!
August 15th, 2008 at 12:55 am
OK, well… here. This is something that I have been wondering about. Let’s say you have just started a blog and are trying to get readers. You post about something that you are finding truly inspiring with the heading “This man is photographing my mind…”
Then a VERY well read blogger visits your blog (which you know because she writes to you and says she visited, but hasn’t commented on the actual post,) and her following post includes the phrase, “Would you like to see what is on my mind?” and posts different photos from the same photographer. My issue is that if I get inspiration directly from reading another person’s blog I will say “I saw this on so and so’s blog today, and am loving how…” so that while I am making it my own and drawing MY inspiration from it, I am still giving them credit and hopefully sending readers that direction. Whether they need the readership or not. I think it is common courtesy.
Now perhaps the info went in subliminally or even she didn’t even notice that particular post (although I am pretty sure it was still at the top at that point…) and I am mostly upset because she is one of the blogs that I find the most fun to read. But what I am finding about the blogging community is that it is a lot like high school with the same circles running around together and kind of supporting only themselves. I didn’t realize there would be so many politics in the blog world. I truly LOVE writing and would blog even if nobody read my posts, but it would be nice if there was a bit more of a feeling of the community I thought there would be.
What do we all think here? Where is the line drawn? Probably just coincidence? I hope so. Probably.
Andrea Bells last blog post: And Just Around the Corner…
August 15th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Mainly I think it boils down to a question of personal ethics. In every profession there will be people with differing ideas of morality and consequently of originality.
Many of us that have studied in a creative environment will recognise, I think, that often when you see a piece of work that you think is obviously a callous and cold-hearted rip-off of something already successful, often the ‘creative’ at fault is fairly oblivious to this - inspiration can be very subconscious sometimes. Not that I think there’s any excuse for the imitation - it often just shows a lack of knowledge and research.
I started to notice a lot of echoes going on recently in the advertising world in Britain - I wrote a short post with a few interesting links here.
But it’s not something difficult to spot in most creative areas. I work for a company whose products have ‘inspired’ those of a rival quite comprehensively. The only real way to fight that battle is to strive to be the better option - keep being creative, and you’ll inevitably stay a step ahead.
(and yes Andrea, I totally agree about the blogging cliques, but as you say, if you enjoy doing it anyway, you’ll get something out of it yourself…)
Vickis last blog post: Giovanni Pintori
August 15th, 2008 at 5:18 am
As an industrial designer who refuses to specialize in a certain type of product, each time I have to design something new I have to learn about that product. This means scanning through hundreds of designs, attractive and non-attaractive. I believe this is very necessary. Would humankind improve if every person since the stone age decided they should start from scratch? No. We need to learn from others, and then add our input. That being said, copying the whole thing is something completely different. It’s disrespectful to oneself even more than it is to the owner of the original.
As for blogs, I thing anything goes as long as you credit. Even if you are doing a post about a photographer you saw on someone’s blog, you are probably not going to do the exact post, but you are going to write about it through your own perspective/choose pictures that appeal to your aesthetics. Like Erin says, if you have an intention to be productive, if you believe you have something to say about a subject previously talked about, then taking inspiration will do you and our world good.
aliss last blog post: Alexander Wang
August 15th, 2008 at 5:20 am
This is a topic that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately, so was really happy to read this post and especially these comments.
I’m a bit new to the design and art blog community. I’m constantly finding interesting and beautiful things on blogs such as these and then I file what I find away in my Inspiration Folder.
Lately, I’ve began to feel overstimulated from all of this “inspiration”. It’s been so easy to click my way from site to site relishing in all the lovely things that others are doing or have found, that I believe it’s caused me to lose touch with who I am as an artist. While I love admiring what other’s have done, I find that it can sometimes be a determent to my own personal creativity.
There is so much creative overlap in this community, and as Carrie said, art is not created in a vacuum. All of us are seeing the same things, and we seem to like the same things, so we’re bound to create similar works.
Personally, I want to bring something to the table, not ride on the coat tails of what other’s are doing. However, I’m finding out that focusing on what others are doing and the success they’re having with a particular style, is counterproductive to that goal. In fact, it has lead to me feeling detached from my own artistic uniqueness and creatively stagnant.
