Comments on: A Fine Line: Inspiration or Imitation?

By: decor8

decor8 — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:07:32 +0000

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

By: Kitschen Pink

Kitschen Pink — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:31:01 +0000

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

By: Susan Johnson

Susan Johnson — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:12:20 +0000

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.

By: Design for Mankind

Design for Mankind — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:29:32 +0000

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?

By: IDY

IDY — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:45:45 +0000

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.

By: Jen

Jen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:39:56 +0000

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.

By: STYLE DU MONDE

STYLE DU MONDE — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:53:10 +0000

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”.

By: Jessie Cacciola

Jessie Cacciola — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:49:17 +0000

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!

By: Jessie Cacciola

Jessie Cacciola — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:43:14 +0000

**previous comment's name and address corrected Jessie Cacciolas last blog post: Hi there!

By: Jessie Caccila

Jessie Caccila — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:41:22 +0000

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 –