Keeping It Original?

[Enchanted Charms]

Just how do we do it?
I mean with what ever craft you do you are bound to be inspired by others ideas. And even though you try, you are bound to end up with items that are similar (or dare I say even the same) as those produced by other people.

I mean, how would that affect your reputationor standing as a crafter if you are producing very similar items to someone else, especialy if you are planning on seling these items?

Just thinking out load and wondered what everyone else thought.

[swirlyarts]

I don't think there is anything wrong with being inspired by people and their work - I think it's natural for the 'world' that we are in. I think you can easily end up making the same thing as someone else especially when the supplies are the same/similar. It is possible for two people to come up with exactly the same idea - I know a couple of other people who make knitting needle bracelets for example.

Blatant copying is a big no no though. This is quite a big issue on Etsy where people have not only copied the actual design of something but the wording too for the description! Cheeky!

I'd be interested to see what others think of this!

[Enchanted Charms]

Kind of why I asked. I mean I have some ideas for my beaded jewellery which I have not seen anywhere else, but there are also other ideas (simple and non so simple) that I have seen similar else where.

The last thing I want to do is get people saying that i am copying their work, especially that I am considering in time to sell these pieces.

[Seahorse]

I have to say Ive seen these chunky flat sqaure stones being popular in jewellery, I have since bought some and made pieces out of them.
Suppose its because I need things to sell so I copy whats fashionable, but Id like to think I have some original ideas.

[Enchanted Charms]

Suppose its because I need things to sell so I copy whats fashionable, but Id like to think I have some original ideas.

I guess if we are planning on selling then we do have to follow the current "fashion trends" to actually produce sellable items.

[caketopper]

I also think its good to be influenced by others work but I dont think you will find something handmade that is exactly the same as someone elses.

[Tip Top]

I agree - sometimes its the effort and time and quality spent making something which makes it stand out from similar items.
And also your reputation:D

[rowanb]

I don't think there is anything wrong with being inspired by others ideas. It happens across all arts - as William Blake once commented about about his poetry it is not the words that he wrote but what those words mean to each individual person. Everyone has individual experiences which shape how they view and imagine things, which allows each of us to bring something new to other's ideas.

bx

[MrSwirl]

I guess if we are planning on selling then we do have to follow the current "fashion trends" to actually produce sellable items.

http://forums.contractoruk.com/images/smilies/fleetyteach_x.gif saleable

HTH

[Bren]

Although we all get inspired by something we see, I would never copy anyone else's work.

I was quite upset yesterday to receive a message from someone warning me that a certain website owner (who I know) is trying to steal my jewellery ideas.

Bren

[EMEvans]

I never copy anyones ideas with my cards but thats not to say that someone else hasn't made something similar before, suppose theres only so many ways you can make a card beofre it becomes 'familiar'.

I do buy card making mags though i don't think i've ever 'used' any of their designs but i'm sure subconciously they have helped inspired or made me aware of a technique i hadn't used before.

I don't like people that 'copy' to sell although i know a few people that have copied my cards before now for personal use but i didn't mind as i knew them and they bought there supplies from me so it was a win win situation.............lol.