Instead of filling an Inspiration Folder with the works of others, I realize now that I should instead be expending the bulk of my energies on cultivating and nurturing my own genuine creativity. Maintaining focus on an internal source instead of an external one, is the only way I can walk the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
Crystals last blog post: Etsy Finds: Vintage Handbag Round-up
August 15th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Also I have to add, I have witnessed many times with designer friends and myself that some people really can come up with the same thing! You have an idea which you came up with absolutely NOT being subconciously affected, and a while later pop! there it is on the internet. Someone else has thought it too. This may be the result of globalization, everybody being exposed to the same things…
aliss last blog post: Alexander Wang
August 15th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I am new to the blogging world, and I’m trying my best not to use material/photo’s without the owner’s permission my emailing them first to ask. 99% of the time, the owner says yes, and appreciates that you’ve asked them first instead of just going ahead and posting the photo.
I think if you’ve found your own “niche” and are writing your opinion point of view on a subject/product, whatever, then no one can say you are copying their work.
I’m an avid reader of ProBlogger.com, a great site for certain etiquette guidelines that I feel I need to refer back to everyday.
Trinas last blog post: looking for new and emerging talent !!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Love the topic. My own experience in branding has taught me that everything has been done, so you have to learn a thought process that is original and not use pre-solved problems in trying to create your own solution. When I am making a logo, I make lists…drawings, hundreds of drawings…let it mull in my brain, but I NEVER look at other logos on purpose, I don’t look to see what someone else has done. I always have great success this way…also with art. When I am inspired by something I saw someone else do, I lose it, but when I have a dream and then paint it, I end up with something so fresh and much much better…It is hard, and it takes much longer…but it is the only way to go.
Michelles last blog post: A cave of my own….
August 15th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic. I recently blogged about other’s success being an inspiration. If there’s anything I want to imitate, it’s people’s drive to succeed. (I do think a lot of it comes from within, but I just really love a good success story.) A couple of days ago I was reading a design blog with images from something design-related and the notes that this was inspiring and I thought, this doesn’t inspire me. Then I thought about it more and realized, I don’t really get inspired by other people’s design work. (I’m underplaying this realization. I look at a lot of design blogs and have always felt a disconnect, I never understood why until this epiphany.) Instead, I like their success story and appreciate their work. I know I will never be a designer, and I’m ok with it.
As I thought about it more and thought about my own “design” style. I am obsessively drawn to making a place mine. I love to travel and I usually pick up any decorative type things when I travel. Wall hangings or ceramics from local artists. When I see the way someone else has arranged something in their home my first thought is always, that’s real cool, my second is, that’s just not me.
With that in mind there are things that I know I copy. The rules of how high art should hang, how many things should be placed together for the best impact, incredible storage solutions, different types of handstitching techniques.
When it comes to inspiration vs. imitation, I think a big problem here is that so many people are getting their “inspiration” from other designers… or ONLY other designers. Art imitates life, right? Well, if your life is mostly other designers, you can’t help but imitate it. The chance of allowing a more personal art to emerge has to come from living life. And that takes time.
A couple of months ago Holly posted a picture she took that aided in inspiring her to realize what colors she wanted for her apt. in germany. That process of recognizing a color palette that came about in a very natural way is something I really appreciate. That process is something I could imitate and be inspired by. My results, however, would be completely different.
Anns last blog post: Another Break From Regular Programming
August 15th, 2008 at 10:15 am
This is such an important discussion! I agree with a lot of what’s been said, and I just want to add that giving credit is so, so important! Not only is it fair and honest, but it really puts your own work in the context of the larger body of work that’s out there, in whatever discipline is relevant in the situation. It’s perfectly okay to be inspired by someone else’s work. The thing is in how to acknowledge that inspiration, and in how you synthesize the influence.
For instance, my store specializes in the work of Charley Harper. He’s been a strong influence on many artists, designers, and illustrators. Eleanor Grosch is perhaps the best-known, current example, and she’s completely up-front about that [read her bio]. Because she’s open about it, you can understand her work as part of a trajectory, not as imitation.
fabframess last blog post: What’s Your Favorite Charley Harper Print?
August 15th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Trina, thanks for the proBlogger.com tip. Sounds like just what I have been looking for!
No one can truly copy Liz Demos. Her shop is one of the most beautifully merchandised spaces I’ve ever seen. A true original!
Andrea Bell - That’s pretty appalling. I love to find other blogs and posts I like and share them with my readers, with full credit going to the blog source where I found it. I’ve met so many amazing people that way; they see I’ve linked over to them and we strike up a conversation and become blog friends. That’s how I met Holly in the first place a few years ago.
Crystal, I get inspiration overload sometimes too! Holly did a great post about it awhile back when she described how impossible it was to pick out a bed with all over knowledge going through her head. Sometimes I just skip reading other blogs for a week or so, then when I come back to catching up I enjoy them more. I also find that a lot of us are like-minded. Sometimes I’ll post something and then find out afterwards that someone else has written a VERY similar post BEFORE I did and fear they will think I’ve copied them, when in fact we were just having a Jedi-mind moment!
