Cut and Paste: A Unique Approach to Preventing Visual Plagiarism

Designer Lisa Winstanley's Award-Winning Project Sparks Discussion on Visual Plagiarism

Winstanley's design was inspired by a constructivist layout, featuring culturally appropriate imagery and bold, angled typography. The project was aimed at young Singaporean designers, offering them guidance through complex topics via an active learning pedagogy. The unique properties of this design lie in its ability to address a topic that affects everyone in the creative industry yet is seldom discussed, providing awareness and enabling participants to make informed choices.

The Cut and Paste project was printed on RJ Maple bright stock of various weights, depending on the item. The outer folder is a bespoke die cut, as is the 36pp book which contains a double-sided poster, bookmark, A6 postcards, and sticker set. The stationery kit is custom designed and contains pencils, paperclips, and a sharpener to complement the custom note paper.

Each component of the pack is designed for user interaction. The book serves as a tool for sketching ideas, writing notes, and experimenting. The postcards are designed as case studies for discussion and debate. The A6 activities require users to ideate and experiment, facilitated by the stationery set. The outer folder provides a sturdy container to house the full kit.

The project was launched in January 2020 at the School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. To support an active learning workshop, print collaterals were developed including an outer folder, a 36-page book, bookmark, posters, postcards, stickers, a notepad, and a custom-designed stationery kit. The design utilises the existing colour palette and fonts of the University brand, alongside culturally appropriate imagery and rich, real-world examples of visual plagiarism, homage, pastiche, and parody.

The Cut and Paste project toolkit addresses the grey areas surrounding visual plagiarism and positions it at the forefront of conversations around creativity. This project has been recognized for its innovative approach and was awarded the Golden A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2021. The award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.