Topic: Cheating in Logo contest, participate using stock image or someone's else logo. (Read 848 times)

A professional logo designer would charge more than:


I know it is bad to count other people money, but in this scenario, for 50$ you get what you get for and should not expect design masterpieces.
I understand that the partial idea was to order exactly from cryptocurrency community and pay in crypto, but ideal variant would be to order logo design from a freelancer (but not creating a contest).

Surely a professional logo designer will know which loga is right for the brand that is needed, including in fashion, he will know how to conceptualize it properly and will not copy and paste.

 There are more than two suspicions that the Pasteur Salim has been researched for several days and finally the similarities are found, can it be called copy paste?

Upon reading from page 1 on this thread, I saw that both parties have a fault. The participants and the organizer of this contest were at the same fault.

Firstly, the organizer's fault was stated yahoo above and that was right.
If they want a professional logo maker, probably I think they hired someone than having a contest. For a good product result, not just a copied by someone else work or be stated that using software template isn't allowed.

For the participants, whether it is a contest or not. If you are professional logo makers, make your own design. If you will use others work as a reference make it sure at least don't have similarities that obviously easily identify or much better made by your own.

Now for tagging, their explanations are appropriate even though it seems a sort of copy pasting because of free template used, they're excused for this. Since there is no rules from the organizer of the contest that prohibit, I think there's no offense, unless if the rule was clearly stated there.

True but a professional logo designer would never go with such copy paste job as he knows logo means what to a company as you said and I stated earlier that it's common sense.
I see a lot of people are trying to defend themselves here with a lot of excuses. Come on, man. You don't need to. If you are a professional logo designer, why would you even bother to use other people's work in a brand logo?

Agreed, but remember one recent bounty campaign for Gamdom you had and when you said it is allowed to write in gambling but only 4 post in gambling discussion.
Even if you wrote all the rules, not all people did read or understand them, and there was a lot of confusion
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/gamdomcom-signature-and-avatar-campaign-5268286

It is mostly people faults, because some people never read or they try to cheat whatever the rules are.

Definitely poor organization of the event is at fault. Maybe next time have a specific software to be used so there will be no way to cheat. Logo maker is cheating in my opinion because ideas are already there, you will just adjust it to your liking, maybe use the style for inspiration but not the copy it altogether.

Wouldn't the core issue fall on the team for not being specific in their rules? it's common sense that if they want to launch a brand, they wouldn't want a logo based off of another company or even anything close, but this is bitcointalk. I've found that you have to freaking map out everything to make sure even the most ignorant would understand.

You have a lot of members from very poor areas who are going to use anything they can to make a buck, and not feel bad about it. In their minds, they did nothing wrong. Anytime anyone launches a contest, the rules have to be 100% clear and understandable to avoid this sort of thing for the contest.

The company should have done a better job in the selection process as well. They need to research all submissions to try and detect similarities in other brands and logos. Just my 2 cents.

Finally some interesting topic to read thanks to examplens and roycilik detective skills

I find it funny to see explanations of participants in this logo contest and how in reality they spent few minutes using templates, stock photos and graphics other people made.
Every real graphic designer would report this, and same thing is happening in 99designs and similar websites.
If you used other people designs or art you must say this when you are posting design you claim is yours, and not after someone reported you.

I would love to see this license.

@Insanerman, I wish I have more merits for you mate. Thanks for explaining it clearly. I completely agree with you.



Lol yeah I have to admit that was a smart move indeed by them. They have more potential to be great businessmen in future.

I've got your point. But this is a contest - a competition to do better than other people, usually in which prizes are given. To be able to win, the guy was smart and used something extra (bought a picture on stock). It was not mentioned that contestants must use only their own works.

As abhilyall intend to use that logo in our website, tags, lables, carry bags etc., the guy should have left credits to stocks photo author. Just in case fashion brand "DERNIER CRI" wont have any problems with intellectual property. I fully agree with what you've written above.

Anyway, like Pablo Picassos said - "good artists borrow, great artists steal"  

Thanks @Insanerman @jayce and the rest for the input. Didn't know logos was different when it comes to designing one. I myself am a part time web designer and in no way a professional and with subscriptions to shutterstock and other providers, it helps me with my graphics work, never really did logo only orders for clients and it's my first contest. You guys are absolutely right, logo will be the face of the company and it should be 100% unique. Again, would like to apologize and in the future, i'll add references or atleast a heads-up that it's not my original work.