Counterfeiting and copyright infringement are outright illegal and need to be eradicated. I’ve been an avid eBay seller for years and it certainly hurts my sales of my authentic items when so many people fear they may be buying a fake Chanel, Marc Jacobs, whatever. I get multiple emails per day from Chinese companies trying to get me to sell their fake items. While eBay and the eBay community do their best to get the fake items off the site as quickly as possible, it’s a continuing problem, and eBay has unwittingly spread it from street corners in cities and Canal Street to all over the country. Before the crackdowns, I remember seeing two fake Kate Spade bag sellers at the gift show in the Atlanta Merchandise Mart!
OK, one more point in my ramble, I know I’m all over the place here! I had a professor in architecture school (Richard Guy Wilson - bow tie guy on America’s Castles) who once said that it seems all architecture is inevitably based on a precedent. Then he said that sometimes it’s not, and you see THIS, and he put up a slide of the Bilbao Gugg (it was recently completed at that time). I think of that example of originality all the time. Obviously Gehry buildings are rather ubiquitous now and we’ve become used to his aesthetic, but I was recently reminded of that feeling I had the first time I saw the picture of Bilbao and try to remember it when I think about creativity and innovation.
Becky
becky from hatchs last blog post: It Sounds Like a Good Thing! Whatever, Martha!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:31 am
My thoughts on this are very scattered, but I believe that the internet has greatly increased our awareness of design/art trends. Sometimes I feel defensive towards the harsh criticism towards some new artists following trends on etsy. There is over saturation of “the same thing” but in the same mind, I like to think (or hope) that some folks are just getting their feet wet and are very unsure of their own talents and tend to take ideas from those that are seemingly successful. Emily Martin from the black apple is a great example of this, how many artists on etsy are inspired by her aesthetic? And in the same vein of style, her style derives from so many other places as well.
Sometimes I feel bad for those that are just starting out, who are creative, but haven’t figured out how to be creative in their own ways. I am/have been in that same boat. They don’t teach the use of inspiration in college, but there are no new ideas only spin-offs of old ones.
As far as big companies and high end designers, I know that they do blatantly rip people off. I worked as an intern at neighborhoodies.com about three summers ago and they stole my designs (I was paid $15 a day) and continue to sell those designs without ever paying me a portion of sales. They would also send me out to “source” new ideas or find ways to take designs from other people to make it work for their company. I never did this, but I was asked to and I bet other designers are too.
I’m really rambling here, but I wanted to also note that trends are a fact of art. We can distinguish which time period artwork comes from based on the trends of that time. We are so heavily exposed to these current trends thanks to the internet, which can cause a bit of a backlash.
And finally, there are so many design blogs that only showcase current trends and styles. A lot of the styles that are showcased are very similar, this isn’t a bad thing. It just is. But, to be Frank, there is A LOT of artwork in the word, on etsy and in art galleries that would never even be considered because it is not in trend or style right now. Not because it isn’t thoughtful or good, but perhaps because it lacks hipness.
I’m moving to a small artist town next week: floyd va (currently live in brooklyn) and I can’t help but notice that a lot of the artwork in this town is similar and influenced by each other. I also noticed that the artwork that people create in Floyd is very hippie/nature inspired/folky and would never be showcased outside of this community.
I think we can only be responsible for our own artwork and creativity, and hope that others will have the confidence to find their own path. We could also learn to support artists that are truly original even if their artwork is not using popular trends/styles ie: collage, wood grain, birds, branches, owls, geometric shapes, mod, baroque etc.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I would venture to say that these questions of knockoff are a greater concern with a designer, than an artist. This could obviously be a point of argument but from my perspective a designer is someone whose primary concern is to make a living from their creation, vs. an artist whose primary concern is to express a transcendental idea, making a living from it would be an added benefit. An artist whose idea is truly transcendent would be unable to be replicated except by direct copy which would be obvious and legal action would be appropriate.
From a design perspective, unfortunately or not, I think that copying is a reality and that the best you can do is use it to push yourself.
I would ask myself these questions if my work was “knocked off”.
1) is the quality of the knock off product better than mine? if it is better, i would either need to lower my price or make my quality better. if it is worse and they are outselling me, i have a marketing problem which needs fixing. (this is quite simplified but I think you’ll get the gist)
2) is your idea truly original? this is the tougher one to ask yourself. we all want to believe our idea is orginal, but perhaps if my idea was knocked off I would really need to question whether i was offering something new and unique and push myself in that direction. can I do something, add some aspect to my offerings which makes them customizable, etc.?
