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Hello! I have received some complaints that my mascot and his sidekick, Toby Steward and Idge, are rip-offs on the Warner Brothers (and sister) from Warner Brothers' TV show, Animaniacs. Whether or not this is true depends on each person. Strangely enough, I have not heard one complaint about how I draw or what I am drawing wrong. All I get is the 'Toby is a rip-off on Yakko!' thing. It's a well known fact that starting animators (or artists) often begin their lessons by copying/imitating characters from established studios. I, too, have did the exact same thing when I first started out, and my mascot is no exception. I'm so used to him now like this that I don't want to change his appearance now. Besides, he's so cute and cool just the way he is. I must ask the question: what exactly is a 'rip-off'? Is it something that takes the ideas of something else and claim it as their own, or is it something that pays homage to the whatever-it-is that they're paying homage to? The term 'rip-off' is often thrown around in everything nowadays and is poorly used. If two characters have the exact same red oval nose, does that mean they're rip-offs? If two dogs have the exact same type feet, are they rip-offs? In my opinion, I would definitely say, 'no' to these questions. Characters always share common features with others, like wedge shaped black noses for dogs and long ears for rabbits. Pluto and Yakko have the same thin, black ears, but to call them 'rip-offs' is rather absurd. If you're talking rip-off personality wise, then I would have to say 'no' either, plus the fact that my mascot does not even act like Yakko whatsoever. He's older, a lot more mature, and is definitely not crazy. Yes, they look somewhat similar (actually the only common features they have are their noses and tail), but then, so do a lot of characters. Yakko, Bonkers, Mickey Mouse, Max...they all have the same basic facial build, with oval noses, a hairline, a short muzzle...it's very common in characters. Now for the other side of the fence, not EVERYONE thinks they were ripped off. I know way more people that don't think they look like them, so you other folks are actually a minority. Hey, don't blame me. I never told them to say it. It's just what I heard from other people. In fact, I know several that is obsessed (as in 'I like him very much') with even drew pictures of him. Off course since I know much more about them than you do, I can honestly say that they're so far removed from the Warners (completely different personalties and such, plus Idge actually grows up), I wouldn't call them a Warner clone or whatever you want to call in. Whether they think they look like the Warners or not depend on each individual. Either they do or they don't in your eyes. How could I win more than 20 awards (on webpage design, artwork, creativity and such) from complete strangers otherwise? Also, keep in mind that I have lots more characters, not just my mascot. I must admit though, that it was the Warners that inspired me to create a character that would eventually become my mascot. I was going to leave out the hairline, but they looked much better with it. I honestly don't mind if you think they're rip-offs, because you know the saying: different strokes for different folks, but if you must talk to me, please do not use CAPITAL LETTERS, use a whole bunch of swear words and talk unintelligably. How can I expect to take you seriously if you can't even spell right?
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