Where Do Good Ideas Come From? Plagiarism or Influence?

Is there such a thing as originality in art and design? It's hard to define, but what is original versus a blatant copy? What work can be defined as original? Does it even matter? Are artists like Shepard Fairey ripping off ideas or creating something new?
Special guests and respected instructor, Allison Goodman and Petrula Vrontikis from Art Center join host Chris Do on the new set of The Process to discuss a hot topic: originality/plagiarism.
00:55 Allison Goodman weighs in on plagiarism, where within design school, it's "occurring among themselves".
01:59 Plagiarism lessons the education for all involved.
04:20 Influence/Inspiration vs. Imitation
07:00 No such thing as an original idea.
07:40 Is advertising especially susceptible to recycling ideas because it's expected.
08:13 Magritte's collapsing of the frame.
15:30 George Lucas borrowed heavily to pre visualize Star Wars. Was that wrong?
Kirby Fergusson: Everything is a Remix Ted Talk:
• Creativity is a remix ...
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[@ButlerBranding]

going on record to say I don't think I've had an original idea in my life. I am a creative person, but everything I've created is a culmination of things I've seen and like and repurposed. It would be impossible for me to reference when and where I have seen design inspirations. I think I see a million things a day that my brain captures and influences my design style/preference

[@thefutur]

That's what I'm saying. How do you footnote that?

[@pdiaz455]

Please don't stop uploading content like this, I learn things from here that, mentors at my art school don't teach us. this is really helpful. :)

[@thefutur]

won't stop. don't stop. can't stop.

[@mirceailas]

Plagiarism is going only half the way to inspiration: copying a piece of work without transforming it into something better.

[@thefutur]

Mircea Ilas yes.

[@spikespiegel1000]

@@thefutur But, what is "better"?

[@deebonash1495]

@@thefutur to say better is an opinion. Where is the standard of good and bad? Regardless of the artist?

[@EdperezDesign98]

I used to have the mindset of the artists like the ladies, but when I got intruduce to graphic design I learned that results are more important at the end of the day no matter what it takes, interestingly my design and art improve much faster that way, than trying to bang my head against the wall trying to be "original" great ideas and concepts borned out of the old and by trying to learn how artist did what they did and practice that and eventually mix with something else overtime you will have something that will be considered "original" its in a way a creative paradox 😆

[@pkolodz]

They say we steal some idea from artist or some painter their generation knows like it was the original creator of this idea not realising that he also got that idea from someone before him. Chris is spot on on this topic and knows what hes talking about.

[@vassallomedia9052]

To claim that an artist who is genuinely ignorant of a particular technique used from a different generation and came up with a similar application is plagiarism doesn't seem logical to me.

[@thefutur]

me neither.

[@GraciaClara]

I remember one exercise from my lecturer; to draw something that you never seen before. No one in the class able to draw something that never existed or looks similar with something that you can see in this world. The lesson is, nothing 100% original. In his opinion tho, the last time human invent something original is when they create rounded things to transport items.

[@VividhMehta]

Chris is really smart. The professors are clearly fumbling with their thoughts. I agree with Chris 💯

[@MediodesignCaSocial]

Great video once again! I think that you create amazing stuff by being influenced/inspired by something or someone. Even The Beatles were inspired by other artists and they made amazing pieces of art that also inspired a ton of artists later on. To me, plagiarism is more like taking something that you are aware already exists, and use it as your own work, or reproduce it so close to the original piece that you wouldn't want people to see it, because they would know right away that you stole the idea from someone else.

[@thefutur]

Good point Medio Design. Well said.

[@mr559]

I really appreciate Chris's approach to learning and teaching. The beauty of "The Futur" is it teaches you to thrive in the ecosystem, and I believe this channel can be the hub that all the aspiring, self-taught, freelance, college educated designers can have a proper dialogue. Hard to believe that I only came across this channel because I couldn't skip an ad in 5 seconds, then realizing Roberto Blake had a top 20 graphic design youtube channel to follow.

[@MarkBrownBranding]

Gotta agree with Chris. This is a primary example of academics doing what academics do best - talk about the world as if they're above it.

[@siwoljimin440]

"(my students) i dont want them to run away from good ideas just bc theyve seen it before" chris i love you

[@siwoljimin440]

THIS WAS A 2016 VIDEO AND I GOT NOTICED IM FREAKING OUT

[@nurobot]

I really enjoyed this video. I knew that I was subscribed to you guys, but I never really found the time to appreciate the content you put out there. Thank you for that. As for the topic of this video: that's why I'm a very big fan of open-source in every aspect of our lives. No person could ever tell me that they got where they are now all on their own without a functioning support system. Plus, everything I have learned about whatever has been created and been influenced by so many other people. I think the most beautiful thing that can happen is when knowledge is shared and because of this, new ideas by different people are forming. I'm not saying that we are depending on other people, I think it's depending on both ourselves and other people at the same time. So in order to be creative, I need solitude in order to combine my collected thoughts into new ones - but I also need some society around me so that this solitude won't turn into isolation and then stagnation. Life is vibrant and ever-changing - I enjoy meeting new people and sharing thoughts and knowledge, even material goods. But I would never take the sole credit for everything I have done. I do, however, take responsibility for all my actions - which is something different, though. Edit: This was very inspiring, really. I wrote the comment about 7 minutes before the ending, so here's another thought on what was mentioned about Galbraith and 'iterations' - I somehow immediately thought of Claude Lévi Strauss and his definition of 'Bricolage', which is an interesting read. Using pre-existing things, recombining them and thus creating something new.

[@thefutur]

perfect way to end that comment!