In a way I think it can be a great thing because it has the potential to push each of us to take each aspect of designing into consideration and make an effort to introduce something really new.
Also I loved Juliette’s comment, I think she brought up some fantastic points
Lauras last blog post: Yesterday
August 15th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Thanks so much for tackling this tough issue. I agree whole heartedly with Liz Demos’s comment that “Consumers are making the final decision (by purchasing the item).” I would push that one step farther and say that shop owners, people like Liz herself, are a very important link in this whole chain, as they have a lot of influence on the consumers.
Ethical business owners like Liz A) do not carry fake or knock off products in their store and B) support independent artists and originality by making a personal connection with their customers and with the brands/products that they carry in their store. By pointing out to their customers that the pillow they are considering buying is designed by an artist who is inspired by the flowers in her grandmother’s garden, the store owner is making the customer form a personal connection to the product. Now the customer is buying a story, and is supporting a human being … they aren’t simply buying a cute pillow.
I would like to really thank ethical business owners like Liz for raising the bar, and for supporting the people behind the brands that they carry in their stores.
The bulk of my business is wedding invitations, and I cannot tell you how many times I have seen my designs knocked off. Once I opened up an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and saw an invitation identical to one of the designs in my portfolio. It was heartbreaking. Not only did I not get credit for the design, I also lost the sale of that invitation. In addition, Martha Stewart Weddings (who is NOT at fault here, as they had no idea the design was a fraud) will probably never again run that design, so I am losing all possibility of future pr for that design in my favorite wedding magazine!
Consumers call the studio DAILY asking for samples (physical AND digital files!!!) so they can “consider” one of our designs. When I tell them we are happy to provide a sample for a nominal refundable fee (the fee is refunded when they place their invitation order with us) they usually confess that they are just looking for ideas. What I would LOVE for consumers to understand is that by ripping off my designs they are STEALING. Stealing my ideas, and stealing money from my pocket. And honestly, I am not sure how much longer we can survive as a business (this is how I support my family, after all) if this blatant stealing doesn’t stop somehow. I really don’t know how to stop it, but blogs like this are a good start!
And a very special THANK YOU to all the store owners who understand this and who support the artists behind the brands that they carry.
erikas last blog post: back to school
August 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
this turned to the blogosphere and while i don’t think it was the main intent of the original post to go this way, i think it interesting that it ended up here. I do think Trina’s right about doing your own little niche thing. B/c seriously, how many blogs do we need on general fashion??? (or design) But Helsinki fashion, now that will get me reading. or the home fashion in an area i find interesting like Marrakesh, or of one certain style, etc. Few people can cover it all, so find a niche and work it, or don’t complain. And cite when you blog.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Andrea Bell–you are right on. Small circles of reposting. It’s comical at times.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Thanks for the great insight, Erin. As always, colorful and right on! I am new to blogging and try to use only my original stuff (that’s the reason for most of the awful photos!), but do find inspiration from other areas, especially blogs and magazines! I think it takes just a minute to give credit where credit is due, and we should all try and do this, not only in blogging, but in everyday living as well. OK- I’m done with my soapbox- thanks!
Traceys last blog post: Sailing Away
August 15th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hello everyone! You all have such wonderful insight and have given me much to ponder. Thank you!
I just wanted to respond to Andrea (comment 16): Your situation sounds frustrating, and while it’s certainly not acceptable for bloggers to take content from other bloggers and sources without crediting… it does happen. It’s disheartening, but it is a reality. As bloggers we are constantly coming across links, posts, inspirations… and while it is necessary that we keep track of sources for giving proper credit while posting, even those of us with the best of intentions can forget an original source from time to time. This is of course different than snatching up content along with a carbon copy post title for use on our own blogs… that is thievery.
In the long run I’ve learned that the only person who I can hold accountable is myself, and I have to let the rest go. Just forge on with your own unique voice and style, and people will take note. I have no doubt that you have a lot to offer!
One last thing I’d like to throw into the mix is the issue of over saturation in media. As a blogger I am obviously a contributor to this… but the question is: as a blogger do you find that your voice is altered or influenced by reading other blogs, publications, etc.? I love blogs… I LOVE the community found within blogland, but I find that at times it is necessary for me to step back from reading other blogs, as it can effect the originality of my blog. It’s an interesting issue, and I’m wondering how others of you deal with this.
