A Company Stole My Design... and Started Selling It

The video's creator discusses a project to recapture and enhance a design that was previously stolen from them. They were inspired by a client's request to build a console similar to one they had made years before, which had been copied and sold by another company. The creator reflects on the original design, the changes they plan to implement for the new version, and the creative freedom they received from the client. They also delve into their past experience with design theft and how it influenced their current work.

The maker shares their complex feelings about design copying, moving past initial upset to a nuanced perspective. They discuss the concept of parallel thought and ubiquitous design, suggesting that overlapping ideas are natural and common in creative fields. The video emphasizes the maker's focus on building a unique piece of furniture while also contemplating the ethics of design inspiration and adaptation. They also touch upon the importance of ensuring that slots and dividers in a cabinet align perfectly for a high-quality result.

The craftsman recounts a specific incident of design theft involving a company that reached out about selling their work, only to later tweak and sell a similar design. After some email correspondence, the company acknowledged the inspiration but defended their changes as new directions. The creator of the video expressed their desire for credit rather than financial compensation and shared their evolving thoughts on copying in the design world. They also highlight a unique design feature they chose to keep despite it being considered a blemish, emphasizing the personal touches and improvements made to the new piece.

The video describes a creative addition to the console: a built-in display stand for record album sleeves. The maker experimented with a brass rod and a CNC machine to create a slot and support system for the records. They also discuss the importance of testing new ideas and the process of refining the design based on functionality and aesthetics. Furthermore, the maker talks about their new company, Quirk, and their first product, the brass chunky mechanical pencil, emphasizing the quality assurance process and the support from Shopify in setting up their online commerce.

The maker focuses on the construction details of the console, including the integration of chamfers and bevels to enhance the design. They discuss their views on copying as a learning tool and the importance of giving credit where it's due. The maker also shares their approach to using YouTube comments for feedback and improving their craft. Additionally, they provide an update on a client's decision not to purchase the console and their plans to sell it through an auction.

The video concludes with the construction of a drawer box for the console, using wooden runners instead of metal drawer slides. The maker also experiments with a brass knob for the drawer, sourcing it from McMaster Car and creating a custom insert for installation. They discuss the weight capacity of the console and conduct an informal test to ensure its sturdiness. Finally, the maker recaps their thoughts on the design theft situation, expressing their decision not to pursue the matter further and focusing on their own creative progress.