A Company Stole My Design... and Started Selling It
TLDRIn this engaging video, the creator shares a personal story of design theft and how it led to the reimagining of a console piece. The video opens with the creator discussing a past design that was copied and sold by another company, prompting a revisit to the original concept. The new client's request for a similar yet distinct piece inspires a creative journey, resulting in a unique console with a 15° tilt and innovative features. The video delves into the process of building the console, highlighting the importance of precise measurements and the decision to embrace a natural wood blemish as a design element. It also explores the ethical considerations of design inspiration and copying, advocating for a balanced view that acknowledges the potential for parallel thought and the inevitability of design overlap. The creator concludes by reflecting on the positive outcome of the situation, showcasing a finished piece that surpasses the original in both design and craftsmanship.
Takeaways
- 🔍 The creator discovered a company selling a product that copied his design, which led to a discussion about design theft and the complexities of originality in design.
- ✉️ The company, referred to as 'Octopus 2', initially contacted the creator for potential collaboration but later adapted his design without permission.
- 🛠️ The creator prefers to build new and improved versions of his past work, finding it more enjoyable and a chance to showcase his growth as a designer.
- 📐 The new console design features a continuous angle throughout the entire cabinet, which influenced the design of the rest of the piece.
- 💡 The creator considered the 'bark inclusion' in the maple wood as a unique feature to highlight, rather than a defect to hide, drawing a parallel to Cindy Crawford's mole.
- 🔨 During the build process, the creator emphasized the importance of precise measurements and alignment, especially when constructing cabinets with vertical dividers.
- 🎶 The console includes a cleverly integrated display stand for the album sleeve of the currently playing record, showing attention to detail and user experience.
- 🤝 The client, Steve, was not interested in the final design, leading the creator to decide to sell the piece through an auction and potentially build a different piece for Steve in the future.
- 💭 The creator shared his thoughts on design copying, stating that while he doesn't condone it, he also doesn't want to hinder others from being inspired by his work.
- 📈 The creator launched a new company called 'Quirk', with the 'Brass Chunky' mechanical pencil as its first product, highlighting his expansion from furniture to other creative products.
- 📚 The script also serves as an example of how to handle intellectual property disputes with grace and a focus on personal growth and innovation rather than conflict.
Q & A
What was the main reason the creator decided to revisit an old design?
-The creator was inspired to revisit an old design after a client reached out, interested in a similar but different piece based on a console the creator had built a few years back.
How did the situation with the company that copied the creator's design unfold?
-The situation began when the company, referred to as 'Octopus 2', contacted the creator expressing interest in selling his pieces. After the creator declined, the company tweaked one of his designs and started selling it without permission.
What was the creator's stance on the company using his design?
-The creator was initially upset but later requested that the company acknowledge the inspiration from his design on their website. He did not want to hinder their business or argue over the matter.
How did the creator approach the redesign of the console?
-The creator made several changes to the original design, including the angle of the front panel, the overall shape, and the integration of a record sleeve display stand. He aimed to make the new version more interesting and different from the original.
What is the creator's opinion on copying designs in general?
-The creator has a nuanced view on copying designs. He believes that parallel thought and ubiquitous design can lead to similar creations independently. He also thinks that copying can be a good learning tool, as long as it's not for profit at the expense of the original creator.
What is the 'Quirk' company that the creator mentioned?
-Quirk is a new company launched by the creator, with the 'Brass Chunky' mechanical pencil as its first product. The company aims to produce and sell well-designed products, with Shopify serving as the backbone for its online commerce platform.
How does the creator ensure the structural integrity of the cabinet?
-The creator used four large-sized dominoes to join each stretcher with the leg of the cabinet. He also conducted an unscientific test by sitting on one of the joints to ensure it could support weight.
What is the estimated total weight the finished cabinet is expected to hold?
-The creator estimated the total weight to be around 210 lbs, which includes the cabinet itself, albums, a receiver, a record player, and other miscellaneous items.
What is the creator's final verdict on the situation with the company that used his design?
-The creator concluded that he is fine with the situation, as it did not harm or affect him negatively. He chose to focus on his own progress rather than trying to hold the other company back.
What is the significance of the 'pneumo ultramicroscopic silico volcano coniosis' or 'Splendid' in the video?
-These words were provided as a secret word for viewers to use in their comments to prove that they have watched a significant portion of the video.
How does the creator plan to sell the finished piece since the original client decided not to buy it?
-The creator plans to put the finished piece up for sale through a one-on-one auction, with the details to be provided in the video description.
Outlines
🛠️ Reclaiming and Improving a Stolen Design
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.
💭 Thoughts on Design Copying and Its Impact
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.
🛍️ Dealing with Design Theft: A Personal Approach
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.
🎶 Integrating a Record Display Stand into the Console
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.
🔨 Constructing the Console and Addressing Copying
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.
📚 Building a Drawer Box and Final Thoughts on Design
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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Design Theft
💡Reimagining
💡Custom Furniture Building
💡CNC Machining
💡Joinery
💡Design Inspiration
💡Prototype Testing
💡Sustainability in Woodworking
💡Entrepreneurship
💡Woodworking Courses
💡Product Launch
Highlights
The creator is revisiting a design that was stolen and improving upon it.
A client requested a custom piece similar to a console built years prior, sparking the revisitation of the design.
The original design was copied by a company, which the creator discovered six years later.
The creator has emails proving the design was copied, but has chosen not to engage in negativity.
The new client allows for creative freedom, leading to a more enjoyable and challenging design process.
This project marks the third time this year the creator is reimagining an old idea.
The new version of the cabinet will feature a continuous angle throughout, differentiating it from the original design.
The creator discusses a theft situation involving a company, referred to as 'Octopus 2', and their actions.
The creator proposes a licensing agreement to 'Octopus 2', but ultimately requests only acknowledgment of inspiration.
The creator has complex feelings about design theft, sharing three major thoughts on the topic.
A unique feature of the new design is a brass rod integrated into the console for displaying a record sleeve.
The creator highlights a 'bark inclusion' in the wood, deciding to embrace it as a unique characteristic.
The base of the new console is made from walnut, taking advantage of a monthly discount at the creator's wood supplier.
The creator discusses the concept of 'parallel thought' and 'ubiquitous design' in relation to design theft.
The creator shares the launch of a new company, Quirk, and its first product, the brass chunky mechanical pencil.
The creator emphasizes the importance of aligning slots when building cabinets with vertical dividers for structural integrity.
The final piece is not purchased by the client, leading to the decision to sell it through an auction.
The creator reflects on the design theft situation, concluding that it has not negatively impacted them and has led to an improved design.
Transcripts
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