Thanks again for this wonderful discussion everyone!
xox
Ez
Ezs last blog post: Melissa Loves: Locher’s
August 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
“I find that at times it is necessary for me to step back from reading other blogs, as it can effect the originality of my blog”
Excellent point Ez! I think “stepping back” as you described is so important, no matter what your media is–whether it’s blogging or graphic design. It is so easy at times to become overly saturated with all the eye candy / opinions out there, that one’s identity and voice can sometimes get a bit muffled.
Crystals last blog post: Mock-up for My New Website
August 15th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
[...] Inspiration vs. Imitation— what are your thoughts? Share them right here. [...]
August 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hi all—
I was out yesterday and hadn’t had a chance to read your comments— I am BLOWN AWAY! You raise some seriously fantastic points, and I’m so glad that we’ve aired out the issue of imitation and are discussing it in a mature fashion.
Let the discussion continue— I’m going to re-read a few of these comments and I’ll respond to most. Again, thanks SO much for your valuable input— you are too much.
If anyone has ANY questions or issues re: the post, feel free to email me at erin@designformankind.com.
Thank you, Holly, for allowing me to be a part of your wonderful community for a day!
e.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
What a great post, and the interactivity with all the great comments makes it even nicer to read. It’s an interesting but very difficult subject I guess, and I’m not sure if I can add that many to what’s already been said.
I think our world is developing in a way that makes stuff such as copyright becoming something from the past in many ways. You see it with music, with fashion, with art… I guess it has a lot to do with availability: images, music and technology spread around the world so easily, you can’t limit or protect them. Also, techniques and tools to make things have become much easier and more available: not just the professional photographer, but many of us can have great photocameras, not just the graphic artist can screen print, but with the cheap gocco we all can more or less. The arts have become more democratic and freely available, and I guess in the bottom line that’s a good thing: ideas and creativity are free, they’re for everyone and not just for a happy few, and they’re not something to be ‘owned’. But of course that makes it hard for (independent) people to make a living with it. And it’s quite sad when you’ve been working on something very hard, only to discover that it gets copied so fast and easily. But on the other hand: that’s life. If recipes can get copied, and music, then why not art and design?
I find it really hard to distinguish between inspiration and ’stealing’. For example, the ‘drop’ pattern is seen a lot in the design world these days. You see it on fabric, on paintings, on prints… But who started it? Can you creatively own the drop shape? Or the babushka doll?
I think the only thing we can hope is that creativity inspires people more than making easy money. How nice is it to be dumbly copying other people’s work? It must be boring. But on the other hand, we all have to make some money. So it’s quite difficult, anyway…
August 15th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Hi everyone,
I must say that not being a native english speaker has made me think about the word “inspire” (and its derivations) a lot.
Let me explain: most of the blogs I read are in english and the words “inspiring”, “inspired” and such variations are often - well, very often - found among them.
Given the fact that this is not my mother language, it made me think as an outsider about it and somehow I felt that “inspire” was often used as an euphemism for “kinda-tried-to-achieve-the-same-look-and-now-I-need-it-to-sound-good-when-I-blog-about-it”.
I mean, I think that trying to do something you´re not sure you can achieve is actually a good thing; so, in that sense, trying to emulate a style can be a good thing. As Bruce Mau puts it in his “Incomplete Manifesto”:
“35. Imitate. Don’t be shy about it. Try to get as close as you can. You’ll never get all the way, and the separation might be truly remarkable. We have only to look to Richard Hamilton and his version of Marcel Duchamp’s large glass to see how rich, discredited, and underused imitation is as a technique.”
I think he´s right, specially on the part where he says: “don´t be shy about it”. So why are we shy and use the word “inspiration” instead?
Getting back to the issue of the word “inspiration”, I did my own little experiment:
I have two blogs and write in english on my second, or work, blog. (my first one, or “life” blog, is written in portuguese, my mother language).
One day I decided to try the word inspiration for a particular sweater I had knit with a very similar colour to the one I had found on one of the blogs I read.
(note: the pattern was free; I gave it full credit; didn´t sell it nor the sweater, sent readers to the blog I had read, etc, so absolutely no infringement there)
My experience with the word “inspired” was weird: I knew that what I was saying was that “I loved the colour XY used for it so much that I thought it would be appropriate for this particular baby boy and decided to go for a similar one” but used the “inspired” word instead. I was “inspired” by it. And yes, I was inspired by it and yes, the sweater came out pretty similar to the one I had seen (we followed the same pattern and used a similar colour).