[@albenjammin]

I want to say it has been great watching this channel grow to where it is now. I've been here since your first video and I think this is where I would say you have nailed it. I feel like you now have your own brand for these videos that is consistent and useful. Moving away from using this as a sales platform and into what I see as a passion project for Chris (and Jose but he seems less involved of late would love to hear more from him). I've been a critic in the past of you guys in the past but I see that you have taken feedback and applied what you do everyday in at your awesome company to what started as a side promotion for a service. Not sure if Chris will see this, or if it will mean much as I'm sure he already knows what it took to get this channel running. However I thought I'd let the whole Skool Network know I really do appreciate the work they do. Keep creating great content.

[@thefutur]

Thanks Alec for sticking with us. I know what you mean about the self promotional aspects of the earlier videos and we've moved pretty far away from those. That's not to say that we won't promote things from time to time, but that's not why we are building the network. We hope to not only inspire others but to provide real value to the design community at large. (And this is Chris by the way). I read all of the comments and do my best to reply if I have the answer. Take care.

[@BrendaMalone]

So glad I happened upon this video. Now I understand your response when I asked the question in you live session about logo crits yesterday. Too deep for a quick response. This helped me come to grips with who I am. I am an excellent pre-press artist and thought myself not an artist because I have to find inspiration before I create and improve. Thanks.

[@JamesTPhotography]

Great discussion! Got me thinking about my old university professor who told me about a phrase adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes; “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

[@iankelley7574]

I like the quote "Just do it better. Just add to the conversation".

[@fabioarias5561]

I don’t see any issue with taking ideas from other people and trying to imitate them. Especially good ones. That’s how they proliferate. And honestly it’s impossible to come up with something truly unique the no one else has ever thought of. There are 8 billion people in the world. Somewhere at some point somebody has made something with uncanny similarities to what ever ideas you have ever had and will ever have. I always look for people who I think are better than me and try to imitate their work and I often find that by doing so I learn a lot about why they did what they did and I learn knew things.

[@UniquelyPurple]

I do agree in Chris when it comes to plagiarism but if I were to explain it in my own words, plagiarism is when you don't use your own voice in your work and instead use other people's voices. so when someone plagiarized, you can look at their other works and see an inconsistency as if it doesn't come from them and they've just stolen a bunch of ideas and put it together. but when you take ideas and make it your own, it comes to a point where those works that you borrowed or was inspired by becomes your own voice and elevates your skill and imagination and your artwork transforms into something else. because in some ways by expanding that other person's idea, you have transform yourself. then that's when you separate yourself from plagiarism because that art that you created is a part of your own self expression.

[@thefutur]

theawesomenaa I like it.

[@T.E.P.]

this talk show interview format also works well you interview well and Allison Goodman and Petrula Vrontikis gave back incredible energy and fresh thoughts towards something we will always discuss I'd like to see this format again

[@thefutur]

I will both back some time.

[@sunilsuthar7617]

This really a productive conversation. Great talk and fearless to talk about this real issue. This is deep rooted problem and most people just ignore this and some are confused with this. Thank you Chris/ futur for this initiative. Really appreciate your guts and thinking.

[@thefutur]

thank you Sunil!

[@Mikey22LR]

I agree that there's no such thing as an absolutely original idea. Every creation is inspired by something else that already exists. I see it more and more in recent music and movies. Such brutal, honest talk. Also very stimulating. Thank you! :)

[@thefutur]

brutal. honest. our hallmark.

[@nishma]

it feels like there is a difference in approach between "older" vs "newer" approach where the newer feels more open to copy (could be even linked to any other sharing that happens around the internet - from sharing a post on facebook to file sharing). Thank for this youtube channel - found it 24 hours ago and since than been bingeing and i learned something from every moment, after 10 years as a freelancer. so this is a huge help - thank you!

[@thefutur]

Hi Adam. Thanks for checking us out. What was the first episode you watched? Were you searching for something specific?

[@nishma]

The Futur it was about pricing a design job and it was published on a blog I follow, didn't expect to learn anything new really but after a minute in I was hooked and the approach and style suddenly organized so clearly many things which were floating around my head... The blog post is: www.logodesignlove.com/how-to-price-design-services

[@thefutur]

Thanks for sharing Adam. I'll check out the blog.

[@diasslo]

For me, creativity is a combination of elements pulled out in a way that makes it unique. And we have so many variables that is no worth pulling out the "plagiarism" card, seriously for me ideas are not property, because you can't trait them like objects. Maybe I'm alone on this, but those things prevent creativity and instead of creating new combination of ideas, some people want to live milking their old cow and cutting the wings to the new generation. It's a complex matter, but thanks Chris for pulling those themes around in the community, seriously I'm addicted to your content hahaha

[@thefutur]

it's a healthy addiction. i promise. : )

[@jessikur]

Thanks for this video. I was stuck on this topic for awhile and wondered what made a "true" designer. I felt pressured to always create something "original" for clients, which had ironically hindered me from being fully creative. I felt like a "fake" designer when wanting to draw inspiration from others bc I felt guilty. But man, after watching this video, I feel better :) thanks Chris! Your channel has helped me tremendously and has caused me to want to learn more.

[@EthanRom]

For me I've always seen it this way. If you're just using one existing piece of artwork or idea as your reference to influence your work, most likely you will commit plagiarism. but if you're research and collection of references is vast, your idea will more likely be more unique because of the combination of all the different references you've allowed to influence you.

[@thefutur]

that's another way to look at it.

