Cheating in Logo contest, participate using stock image or someone's else logo.

[examplens]

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://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55304113#msg55304113
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://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55305013#msg55305013
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://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55305055#msg55305055
Archive
Which also is founded by roycilik, posted here
Default image source is on https://differrecapital.com/

User Gibreil
His submission: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55305207#msg55305207
Archive

User Hemady17
His submission: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55306931#msg55306931
Archive

User trapcoder666
His submission: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55307201#msg55307201
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.

[Insanerman]

~

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.

[Serious475]

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

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55316906#msg55316906

Also I can provide the psd file.

[examplens]

.

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.

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

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5279214.msg55316906#msg55316906

Also I can provide the psd file.

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.

[$crypto$]

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?

[Serious475]

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.

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.

Font : Cutive-mono - for the dernier cri, Monoton for the DC





I have the completed layout saved in PSD.

[trapcoder666]

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.

[Pffrt]

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.

[infinitesimal]

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.

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.

[Serious475]

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

[fiulpro]

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.

[The Cryptovator]

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.

[logfiles]

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.

[fiulpro]

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.

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.

[jayce]

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.

[fiulpro]

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.

On the Roobet Art's contests, I see many submissions with template icons or wallpapers

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 ]

[jayce]

Damn. You don't get my points?

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

[fiulpro]

Damn. You don't get my points?

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 .
_*_

[jayce]

And then why are you attacking me?

[fiulpro]

And then why are you attacking me?

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 🤞