Was this a problem? I don´t think so, given the circumstances (free pattern, not for sale, etc), but I would certainly mind if instead of a sweather it were my original idea, my original words, my original expressions, without the person giving me credit.
My use of the word “inspiration” ended there. I don´t think it means what it should mean and it´s used far too often, meaning far too more than it should. I´m just glad I tested it with a sweater, from a free pattern.
Now, there´s also something else: is it “copying” or is “coincidence”? Because there are times where the doubt arises - and that has happened to me a couple of times. When you have nothing to prove it that you thought about it first, and it sounds/looks so, so similar, what do you do? Is it a coincidence? Is it not?
Thanks for bringing up the issue. And yes, I totally agree that it would be very helpful to have something like a blogging guidebook.
Anas last blog post: Hair - not the musical!
August 15th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I think there are 2 issues here -
1.bloggers forgetting to credit each other
2.artists copying each other.
I will address the second point:
I don’t want to sound like a broken record(because I have said this numerous times before) but if an emerging designer would like to be financially successful then stay away from trends. A trend is already over. Success will come from having talent and a wonderful “original” idea.
Buyers are not looking for followers they are looking for leaders.
When I see an over used trend for the umpteenth time I just think - what a waste of energy. If the artist has drive and talent why don’t they want to be a success with an original idea? It takes more commitment and work to find that original idea but it will be worth it.
And if I see one more Orla Kiely rip-off pattern - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
August 15th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Well said, Nina. I think you’ve nailed it.
Design for Mankinds last blog post: on decor8…
August 15th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Holly, thank you kindly for having such an intelligent, savvy individual contribute to your blog!
Erin, your thoughts on insipiration and design truly add value to the discourse of the creative community. I feel that there is a tremendous contradition in the creative fields, whether it is in fashion or design products. On one hand, you are valued by your ability to be creative — yet on the other hand, products are completly categorized by “trends.” However, being part of “trend” inherently means you are going with the crowd! How can you drum to your own step if you are part of the big band trend? I feel this frustration in my styling work — I understand that it is important to incorporate the “trends,” but dosen’t that mean my work looks just like everyone else who is tapping into the same trends?! And what if the “trends” that season are just downright non-inspirational or hideous for that matter?
The “mainstream” retailers are completly dependent upon copying what will be “popular” in the next season. Even the most “prestigious” major fashion brands all utilize the same trend books, which is (sadly) is why all brands miraculously come out with “metallic” or “bohemian” or “preppy” looks all at the same time. Driven forth by revenues, the creatives who “have made it” are forced to look at the bottom line, instead of expressing their feelings - and subsequently, Wall St. dictates that thou corporation shall reduce risk by “designing” what is guaranteed to sell — which is typically copying another design that has already been proven in the market place.
This drive trickles down to the independent designers…as the risk-to-reward ratio of copying something that has already proven successful is much more lucrative than carving your own path.
Hopefully, the continued support of consumers for independent designers will encourage people to create their own voice and style, instead of imiating what’s already proven popular. The fact that your post stimulated so many in-depth responses may be a testament that people are growing weary of imitation!
Grace @ Poetic Homes last blog post: Peek into my vintage re-purposed garden
August 15th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Oh and by the way, a while ago I did a blog post on not exactly the same subject, but something a bit related: about originality, the necessity of continuing to make variations on the same subject and about how long people can keep making similar things. For those interested, check the link below…
http://ninainvorm.punt.nl/?id=457959&r=1&tbl_archief=1&
August 15th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Oh my goodness, my brain hurts from trying to keep up with this topic. I was actually really inspired to write this response, until I started reading all the other responses. I only got to about the 20th before I had to tell myself to stop. I was overly inspired/ stimulated by all the thoughts and comments everyone had! In my head I start answering questions and developing even more opinions based on others expressions and passionate beliefs. As Ez mentioned when commenting about “taking a step back”, I think it is good advice to give yourself breaks from the mainstream – whatever your profession or situation might be. Let it flow naturally. However, on that note, here are some of my original thoughts when I first started reading Erin’s post:
I liked Vicki’s comment, “The only real way to fight that battle is to strive to be the better option - keep being creative, and you’ll inevitably stay a step ahead.” Touché.
History repeats itself. There are only so many shades of pink. There are only so many ways you can create a rhythm with stripes. There are only so many ways you can arrange polka dots, zip up a coat, draw a tree, compose musical notes or sit in a chair. We all live on the same planet, go to the same vacation spots and take pictures in front of the same fountains and learn from the past. Sooner or later, as the cycle continues, things are bound to pop up again, only to mutate with evolving technology.
