very geoff mcfetridge.

I agree — sketchbooks are scary!

I also do most sketches on single sheets, though recently I tried again with a spiral-bound book, and have had some success… the fact that I can easily rip out a page has been a great relief!!

This raises a really interesting point. I’ve kept sketchbooks for many years (on my 78th volume now) but for me they only really work because they are a private space where I can be completely free to try things and fail. As much as I enjoy looking at other people’s notebooks, I think if I anticipated people looking at mine it would inhibit me too much and make me play safe. Just a thought…

i agree with james. totally geoff mcfetridge.

Wow.. so true, very much Geoff McFetridge. Had I not read the title/description, I would’ve thought these are GM’s sketches.

Also reminds me of Steve Harrington- esp. the shapes with legs. Well I guess we know who his influences are! : )

This guy is a complete rip. This belongs at http://youthoughtwewouldntnotice.com/blog3/

Jeeze, this guy has absolutely no shame. A lot of the drawings are direct copies of McFetridge’s work. Highlarious.

An utter douche bag. I hope McFetridge’s lawyers have seen this.

Thanks for your comments about this. I think everyone is right- this looks similar to Geoff McFetridge’s work. But this is a sketchbook. It’s a place used to develop ideas. Like how some people go to a museum and draw from old masters, I think Eric is using Geoff’s work as a learning tool and for inspiration. If Eric was making artwork that looked the same or selling graphics on t-shirts that looked just like Geoff’s work, that would be totally wrong. This is a sensitive subject as we found out through the scandal involving the copying of Lauren Nassef’s work. But I do think this is different since it is just a sketchbook- the personal workspace of an artist. I don’t think Chad would have posted this sketchbook if he felt otherwise.

Eric Ellis is a good friend of mine and a supreme young talent. Of course the inspiration from McFetridge is apparent and I do understand everyone’s concern. McFetridge’s work looks like old Ernest Pintoff Films and Sal Bass. Does that make him a douche bag? Everyone has to pull inspiration from somewhere else. It’s where you take that inspiration that is important.

TOTAL rip off of Geoff McFetridge. Boo.

UM, wtf? I didn’t write that!!!

It’s bad but I don’t want him sent to jail! And I don’t use the word “Ilk”

Julia, can you take down that comment please?

Whoever is using other people’s identities to write controversial comments is more lame than any copying artist. Please stop! Or the comments will be closed for this post. Plus I can see your IP address-so any more fake comments and you will be blocked from posting on the site again. Fair warning. Sorry Gemma!

Sketchbooks can be an open look into the process that creates wonderful work. They live as an uncensored, unpolished, exposed core and any opportunity to have a peek is a privilege. Great images, Eric.

Wow, why the name-calling folks? Shaming an ambitious young talent doesn’t help anyone. If you feel that Eric’s work is too close to another’s, then use this forum for positive support and art direction. Artists should back each other up, it’s hard enough out there and negative attitudes just make things worse.

For what it’s worth, I do not believe this is plagiarism. Eric is not using his sketches as some way to finagle some undue gain. Plus, he is one of the kindest, most genuine people and I know he will use this experience to improve his craft.

I think we all need to take a deep breath and relax a little bit. So Eric’s sketchbook resembles the work of Geoff McFetridge. This is a sketchbook, not something he sold, turned in as an assignment, or submitted for an award.

I remember there was an assignment in a photography class where we had a to replicate an ad in order test our ability to light a scene. I guess my whole class should be in jail then, except for me since mine looked like crap and nothing like original.

Yeah it looks like my work – so why not post MY sketchbook instead of a copy artist???

If you are the real Geoff responding- we’d love to have you share your sketchbook here. Send me an email to get it set up! julia[at]also-online.com

It’s sad that it has to be pointed out that this forum should be used for support and equally, if warranted, constructive critique. What does petty name-calling accomplish? It’s as irresponsible as saying something as naïve as “I like this” without being able to clearly articulate why. Please think about our responsibility as creative, visual people!