[@transcendmind]

I agree that it is important to know where the inspiration came from and educate students to value you an ideas origins. In America certain cultures rip off the creativity of indigenous artists, or artist that come from financially crippled communities, and then capitalize from their arts, music, dances, comedy, ideas, etc. So if teachers do not educate students to value the origins of creative styles, not only do you risk blatant plagiarism masquerading as ignorance, you also risk erasing epic stories of cultural struggles and the art the manifested from those struggles. One perfect example would be the style of music that is popularly known as Rock & Roll. R&R was the manifestation of music that originated in the bands African American church choirs, and iterated within the younger generations of the African American community until Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bo Diddly, Little Richard, then Chuck Berry stamped the art form into existence. However, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame didn't honor the actual creators of the musical genre until decades later as the world and industry became more connected by the internet, and it became more and more difficult to pretend that White Americans created Rock & Roll themselves. This is just one example of the importance of teaching students to value the history of artistic styles, and ideas, because all styles started from somewhere and none of them are America. American is a melting pot of global cultures, and by simply taking an idea and making it your own, you erase entire histories with that approach, and certain stories should be remembered, particularly the stories of the people that fought to survive colonization, reservations, slavery, segregation, Jim Crowe, and white supremacy. Through all that struggle art was made, and today that art is our global popular culture, yet if we just plagiarize no one will be able to appreciate the struggle that took place for that art to even be heard at all, let alone become a global phenomenon.

[@Penfinity]

I don't remember who said "Originality is undetected plagiarism" and the more I listen to you the more I start to watch around with a new pair of eyes and I realize it.

[@thefutur]

to look at the world with eye anew.

[@StillOnTrack]

Really interesting topic. I love the range of opinions between everybody. I became a better writer in school by "remixing" well written essays to create my own in elementary and middle school. I adapted and grew my own writing to match what I was borrowing from, as well as deconstructed that work to rewrite and match it to my own style. By the time I got to high school I was a good enough writer from what I'd learned that I didn't even need to do that anymore. I would've had a much harder time of learning and might've hated writing if I was reprimanded for my learning process early on.

[@thefutur]

ah. so you so the point.

[@javiercarlos7351]

visual artists are sort of stuck in a pretentious mindset when it comes to this imo. when it comes to music, we steal ideas from artists past all the time. its how progress happens. unless it's literally the exact same riff theres no problem at all. like chris said, theres no such thing as originality from nothing. everything is a rehash of different influences of different times and getting your work "stolen" is a badge of honor. it means it meant enough for someone to carry with them. you're influencing the future. stop crying and create something else.

[@thefutur]

Javier Carlos the music reference is a good point.

[@javiercarlos7351]

I didn't even know that there was a different way to do it until i started art school. You don't learn to play an instrument by studying music theory and messing around on it randomly. You learn how to play other people's songs over and over until it's embedded in your conscious so that aspects of it come out naturally in your work. Only later did i find out this was considered "plagiarism" in the art world. Lol, whatever. Your videos are amazing, keep doing you guys.

[@thefutur]

#perfect. Boom!

[@snaakie]

As a Graphics design student I can really relate to the things being said in the video. I really want to thank you for this video because it gives me the chance to look different on using my creativity and using inspiration. Allthough most of my teachers think different about this subject, I will from now on make better use of the inspiration I got from others, and give them credit.

[@thefutur]

Glad to hear.

[@lafetaylor5323]

I think the ladies are well intentioned, but they're overthinking it to the point of almost, dare I say, hypocrisy. They justify when you say you do it, but condemn if "others" do it. Another good video.

[@thefutur]

Lafe Taylor thanks Lafe. As opinionated as I am I believe there needs to be a plurality in this conversation. It helps to inform what I believe so I encourage divergent thinking.

[@ashishkumarsingh2348]

totally agree

[@Szobiz]

because you couldnt understand them you call hipocrisy

[@Kozicamp]

Solid video, good conversation between both parties. I think a good question to ask is what type of audience you want to read your book/research paper because in the arts films and entertainment and paintings are intended to be consumed by themselves, vs papers which are intended to be supported by resources or references. If you are writing a research paper you need to be able to show what work has been done to support your argument because the reader can’t take what you say for granted, they need be able to backtrack and determine whether your arguments or conclusions are valid based on your references. Maybe if there was a discussion on how to write or produce to an audience early in the class it be become more clear what the difference is between plagiarism and creativity.

[@NeologicStudios]

Interesting topic! As a music artist, I follow a lot of other composers and love discovering what and how other artists outside of my genre think. There is a statement that was made in a masterclass video by Mike Verta (film composer) in which he talked about approaching composing music for films which I think very closely aligns with this topic on how extremely close genuine art can tread on the line of plagiarism. If we take or borrow elements - especially elements that have a very wide or well-known appeal to a culture, we're cashing in on cultural idioms. As composers for film, the first priority is to acknowledge pattern recognition as the primary thing we need to satisfy the listeners. Humans are "pattern recognition machines". At the heart of music is pattern, and with the evolution of music comes a sort of "vocabulary" with it. Plagiarism, to me, is when you can take the original source, present it side by side with the copy in question, and find no distinguishable differences, nor can you find any new meaning or purpose in which the copy is attempting to present something genuine that could not be extrapolated or interpreted from the original.

[@rayadakota1332]

I'm with Chris all the way. The opposition don't get the idea clearly, they're too opinionated by the idea of plagiarism equals no no. The worst part that they are being too close minded which is not the true nature of an artist.

[@DamianVaz]

Yep 100% agree

[@lyfelab5947]

And this is exactly why its so hard for students to truly understand the creative topics they are studying, because of professors and teachers that believe that there are rules, and they need to be followed. I mean shit, the first humans that painted on walls in caves, painted animals, and things that already existed in their lives. They where influenced off of the Universe/Gods work. Whoever says they are "truly" original will have a really hard time finding themselves in their art. This is why I found some of the best artists within different mediums did not go to school. They don't follow these "Rules" that so called "Professionals" within the art world consider as must. Their views don't get influenced by these rules, and they make the best freaking art (which is self expression-Coming from you). These rules are just tools to help and if you follow them and they lead to something great, if not it doesn't mean your not an artist. Keep creating, and do what YOU want to Express yourself and get influenced by any and everything. Thats the only way to find what works for you. And all of a sudden down this long road of practice and being influenced you find your own take on what makes your art so special.

