Where's the line between plagiarism and inspiration?

[resurepus]

We hate when people steal ideas from others. When we catch a user do that on DC we ban him mercilessly. But as you know logos often deal with simple shapes and sometimes it is really difficult (or even impossible?) to create something absolutely unique that has no similarities with works done in the past. So I would really like to hear from DesignContest.net users - what do you guys think is the limit of those "acceptable similarities" and where does plagiarism start?

For us it is not a philosophical but rather quite a practical question - we try to establish simple and easy to understand rules that will be followed by all the community.

So, share your thoughts on this issue and give examples of what in your opinion is acceptable and what isn't.

[Chung Dha]

I have to say vectorizing images from the internet and use it as a part of the logo is more plagiarism than inspiration. Especially inspiration should be ones own interpretation of an image and not just tracing over someone else work or image.

Type face is hard to control but I have to say standard typeface just typing a certain font I have no problem with. However if the letters or initials are combined in a certain way then it goes to the edge. If it is just 2 letters typed next to each other than it is normal, but if letters are combined in a certain way its unique than others, should not make the same or copy the concept.

Especially my way combining CD for my logo is unique yet simple however would not want to see people stealing my logo. If I catch anyone using a D inside a C I would send a letter that they copied mine.

[resurepus]

I have to say vectorizing images from the internet and use it as a part of the logo is more plagiarism than inspiration. Especially inspiration should be ones own interpretation of an image and not just tracing over someone else work or image.

so when does this "interpretation" begin? If we are talking about interpreting a given image, it might be quite close to copying it.

[Chung Dha]

You got a point there but for me I just look at the basic of the shape and draw something. However some might take the image and trace or draw identical version of it.

Have to say its mostly simplicity versus complexity. If you would make a paper plane its so simple no body would bother, while if you would make a fake iPhone the probability of saying you are a copycat is higher.

Same goes for a logo if the shape is so easy you would not have to use an example to make it would not be considered copying. Like just typing a certain font.

However going into complexity where you might need to do more complex handling to make a design. Like interconnecting initials.

Also easier to see between someone uses a design for example or replicated a design without knowing. However replicating with 100% identical match without knowing, have a smaller probability than that the person traced an image. If you would overlay both images and they are identical can mostly be they traced it.

[sharie]

I think one problem designers have (when it comes to contest situations)reading what the CH has asked for then coming up with something very different than other designers entries. Sometimes the CH is very specific and the designer has no way of getting a design that is not similar to other entries. When a brief is very narrow it hurts the quality and imagination.

The other thing that happens is when other designers can see the entries. With seeing what the CH likes you then get entries to match the high rated or the designs ch is mentioning they like.

I feel when a designer comes up with something using the elements the ch requested that concept should not be copied or used by another designer. There are ways to make the concept their own. just changing or tweaking an element isn't enough. When you see the same elements, same layout then it has crossed the line. We all know just recently what happened with a contest here. We had designers using exact shapes and concepts with exact layouts of the design that was rated the highest. Even the CH noted that once he marked the first idea everyone went that direction.

There is a contest right now where a designer has used an element entered it first...I had created an element not the same but would be considered the same, I didn't enter that one because I felt the concept using that element had already been taken. The element was different than what was asked for and the ch liked it, it was something not asked for so I felt entering a design with a similar element would be copying the other designer. The ch in this contest is very specific and you get entries that look the same. I do not consider that copying or plagiarism because of the specific things and specific way it was spelled out as to what the ch wants.

I think it is very confusing for some designers when reading a brief, A tight narrow brief and you will see entries looking the same. I don't think in that case designers copy each other (for the most part) The copy and plagiarism happens with the loose and up to designer briefs, when the brief has no direction. the designer then follows the ones that the ch like.

There is a fine line between creative direction and copying sometimes and it isn't always black and white

[sharie]

Thinking about this more and more.....A few what ifs...

What if several designers use the same effect or style from illustrator, when you make a square and use a style (which isn't fully vector) in the same color is that too similar or copying?

What if the CH is directing the designers to use same font and effects? Is that copying or too similar?

To me if I look at a design and I instantly get the deja vu then the design is to similar or even copying. I don't think you should see another design when looking at a logo, you should see the logo you are viewing.

I have read so many times from a client or even in briefs that they want an arrow like in fedex logo..is that copying to an extent it is but really how many logs look good trying to make a design to have that arrow

[Trinova]

the difference between plagiarism and inspiration which is self idealism, Idealism will create a masterpiece and plagiarism just create havoc.

but the act of plagiarism is sometimes found under the conscious or because they do not know,
and therefore well education will make the perfect touch of talents.

someone who wants to call himself a professional should have the right combination of idealism, and ethics and also education. because plagiarism can not be avoided by someone who does not understand the process of creating original work.

keep learning and listen yourself.

[slayyou]

I tend to go out of my way to not judge people on plagiarism, but i know of myself that i actively try not to look like my opposition. If by any chance I make something for a project and then see someone has done the same, I would definitely go back to the drawing board and try again.