#absolutebts

[btsgfx]

[REPORT] Graphic Style Copying & Inspiration without Credit @slythjeon

Account @slythjeon (now abandoned since 07/08; formerly @absolutebts, @tinkervell) has been drawing inspiration from Magdiel Lopez without credit and copying his style since October of 2017. Admin Cynthia contacted them on 06/27/18, where she informed them about an anonymous submission we have received regarding the alarming similarities between @slythjeon’s works and those of Magdiel Lopez. @slythjeon replied with a thanks and shortly after deleted all of their graphics.

After Cynthia asked why they had deleted all their work without clarifying the accusations, they explained that Lopez is one of their role models and claimed:

they never intended to copy Lopez’s style or works;

this is the first time someone's said their work is (too) similar to Lopez’s;

they do not know which of their works are potential copies of Lopez’s;

and they have never directly drawn inspiration from Lopez’s work (though they followed a few YouTube tutorials that emulate Lopez’s graphics).

We are not creating this post to ask everyone to no longer reblog their works or to block @slythjeon, but to inform. With this information, please decide which actions you wish to take, but we highly discourage anyone from contacting @slythjeon​ unless you are personally affected.

Below the cut are further details and side-by-side comparisons between @slythjeon’s and Magdiel Lopez’s graphics from the anonymous submission, including some we view as works created from valid inspiration if credit had been given and not for the other circumstances.

On 07/07, @slythjeon sent images of all their graphic to ask which resemble Lopez’s. After Cynthia said they should know which as they are the creator, they acknowledged that they should have been more careful about the similarities and credited their inspiration, such as the tutorials, as their mistakes; but maintain all their claims above and stated they no longer wish to explain themself any further.

Considering how (1) all of their work under the 3 blogs are similar stylistically to solely Lopez despite their multiple role models, (2) they have never credited for any source of inspiration, and (3) more than a few of the works look like copies of Lopez’s; it is difficult to believe this was not done intentionally, even if it was done without malice.

There is a line between valid inspiration, which some of @slythjeon’s works fall under if they had credited Lopez’s specific works, and copying. If the work simply changes the fandom context while using the same concept and/or visual design, it is a copy. If while creating or judging a work as inspired or a copy, “it is different enough” should not be the goal or verdict.

@slythjeon: x | Magdiel Lopez: x, x, x

@slythjeon (as @tinkervell): x | Magdiel Lopez: x, x

@slythjeon: x | Magdiel Lopez: x

@slythjeon (as @absolutebts): x, x | Magdiel Lopez: x

@slythjeon (as @tinkervell): x  | Magdiel Lopez: x, x

@slythjeon: x | Magdiel Lopez: x, x