designfeedr

If you read enough design magazines or blog and showcase comments you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon some big discussions concerning originality and theft of art or style in the design scene. Now we all know that very little has never been done before and that all designers and illustrators have their source of inspiration, but where do we draw the line? At what point are we so inspired that we are simply copying another person’s composition or style?

Designfeedr asked Angel D’Amico and Scott Pollard four questions concerning this subject to see how these industry insiders feel about this issue. Also please note that the above image is a fictional example of art theft created with permission of the artist.

1. In your opinion, what’s more important in commercial design and illustration, having an original style or coming up with solid and creative designs?

Angel D’Amico :
Definetly having your own style. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to be super solid and creative though. It’s a strange field because you can look at something and say : “I could do that with my left hand (while being right handed:).”. But it’s that one person who took that “style” and made it stand out, made it their own thing and who is getting the work because it is unique.

Scott Pollard :
Everybody is influenced, even your client. They’ll have an idea of what they want and they will often not get that idea from their own creativity but from something they’ve been exposed to.

It is great when they’ve been inspired by looking at your online portfolio and thought : “This guy can help us”. Quite commonly however they will have been looking at other peoples work and concepts and you just happen to be the more local designer or illustrator. If this becomes the case then you’re often at a moral cross road. Do you use the style they’ve chosen and complete the brief or take the harder road of getting to know why your client chose that style, how they feel it will aid the message they want to convey and how you can develop that into a guided and considered approach.

I think you’ll naturally find that if you choose the second path, your client will feel more involved and eventually, more confident in your style and approach. This allows you to shine for what you are good at instead of simply copying a certain style.

2. What are your thoughts about originality and copying in the current illustration scene?

Angel D’Amico :
Well I think “copying the current illustration scene” is getting out of hand. Everyone is using the same vector stock images. Draw it yourself if you are an illustrator or designer.

Scott Pollard :
Very good question and usually this means I lock down all openness and become a politician with my answers. However we all see this in the industry and secretly gather our opinions on the matter. It never comes to much of a conclusion though and fits greatly into the expression “It is what it is”.

As for myself, I do enjoy researching the work of other designers and illustrators but I also have my morals. I never start an illustration after browsing through portfolios and showcase sites. I think in the end it comes down to the following, if you cannot easily answer the following question : “Why did I use these shapes, colors or composition” you can often be sure that the end result is not produced with your own creativity.

3. Have you ever been blatantly ripped or saw it happen to a friend or colleague? What were your initial thoughts or reaction?

Angel D’Amico :
Sometimes I think I’m being ripped off, but in reality who isn’t? Art has been around since the beginning of history in music, cave drawings, paintings etc. Of course you are going to see something similar to what you have done. Sorry to say, but if you think it’s original, someone has probably already tried it. And if not than that’s amazing, you are probably a genius and should get the recognition you deserve.

Scott Pollard :
It’s never happened to me however I have seen others have their work copied in very derivative ways. Fortunately I have also noticed that the popular design magazines are recognizing this as a valid subject and have been discussing many aspects of this issue.

To any creative considering to copy works I would ask why they would cheat themselves? They won’t learn anything about the creative process and won’t grow in their trade. So what was the point? Ideas can be scarce, some come quick and some take months but design isn’t going anywhere. It definitely won’t go anywhere if all our work looks the same!

4. Anything you’d like to add on this subject?

Angel D’Amico :
It’s such a competitive field out there in illustration and design. Just keep doing what you are destined to do. Just create work for yourself in your style and not someone elses. Create your passion, if it is innovative and has its own unique style than you will automatically stand out amongst the crowd in the end.

Scott Pollard :
I have found that many opinions are afloat on this subject and mine have been a roller coaster. I believe that experience is very important. Learn about yourself and what you want to express and contribute. Question what you are doing and where you inspirations are coming from.

Designfeedr would like to thank Angel and Scott for their thoughts. Feel free to post your opinions in the comments, but do keep it nice;)