OOC : First off, the Queen would definitely appreciate this post ❤ But i’m going to take this answer over wether she likes it or not 
Secondly, thank you so very much! I’m very happy my work is appreciated ^u^ I think this ask will be the perfect excuse for me to sort of talk about ‘copying’ and ‘inspirations’.
Ever since elementary school I’ve really enjoyed creating species and building lore around them. However, while these designs were often more original, the lore was often copied or very heavily based on another lore. I’d list examples but honestly they’re really embarrassing x,D But I’m not afraid to admit that yeah, I was one hell of a copy cat for YEARS. It’s how I learned, and how I grew as an artist. It’s definitely something i’m ashamed of, but I’ve since learned from my mistakes and now work very hard to make sure what I’m creating isn’t just copying something else, but instead, inspired by it. That, or I try very hard to credit and list the things that inspired me or the people that helped me come up and develop the idea. Because nothing is original, as the saying goes, it’s all inspired by something else.
Inspirations of the Kuros
The Kurosians are, of course, first based on Cynder’s appearance in The Legend of Spyro : A New Beginning. I built a lot of the lore off her appearance and of course, the story that hinted at her past and etc. From there, a shit ton of other inspirations took effect.
It’s kind of hard to just sit and list them ALL, as something so little as seeing a building as I walk past it may even inspire something. But a lot of the feel comes from Skyrim, the Eragon novels, Legend of the Guardians : Owls of Ga’hoole, and lots of other movies, books, and games. The language is largely based off of Irish Gaelic, but sometimes delves into Norse/Swedish/Finnish origins.
What’s the difference between inspired and copying?
There’s a difference between taking inspiration and straight up copying, that I realize now. You can admit when you’ve been inspired by someone, but there’s a fine line between the two. Sometimes, just admitting you were inspired by someone can’t coat when somethings been copied. I think the best way to find out if you’re copying someone is sharing with good, honest friends and gathering critiques, and of course taking and considering the critique. Or, if you can speak to the person that inspired you, ask permission, or possibly advice on how to deviate your idea from theirs.
Some will work with you, others may be closed off; if they are, just remember sometimes people have been harped on or ripped off so many times they’re very secluded, I know many people like this. It can really bring a person down, but I also know lots of awesome people that work their hardest to be as respectable to artists as possible, and those peeps I can’t appreciate more!
If you find yourself being inspired by someone, and creating something off of theirs just to get popular; you’re doing it all wrong. I say this often but don’t do things JUST to get popular, do things that make YOU happy! Those who’ll like it will respect you and spread the word. It’s sometimes a difficult concept to really grasp, but I’ve known so many wonderful artists do things solely to get popular and they turn into nasty, self loving awful human beings. Be yourself, respect others, and spread the lurb ❤
What if I see someone copying something?
Now, I see this happen a lot in this fandom alone as well as just about anything else. The following is just my personal opinion on the matter, and how I handle things. This doesn’t really mean you should do this, or I’ll hate you if you don’t do things my way. I’ll only be disappointed if it’s extremely disrespectful, aggressive, or just down right bullying. Unless the theft is so blatant that they’re TRYING to be trolled, I never suggest approaching someone with aggression.
I’ve had things copied from me plenty of times, countless times, and I used to get upset and mad. But I’ve done my best to grow from it, and this is what I have to say about it. When I see someone copying something, of mine or anything else, I approach the person privately and as politely as I possibly can. Sometimes, people don’t quite realize when they’re copying someone. Or, they don’t fully understand why it’s wrong. The other will grow more from the experience if you’re gentle at first, and help the other see how it’s wrong. I’ve had more copying situations be solved that way than just approaching a person and telling them off. Or sometimes, the situation continues to pop up, and it’s just best to move along and let the other learn for themselves.
Again, that’s just how I see things. I felt this was an issue that should be shared with everyone in this community and others alike. I’ve seen it pop up from time to time, and while I repeat myself a lot on these issues, I felt I should share them again, and in more depth. The one thing I do think more people need to do is just respect others, don’t try to cause hurt feelings, and do your best to brighten someone’s day. You never know when you’ll make someone feel REALLY good about themselves, or when you’ll crush a person to the breaking point.
We are all real, living human beings on the other side of the screen; remember that.
-gets off soap box-
~Weird Hyenas, Mod
Weirdlanders 