Inspired by my earlier post today I ask the question as to whether looking at other graphics designers works on inspirational collections amassed at websites such as at Logo Pond and Logo Lounge offers Inspiration or Plagiarism?

Is the urge to copy too tempting during a creative block, or is it all innocent and in the subconscious? The copying other designer’s work is rife and there are many discussions on this matter across the Internet:

Rather ironically Dache himself comments on this posting of another designer complaining of theft>>

Some excellent examples from Logo Design Team >>

When Logos Look Alike >>

Logo Blog show some convincing examples here >>

Interesting examples and how to avoid getting yourself into David Pache’s situation >>

Flickr group (Design Theft) examples of design theft >>

How To Create - Not Emulate >>

Godbit blog makes some great points (and screengrabs) for Logo Maid logo theft >>

Wow, it’s amazing what logo design thieves can actually get away with, Starbucks loose out to rival >>

A great example of ‘inspiration’ instead of plagiarism >>

Avoid plagiarism in your design work:
When designing a creative concept, if the idea in mind seems really obvious, it’s probably been done before and you are in danger that your design may too closely resemble another. Try to be as unique as possible and think outside of the box, it’s the logo designers who do that are the best in the world.

When a client says ‘I want something very much like this design’ and then it becomes very clear that they want it a little bit ‘too much’ like ‘that design’, try to steer them in the more honorable direction with some words of wisdom. If they won’t listen, cut them loose and don’t get involved.

The Victims
But what do you do if you find that someone has become a little bit ‘too inspired’ by your work? Whether that be logo design, web design or other types of design?

Some useful guides here to how to come back from a copyright theft situation, and assert your ownership over your own design work.

Fighting Design Theft

Dealing With Design Theft

Take control of image theft

Step By Step Guide To Fighting Copyright Theft - This link includes some great examples letters to send to the offender.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 2:35 pm and is filed under General Musings On Life, Thoughts on Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.