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Watch out for clients asking you to fit unauthorized design copies
I had a kitchen project where the homeowner brought in cabinet doors that mirrored a custom shop's patented design. They wanted me to install them like they were original, which felt shady. I explained how copying hurts other makers in our trade, and it led to a tough talk. We ended up adjusting the plan to something unique instead.
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robert_jenkins446mo ago
You talk about copying hurting other makers, but isn't a lot of design just using ideas from others? Might not be as bad as you think.
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angela8906mo ago
Yeah but where's the line between getting inspired and just taking someone's hard work? I had a client show me a picture of a super unique table from a local artist and ask me to build an exact copy for way cheaper. It felt icky, like I'd be undercutting that artist's specific style and effort. I mean, borrowing a general idea is one thing, but a direct copy just steals their bread and butter. We ended up talking it out and I made something with a similar vibe but totally different details.
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