Nice Paper Toys
Similar elements to other toys, help?
Hi all.
I'm a bit of a newbie to this whole papertoy making scene. I've done about 3 (working on a 4th for public release, the others are early and really "not ready") And I've enjoyed the process greatly, but I've run into a small problem.
There are really only so many basic shapes you can work with, so it's inevitable that some elements of my toy are going to be like elements of an already established one. My question is, at what point is the similarity considered derivative? After finishing my first toy, I realized it looked a bit like Rommy (albeit much simpler). I'm not trying to be a rip-off artist (my toy isn't based on other templates) but I'm not trying to dodge design elements that work just because they're already in use. How is this sort of thing generally thought about?
Keep up the awesome work to all designers,
Thanks,
Chuck
I'm a bit of a newbie to this whole papertoy making scene. I've done about 3 (working on a 4th for public release, the others are early and really "not ready") And I've enjoyed the process greatly, but I've run into a small problem.
There are really only so many basic shapes you can work with, so it's inevitable that some elements of my toy are going to be like elements of an already established one. My question is, at what point is the similarity considered derivative? After finishing my first toy, I realized it looked a bit like Rommy (albeit much simpler). I'm not trying to be a rip-off artist (my toy isn't based on other templates) but I'm not trying to dodge design elements that work just because they're already in use. How is this sort of thing generally thought about?
Keep up the awesome work to all designers,
Thanks,
Chuck
Matt Hawkins
I agree with Marshall's advice. There area few simple forms everyone uses. It's kind of like music, while there are only so many notes, the creative combining of those notes can create something that is both familiar and strikingly original. So as you grow as a papertoy designer I think it's totally fine to start in familiar territory and as you grow and gain skills with each new project you can really hit some new creative ground! Paper at first seems a bit limiting but the more you get to know her the more you start to see the endless possibilities. It's pretty addictive. I'm always up for challenging my own preconceived notions of what paper can and can't do and always trying to inspire others to break free of theirs too.
Good luck on your creative journey through the paper-verse!
Look forward to seeing your new work,
Matt
May 21, 2009
Mr Chiba
if you feel one of your models looks like, or is influenced by someone elses model,
let people know when you release it.
there is only so much you can do with paper, (if you want people to build them)
so we are all gonna cross over into each others shapes :)
as long as you aren't blatantly ripping off someone elses work
and trying to pass it off as your own, you go for it.
May 25, 2009