The art of DIY is something I believe, to be enjoyed for oneself, shared with others as means of inspiration and encouragement, but not something that should be applied to creating exact replicas or knockoffs to make a profit on sales of such items. Inspired by, but not replicated if there are sales involved. 
I get so many requests (even now!) for me to make a custom knockoff pair of those Christian Louboutin for Rodarte Super-Spiked Heels I DIY’d nearly 3 years ago, that sometimes I feel my intentions in sharing these how-tos and ideas on my blog are being misconstrued entirely.
Sometimes I wonder if I should only be sharing tutorials for items quite different from, but still inspired by, designer pieces. It’s a tough call.
But for all of us out there who craft, who create, and who produce art, there is always the question of inspiration vs. imitation. Though in her eloquent post designer Jessica Hische is writing about art in general, I believe her great analysis of the art of copying (and how to avoid straight-out mimicry) is a great read and utterly applicable to everything creative in life (including DIY!).
And especially DIY, and making your own projects for yourself, as well as to share with others. Ideas are everywhere, and what you choose to appropriate, re-appropriate, and re-mix becomes art the further away it gets from its original inspiration. I re-read this blog post all the time because it’s such a great one (and Ms. Hische is an amazing logotype and branding designer too!)
Read Inspiration vs. Imitation by Jessica Hische
Just some food for thought on this late, late evening.:-)
xoxox
Carly
Its another inspiring kind of piece…Every time you shared an inspiring design I really appreciate it..
Loved this post. It’s always interesting to see where imitation and inspiration intersect. The blogging world is the best place to see how the two are intertwined in both positive and negative ways.
I don’t mind imitation for personal use but inspiration is better and a new idea is best yet. But most of the time, I’m not that smart.
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I’m on the fence about this subject. As long as something is not being mass produced, I feel that imitation is fine. Everyone knocks off everyone anyway. Of course, being inspired to create ones own version of something but not directly copying is bes. But it’s a double edged sword type of argument. Thanks for inspiring me. Love that pic!!! And your haircut!
doing a DIY for personal use seems fine. you aren’t profiting from it and you are simply sharing your version. however, there are folks who will find a project and pretty much copy it and sell it. I remember Black Apple was having a problem with people making her dolls and selling them, even tho she offered the doll pattern for personal use only.
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