OK. TO EVERY ONE WHO'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS ACCUSATION AND STILL COULDN'T GET @jayce 's POINT AND IDEA, LET ME CLEAR THIS. HOPE YOU ALL WOULDN'T TAKE THIS AS ME TAKING AN ADVANTAGE TO WHAT HAPPEN. NO. I JUST WANTED TO CLEAR THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS IN DESIGNING IN WHICH SOME ALREADY HAD REPLIED IN HERE BUT SOME STILL PREFER DEFENDING THEIR SIDE. THIS WOULD BE A LONG READ:

First of all, I've been studying designing since I was a kid. Not to be arrogant nor whatsoever that you could judge to me, but I keep accepting designing jobs for less than 10 dollars! Yes! Our country doesn't really that kind of rich so the cost of designs here are commonly less than 5 dollars, even business logos! Also, I'm not that professional nor having a degree in designing, but I can say that all of my designs were pure and my own.

Now back to the issue, in designing based on dozens of seminars and webinars I've attended, there are difference between GRAPHIC ARTISTS vs GRAPHIC DESIGNERS. Basically,

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS are those who gets their idea from dozens of already made designs, and they can somehow connect those to make a new one. It is what fiulpro and Serious475, when they preferred to use FREE stock photos online especially fonts that might also be free and can be used for any commercial purposes.

Meanwhile, GRAPHIC ARTISTS are those who make logos, layouts, etc. OUT OF NOTHING. Hence, it is what jayce and some other users here are insisting, that such contest must always accept submissions only with pure GRAPHIC ARTISTS originality.

I don't say that any of users in here cannot be either G.DESIGNER/G.ARTIST. You are free to call yourself what you want, as long as it fits what you are capable of.

Now, the issue states that the contest held by abhilyall had problems due to many submissions (which had won the contest) are all came from graphic designers that concatenate free stock designs. The argument here is simple. If their fashion business went popular from local upto global business, bearing a logo that came from free stock photos online and licensed to personal use elements, wouldn't you think that they would never have a problem once someone noticed that their globally well-known business' logo came only from free stock? Also, as the maker of the logo, don't you think you couldn't be sued with the design you've made? All I'm saying is it is the designers morale if he would simply let the company suffer as long as you've submitted and won their online contest.

@fiulpro @Serious475 and any other that submitted on the said contest nor would soon make logos for contest, take note of this. If you really wanted to make an image that depicts a whole business, make it original. Yes, you would still and could insist that you've bought or its free, it is just not a valid reason or excuse to make designs for a legit company. Glad with Nellayar 's initiative to rather let his feet down than to raise any excuses and defense. With other's artworks, it is fine to make renditions out of stock designs, IF AND ONLY IF it wouldn't be for a company logo nor for any commercial purposes, and as much as possible that every design you could make (soon if you would have clients), better not use any free stocks.

I hope that there would be winners soon that wouldn't open another issue, coz it's just not too good to see designers fighting each other. Let's be professional guys, never aim for the amount nor the prize of contests. Aim for perfections in designs! Peace out!

See this is good since it was the first time I ever tried designing a logo , I just went to the app store and searched , tried numerous softwares and everything has very limited stuff. We learn through these things only , it takes time, investment, experience and I myself just wanted to participate.

I am not a professional in digital designing not even a newbie.

I wanted to try something new , that too with a cursive font since I always find them really beautiful, therefore I just did it and submit.

This is for sure helpful for the future but I don't think I will ever think about even designing one since everyone made a big deal out of nothing.

Since I prefer using pen and paper I don't know much about these softwares but I believe most of them are paid and therefore I didn't want to purchase them and therefore found the best free one that I loved. But for that too, I used 3-4 hours since there was going back and forth and trying out everything.

Template that was being used was: background and that's it

Other than that there were only limited designs that you could add which I used , which many people used too.

An Artist can never hate anything more when he is himself accused of PLAGIARISM. When the app itself gives the users right to use it.

I decided it was actually a good point keeping the watermark since it is giving credits to the app makers itself. Therefore I didn't mention but it was completely obvious.

Then I went back again and tried designing a bunch of them using the basic shapes available but yes thank you for at least standing pro for the point that " Using template is not wrong " which was something that I was trying to prove the whole time.

Thank you @jayce and @logfiles

@bakasabo
Hey I think this is a logo contest, not a place where you buy something from someone and sell in higher price to someone else. The project owner here is looking for a logo, not buying banana.

---

In my conclusion, most of the designers on this forum aren't confident enough in their skill and not ready yet for a contest. I hate payjoe and his childish act, but I respect him as designer since I know all of his works are truly original.

