Cakies one of my favourite blogs posted a really great piece on her ideas and photos roaming the internet (click here to read it). If you have ever been a victim of 'idea borrowing' then you will know all about what she is talking about. No one person can completely own an idea or have a monopoly on a creative product, but we can certainly give credit if our work is inspired by others. I am a firm believer in sharing ideas, sources, suppliers and information that can benefit others - I am sure you can tell by the resources post I did a while ago. You need not giveaway your most treasured trade secret, but at times the small things are worth sharing.
I have had some people 'borrow' ideas and although I am flattered it needs to be said that there is a difference between being inspired by something and coping something.
Remember this post is not meant to step on toes, ruffle feathers or point fingers, but rather open up an honest platform for sharing and giving credit when and where due.
To give you an example of an idea that inspired me...and how I went about making it my own:
The Package Project
When I started The Package Project I had seen something similar (Lovely Package Exchange) on Oh hello friend and emailed Danni to discuss my idea with her. I took her idea as inspiration, but made sure I made The Package Project unique and she was more than happy for me to run it. The idea in itself is simple, but the project is huge and so when people take the idea, simplify it and make me look as it I don't do regular ones it hurts a little. I suppose as long as people are having fun, sharing great presents and sending love then there is no harm in it or how the idea is changed and used. Last year the project attracted worldwide interest and coverage from Frankie Magazine, Trend Central and Google Blogs of Note. More than 400 people took part and that is why I can only manage to do one each year. The next one is scheduled for September.
The Package Project was inspired by oh hello friend's lovely package exchange
'Borrowed ideas' that pop up now and again...
My Brooches:
My Brooches:
South Africa is to small a place to copy creative business ideas. Again I am flattered when a brooch inspires work and I don't have some magic brooch monopoly, but make your brooches your own. Think of something no one else is doing...you will reap the rewards and more stockists will be willing to sell your unique ideas.
The usual suspects:
The usual suspects:
Photographs:
I am no photographer. I just enjoy snapping daily pics of life and the things I create so one is stealing my old happy snaps. Fellow friends who are photographers have had their work posted in all kinds of places without credits. It always makes a person feel really let down and sad when your work is drifting in the endless ocean that is the internet with no name, credit or reference. A quick reminder to check out this very cool poster by Erin, Yvette & Pia featured on Design Sponge.
What are your thoughts about this controversial issue...don't be shy to speak your mind or email me to chat and tell me what you think.