Ever looked at another designer’s work and thought, “That’s brilliant—I wish I’d come up with that”? We’ve all been there. But there’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation. Borrow too heavily from someone else’s work, and you’re not just short-changing them—you’re short-changing yourself.
Why copying isn’t the shortcut it seems
It’s tempting to take a design that’s already working and tweak it just enough to pass as your own. But while that might seem like a quick win, it’s not a great long-term strategy. When you copy, you’re missing out on the challenge (and growth) that comes from thinking originally.
It’s often the most talented designers who get copied—the ones who’ve spent years refining their craft and pushing boundaries. Seeing your work replicated can be frustrating, but for those on the other side, leaning too much on someone else’s creativity can backfire. Sooner or later, people notice, and your reputation takes a hit.
It pays to be original, literally
Reputation matters. The best designers aren’t just getting work because they can make something look good—they’re charging more because of the trust they’ve built. Clients seek them out because they know these designers will listen, understand their needs, and deliver work that delights them. Copying someone else’s style might create a shortcut to a few quick wins but it won’t give you consistent results and your work will feel a few clicks behind the trends.
As Natalie White from Magic Fingers puts it:
“I think that one of the key aspects of being a great designer is always thinking, ‘How can I do this differently?’ If it’s been done before, it’s time to think outside the square!”
How to protect your work (and your peace of mind)
If you spot a design that looks a little too familiar, it’s natural to feel frustrated. But before you jump in, take a breath. Most people don’t set out to copy—they’re just figuring things out. Here’s how to handle it with professionalism and grace:
Get a second opinion - Run it past a trusted designer friend. Are the similarities too close, or just coincidence?
Gather evidence - Take screenshots and note dates so you have a clear case if needed.
Reach out with respect - A calm, professional message can go a long way. You could try sending an email like: “Hey [Designer’s Name], I came across your recent project and noticed some strong similarities to my work on [specific project]. I completely get that inspiration comes from everywhere, but I’d love to chat about how we can make sure our designs stay distinct. Let me know if you’re open to a conversation!”
Suggest changes - If they’re open to it, offer ways they can tweak their design to make it their own.
Decide your next steps - If they refuse to acknowledge the issue, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth escalating. In some cases, it might be best to move on and use it as motivation to stay ahead of the curve. Even if they don’t change the design or apologise, it might make them think twice about copying you—or someone else—in the future.
What about the legal angle?
(While this isn’t formal legal advice, here’s the reality for most designers.)
Seeing your work copied can be incredibly frustrating. But taking legal action? That’s often costly, time-consuming, and difficult to win. Under New Zealand copyright law, copying must be substantial—a similar layout or a few shared design elements usually isn’t enough. The strongest legal case would be if the other website is actively misleading customers into thinking the two businesses are connected.
For most designers, the best approach is to focus on what sets you apart. Your reputation, creativity, and the trust you build with clients will always be your strongest protection.
How to find inspiration without copying
Originality isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about taking ideas, filtering them through your own creative lens, and making them your own. Here’s how to get inspired without falling into the copycat trap:
Mix your influences - Natalie White advises, “Look beyond design peers for inspiration which can easily become influenced. Instead, extend your creative inspiration and draw from mixed creative genres—painters, mixed media artists, sculptors, illustrators, videographers, photographers—people who approach the artistic world with a different lens often draw inspiration from unlikely sources.”
Go beyond social media - As Natalie suggests, “Get out beyond social media and explore your world in art galleries, sights, and adventures.” Real-world experiences bring unique perspectives that digital scrolling can’t replicate.
Look beyond your industry - Check out inspiration from fields like interior design, photography, or even music album covers. Unexpected sources often lead to the most original ideas.
Go global - Different cultures bring unique aesthetics that can spark fresh perspectives. Websites like Behance, Dribbble, and Awwwards showcase brilliant designs from around the world.
Avoid looking too closely at local competitors - This keeps your work distinct and avoids stepping on any toes.
Participate in design challenges - These force you to think outside the box and develop new skills.
Use mood boards wisely - Gather textures, typography, colour palettes, and layouts from multiple sources to create something unique, rather than relying too heavily on one style.
Draw from meaningful inspirations - Think about your client’s brand story, local surroundings, or personal elements that can bring depth to your designs.
The generosity of great designers
Here’s the irony—many of the best designers are the most generous with their knowledge. They’d rather spend their time mentoring and sharing insights than worrying about being copied. That’s what makes the design community so strong.
If you’re serious about standing out, make originality your mission. Create work that’s unmistakably you, and you’ll never have to worry about blending in. Let’s push the boundaries together and build a design world where creativity thrives!