[@nisi_k2880]

In school, creatives are encouraged and taught to be an island. Yet, they yearn to know or also have entrepreneurship skills. To me that means we want our ideas to grow. That means we want to create and collaborate. That is the nature of creativity because creatives are not analog thinkers. That’s why I know I didn’t get my values worth in school. I learnt hard skills but I should have also got soft skills.

[@DerrickStratton-dasedesigns]

This was a really important video for me. I'm still new and learning about art history and so forth. I've always loved the "style" of Shepard Faireys work. The Obey Giant style and everything has always been dope for me. My style has its similarities but I'm still learning as this video showed me who he was and a bit of background behind everything.. Really insightful and opened my eyes to furthering my work

[@thefutur]

Thanks Derrick. Everything comes from something before. It's nice to know the root of where contemporary design/art comes from so that you can make your own conclusion. It's Cliff's Notes vs. the original text.

[@DerrickStratton-dasedesigns]

You know this really brought me onto a quick journey yesterday. After checking out Shepard then moving to Banksy, I came across his movie Exit Through The Gift Shop. Maybe this is too much for the comments section but have you seen this movie? Would be very interesting to hear your thoughts!

[@thefutur]

Derrick Stratton yes I did see it. I wasn't sure if it was real or a mockumentary. It turns out Mr Brainwash is now a full blown artist. I've seen him at the swap meet with cameras on him.

[@duygukalaycioglu9074]

This is awesome!! I think what makes a person an artist & creative is the way they combine things together, it's what I would call 'talent'. Researching, understanding and applying each part to be a part of a new thing is pretty hard, but it's super easy to see when it's not done properly. I think that's the biggest challenge or struggle - to be talented and practical enough to combine pieces together to create another original idea.

[@thefutur]

I like your interpretation Duygu

[@MarJov]

Just my theory, I always say that especially in design at the moment, it's almost impossible to have an original idea. There is ALWAYS something that motivated you to think of it, even if you don't know it. Just as the "imagine a color that you haven't seen" experiment.

[@nikkidatlangin6603]

This channels deserves wayyy more views and subscribers. thank you so much for the great content, and I hope this will go on for more years =D

[@thefutur]

Thank you Nikki Dolten!

[@osvaldob2321]

This episode it's the most important (in a lot of amazing content from The Futur) in my opinion, because it's the one that touches the real hound. Design is in free fall, mainly because it's not legislated and it allows all kinds of stealing. It's a chaos that will get worst and there is not a good future for design professionals.

[@lorraine.-.]

Plagiarism to me is when someone takes another persons work and "uses" it as their own. One quick example would be - copying an entire website design word for word, using the exact images, exact layout, branding, logo & then passing it off as their own. To take another's idea/style & be influenced by it & use it within your own work is "design evolution". No matter how influenced we are, we all have our own individuality that shows in our work, that as artists, creatives, designers we would want to show, right? Once in a lifetime something completely original might be created but for the most part, we all are influenced by something or someone's work before us. Different industries have different levels of acceptance by how much "influence" we can use. The modern era, especially the design/media industry is far less concerned with copying & more interested with what the latest trends are & rolling with them. Why? Because it's what sells. Art movements & education (art teachers for example) are very hung up on not using someone's else's work to heavily influence your own, but instead they'd prefer you take an idea or concept & make it completely your own. I lost count with how many times I heard that at university. But nothing is completely our own?! We are constantly being thought, learning from, seeing & hearing what other people have come up with. This is how we grow, it's how design/art progresses. I love your videos, I'm newly subscribed & all I can say is "where have you been all my life"! I'm hooked, you're a real inspiration & a fountain of knowledge. I'm officially a #futursponge

[@thefutur]

Thanks. I love your take on this topic as well. I also like the hashtag #futursponge. Welcome to the channel Lorraine. Everyone else can worry about being "original". I'm just going to keep learning and earning and growing every day.

[@lorraine.-.]

The Futur I'm totally with you on that! I'm currently binging on your channel whilst designing print ads 😁 Learning + Earning + Growing 🙌🏻

[@JustinKingdp]

Man this is just as good if not better than ted talks

[@thefutur]

Wow! That's a big compliment. Thank you.

[@raynalreyes5769]

I second that! Your videos always speak to me directly like you're spying on me.....stop it!

[@xpez9694]

I agree every single video is rich with interesting vital information. Its hard not to see this platform as a giant tidal wave of change and empowerment for creatives. Always find myself listening to these talks all the way through and being entertained and laughing along feeling very in tune with all of the various opinions.

[@Szobiz]

i agree it is informative, but it has a different narrative, maybe even pourpose

[@rickyho7542]

Austin Kleon touches on this subject in his book Steal like an artist. It has an interesting philosophy of finding your own creative "family tree" To form your tree, pick your creative hero and look pass them, to who they learned from and continue to branch off. You will find that no idea is original.

[@thefutur]

good austin kleon reference. absolutely agree 100 percent.

[@zahraael-husseiny5387]

I went to an "art school" and watching your videos makes me SO MAD at the 5 years I've wasted there! In a class, they once gave us an assignment to rebrand facebook, every output of course came out shit but was celebrated because it's "your own style"! Instead of learning logo principles, they made students create ugly recreations of facebook. This assignment MIGHT have been more fruitful is a different environment, but there was not even a single case study on fundamentals.

[@thefutur]

we are trying to fill that education gap.

