Divergence or Duplication: Navigating the fine line between originality and inspiration in Ghana's creative Industry.

In Ghana, a common refrain echoes through creative circles: "Once you start something, everyone copies." This sentiment often serves as a critique, highlighting the perceived dearth of ingenuity and creative innovation in the country's creative industry. While it's true that disrespectful copying can dilute the uniqueness associated with a particular creative person, a nuanced perspective is essential.

Disapproval is warranted when individuals blatantly replicate or attempt to imitate the work of a specific creator. However, drawing a clear line between inspired creation and outright copying is crucial. Insisting on being the sole proprietor of a general concept can stifle the natural evolution of creative ideas.

Consider the case of a wearable art stylist who pioneered hand-painted outfits. If a newcomer with a versatile range of garments enters the market, also incorporating hand-painting in their designs, is it fair to label them as mere imitators? The key lies in discerning where inspiration ends and replication begins. This can be done by assessing the degree of uniqueness in the expression of the idea. If the individual has added their personal touch, interpretation, or unique elements to the concept, it leans more toward inspiration.

Hand-painting on garments, for instance, is a generic concept open to interpretation by any creative mind. The line is crossed when one starts duplicating exact garments, art subjects, and compositions. In the realm of creativity, similarities in ideas are inevitable, and it's unjust to brand such instances as mere copycats.

What truly matters is the unique spin that each creator brings to a concept. Consider the example of Burberry, a brand that didn't invent plaid but capitalized on a unique element that now defines them. According to an article by JS Press on Burberry Plaid, meeting the needs of military personnel during World War I, the “Burberry Trench Coat” was born due to its being worn by British officers in the trenches. After the war, it became popular with civilians. The Burberry check plaid has been in use since the 1920s, primarily as a lining in its trench coats.This exemplifies the importance of identifying and nurturing the distinctive aspects that set one's work apart.

Creativity thrives in a diverse ecosystem where ideas can cross-pollinate, leading to fresh perspectives and innovations. Rather than condemning similarities, the focus should shift towards celebrating the individuality each creator brings to their craft. After all, it is not the concept alone but the inventive development of that idea that truly counts.

Other examples abound in the creative world. Take the iconic "Little Black Dress." Coco Chanel did not invent the concept of a black dress, but her innovative designs made it a timeless fashion staple. Similarly, the concept of a smartphone was not exclusive to Apple, yet the iPhone's unique features and design revolutionized the industry.

The intersection of inspiration and innovation would always be at play in the creative industry. The evolution of ideas cannot happen solely based on a solo creator's work. It requires the collective brilliance of multiple creators. Recognizing this, it becomes paramount to not only celebrate diversity in artistic expression but to also give due credit to the different architects of inspiration. Beyond the canvas and runways, the need for laws and policies that safeguard originality emerges as a critical part of promoting innovation and creativity. The Ghanaian creative ecosystem requires collective responsibility to credit originators of innovative ideas and to safeguard intellectual proprietary rights without leaving room for monopoly of generic concepts. In the creative industry, a monopoly of generic concepts would mean that a particular individual or group holds exclusive control over ideas or themes that lack originality. This dominance could stifle innovation and limit the diversity of ideas within the creative landscape. The call to protect intellectual property rights goes hand-in-hand with preserving a space where a variety of creators can contribute fresh, inventive ideas without facing unnecessary restrictions.

References:

1. https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/a27c4117-0eaa-403c-b745-60863fd26bc6 accessed on 28/10/2023
2. https://jpressonline.com/blogs/threading-the-needle-with-richard-press/burberryplaid#:~:text=Meeting%20the%20needs%20of%20military,lining%20in%20its%20trench%20coats. accessed on 28/10/2023
3. Wendy Reamy, "How to stop a Copycat" https://door44studios.com/how-to-stop-a-copycat-in-3-steps/ accessed on 30/10/2023
4. "Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life" by Justine Picardie. (2010)