Today: a weird coincidence...
I was just pursuing the pages of PoppyTalk Handmade and came across a design by Samantha Hahn, which my new I LOVE YOU card resembles immensely.
There was that moment of realization.... Gasp! Since my card appeared the day after hers on the web, do I look like a plagiarist? Did I get sucked into some handmade Valentine's Day sentiment vortex, and spun out on the same tangent as Samantha Hahn?
What to do? Is it ok to still sell the card? Do I graciously remove it? So weird. Am I over reacting?
I feel so deflated... sigh.
9 comments:
Hi sweetie!
I can't speak for Samantha [although I did forward this post to her as she is a dear friend of mine!], but I really don't see a stark resemblance in the two. The tone is very different, and I know that the intent was not to rip off anyone, which to me, is what matters.
As far as what to do about it, I know you'll make the right decision--- and we'll love you whatever that decision will be!
thanks erin! so funny, cause i was composing an email to Samantha. and you're right, they're not exactly the same, and yes the tones are different.... i think i just got my hopes up with my new card and then having seen something similar (composition and masked out pattern, same message) i just felt... deflated. but your comment is really nice and makes me feel a lot better. i probably have a little tunnel-vision action going on right now... can't see the bigger picture. thanks :)
keep it. I did not invent masked type! There's room for both of us in the art world! XO,samantha
hey - I had the same issue recently - I came up with a great idea for a jewelry series, was gathering up images to use as reference for the design, and then on page 4 of google images, came across someone else who had done the same thing. I definitely understand your deflation. I'm still sitting on my good idea trying to figure out a way to make it different enough from this other person's design. Doh. But anyway, looks like you and Samantha connected and that all is well...and I think the two designs are definitely different enough! :)
you know...i just had this same issue arise with someone else, and here's what i think. there are only so many ideas out there. the fact that sometimes creative thoughts align is inevitable...personally, i take it to mean you're on the right track.
by the way, i've seen much more 'symmetrical' examples out there...i honestly would never have paired yours with the other design.
Guess there is still the difference. And similar pieces exist often without any copying one from eachother.
How to say? Something, a special colour, style, design is just "on the air" and several people have the same idea at the same time.
as your personal legal advisor (and friend) - the card (both of them, actually) is not only lovely, but you have nothing to worry about!
wow.... such a response! thanks everyone, i clearly over-reacted a little in thinking our designs were so similar. but still, these things happen so it's good to talk about it. i feel a little more educated at least.
Yes, you go girl!
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