[@jsdesign9425]

No ideas are original everything we create has been inspired by something or someone else. First, copying isn’t theft. If I steal your bicycle, the harm done to you is not that I now have a bicycle to ride, but that you don’t and all the time you took working to earn money to acquire that bicycle is gone too. But if I copy your bicycle, we both have something to ride. "Sean W. Melone" This is what Matt Ridley (author of “The Rational Optimist”) calls “ideas having sex,” and this is exactly what has taken human culture and material wealth out of the Stone Age and produced the amazing standards of living we all enjoy today. New ideas in art, music, science and technology - or in any other field - don’t come fully formed out of nothing; they’re incrementally built on the shoulders of previous inventors and creators.

[@thefutur]

Boom! Hat's off to you. Another intellectual heavyweight.

[@raynalreyes5769]

I would have to point out that the bicycle is a tangible real physical object...as opposed to design/art (at least shown on paper and screens or even print) can't be held... you can hold an iPhone but you can't really hold the Apple logo (unless you extrude it and 3-d print it) You can't really hold an amazing layout or back to the bicycle, you can't really hold the design of it. I think copying is theft because if I create a tv company and call it Sony, I'm copying, I'm not giving other people a chance to have a Sony tv as well because there's already TV's made by Sony. Also, I think ideas do come from the nothings, in my personal interests I think dreams play a big part of idea generation and intuition as 90% of your life is mental/dream state/subconscious. Ever had a dream with someone and is a stranger....you never saw this person before except in that dream...well they say that all the characters in your dreams are people you've seen in your lifetime, either when you were young or the night before on the subway....you're literally recording everything you ever do, everything you ever see and all things you ever imagined is stored within your psyche and then somewhere in there...and some time ago we come up with something we've had inside us all along... pardon my crazy English.

[@jsdesign9425]

I understand where you're coming from Raynal, but we're not talking about branding here we're talking about where ideas come from. We all know we can't use an already established businesses name without getting into illegal trouble. However we can learn from Sony, and take ideas from Sony and create our own version. Companies and creative types do this all the time, thinking their idea is original and one of a kind, when really it's not. All ideas have to come from somewhere, no human pulls ideas out of thin air, and if anyone thinks they do well that's just plain arrogant. I grantee if I asked two people in a room to draw a tiger the end result would look about the same a drawn anatomy of a big cat. Let's talk about dreams for a moment. Dreams are brain generated images from our consciousness, but in order for us to dream we must experience and see things, to create those images. Without those experiences we'd see darkness. Even if we create a visual representation of a complete stranger wether it be awake or dreaming we still are copying human characteristics that all humans have eyes, nose, mouth and everything else cloths, hair ect.. All of these ideas to make up a stranger in a dream came from somewhere else, not just from a persons' head. So in a nutshell we all get inspiration from something, or someone else. There are no new ideas, just new solutions.

[@raynalreyes5769]

JS, I agree with some points you made, and yes I understand most companies do this all the time, even creative ones. Taking your view when asked someone to draw a tiger, for example...if you took one person who is blind from birth and told them to draw a tiger.... and yes they don't know what a tiger looks like or have a clue of any visual characteristics of pretty much anything...and they drew something that looked like a Pollock painting just driven by pure intuition and "gut feeling" of what the blind person thinks a tiger looks like. Would you say the blind person had an original idea and a truly unique experience/outcome of the tiger? (it wouldn't be a tiger of course but the concept and the art) if the idea is unique I agree yes, it must come from somewhere right, just like thoughts and dreams and "vibes" and feelings, they gotta be somewhere in the universe passing through us....I get it. Now let's take it further....imagine that blind person was Pollock and that's just the way he interpreted the world and became famous for being a blind painter.... Would you say his outcome was purely due to his experiences in the past that led him to create these abstract pieces that most people take inspiration from? I'm only making this example with a blind person so we take the visual aspect completely out of it and dig where it really matters... I'm not trying to start a commenting war...I'm just trying to also express some of the views I've kept in my head for a few years and yes I know everyone has different views.

[@adamk284]

"The bad artist imitate, the great artist steal" Pablo Picasso

[@etalopo]

So far the lines are blurred... almost non-existence, but I'm with Chris tho (Everything! is a remix)

[@thefutur]

blurred lines.

[@beanheadshop]

Wow!! Question at 15:04 (Finishing Move)!!!! I love the correlation.The counter arguments by Chris (34:27), were "drops mic and walks away" worthy. Especially, because Allison Goodman acknowledged them with her foot taping. This discussion is amazing!!!! (Verbal Judo).Referencing the Ted Talk (Creativity is a Remix) was such a boss move!!! Chris well arranged debate strategy! #digitalpromiscuity #brainfood

[@thefutur]

lol.

[@santoshcreative]

This reminds me of documentary series call "connections' where it shows that everything has come from somewhere.

[@thefutur]

Everything is a remix is good too

[@saniapatel3674]

Is that documentary by James Burke?

[@StephenLee529]

I didn't ever really pay attention to this subject. I've never attended art school. Very interesting topic, seems like a very subjective topic too. It was also a freeing topic for me because while I know there are no original ideas, I never want to straight take credit for stealing someone's work however, I never looked at how influence and iteration of ideas play a part in the creative process. This is a fascinating topic.

[@thefutur]

Thanks Stephen. Our next topic is about authorship.

[@joe4u]

Is it possible to recreate this episode with different guests to see other options on this awesome topic?