It's indeed hard to be called as plagiarism as the original owner has given the full right for the license buyers, but this is kinda not professional to be used in a contest imo. And like my previous post, if you want to use a template (not stealing or removing watermark), then you have to mention that on your post so the project owner and anyone aware of it. You can see my submissions in latest contests (https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.54922826 and https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.54903616) that I was using template images for the mockups (not the logo), and I even wrote credits to Unsplash there since I was using their images. Using template is not wrong in the contest as long as it's not the main object.

Edit: logfiles is right.

I think where you go wrong is trying to look for templates in order to create logos and thereby using the wrong software programs which you say are limiting you. That's not how things are done when it comes to logo design. You can do this with other forms of designing such as web pages or posters and people won't notice but certainly not with Logos.

Even those templates you are looking for were created by someone. Ask your self how they created them. It surely wasn't through magic, was it?

You can create your beautiful unique logo from scratch using a ton of designing software programs like Adobe photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, PicsArt for mobile, GIMP for Linux, Microsoft PowerPoint (yes, you saw it right, If you are imaginative enough, nothing can stop you). All those software programs and many more can let you create a logo without even having to subscribe for their premiums. I say this because I have ever used all of them before.

Consider this constructive criticism and not an attack as you seem to be so unhappy about the whole thing.

Not protecting anyone, just my 2 cents.

If in contest rules not mentioned that it is prohibited to use stock photo, why is it considered as an act of cheating? The logo presented for contest has no stock watermarks. It could be simply bought. So contestant made an investment to participate in contest. Seems logical to me.

If not, then lets punish everyone that used default fonts for writing and accuse them of plagiarism

Sorry I wasn't when you write you cannot really explain the tone 🐱

I believe I would use some neutral emojis.

Unfortunately I was actually standing with you 😅, sorry for the lack of social skills.

Since you made a good point about images being used in other things too .

God Sorry 🤞

And then why are you attacking me?

I do get it man

But it's being said : It's plagiarism to use templates from a software.

Which I don't agree on .
_*_

Damn. You don't get my points?

Edit: I respect Nellayar since he admits his fault and apologizes directly.

Doesn't watermark does the same ? This is why we keep watermark.

This is why watermarks were invented.

Did I remove the watermark? Or claimed ? Plus not always the prize value is higher than the prize of the software present and I believe keeping watermarks gives respect to the idea.

Plus templates are background.
You stumble across many softwares before you find the right one.



Why aren't they also here in reputation board ?

_*_

I kept the watermark as a respect..
Template was flawless
Software was good since I had to try 10 before finding the right one.

_*_

This also takes work.



[I will actively participate in this particular thread since I stand against PLAGIARISM but I am greatly offended that am being dragged for using a template lawfully ]

First of all, it's bit harsh to open this scam accusation not by abhilyall as the project owner, since he is the one who gets harmed the most. But well perhaps this thread could be a lesson for everyone.

As a designer, I myself also use template and have a license on freepik and flaticon. It's not wrong using it, since the website also states that the premium contents are free to use even commercially. But we are talking about LOGO as BRAND and COMPANY IDENTITY. Stop again the excuse 'I have license' or 'it's free template for anyone'. If that's the case, you can just suggest OP "Hey mate you can just purchase a license of this website, it's cheaper than holding the contest". But instead you join the contest because the simple reason, YOU WANT THE PRIZE MONEY, which it's higher than the license fee.

If you want to make logo for your project with template, then you have full right to do so. But if you ask people to create your logo and open a contest, of course you are looking for an unique design that not made by template right?

On the Roobet Art's contests, I see many submissions with template icons or wallpapers and I don't mind with that since those templates aren't the main attraction on the whole design. But for logo contest? Like I said earlier, it's the main identity and the first thing people think about your project.

So imho, uhm yeah, you can use template on next LOGO contests if you are too lazy to find your own idea, I won't be against it, but you must leave a note below your submission that you are using a template and mention the template website name.

Logo should be :
 Simple
 Innovative
 Good for the eyes
 Easily reproducible
 Original

Unfortunately most softwares kills the originality by providing limited templates, limited designs. Unfortunately not every software can be purchased by everyone, everytime they try something new.

Using same template is not : PLAGIARISM

What PLAGIARISM is : removing the watermark unlawfully and not giving credit to the software who you used.

We have certain templates, certain fonts that for sure stands out and will be loved by many in the future , these things are bound to happen.

_*_

If there is only one C available for free and one template for free , people will use it.

Why not?

