I’ve always been someone to openly talk about stuff if I’m not feeling comfortable, and right now I’m extremely anxious and even though I want to stick to my break, I can’t help but feel the need to speak up for just a bit. +

Before I start though, I wanted to ask that please, do not hate on me. I’m not doing this to attack anyone. I’m just trying to lay my thoughts and feelings out. Please do not take my words out of context, or at least dm and ask me to explain further. Ily guys +

So here’s the first point. Copying. I’ve been more active on twitter and within the editing / gfx community this year and I’ve very much noticed the similarities within styles, assets and other things between editors. Does that mean I think they’re copying? +

No. There’s copying someone’s work and replicating it, and there’s being inspired by the same people, same styles etc. Within graphics that’s very common too. You see different movements, methods and styles that become popular within times and people pick up on them. +

If I was to show you those in my course you’d be able to see a lot of similarities. Some of them have very unique styles,whilst others are really inspired by past art movements that influence their work. It’s a normal thing, there’s really not much originality, just inspiration.+

Like if we were to accuse others of copying us based of them using similar colour palettes, assets etc, then I could easily argue why some people have been copying me, when in fact I know very well that we’re really just inspired by similar things. +

On that note I do want to say that there is one important thing within design and that’s respect. If you ever feel like someone has copied your work, then please discuss it with them privately.+

I feel it’s unnecessary to bring it up publicly unless the other party is ignoring and remaining unbothered.+

Don’t purely use those around you and you’re followers, or make indirect comments as if you’d expect something other than cancelling to happen. It’s the internet afterall. Not everyone is going to be calm about it. +

Also, what exactly is the point of indirectly calling out someone? If you’re really that upset then please! I beg you! Just drop the @. Indirect calling might make them fear you, but it won’t stop them. +

So yeah. To summarise that first point, if you feel upset over similarities or possibly copycats, talk to them privately and sort it out. If ignored, bring it publicly, but don’t use your following with the purpose of hating on them. Understand and reason with them first.+

My second point! Softwares. Photoshop was developed in 1987, so there have been people using that software since them. We’re all generally very late to the game then. Nobody here did it first unless you were the one who developed it. +

What I’m trying to say is that no matter the software, people have been editing or whatever for decades. It’s nothing new. So please, don’t come around saying that others are trying to be like you for using similar or the same softwares. +

Again if that’s the case then I could easily say that a lot of you are trying to “be like me”. Although I know that’s not true. +

Overall, I became a graphic designer because it’s something I love and I enjoy. I make graphics, and also photo manipulations. They help me relax and they bring me joy. I love communicating with others visually and that’s why I do this.+

I love this community so much, and that’s why I’m also speaking up. Because as a fellow army designer, or really a designer in general because I edit and get inspired by everyone, I want peace and I want people to understand each other. Please just learn to talk it out. +

Also. I’m sorry if I’ve ever, or am currently, offending anyone. I always speak up out because I care. All I’ve done so far is show my support and try to interact with everyone in the community whether they’re video, graphic editors, writers, illustrators etc. +

The most important thing to me is showing I care and giving people the support I know they deserve. Me speaking up right now is because I feel and I see people who are getting upset over their favourites, and who aren’t being heard. So please hear me out and try to be kind. +

I love you all I will continue with my break, however my dms are open for discussion or simply for chatting. Please continue to be a colourful, kind and supportive community.