My mother came up with the squeezable ketchup bottle when she was 9. On one too many an occasion, she ended up in tears and with no ketchup after dropping the grocery bag on the way home from the market. People do come up with the same ideas.
Last night I went to a concert featuring the LA Phil, in one of the pieces the description included the phrase, “variations on a theme” by so and so composer. The piece used existing music, changed slightly and it was given a different title. Nobody was up in arms about it.
Being in the hospitality design business, when of our greatest issues is the mass production in Asia. For better or for worse, they can make it faster and cheaper. In some cases this is our saving grace, as we change only 30% of a design and reproduce it overseas, then our project will come in close to budget. We get to keep our jobs. In other cases, we work hard to reach a truly original design, made of only quality materials, only to see it striped and diluted by overseas mfg’s into something more readily available to the masses.
As with so many things, I think it depends on educating people of the situation. Ignorance is bliss. We can’t condemn the people who are unaware. Those who are aware should know better. Or should I say, at least be smart enough to put in enough variation on the original theme.
** I could go on for hours about this, but I’ll stop here for now.
Cheers!
K.
Katrina Lynns last blog post: Paint Dancing!
August 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
YES! Ninainvorm I agree!
Katrina Lynns last blog post: Paint Dancing!
August 16th, 2008 at 9:13 am
[...] came across a great guest post/article written by Erin of design for mankind for Holy at DECOR 8 on the subject of visual plagriasm . Would definately recomend taking a look. There are many [...]
August 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I just want to respond to Fiona’s comment about Orla Kiely rip-offs — some of her textile patterns are inspired, to say the least, by vintage Mod patterns. Check our eBay or vintage textile sites! The contemporary designers whose aesthetic is eerily similar to hers may be copying her, but her work wasn’t created in a vacuum either. Indeed, how could it be? Designers are a part of culture. She may have been the one to bring back a historic moment in textile design, but it’s rare that people literally create something that hasn’t been seen before. That’s why I think the issue of crediting your influences is so important. Anyway, this has been a very thought-provoking discussion!
fabframess last blog post: What’s Your Favorite Charley Harper Print?
August 16th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Okay second comment
I wanted to respond to Fiona about this:
“And if I see one more Orla Kiely rip-off pattern - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ;-)”
I think that is interesting because to be honest when I first saw Orla Keily designs I couldn’t help but think about all of her obvious inspiration. I think its silly to call orla keily’s mod designs original. They are her take on a certain style.
What I’m thinking/wondering is this, there are some artists that are obviously honing on in “current” styles and trends (I use the word current loosely) and there are some artists that are going back in time and following trends in design that were popular 40-50+ years ago. I’ve seen variations of art work from the 1800’s without credit to the original artist because, well, the artist is dead and probably unknown to most.
Also, I just can’t follow along with the idea of “original ideas”. I get ideas in my head without looking for inspiration, but I also know that they are a combination of what I’ve seen and my experiences. Ideas are unique. Clever artists are the ones that always catch my eye. Or an artists ability to see something in a new way. That is true creativity to me.
And finally, maybe this isn’t a valid point, but I would like to say that when starting out as an artist/designer/crafter that best way to learn a new skill is by learning how to copy what already exists. When someone learns to play the piano chances are they are learning sheet music that is not original. I think learning a new technique puts us in the mindset of copying in order to learn. Some folks are totally okay with copying a pattern to express their need to make something. But, then the real creative folks will take the same pattern and add new ideas and techniques to it. This is how ideas grow.
August 16th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Jack Johnson was playing on my computer as I read this, and it blended so well. Thank you for the breath of fresh air, as always, Erin! And thank you for presenting this, Miss Decor 8. I agree wholeheartedly with this piece. It was a pleasure to read. — xoxo, Jessie –
August 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
**previous comment’s name and address corrected
Jessie Cacciolas last blog post: Hi there!
August 16th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Jack Johnson was playing on my computer as I read this, and it blended perfectly. Thank you for the breath of fresh air, as always, Erin! And thank you for presenting this, Miss Decor 8. I agree wholeheartedly with the piece. It was a pleasure to read! — xo, Jessie –
Jessie Cacciolas last blog post: Hi there!
August 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Great post and some serious food for thought.
I do agree with Lorrie that the best way to learn a new skill is by learning how to copy what already exists.
