As designers, we’re all responsible of it in some unspecified time in the future…

You’ve discovered that one good structure, that one beautiful design that speaks to you—and earlier than you realize it, you’ve saved it in your bookmarks, jotted down some notes, and possibly even tried to duplicate a couple of parts in your personal work.

However how do you make sure that your boss, shopper, or colleague doesn’t discover you’ve primarily plagiarized that beautiful web site you had been “impressed by”?

Don’t fear, my fellow creatives, I’ve acquired you lined. With these 10 foolproof methods, you’ll be able to confidently faux you’re not simply copying one other designer—you’re creating one thing new… or not less than convincing everybody you’re.

It’s not about stealing concepts; it’s about “reinterpreting” them. In spite of everything, the road between “impressed by” and “simply flat-out copying” is all about the way you promote it.

So, whether or not you’re on deadline, in a inventive rut, or just too drained to give you one thing utterly unique, right here’s how one can spin it and appear to be a genius within the course of. Let’s dive in, lets?

1. “I Was Simply Conducting ‘In-Depth Analysis’”

Let’s begin with the oldest trick within the ebook: “analysis.” You didn’t simply stumble throughout that web site that you just now “borrowed” from—you had been deep-diving into an enormous sea of design data.

You had been performing crucial {industry} evaluation. As you stare upon your display screen with a furrowed forehead, you nod sagely and say, “Sure, I’m completely on the lookout for tendencies… simply want a couple of extra hours.” Ensure to throw round phrases like “analysis,” “consumer expertise,” and “industry-leading design” such as you’re some form of internet design wizard.

No one will ever query your motives whenever you sound such as you’ve been knee-deep in design philosophy for days.

2. “I’m Simply Following the Newest Design Development”

Developments aren’t copying—they’re simply the present state-of-the-art. Everybody’s doing it, so it’s undoubtedly not stealing, proper?

You’re simply maintaining with what’s taking place within the design world. You might need seen the identical structure, shade palette, and animations on ten completely different web sites, however hey, it’s 2025—who can resist the magnetic pull of a pleasant, clear grid with some killer parallax scrolling?

When anybody questions the familiarity of your design, merely brush it off: “Oh, you realize, simply maintaining with what’s trending.” Bonus factors for those who point out one thing about “fluid layouts” and “dynamic visuals”—sounds fancy sufficient to cowl your tracks.

3. “The Shopper Requested This Design, I’m Simply Delivering What They Need!”

That is your get-out-of-jail-free card. In case your design seems to be suspiciously just like one thing you’ve seen on-line, merely blame the shopper.

In spite of everything, it’s not your fault they requested one thing precisely like that different web site, proper? You’re simply the standard messenger delivering their imaginative and prescient—no copying concerned.

When the shopper insists on a selected fashion that appears strikingly acquainted, smile knowingly and say, “Completely, I could make that occur. I’ve seen that work elsewhere, so it’s clearly a sensible choice!”

Simply make sure you add a touch of private aptitude so nobody catches on that your design is mainly only a clone.

4. “I Was Simply ‘Impressed’ By It”

Let’s be trustworthy right here: all of us steal concepts. It’s a part of the inventive course of, proper? You didn’t copy that structure, you had been merely impressed by it.

You noticed one thing lovely, one thing that made you go, “Sure, I want that in my life,” and now you’re channeling that inspiration into your personal work. And whenever you’re requested in regards to the resemblance? Shrug confidently and say, “Oh, yeah, that was an enormous inspiration! However I added my very own distinctive twist.”

You possibly can even drop a refined, philosophical line like, “Artwork is a dialog, and I’m simply including my voice to it.”

5. “I Made It ‘Extra Environment friendly’ By Including My Personal Twist”

Okay, right here’s the deal: for those who tweak one thing, even only a tiny bit, you’ve made it your personal. 

Add somewhat further padding to the buttons, change the alignment of the footer, or alter the font weight ever so barely. It’s not the identical structure—it’s a “revamped, extra environment friendly model” of the unique. When questioned, proudly say, “I simply thought this adjustment would make the consumer expertise smoother.”

The truth that you swapped out one picture and adjusted a few colours received’t matter. Now it’s a bespoke design! Be happy to drop the phrase “iteration” as a result of, you realize, that sounds actually design-y.

6. “It’s Simply A part of the Artistic Course of”

Ah, the previous “inventive course of” excuse. You already know, typically one of the best concepts don’t come from sitting at a desk and brainstorming—they arrive from countless hours of doing completely nothing, solely to instantly have the good thought pop into your head.

When your design seems to be eerily just like one thing you noticed on-line, simply clarify it away as a pure a part of the inventive course of. “I used to be exploring completely different avenues, and this idea emerged organically.” It’s good. Nobody can argue with the mysterious magic of creativity. The extra summary you sound, the higher.

7. “The Design Got here From My Personal Expertise”

Right here’s the key weapon: private expertise. While you’re backed right into a nook, simply declare that the design is impressed by your personal life—it’s not copying, it’s authenticity.

Perhaps you simply went on a visit to Paris and wished to seize the “city simplicity” of the town in your design. Or possibly you’ve spent years working in a selected {industry}, and this structure simply felt proper primarily based on all the pieces you’ve discovered.

The extra deep and private the backstory, the much less doubtless anybody will second-guess you. In spite of everything, who’s going to problem your life experiences?

8. “I Was Working within the ‘Zone,’ Okay?”

Generally you’re simply in the zone. The design gods are with you, and earlier than you realize it, you’ve constructed one thing that appears suspiciously just like the fifteenth web site you noticed whereas binge-watching design tutorials.

However hey, whenever you’re within the zone, you’ll be able to’t be anticipated to recollect what’s been executed earlier than, proper? Simply inform everybody that you just had been “impressed by the method” and let your design “circulate naturally.”

If anybody questions the uncanny resemblance, simply shrug and say, “I suppose it got here out like that as a result of it’s meant to be.” You’re only a channel for the design universe.

9. “It’s A part of the ‘Common Design Language’”

Now, right here’s the trick for sounding actually sensible. You didn’t copy that structure; you simply adopted the “common design language.” In spite of everything, grids, buttons, and navigation bars are universally accepted for a motive—they make web sites practical.

When you’re caught within the act, declare that your design follows one of the best practices of usability and accessibility. It’s not copying if it’s “commonplace” observe. You’re simply doing what works. Simply don’t point out that you just’ve used the identical actual template you discovered final week.

10. “I Added a Private Contact, Truthfully!”

And at last, when all else fails, simply double down. You did make it your personal. Perhaps you added a barely completely different background picture, swapped the navigation to the left aspect, or modified the footer structure—no matter you probably did, it’s now uniquely yours.

When requested in regards to the design’s uncanny resemblance to that of a serious competitor, you’ll be able to confidently say, “Oh, I added my very own private contact. It’s extra streamlined now, and the circulate works higher.” Growth. Design magic. Don’t let anybody let you know in any other case.