[@sorinalexandrucirstea1994]

I really wanted to ask you guys about this. Is it even worth worrying about plagiarism when you're first starting off? I've been doing design for a few years now (self taught), and I don't even pretend to be good at it, since I'm missing the fundamental "courage" and inspiration of starting with a blank piece of paper. Being a novice and not having a solid background in design, not properly studying it, there's no way in hell I can come up with decent ideas on my own, it's just impossible. If someone comes to me and asks for a specific design, I can get an idea on what they're looking for, but I always end up copying multiple ideas in the process, whether it's the types of fonts used, or the types of elements on the page, the layout, etc. Now I'm fully aware of this, and I DO feel bad about it (somewhat), but IT IS THE ONLY WAY you can do it as a novice. There's no way around it, I tried. Unless you have years and years of experience and practice, you can't come up with something new. For me personally, if I get to do multiple projects with a similar direction or aesthetic, little by little, I start coming up with stuff on my own. But that's just because I have enough knowledge and practice on that particular style that I feel comfortable enough to experiment. So my advice for others that are just starting off, from personal experience (the little that I have) don't beat yourself up by trying to be original when you know for a fact that you're a beginner. Instead of just taking one idea and running away with it, try the "collage" approach. Take a bunch of great ideas, and mix them up. Practice practice practice, and soon enough, you'll find yourself avoiding other people's ideas because it becomes harder to work with them, rather than just doing it yourself from scratch.

[@thefutur]

Sorin Alexandru Cîrstea copy. Combine. Transform.

[@warrendent421]

Hey Chris, only just discovering your work, great stuff, you made a comment in this video; there are only 7 types of advertising message, or something along those lines. That would be a great video to see!

[@thefutur]

k. adding to our ginormous bucket list.

[@great567]

I think we should plagiarize foundations like grids fonts etc. In terms of style, Dada is a great example if plagiarism in the good sense where one re-invents it's meaning.

[@36126128]

I firmly believe that plagiarism is a function of the quality and quantity of Creativity and Innovation in a subject or substance. If it's above 40%. Then transformation has occured and in that come originality

[@NareshUgaonkar]

I have learned so much from this channel and Chris. thank you for providing with such great content.

[@thefutur]

you're welcome Naresh!

[@elliotthart1171]

Imitation- To me it's not important how a person says 'A' but what is important is 'a' is widened and used in such an end that one is able to go on and say 'B'- Alexander Rodchenko and the Russian Avant-garde

[@shumailrizvi7625]

Well chris i am that one from the audience who wants more on this, please do more sessions on this

[@jenniferlau8523]

Chris thank you for this great video and great topic! Generally when I hear the word plagiarism, it is the copying of work then crediting it as their own piece because they don’t have time (procrastination) or talent to do so. I am always reminded of the first tokyo olympics logo that was the heat of the subject for plagiarism. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/jul/30/tokyo-olympics-logo-plagiarism-row I believe its plagiarism to the point where the public eye recognizes and acknowledge it. The subject of creating “original” work derives from being influenced by great designers and artists in the industry then giving it our own take on it and being unique without having to copy them. Thus I believe its great to study styles of an artist or designers, specific trends, and review what did and didn’t work then add it in our palette of knowledge.

[@thefutur]

Thanks for citing the Tokyo Olympics.

[@cece4226]

This was a Great and interesting discussion. I like it's purpose for being displayed. Chris Do, I liked your take on collaboration, I think it is important in the creating process.

[@thefutur]

let's focus on growth and discard the labels. it'll be a much healthier way to live.

[@cece4226]

The Futur Yes, I would agree on that!

[@danielhincapie1807]

This goes in par with the whole Thank You For Smoking debate. They have a complete different opinion than yours but you pivot on them so hard that all they can do is agree with you. I dont know, I dont really like their opinion... its very suppressive and will limit you to having an inner voice. I bet all you will hear is their voice telling you nonono mr.whatever thats plagiarism. Thank you Mr.Chris Do and the Futur team for being such givers! Thank you for properly teaching us and helping us rise above!

[@thefutur]

Thanks.

[@enochleffingwell842]

This was a really nice video! I love the remix ted talk you referred to. Because of his ted talk I decided to watch your video here.

[@humayan91]

Thanks a lot for making this inspiring video. It just made my life a lot easier. :D

[@thefutur]

#boom. thanks!

[@morethanyourbasics]

I'm not a teacher. I'm not a seasoned professional. BUT I AM a student and I AM a practicing designer and artist. Here are my views (a TL;DR is below) My critique surrounds the women in the video but I'm also speaking generally because a lot of people think like them. I have a hard time with this video (especially towards the end) because the women you are speaking to, while I respect their opinions and I "hear" them they sound very elitist and sound exactly like the gatekeepers that created high art to be separated from "savage" or "primitive" art. When you named examples of famed artists that HEAVILY borrowed from other work they barely wavered on their opinion. Even when you mentioned multiple times that in your classroom you told your students to "steal" work and didn't care if they cited where they got it from they still came up with reasons as to why it was okay or lets "use a different word". This idea that we have to make something from scratch and be original is fairly daunting especially as a new artist. However, new artists and old artists RIP off people of colour entirely, we see this in art history class where a bunch of isms or famed artists like Picasso generate a bunch of new work that doesn't come from their own head but they are still the ones to get the credit. I have a feeling if you described these examples but omitted their names and they only had 250 subscribers on youtube their idea of plagiarism vs original would be different. It just feels so subjective to see Advertising as unoriginal and fine art a bit more...and the reason why people plagiarize now is because they kids are brand new and don't know things. OR maybe they don't understand the world that the new generations are growing up in. Newer generations are growing up with the internet and things like Tumblr or KZbin where people join "tags" or create memes and participate in a lot of convergence culture. Maybe the definition needs to change. Maybe this discussion needs to happen again to include the voice of these generations. I'm not trying to stir too much controversy but culture appropriation is so prevalent(and incredibly damaging) in society and a lot of people never recognize it but are quick to point out other forms of plagiarism. I appreciate the discussion you opened because whether your opinion falls on one side or the other or even a bit of both it's good to be open to the various points of views. TL;DR I'm under slept and tired but I just had circling thoughts going on as I watched this video.I want to be clear that In summary: I have a lot of mixed feelings about the guests...their views seem outdated, elitist and serve as gatekeepers to the art/design world. They're so caught up in the stigma of plagiarism that they don't seem willing to admit that an artist has done just that...by their own definition...if they're famous and the time to judge them has past.

