Is this ethical?
 

Just had a client ask me to "Copy" another designers "Style". I turned them down as I have a style of my own. I feel like I did the right thing. What would you have done? I mean copying a style is just like stealing it pretty much isn't it?

there's a fine line between "style" and "idea". people steal ideas all the time.

if it's not an exact copy but an improved version of the style that's don't really matter. Everybody get their inspiration from somewhere ...

your sig is massive like juicy's cock

I always point designers to a style a like and ask them to create a sort look a like in there own style, just like you stated there. Is that wrong? I geuss no that's what i asked him to do and that's what he or she did.

You cant ask a designer to steal a style or copy a style but you can show them examples of work you like.

In my eyes you did the right thing Nick, you're still my guy :thumbsup

I agree completely. It's hard to physically show someone what YOU have in mind when you work in this medium because we can't draw out sketches on paper and it is sometimes hard to make someone else be your eyes. If someone sent me to a page and said this is something like what they are after, then yeah, I think that would be ok.

As Dre says, everyone draws inspiration from somewhere and see things that catch their eyes......... this isn't a bad thing, asking you to deliberately copy someone elses work isn't good. But giving you a visual as to something they have in mind isn't so bad, in my eyes.

It's ok for you to get a general idea of what a client wants but not to just rip it...

Only an artist or someone with respect and honor will understand what you are saying. Unfortunately honor is something lost on most people these days. You have even more of my respect now man.

It's a tough call - how else could the client convey what he wants effectively?

How do you think 99.99% of the designers got their current style? From looking at what is working today. MikeW invented the current design style.. and it has evolved from his original style. Noone can deny this.

We have clients come to us and show us 4-5 different sites they like the "style" of... and ask us to design in that style. There is no problem with it.. we are not copying the design in any way.

How in the hell is a non designer supposed to show you what they like? :1orglaugh

It's OK. If some dumb fuck know-it-all designer did that to me I'd never answer their email again and move on to the next one.

You're a designer because you aren't successful in business and don't understand what it takes to make money.