While I think it’s great that you guys are here to help keep the conversation going (often times when people post a negative comment it starts an anonymous feeding frenzy rather than a respectful discussion), I don’t think it is wrong to voice your opinion as long as you are willing to stand up for it and not do so anonymously. If the internet was all free love and hand-claps, there would be no one in place to keep us in check. I’ve appreciated in the past when commenters have noticed that some of my stuff accidentally made its way over into someone else’s stylistic realm, and I think that this kind of feedback has helped me grow as an artist and find my own style and kept me from stepping on other people’s toes.

Often times when you are a young designer, you pick up inspiration unconsciously and accidentally bring it into your work. We could start the whole “nothing is original” argument here, but when the person who is being referenced (accidentally or purposefully) is a young working artist that is trying hard to build his or her own career, it is a different story than referencing the history books too closely.

I’ve exchanged a few very cordial emails back and forth with Radio and they were receptive to hearing my opinion. I approached this post a bit more defensively than I normally would because I had seen their work before and thought a couple of the pieces referenced ilovedust’s style too closely (an opinion that I kept to myself because everyone is forgiven a little style referencing). When I saw the maps that were close to Lotta’s, I was afraid they were working their way through a few artists styles and decided to speak up. In our exchange, Radio clarified though that they used to in fact work for ilovedust (which is not mentioned on their website, so I wouldn’t have known).

I think Radio is incredibly talented. I think you commenters are awesome for coming to their defense, but hope that you don’t universally discourage honest feedback that happens to veer negative. While I don’t do this often, if I do in the future I’ll be sure to pad my honest comment with enough sunshine and rainbows that people don’t mistake honesty for malice.

Back on the subject, great work Radio.

I bet Radio were pleased to be featured here, only to see most of the comments focusing on one person’s unfounded need to “call out” someone. I know this is how the internet works, but it’s still a downer.

Nice work, Radio. Looking forward to seeing more.