What is Visual Plagiarism?

The Cut & Paste Kit by Lisa Winstanley provides suggestions on how to not commit visual plagiarism.

When inspired by someone else's work, ask yourself:

1. What is good in this work?
2. What inspires you?
3. How can you adapt it?
4. How can you make it better?

Write a rationale:

1. Give your work a title.
2. Explain what it is, who the audience is, and what concepts you are using. Giving details shows your design process.
3. Justify your choices! Why did you choose certain colors, materials, typeface, style?
4. Be detailed in your in your write up. You statement should include descriptions such as, "I chose the color blue becuase it symbolizes water."
5. Focus on the approaches that led to the final outcome.
6. Be transparent about your inspiration!

Academic Work Consequences:

Visual plagiarism is in violation of the Mississippi State University Student Honor Code.

As a Mississippi State University student, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.

Each individual case in violation of the honor code will have different outcomes. View the MSU Honor Code to see the what possible consequences for committing plagiarism. The MSU Honor Code office will provide additional information.

Professional Consequences: Copyright Infringement & Law

As part of a final judgment or decree, the court may order the destruction or other reasonable disposition of all copies or phonorecords found to have been made or used in violation of the copyright owner’s exclusive rights, and of all plates, molds, matrices, masters, tapes, film negatives, or other articles by means of which such copies or phonorecords may be reproduced.​

Actual damages & profits – monetary​
Statutory Damages – sums no less than $750 or more than $30,0000. Not more than $150,000​
Additional Damages – two times the license fee for time of the proceeding and up to three years.​

Costs & attorney fees paid to the plaintiff