We create design from what we’ve been exposed to. Of course in your example with the flyer / magazine, you can cross the line in a big way.

I also think younger designers are more prone to coping not because of lack of ideas but more so as a learning experience. As a young illustrator, I would copy all my favorite pin-up artists. As I grew into a style and technique, I stopped looking at ‘my favorites’ and started creating work from scratch. Sometimes we copy as a means of understanding.

The difference here is, there was no commercial value in my copying other illustrators. The drawings sat on my wall and I never submitted them in place of my own work.
Designers are part of mass communication and should be weary of doing such things.

I think it’s important to mention this as well, as It’s happened to me before. Clients will give direction and reference other’s work too. Sometimes we can fall victim to that without knowing it. I had one client years ago, send me comps from another designer ( it took me a day to realize the client hadn’t sketched the comps themselves ), naturally I laughed and told them to get written permission from the real designer before I began working. I had another client send me an ad asking if I could recreate the look for their company. I’ve also had Creative Directors do the same thing. I scrutinize creative briefs too. Depending on who wrote them, they can lead us into the wrong direction and in some cases, emulate an existing campaign or design. But to your point, yes–some people just blatantly copy.

Sera,
Start painting pictures of things you personally own in your house. Heck, start a self-portrait. There is no way she could be ‘inspired,’ to the exact solution you created.

opps, this one was a little long.

The girl that sits next to you: try painting something really rubbish like a three year old would paint, and see if she copies you. If she does, flick paint at her. That’s what I’d do anyway…

Justin – So if the original owner doesn’t know, that isn’t plagiarism? I think you make a good point about adding value to an original work. In essence you’re developing a piece of work beyond what it is originally and making it your own. I think that is inspiration.

Marc – I actually think a lot of designers have a dirty secret about stealing others work. With my job I buy a lot of design and I see a lot of recycled ideas. I think your list of ‘unfortunate problems’ is very valid though: where I work is very risk-averse (afraid of new) and we always have very tight deadlines. Therefore I see a lot of obvious and safe design. This isn’t plagiarism, it’s just a bit lazy.

I do look at lots of other designer’s work for inspiration but I can say I’ve never copied anything. If I am going to build on the idea of another, I always do my best to make it my own first in some way, or else, what’s the point? If I completely copy, then I’ve learned nothing.

I’ve imitated before but only when the assignment calls for it. And assignments in college sometimes call for a lot of imitating =( I’ve done two Van Gogh paintings just this quarter. Anyway, I’m rambling ..

Right now I’m in a painting class and there is a girl who seems to steal ideas all the time. I paint a swirly tree, she paints a swirly tree. I use texture, she uses texture. She’s always near and watching and asking what I’m doing next. Would that be considered plagiarism?

I’m flattered that she likes my style, but on the other hand .. it’s mine! =)

“Seriously, I do not believe other designers dirty little secrets are, that they steal others work.”

I agree, but the subconscious ’stealing’ – if that term can be used – is still a common incident.

The clip you and others posted a month is interesting to consider in this discussion as well:
http://uniqueepitome.blogspot.com/2007/05/other-creative-process.html