Is This Copying ??

[icu222much]

I am designing a portfolio to showcase my web creations. Earlier today I was working on a design and my brother walked by and said that part of the design looked awfully familiar. After looking around on the web, I discovered that it was very similar to the branding company Blast Radius.

I had no intentions of copying Blast Radius' idea but I think it is just a coincidence that I had come up with the same design as them. I remember last year I applied for an intern position at Blast Radius and so I spent a long time on their website researching about the company. I guess for some reason I really liked their design and it just stuck with me. One of the weird things is that even some of our wording choices are the same (ie - info, challenge, solution). However, the more I look at Blast Radius' design, the more generic and simplistic I think it is. To me, it seems like a natural and intuitive layout that a lot of designers would use. I am wondering if I am able to use my design without the risk of me being called a copycat?

I have attached screenshots. The orange one with the restaurant is my design. The more professional-looking one about Madden 07 is from Blast Radius. Furthermore, you can check out Blast Radius' website at BLAST RADIUS.

[ccmovies]

I don't think this is considered copying the design. You had no idea about this. It just so happens the layout is similar.

[twistedpiston]

I would say you're OK. When I look at the two side by side, I don't get the feeling that one was copied from the other.

[icu222much]

Whew. Thanks guys

How about the wording I used? For example, both of our designs use the idea of links to scroll through the different sections of the projects (01, 02, 03, info). The 'info' links to a written explanation about what the project is about. This written component is separated into three categories: challenge, solution, result. I have used these exact same keywords as Blast Radius (info, challenge, solution, result). Can this be considered copying, or are these words so commonly used that this issue can be ignored.

[twistedpiston]

I don't think you have anything to worry about the wording either. That would be like no one else could use home, about, contact...

[icu222much]

Sounds good. Thank you

[AlottaDots]

doesnt look like a copy to me. A couple similar traits. But how many possible layouts are there for a website anyway? lol

[Chung Dha]

Don't see any problem not totally identital however you should make yours prettier cause putting it next to each other I'd give blastradius the upper hand cause his does looks much better.

[MPostDesign]

Agree with most, similar traits, but they're just not the same. You were probably just thinking like the other designer. Even if you had seen that website before you could use some of the basic design elements as inspiration and make it your own. With that being said, as an artist/designer there is a big difference between inspiration and plagiarism. I think you're good to go.

[bschall23]

Agree with the last post, even if somebody calls you out, just say it was inspiration for your site. Heck, that's how most things come about now-a-days, is inspiration. And not just design, but music, new cars, anytype of art usually has something that was an inspiration or jumping off point.

[gdeetan]

I don't think its copying, sure some elements are the same but at lot of sites share similar elements one way or another, so I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck!

[cmolina84]

I would say you're OK. When I look at the two side by side, I don't get the feeling that one was copied from the other.

Agreed