[@thefutur]

great points. glad you weighed in on the discussion. believe it or not, i'll be on a panel to discuss this exact topic. let's see how other voices influence the discussion.

[@morethanyourbasics]

The Futur I'm incredibly surprised that you 1) read my full comment 2) responded...And timely on a year old video. I had already been browsing your content as I discovered you recently but such a small thing on top of what you already produce is more than enough to convince me to subscribe. I'm interested to see what comes of your new channel. I already feel like a more enlightened student in the 2 videos I've watched. Hoping to apply them to my own craft and business ventures

[@thefutur]

thoughtful comments deserve a response. as the channel grows, it's become increasingly difficult for me to respond, especially on older content, but I do my best. : )

[@benhampton1984]

Great video as always. I find it really frustrating when something that has potential legal ramifications has such difficult to define parameters. For example, the Exxon Mobil logo and the FXX logo share a single element (crossed x's) but it is done in a different way, would never result in a confusion between the two brands and they are completely different sector. If I was Fox or the designer who'd come up with the logo, I'd be totally baffled by how this could be deemed any sort of copyright issue. It starts to make you paranoid that you might get sued for creating a logo with a circle in it, when some other brand has a circle in theres. I think I'm more concerned about being accused of copying something I didn't and being tarred as a plagiarist.

[@thefutur]

I think graphic devices like forms crossing, swooshes and geometric shapes can't be copyrighted for that reason. I think trademark infringement is when two companies share similar or confusing names and do similar things. You see this in knock off brands that deliberately try to confuse the consumer.

[@thefutur]

I'm also pretty sure than Exxon didn't invent the two x's crossing over.

[@benhampton1984]

+The Skool Network exactly; everyone should feel safe using that device so long as it isn't a blatant rip off - but the fact these cases don't just get thrown out concerns me.

[@thefutur]

+Ben Hampton are you an attorney?

[@benhampton1984]

+The Skool Network No.

[@matthewmullin6042]

I don't think you can plagiarize a concept, it is too vague and their aren't enough of them to warrant calling it plagiarism. But you can definitely plagiarize your execution of the concept. There also seems to be a really dangerous grey zone in terms of borrowing assets and re-purposing them for your own use. I do believe that Great design is so well crafted and carefully interwoven with its source that you can't really borrow anything from it without it being plagiarism. For example one of my favorite logos is Herb Lubalin's Mother & Child logo. Although it is an inspiring logo there is almost nothing except the most basic of concepts you can pull from it without stealing its idea wholesale. Designers who get angry that their designs are being reused should realize it is happening because A. Their designs were great enough to steal, and B. Their designs were easy to steal and highly repurposable.

[@dentisticaonline2948]

Super interesting discussion. The two ladies are obviously smart, but thy just don’t see it. Coming from academia, they fail to understand the practicality of what Chris proposes. Book suggestion: Where Good Ideas Come From, by Steven Johnson. Super cool!

[@timejumper5677]

why am I seeing this now? Great Video! seriously, This video teach me more than my design school !

[@thefutur]

Glad to hear that!

[@Tina_Fay]

I think the ladies have an idealistic approach to creativity. In my opinion as workers, we realistically don't have all the time in the world to reinvent the wheel. Yes you should try to be as original as possible, it's better for the ego and I doubt anyone would out right rip off work and truly consider themselves professionals. But I do wonder where design trends fit in? Are designers that follow trends plagiarising?

[@thefutur]

XtinaXtc if that's the case we are guilty of plagiarism. Designers adapt to changing cultural definitions of what is considered to be good. I just consider this progress.

[@nikkiabaya6141]

Hi Chris, just wondering how a graphic deisgner like me can go about a certain mentality especially here in the Philippines, that clients tend to give you pegs for their logo design then expect you to copy the exact thing like a color palette, or an illustration. As artists, I think we should only draw inspiration from that, and also preserve the integrity of our design and not rip anything off from other logos. How do we go about situation like this?

[@thefutur]

it's about how the client finds you. if you are in a market where people behave this way, move to a different market. present yourself differently and different clients will find you.

[@infographie]

Excellent

[@backpackr]

41:33 three camera yes!

[@wendyandolga]

Coming up with creative ideas... Just love this process so much! That's what we do all day long, but on a smaller scale than these guys. ;)

[@Draft-PD]

In literature, we celebrate metaphor and allusion as important rhetorical devices. Why should other forms of art be any different? If we're not talking about direct reproduction and misappropriation, we can't be talking about plagiarism. Further, assuming that the content creator is unaware of the works that act as inspiration, is just academic superiority. Same goes with the idea that commercial art is somehow less valid than fine arts. This is all continuation of the argument of Pop Art, and before that, Dadaism. Unless we can define "art" or "creativity" it's frightfully hard to argue that any of it isn't. Gatekeeping helps no one, and everything is a remix.

[@thefutur]

👏👏

[@Draft-PD]

Also, thanks for putting all this info out here. I just discovered your channel, but I've been mainlining your videos over the last couple days. The conversations you're advancing are incredibly important, and your approach is both levelheaded and honest.

[@jameswrhymer]

The plagiarism side of this argument seems extremely pretentious. With the exception of literally copying & pasting something, anything you create becomes yours. That new idea may be rooted in ideas of the past, or people that inspire you, but as soon as you blend two ideas or mix an idea with a little bit of your sauce, it becomes something new. Our goal as creatives should be to begin on a foundation of our influences, but continue to mix & mix with new ways of thinking until your method becomes a unique blend of old ideas, that would never have been combined without your fingerprint. As long as we live in fear of this "unique" art concept, we will cut off great talents from leaving their mark in the world.

[@steparko23]

Is there any chance of uploading the audible to your podcast guys? I'd love to listen to this in my car.