It's beautiful and very intelligently choosen by the creators , what matters is *can you make something new out of the limited time, budget and tools?*

*Something unique?*

_*_

What I did was see the scope of that C , how far I can push it, how better it may be used, keeping it super simple. Yet aligned to make it look like a pattern/ sign.

Even this took hours , thinking , drafting , using rough designs , trying out new softwares to see if they work out. No it's not as easy as mirroring a simple C.

It takes time, effort , plus there are websites providing: free vector images .

Which I believe many people used here , even they are not liable to a negative trust or being judged low. some vector images are : Paid ofcourse
But don't forget many are free

At the same time there are certain fonts users used here as I see, font doesn't qualify as plagiarism

You cannot hold users accountable for using a font.

_*_

Thus my argument: Am disappointed in the OP , without conducting thorough investigation, even accusing people would not only hurt them but also prevent further participations from different angles, in fear of not being marked.

Negative tag would be too heavy a punishment but as a person who knows something about ART and LOGO creation. Uniqueness of the LOGO is one of the top qualities of a good logo so in the case of a logo contest, I would expect the vetting committee or the contest organizer to be very strict when choosing which logo should win the main prize plus all consolation prize.

It's like getting an Apple logo template on the internet (whether copied or bought), then modifying it a bit and then claim you created a logo. That's not how logos are made and there is nothing unique about it. With Logo creation, you have to be creative. You start from scratch and have to think outside the box. Not by copying from other already made logos

I don't think any brand would want to be represented by a logo that already exists or was got from shutterstock. so, I suggest the organizer of the logo contest be alerted about making the criteria of picking the winners a little stricter. No creativity, No reward.

As fiulpro explained above, I think is quite reasonable to make a logo by free software. If there is an option to choose a free template means it's free to use for everyone which shouldn't consider as copyright or plagiarism. Directly use someone else image and if try to claim his own then its a matter of concern. Sometimes even me I use canva software to create a banner or logo, it's free for everyone. So if someone else matches my template then it wouldn't consider plagiarism. Because the software allowed me to use their templates without watermark. I am not a design expert but expressed my opinion here.

Hi,
I believe I already explained my situation. The software was unpaid and I stumbled across it. There was only the C letter available , I had no idea how I would stumble across the logo of a knitting page with 600 followers.

Nor would I search for a logo like C.

Due to limited options, I had to use C to make a D.



As you can see only one was available.
Plus what I used is a Template! The only one that was available in the unpaid version.

I didn't remove my watermark due to the aforementioned reason. Plus even I cross checked with google lens and it did show nothing. Then I submitted.




So I am being told:
A same girl used ur font , ur software , somewhere in the world since she also had the unpaid version, it was invisible on the Google lens but still out of nowhere you copied her logo , maybe messaged that girl to ask which software is it mam ? Then downloaded that software ( since water mark is there ) or maybe took her image , changed her C.

Ridiculous.

The reason I didn't remove my logo and resubmitted was because I believed the OP did read my message on the same topic.

-*-

The gradient here being used is the simple one available on the software. Maybe try going on the watermark, download it and let me know if am wrong.



The girl didn't have watermark!?
How would I know ?
I used all the logo designing apps available to see what I liked !
If it was not on the page of google lens , how could I know that somehow someone is using the same template as me???


ALSO:
Using BASIC template Available is NOT CHEATING.
You can USE same templates if you did , IT IS NOT PLAGIARISM.

Ofcourse the app have a lot of downloads !!? So anyone who used the free version in my account and used the same free" C" (and not H ) cheated ?

And again : I wouldn't remove mine since am aware of what plagiarism is!! I have been working as an artist over the years, now professionally. I myself hate that. But I believe am really disappointed how you opened this thread without even seeing my last post on the topic there ? Without even maybe downloading the software and confirming what I said was right ? Without even checking the Google lens results? Without even considering how I would go on an instagram id with 600 followers ?

See fam there are people out there , more like me , who used the same 'C' , the same template, the same software! Because the unpaid version only allows that.

Plus the girl who is being talked about removed the watermark!! Please ask her if someone messaged you about the logo software ?

Message me in private if you still have doubts.

-*-

This aside I have a question for OP, why did you use a new template? I mean the C with nitka?

Since the template I was accused of cheating was of Wendy's crafts I believe.

-The reason for this is : again : same template of the free version, which is bound to happen.

Softwares like logo designers allow very limited stuff for the people who just downloaded them , so ofcourse there are many out there who would use it.

Also to remove the doubt again.

