Is copying ever OK in illustration? When does inspiration turn into plagiarism? 👀✏️

January 16
17 mins

Episode Description

Let’s talk about the big hairy thing that no one really wants to talk about… copying.

In this episode, we discuss inspiration, and how social media has changed things so much for illustrators. Trying on someone else’s illustration hat for too long can derail your creative career.

This one’s especially for you if you’ve ever felt like someone's getting a bit toooo inspired by your work, or you've though
“Ach, easy peasy. I could do that style!”
(And then felt a bit weird about it.)

We talk about:

  • Why illustrators now mostly look at other illustrators for inspiration (and why that’s tricky)
  • How social media has changed taste, trends, and originality
  • The danger of trend-based work and being easily replaceable
  • What actually makes a personal creative voice memorable
  • Why copying someone’s style can feel successful… until it doesn’t
  • Rebecca Green, ethics
  • Being inspired vs copying and where that line really is
  • Don't sand off all of your personality!
  • Typos, wonkiness, we luv 'em
  • A human made the work
  • What to do if you think you’ve been copied (or fear you have)
  • Authenticity 4eva

Byeeee for now!
x The Good Ship Illustration (Helen, Katie & Tania) 🚢✨

Come and say hello!

✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com

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