{"id":15184,"date":"2012-05-03T08:21:00","date_gmt":"2012-05-03T08:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zilliondesigns.com\/blog\/?p=15184"},"modified":"2026-04-13T06:31:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T06:31:40","slug":"derivative-design-concepts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zilliondesigns.com\/blog\/derivative-design-concepts\/","title":{"rendered":"Derivative Design Concepts \u2013 Drop it like a Bad Habit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every profession comes with its own code of ethics, rules and regulations that must be adhered to at all times. Graphic design is no different. In fact this is one of those rare fields where ethics and moral values are just as important as artistic skill and creativity. There is no room for logo theft or plagiarism whatsoever; such practices are fiercely looked down upon.<\/p>\n

The Curious Case of Derivative Design Concepts<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Lack of skill and imagination in any field will lead to shortcut approaches. The same is true for the graphic design arena and derivative logos are one example of a shortcut. These designs are the end results of designers using clip art, images and other people\u2019s work as their own. Designers who do this usually deny doing so and say they were only using these images for \u201cinspiration.\u201d However, fact of the matter is that derivative logo designs are usually caught<\/u>, leading to trademark infringement and a bad reputation for the logo designer.<\/p>\n

A good logo designer<\/a> should have enough depth in his creativity and thought process to never resort to such tactics.<\/p>\n

Why Designers Should Avoid Derivative Design Concepts<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The very fact that this approach carries a high risk of trademark infringement<\/u> should be enough to keep all logo designers at bay. One significant indication of derivative concepts is that when people see your work they are instantly reminded of some other work. Recognition is a vital factor behind a designer\u2019s thought process. The last thing s\/he wants is to be remembered for creating something that has great visual aesthetics but was also someone else\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

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Good for Instant Recognition, But Bad for Long Term<\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember the logo from Jonathan Mak which he revealed just after the death of Steve Jobs as a tribute to the Apple Co-founder? He became a celebrity overnight. However, a few weeks later it was revealed that another designer, Chris Thornley, had come up with a same concept months earlier. He even posted the image on his blog. This created a huge controversy and lot of critsism from thousands of people around the world; many of whom blamed Mak for ‘ripping off’ an original design.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let this happen to you!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Good Designers Don’t Steal – So, what should Designers do?<\/strong><\/p>\n