My personal opinion on copying and creativity

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Hi, everyone! :wave:

So, it's time for another opinion piece. Our community is buzzing with talk of people copying one another's art, and everyone wants to protect themselves against it. Let's see if we can work through it, alright?

I want to share what dA says about exactly duplicating someone's work with you, and then I want to present both sides of this controversy. I will then explain my own *personal* opinion and propose some potential solutions. Sound good? Let's get started.

What is deviantART's policy?


Before I go on, I need to be super clear:

I do not speak for dA.
I couldn't, even if I wanted to! I'm only a volunteer!

But, I can link you to what dA says about copying others' work. The bit most directly related to this issue is: FAQ #304: Do you remove copies and trace-over art?

This policy basically is saying that your work can be removed if you "directly and deliberately" copy someone else's work without their permission. It also tells you how to report these issues if someone does it to you.

I know some of you are so frustrated with thieves and copycats that you are not crediting stock sources anymore. While we are on the topic of dA policy, I want to take a really quick detour and let you know, as your friendly photomanipulation CV, that you still have to credit your resources when you submit a manipulation. FAQ #217: What are "Stock and Resources" and can I use them in my submissions?

It says that using stock  is only permissible if you document your source material (attribution) and can provide a link, along with proof that you have satisfied the terms set in the artist's license. So, while I completely understand not wanting to provide a direct link to an external stock picture, you at the very least need to say where you got the picture so that those of us who have to check these things (for DDs or whatever other purpose) can know that it is a legitimate source. So, rather than saying "Model was purchased," you need to say "Model was purchased from dreamstime.com."

Opinion 1: There are no truly original ideas, and copies are bound to happen.


One side of this discussion says that we are all using the same stock and there is often only so much you can do with that stock. As such, there are bound to be similarities between works. Furthermore, some would argue that there are really very few original ideas to begin with, and each of us is inspired by someone else. When one person does a particular piece of art and gets 1,000 favorites on it, we are bound to see many imitations of this work because everyone wants to have their own moment in the sun. Original ideas are really hard to come by, and what happens is that we see something that sparks an idea, which we in turn use and (ideally) make our own. The other thing that should be kept in mind is that ideas cannot be copyrighted. It's entirely possible that two people may have the exact same idea or be inspired the exact same way when they come across a certain piece of stock. In fact, for some pieces of stock, there is really only a limited amount of things you can create from them. Finally, some people say that copying someone helps you learn new techniques and styles.

Opinion 2: People who copy other people's work should be hanged on-site.


I'M TOTALLY KIDDING!!!! :XD:

No, this contingency feels that you shouldn't copy others' work, period. End of story. This side is tired of seeing their works either imitated or duplicated around this site. They are afraid to provide direct links to their stock sources for fear of others getting the exact stock and duplicating their work. Sometimes people duplicate it exactly; other times, they will change a couple of details so you can't say it's exactly duplicated. Even when the image was not directly copied but rather served as "inspiration" to other artists, it gets old to see your own work being recreated by other "artists." It goes against the ideal of creativity upon which deviantART was built, and it is driving artists away.

My personal opinion, which is only MY opinion


Like a politician, I actually see both sides of the argument, and I agree with parts of each one. But, I really tend to take the "You shouldn't copy others' work" stance.

I have works of my own that are incessantly copied--either directly copied or very closely imitated. Here is the latest:

My Universe by Aeirmid

I understand that the concept is not exceedingly original. I also understand that there are bound to be people with similar ideas, being that it is not a very original idea. But, when people post deviations with the exact same composition, using the same elements and similar colors, it gets to be annoying. Sorry, but that is not a coincidence.

And when people do this repeatedly, such that every one of their pieces is suspiciously similar to that of some other (more popular) artist, that is no longer a coincidence, either.

I understand that we are using the same stock. But, I think it is an insult to the stock providers, who work really hard to do what they do for us, to say that we are limited in our options. Yes, a picture of a model "falling" does inspire people to create art in which those models are falling off of cliffs, falling into water, falling through the air . . . you know, falling. So, if you use that stock, you need to understand that your work will be one in a thousand unless you change it up and do something different with it. (For example, what would happen if you flipped her so she was floating? Or she was being embraced by a hand, or even a cloud? Maybe she is sprawled out on something interesting?) So, in cases like this, it's not fair to cry that someone is copying you.

But, far too often, we hear of artists--especially "advanced" artists-- having their work completely copied, and that's just wrong. I'm sorry if that offends you, but that's my opinion. There is a huge difference between being "inspired" by someone (which, in my opinion, is annoying but absolutely understandable) and copying them exactly (which, to me, is unacceptable). Be creative. Be YOURSELF. Speaking for myself, I would rather have a deviation that doesn't get very many faves but that I put myself into making, than a deviation in which I completely sold out and copied someone else but that gets hundreds of faves. Take the time to do it right, to learn something new, to use a tutorial or ASK SOMEONE how to do a technique. Play with style until you find your own. It will come. Be yourself.

Also, a lack of creativity? We all go through that. Absolutely. :D And we all draw inspiration by browsing art, listening to music, etc. But, it is not acceptable nevertheless to blatantly copy others' work just because we lack inspiration of our own. Really, I personally believe that we all have inspiration deep within ourselves; sometimes it takes sitting down and being patient with it and having the self-confidence to open a tutorial or just experiment until we get the effect we are after. If you say you have no ideas, you are underestimating yourself. Believe in yourself, and be true to those beliefs. :aww:

And really, I am always picking on girl-in-forest. But, if
girl-in-forest is your thing, then do it. Just do it YOUR way and make
it your own. ;)

So, what are some solutions?


Well, I've really been thinking about this issue. I think we all must play a role. I can help support creativity, but I am only one person. Here's what I have come up with so far:

Community Leaders

Yeah, that's probably you. :D I'm talking about group leaders, advanced manipulators, and others who are active in our community. People look up to you. Yes, really. Set an example by issuing challenges, being creative yourself, featuring creative art in your groups or personal journals, and supporting others who are going out of their way to be unique. Let's set an example by being positive rather than by complaining about people who are copying us (although I certainly understand this!). Rather than saying "Don't do this," maybe we can all band together and set an example that will make a difference. My personal vision (which I know many of you share) is that someone who browses the Photomanipulation gallery will see creative, meaningful pieces that people have put their heart into creating.

Everyone

Challenge yourself. I am going to help (I hope) by issuing Creativity Challenges in which people will be given (1) a new technique that must be used in creating a manipulation, and (2) a piece of stock that must be used in a non-cliche way (for example, a forest or a lake that can be anything but a background). There are many, many other groups and individuals out there that are issuing challenges. I especially love kuschelirmel's challenges in Photomanipulated and the new challenges going on in TheArtOfManipulation. Or even implement your own creativity challenge, or challenge yourself by yourself. Make art your own. You can do this!

Other ideas?

You don't NEED me! Do your thing! Make a difference. But, if there's anything I can do to support you, or if you have suggestions for me, please please let me know. :heart:


Wishing you peace,

Jade :dalove:

© 2012 - 2024 Aeirmid
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LuzTapia's avatar
I´ve seen so many copy issues recently... if they can make an exact replica of another piece, why they can´t make their own original works? :XD:
Agree with all of this :)