That said, who the hell feels they have the need to art direct a sketchbook (nothing personal Margot)? Wouldn’t that completely counteract the role a sketchbook serves for most people? For me, a sketchbook serves as a repository for concepts, ideas, exploration and inspiration – both old and new, original and borrowed. It’s what the artist ultimately does with that collection – how everything gels into something unique and personal – that matters. Looking at someone’s sketchbook simply allows you to peer into the process of creation sooner than later.

We are a community. What one of us does one day will absolutely inform what another person does the next. Sure, some of the sketches above have a resemblance to the work of Mcfetridge. But isn’t anyone interested to see how that source of inspiration affects the work Eric ultimately pushes out and calls his own?

Perhaps the issue stems from the notion that a sketchbook is a final, marketable piece of artwork. I’ve always called that an artist’s book however, and prefer to think of someone’s sketchbook as just that.

Well said, David.

This is insane. Has anyone gotten the chance to look at Eric’s actual work? Eric has a vast array of work over a bunch of mediums and materials. I’ve enjoyed watching Eric’s style evolve over time and I think this is an excellent insight into his process and his talent.

What’s with all the hating? It’s a pleasure to see people put there work out there and I find it interesting that all of these negative comments aren’t associated with any actual work. What a bummer.

Mark Flood’s work doesn’t always pass the legal test for fair use, but it always passes my personal test for awesome.

Borrow, copy or steal to you hearts content – what comes out can have a radically different meaning from what went in. Art does have something to do with this chewing, digesting and extruding process.

please people, don’t tell me that after this copyright story you are going to start a witch hunt…kip your had clear or you can get absurd.
If somebody can say that he never copied something that he admires, it means that he invented the weal and…I want to shake his hand.
of course using something that somebody else created as your own it’s something else, but I think that this is not the case.

I can’t wait for a day when the concept of owning an idea becomes irrelevant. For those that believe your ideas are original and truly creative, you should look into the mirror of the past. Creative ideas are nothing more the the connection of our individual past experiences, given form by the lens of our imagination.

A child points at a drawing of a fire truck and proclaims “It’s a fire truck”, association is so elementary.

Eric is awesome! Glad to take a peak at his process. Makes me want to draw with pencil, but I always end up with crap lines. Keep drawing Eric :)

Thanks for posting Chris!

CHAD KOURI wrote:
“McFetridge’s work looks like old Ernest Pintoff Films and Sal Bass. Does that make him a douche bag? Everyone has to pull inspiration from somewhere else. It’s where you take that inspiration that is important.”

…A google image search for Pintoff showed one animation still in 6 pages. Bass turned up no relevant images. While Mcfetridge’s work certainly draws on the past and nostalgia, he has developed a iconography that is definitely his own, despite any obscure forty year old references. my problem with eric ellis isn’t in the drawing style on its own, but rather the combination of mcfetridgesque linework with mcfetridgesque iconography he chooses to use. a pencil? an apple? while these are both mundane objects that thousands of designers have surely used these are both objects which mcfetridge is known for using. Ellis is simply using them the same way mcfetridge is. If it’s where you take that inspiration that’s important, i’m still waiting to see it be taken anywhere in the case.

SIMPLESCOTT wrote
“I can’t wait for a day when the concept of owning an idea becomes irrelevant. For those that believe your ideas are original and truly creative, you should look into the mirror of the past.”

…I agree. however, to me it seems that Ellis is looking into the mirror of the present. As an artist myself I simply think people should strive to still find those “new” ideas and concepts, or at the very least try to bring new life to an idea that might be forgotten., rather than rely on those of their peers.

I love tracking down influences! Matt, I totally agree that McFetridge seems to have varied influences from the past –
If I had to guess, I’d say the mix would include Heinz Edelmann (Yellow Submarine) and Milton Glaser (I Love NY, Bob Dylan poster), with maybe a little Gahan Wilson and a little contemporary ESPO/Steve Powers in the mix.