[@thefutur]

we have so much original content for the podcast, that it will be sometime before we repost to podcast.

[@Yotrymp]

Confusing conversation in some parts. Sounds like even using a similar process = plagiarism. But then not, but then yes, but then... maybe?

[@krakatoom]

Imitation in detail is the word.

[@eBVphilia]

great video as always! Quick question, I noticed a comment below about the Beatles, if you are familiar with Robin Thicke, Pharrell and the Blurred Lines case, what are your thoughts on that?

[@thefutur]

Well, I'm not a musicologist and they seemed to rule with Marvin Gaye's family. I think the work was transformative and was only inspired by. But this is a legal matter that I'm not qualified to answer.

[@aparnasaxena7324]

this clears my most of questions; thanks

[@Director414]

would die for a video about the 7 ideas of design you talked about! :)

[@thefutur]

Eric Rosén need to add to the todo list.

[@thefutur]

No need to die. : )

[@Director414]

I will hold you responsible for my death. tho a hard thing to do when dead...

[@thefutur]

Eric Rosén yes. You are right.

[@hardikbatra537]

I second the intilects, but being in a country like india, plagiarism plays an important role alltogether.... well one just needs to know where to draw the line. there is a diffrence between plagiarism and influnce.

[@thefutur]

I think it has to do with intent and credit.

[@NbB-fk4qk]

This is crazy. What if I came up with that idea myself and did not know that somebody made something similar in 50s and if yes, I should put a reference? no way :D ! Or should I check each peace ever created (everyones notebooks in the cellars aswell) before I publish my design? Ideas in the air, live with that :D Everything is a remix a really good point

[@NbB-fk4qk]

By the way you can clearly see that Ideas in the air by trying to invent a name for the website or nickname for IG etc

[@elis2781]

Great discussion. There is nothing new under the sun. Everything IS a remix. So with that being said, is your work pushing the conversation forward? Or is this something we've already heard (seen) before?

[@thefutur]

Right. Just keep evolving. Push it forward. That's all I ask of my students. Advance the game.

[@_tommykuo]

Really great discussion here, thank you for the insightful information! Also, slight typo of 'Fairey' in the description, no biggie.

[@thefutur]

We will fix.

[@louiegroenewald]

Love your channel, info you provide and honesty that comes with it. Viewing from SA

[@thefutur]

Thanks Louie. I know that what we say isn't for everyone and that's okay. But for the ones that are tuning in, if what we say is resonating with you, then we are speaking to the right audience. Are you from South America?

[@alexanderjimenez9433]

I don't mean this to be incredibly cynical, but I really hope Art Center is priming their teachers on Galbraith because his economic ideas are the best he had, and they weren't worth squat. It's very interesting to hear an opinion on art and design derived from a bad economic concept. I can't help but think that the conclusions must be flawed as a result even if they sound compelling.

[@TheSupamario11]

I knew I was going to disagree with you on this one Chris. Granted I agree everything is a remix. Well that is to say there is more to the universe than just ideas we know now. Can we really say we know everything and anything that exists as humans even farther than design scientists the more they discover the less they know. We are influenced I completely agree by history, pop culture, etc. our scope of knowledge of the universe and life is limited and we take from the knowledge we now know to make original connections noticed how I said connections not the actual design. That's where originality comes from. The connection. There is so much to this world that even in our lifetime we will never know about which is why I can't see that everything has been done and there is nothing left to discover

[@thefutur]

It's okay if you disagree. It's meant to be polarizing.

[@_segunadebayo]

Great video, I have just gotten a better perspective to Creativity (From the video "Everything is a Remix") and Plagiarism. Thanks for this video!

[@thefutur]

Glad you watched the video. It is a game changer.

[@krakatoom]

Something really new, changing the paradigms does not happen evolutionary. It is always a singularity in existence. This is the Wonder of life. This is a thought not a rule.

[@ayeshas7828]

I don't really understand if a great idea works, why can't I recreate it. I don't think it's the principle that's bothering them, it's just the profit that they are not making out of the one who succeeded to do so. The one who recreated the idea, he took the risk, the cost, the effort and made it work and made it succeed is actually the one who deserves to have it because he actually made it better and made it work. If I was the client and the Ad I am about to buy for my business is mind-blowing and will generate a substantial profit, I wouldn't really care if someone in the other side of the world created it first.

[@bryanalvarado4302]

This videos are great. cant wait for the next one. I even got some new ideas for blog topics. The new studio looks nice.

[@thefutur]

Thanks Bryan. Andrew and Aaron did a good job of lighting this particular part of the space. We will be bouncing around the studio to add a little variety to the show.

[@goobyplease]

The next topic, Authorship. Is that available here under a different title?

[@thefutur]

i thought authorship & originality/plagiarism were in the same boat.

[@goobyplease]

The Futur i mustve misinterpreted it. My mad, it just seemed like at the end, Chris says something in the lines of "...going to get into a little bit about authorship" then the next thing we see is "Tune in to our next topic" followed by the word "Authorship"

[@SoFlyIndustry]

Don't call plagiarism if you inspire or use a previously made thing to extend or create a new MEANING. That is it. like a vine video can be quite boring, but when reused in a longer video with an interesting context leading to it, the vine video can have a whole new meaning.

[@thefutur]

yes. it is oddly hypocritical.

[@CMdotPMdesign]

I think originality doesn't exist on its own anymore! It always depends on timing, space/location, and people. The bigger these 3 elements are, the difficult is to be original.

[@deniserafaeli]

So basically, you have to be more open and deeply rooted with your creation.

[@ericmartinez2714]

Great vid @ Chris!

[@thefutur]

Thanks Eric.

[@LaithWallace]

Thanks for this guys. Such a great topic to understand more about. I love Everything is a Remix by Kirby

[@thefutur]

His video is so well researched.