This is the TTF


You can manipulate the text and not just a png file



These are the editable layers
Colored Folder > Rasterize layer

Sample 2 folder > Original text

It isn't so easy and natural to change over a PNG image to PSD by keeping the layers editable. In spite of the fact that there are a few tools online which can change over a PNG image to PSD, without recuperating the layers and there are even ways to trim the picture and make it layered and editable once more. Yet, according to me, making an exceptionally indistinguishable plan even with an stock text style isn't an adequate norm in logo making anywhere on the planet, and can cause copyright issue whenever noted.

This is matter of common sense that a brand wouldn't use such copy paste work rather they are looking for a unique design. Some people are giving excuse but as a logo designer they must have known this. I will neutral trag all of this people to avoid any future deception by them. Negative wouldn't be a good idea as OP didn't mention anything in the contest thread although it's common sense not to use such plagiarized materials.

My second submission I did purchase main asset from a logo maker site https://www.logosc.cn/logo7653.html and I do have license for it. That's why they have logo maker sites and it's not cheap eirher. Joined the competition for fun, never had any intention to take advantage of OP or need the winnings hence why I donated $30(don't mind sending more if need be) to blankcode's escrow address so that OP can bump up the prize for those who he think deserves it. I'd like to sincerely apologize for the mishap.

Base on my statement again I used these fonts even you not used Photoshop you can use this fonts with your Ms word or any text format base.

The contestants should be more creative in making the desired design logo according to what is targeted and want to be more unique, then holding this contest if they take stock images from others, it is clear this violates copyright, while the OP will use the winners in their brand if there is still a lot of fraud going on, the election must be even tighter.

They want to easily win, so take stock images from anywhere and continue to be redesigned and posted right here, oh my God don't they know that the image checking on this forum is more stringent and many pay attention to it?

I understand you, what’s worse, all three winners come from copy/paste work.
We can call this plagiarism, some images are subject of copyright.


I find it hard to believe that it is possible to create something 99% identical than something which already exists.
As far as I know, everyone a little more skilled with Photoshop can convert any image to PSD file. I am not sure whether that is valid evidence. I expect an explanation from someone neutral here who knows this technique and is it possible to do on Photoshop.

Good day I already give my statement right there on the logo contest.

https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55316906

Also I can provide the psd file.

Can I open my thoughts in here? I am a participant of the aforementioned contest and I hope it wouldn't be biased nor unfair if I've supported the OP in here. At first joining the contest, I feel somehow doubtful with the other's designs as it really isn't that kind of accurate to the overall theme of their designs, hence making me searched fashion vectors and I've found their copies so easily, then I decided to not open it up but rather submit my own design. I am sure that such contest is serious at the first place. Hence, if ever there would be tags to be declared. I might support it, not because I've lost, but rather because it is prohibited in this forum.

Accidentally I follow topic [Contest] Logo designing for a fashion brand opened by user abhilyall . Even if he is Newbie here, he running a contest in the right way. Hire bL4nkcode as escrow, and they offering very generous prizes for this work, $70 1st prize $30 2nd prize, $20 3rd prize. Plus bonus $5 to every other non-win participant.

They publicly chose the winners, but it turned out that some of them had cheated. Using stock images, or stole and redesign someone's else logos is not what contest starter wanted.
for me, this is very disrespectful to the employer.

So, let's start:

User fiulpro
posted "his" work https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55304113
Archive:
Very similar logo founded by user infinitesimal on:
https://i.imgur.com/HHUhlIi.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/wendydaehandmade/
apparently, he just added another letter H rotated on 180°

User Nellayar
Submitted here: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55305013
Archive
But roycilik found this in Shutterstock. His post also here
https://www.shutterstock.com/sv/image-vector/logo-fashion-shop-1034693761
https://www.clipartmax.com/middle/m2i8G6m2i8G6G6K9_stavfashion-stavfashion-stavfashion-single-letter-fashion-logo/
https://www.pinclipart.com/pindetail/ibhxbiT_women-with-hat-silhouette-clipart/

User Serious475
Posted his own work: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55305055
Archive
Which also is founded by roycilik, posted here
Default image source is on https://differrecapital.com/

User Gibreil
His submission: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55305207
Archive

User Hemady17
His submission: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55306931
Archive

User trapcoder666
His submission: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.55307201
Archive
Google says this

Thanks, @logomaker for this file. It's for lazy members.


I really don't like things like this, I think they deserve a negative tag here. I will leave everything open for now, I would like to hear their explanation if it is reasonable. although I am not optimistic
Also, any constructive discussion from other experienced members is appreciable.