I like this game. It’s fun to try to guess which giant’s shoulders an artist has stood on and a fun way to rediscover the past (or present). Although I’d seen his work, I never knew McFetridge’s name before this post.

Eric is an incredible young (still in school) designer. He makes me wish I was more pro active in school. He has already worked on major rebranding projects at Ogilvy and he is currently art directing the launch of an amazing new product called Powerleap. Now that is applying one’s self my friends. Take a look at his other work:

http://ericellis.net/
http://www.illustrationcorporation.com/

What’s with all these haters knocking the hustle?!

Well. I was forwarded this site by the Chad who I do not know, but does this blog. He wanted me to add my take to this conversation. It seems like you have it under control but I do want to say something as I feel that this is a really important subject that needs to be talked about.
1. First off. I appreciate people sticking up for me. It really means a lot to me. It is hard to develop work or a style and see it appear elsewhere in other peoples work uncredited. Often I feel that I am the only person who sees these things as I know how I draw things and therefore know when things are being copied.
2. Unfortunately it is at the expense of this (young?) designer who no doubt has been broadsided.
3. Very often the defense of this type of thing that everyone is influenced and participates in a sliding scale of copying. I think this is a blanket statement that belies the truth of the situation. People often site Saul Bass or Milton Glaser as influences in my work. They are…these are giants of design that helped to define what Graphic Design is. They invented Graphic Design as we know it, their influence is universal… I think what we are talking about is people copying tiny ideas, the way I draw hands, or bend things or create characters. These are not giant innovations, these are tiny miniscule (published) creations that I would hope I could call my own. I believe that very often it is these tiny things that we are talking about when we are talking about plagiarism in design.
4. All he has to do is introduce these pages as experiments, and exercises in developing style. Influenced by other designers. No need to name names, just put it out there. It is a healthy exercise to do, but I believe that it is unhealthy not to know better than to acknowledge it as thus.
5. Calling out douche baggery should probably be reserved for the corporate hacks and dragging a lot of designers through the mud… not kids messing around in sketchbooks.
Thanks
Geoff

… I just wanted to add, and complicate things, that I remembered that I did the same thing when I was in High School.

Pages and pages

of

Pushead drawings

Thank you so much Geoff for sharing your thoughts on this. We really appreciate your input. I hope this post in some way has flattered you- to know you have so many enormous fans out there! And like I mentioned to the fake Geoff who commented earlier- we would be more than honored if you were interested in sharing your sketchbooks here on the blog (pushead full or not. ha.)

Wow, what a thread. I’m really excited about everyone putting in their thoughts and comments. And another big thanks to Mr. Fetridge. It’s really great when we can get the general one line comments out of the way and really get into some discussion.

My initial comment was seemingly censored before posting. Maybe I was too detailed about the names of projects Eric has worked on with me. Anyways, I know Eric loves Geoff’s work and his sketches show it. Eric’s executed design work is really wonderful and he hasn’t even graduated college yet! He makes me wish I was more proactive at his age. Keep rocking Eric. Oh and I borrow from Josef Albers every day!

awesome.
go team internet!

i find it so sad to see more and more lately how we (artists, crafters, etc) are SO quick to rip each other down instead of build each other up. i like the idea that we all inspire each other, be honest about it and chill out. and i second Will, “go team internet!”

[...] and designer Eric Ellis. Don’t be afraid to make fun of him over the whole Geoff Mcfetridge sketchbook issue (see comments). The show opens the same date as this post (so if you’re reading this, get [...]

Thank god for rational human beings

seriously this subject is a total mind field of opinions and views,

Thank you geoff for a concise and splendididly reasonable answer to something so tense and over thought by the Internet

the internet is the single biggest killer to young peoples work as it is to aid them in their career

I onced cared…once

let’s just go do work and carry on…one day I’ll die…the comments and bull shit will not be coming with me

I love both Artist’s work!