WHAT'S THE FINE LINE BETWEEN COPYING & TAKING INSPIRATION?

Inspiration/referencing vs copying: what’s the difference?

Inspirations & references are the fuel for designers conceptualising their pieces however this doesn’t always translate to audiences who may sometimes argue its a copy. Where one person would agree it’s a reference, another may see it as a copy. and copying is something we’re no strangers to, once something works, brands jump on it since it’s proven.

At the same time, creative industries are always spaces to pay homage to something or flip nostalgic/familiar references through the lens of a brands design language. It's a means to express respect, love, fun, wit, relatability, association and more. similarly to how artists use samples in music.

But what’s the difference? what separates biting from inspiration? is it acknowledging the source? is it actively paying homage? what’s the tipping point between each side?

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