For me Erin sums it up nicely when she writes that “The problem lies in intention”.
xx
August 16th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
As I flip thru mags, & peruse blogs I am often
in search of inspiration. Inspiration for a room, a color scheme, I get inspiration for every part of my life. Hosting a party, a vacation spot, etc… However I never want to copy something. Designers & artists create from the heart & soul, & I want my home, my parties, my life to be a reflection of MY heart. My soul. Imagine laying in bed looking around the room, a room that has been decorated piece for piece based on a room in Domino. You might as well just live in a hotel. MAKE IT YOURS! There is a reason they say “Home is where the heart is” , right?
Webster defines Inspiration as; ” Arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity.”
Imitation as “Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article”
Not genuine…Ouch!
What do we think of that HGTV show where they copy an expensive designer room on a budget? Just wondering where the line is. I guess that’s kinda the point of this post though hu.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Ok, I must apologize since I didn’t read all the comments because I was really anxious to post my own. Congrats on such an interesting debate.
Taking it a bit outside of the design blog circles, I think there’s a problem with the world’s values. Success is associated with how much money you make, which frequently encourages copying something because it saves time. Mediocre businessmen -or plain individuals for that matter- love the policy of the minimum effort.
Therefore, if you choose authenticity, to create your art/design based on your life’s experiences and hard work, it may not make you “successful” for forbes standards but you will sure earn a lot of integrity and self-respect.
I used to hate it when other classmates showed up with a copy of my project the class after I’d first showed it. However, I didn’t mind it when someone took it to a different level.
I despise the blatant imitations, and I particularly despise all those who take pride in making easy money out of other people’s creative efforts.
August 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I am LOVING the dialogue here!!! Jen— thanks for your definitions. I think your point ties in well with Ana’s comments re: the real meaning of inspiration.
You guys really ran with this— thank you everyone SO much for your contributions and well-written thoughts!
Design for Mankinds last blog post: on decor8…
August 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Fabframes’ comment on Orla Keily’s inspiration points out that we are all part of a creative imaginative flow. I believe this is the creative and irresistible force in the universe, maybe the reason we exist. What I can think of doesn’t stop in my head, not if I show it to any other thinking being. And, as a designer, I don’t want to keep it in my head. I want to show it. As a designer, I know it didn’t start in my head. I love the creative collaboration made possible by this miracle of a world wide web. I keep images I love everyday, from blogs, flickr, my own backyard. All images are grist for my imaginative mill. For example, Ninainvorm’s vintage model elephant inspires/enlivens her own imaginative vision. I react to it by wanting to weave its colors into a rug. The designer who originally designed the elephant, and Nina who photographed it, inspire my desire to weave it. Why should it stop there? Each mind makes the idea new again.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Oh so much wisdom here and yet so much negativity! I think that the issue of copying is founded in a number of areas; There are those who copy and truly do not have the self-awareness to realise it (I have seen this first hand and truly believe that some people’s denial is genuine delusion). There are cultural issues; in our country ownership of ideas is considered a right, in other countries ideas are there to be shared by all. Different to each of these, there are economic issues; when a designer has a value which inspires knowing theft of a design for financial gain. And then there are those who always feel they are the ones who have been copied but do not realise that they are not so original as we all wish to be.
We all consume so much, consciously and unconsciously, through advertising, magazines, film sets, store settings and of course blogs! It is a constant barrage on our creative references. To strive to be totally unique in our ideas is becoming impossible when we can so easily reference the whole world! The uniqueness is in our passion for and interpretation of those inspirations. By the time an idea is being copied everywhere, chances are it has been diluted and the true originator will have moved on to so many other things. We all know an original creative when we meet one! They shine and glow and buzz. For many others there is a constant striving to find a voice, to respect those who inspire and to look at the world with new eyes. I believe the saddest copiers are a minority and we can see the paleness and ghostlike quality of their work. The criminals will only be brought to account by those who can afford the legal costs of dong so.
At the end of the day, I think to shut yourself up and hide is a block to creativity. I think it is important to share ideas and see where they go. The people who matter will always see the original as more valuable. But fundamentally none of us is as unique as we would like to believe. I think the feeling of having been copied is inevitable.
Kitschen Pinks last blog post: Seasonal oddities
August 25th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Kitschen Pink: I’ve been away from the blog since I’m on vacation, but I had to jump in on this thread the moment I read your comment. You couldn’t have put into words my exact thoughts and feelings on this topic more perfectly — I agree 100%.
I’d like to thank all who left a comment here — each ‘pearl of wisdom’ left gave us all very interesting points to ponder. I’m thrilled a conversation like this one took place here on decor8 because often this topic (or others like it) can raise eyebrows and comments can become very heated and angry. It’s refreshing to see an open exchange of thought take place online in a mature manner (so often not the case on the web!). So thank you all for contributing to this exchange.
xo
Holly