What should I do? Two *very* similar customs...

[Starshinescustoms]

So I know that from time to time people create customs that end up being quite similar to each other. It happens a lot in life, two people have the same idea independently, but have no connection to each other. So it's not surprising that customs end up being similar to each other sometimes. But what about when a pony is just too similar to someone elses?
I have a custom that I've been working on for about two weeks now, and she's nearly finished. I'm just doing some final shading and repainting the eyes, then she's done.
I was just browsing through some customs on DeviantArt, and I stumbled across something that made my jaw drop. A wonderful artist (and she's from here too!) has made a custom that is so similar to mine in design (only with a lot more skill, since she is a wonderful artist and I am... Not so much  ). I started to panic like mad when I saw her. She's the same base colour, the symbols are very similar. Even the hair colour looks the same! I would never, ever copy someone else's design intentionally. But to be honest if I didn't know the truth, even I wouldn't believe that I hadn't copied the other customizer's pony.
Normally I think I would just strip her and start again with a new design, but I've already put so much into this pony... Has this ever happened to anyone else? How did you handle it?
I'm thinking of PM'ing the customizer to apologize, but to be honest I wouldn't blame her if she didn't believe me 

[Shiromisa]

Is it a common color combo/motif? Either way, I wouldn't be too worried. Coincidences happen!

[Starshinescustoms]

Is it a common color combo/motif? Either way, I wouldn't be too worried. Coincidences happen!

Well, it's a sea-themed pony. I used an unpainted Seaspay as a base and it looks like she's used Waterfire, so they're pretty similar colours. The hair is a blend of green and blue. I even have an angelfish in nearly the same position as on her pony.
I would hate for her to think I'd copied her design 

[Alatariel-Silimaure]

that actually sounds similar to a pony I had an idea for a while back, blue with blue and green hair and an angel fish is somewhat of a common theme

[Starshinescustoms]

that actually sounds similar to a pony I had an idea for a while back, blue with blue and green hair and an angel fish is somewhat of a common theme

Well, mine has an Orca in the main symbol area, and her one has jellyfish. Though I do have a jellyfish on the other side. Her symbols are partially sculpted whereas mine are just painted. So maybe I'm overreacting? I just feel absolutely awful. I would never want anyone to think I copied their designs.

[MikeysGrrrl]

I honestly don't believe that you have anything to worry about. Sometimes people just have similar ideas, and when it comes to customs, or art in general you're bound to run into scenarios where there are very similar ideas or designs etc...

[Starshinescustoms]

I honestly don't believe that you have anything to worry about. Sometimes people just have similar ideas, and when it comes to customs, or art in general you're bound to run into scenarios where there are very similar ideas or designs etc...

Maybe you're right. I might be overreacting. I would just hate it if she thought I'd intentionally copied her. She made such a beautiful custom too. Mine is terrible in comparison

Thanks everyone, it's helped reassure me. I felt terrible when I saw it. There's nothing worse than people stealing your ideas and trying to pass them off as their own, and I would never want anyone to think I'd done that to them.
I think I will still PM the artist anyway to make sure she's okay with it, as I just don't feel right by not doing it.
Thank you all for taking the time to answer me

[Prince Primbrose]

These things happen! Once, when I was a good way into writing a fanfiction I was super excited for, someone else posted a fanfiction with the exact same characters, plot, situations. Even some of the language was the same. I felt so awful! If I finished mine and posted I would look like I was copying, but I wanted so badly to show my work. I ended up posting what I had with an explanation. People understood I wasn't trying to copy the other writer, and some people liked my writing better.

Bottom line, don't worry too much about it! An ocean theme isn't anyone's domain. If anyone tries to claim that you copied her, you can honestly say that you made your custom without knowing about her design.

[jupiternwndrlnd]

most artists are pretty reasonable, I am sure she would understand. especially if you explain it so there isn't a shock of "omg that pony kinda looks like mine"
no need to freak

[Starshinescustoms]

most artists are pretty reasonable, I am sure she would understand. especially if you explain it so there isn't a shock of "omg that pony kinda looks like mine"
no need to freak

Em..... In a hypothetical world, how would you take an explanation like that, Jupiter? Would you forever hate the other customizer? 


.................Because... The custom I'm talking about is yours 

[jupiternwndrlnd]

  
haha, no hate. I don't doubt your explanation
I made that pony like...wow...years ago....and honestly, if you are talking the jelly fish one, she is based on another pony I did years before that (Aqua)....and that pony was inspired by a custom kagri did (seaweed)....so its the circle of life ^_^

[Starshinescustoms]

 
haha, no hate. I don't doubt your explanation
I made that pony like...wow...years ago....and honestly, if you are talking the jelly fish one, she is based on another pony I did years before that (Aqua)....and that pony was inspired by a custom kagri did (seaweed)....so its the circle of life ^_^

I had no idea that it was possible to sigh such a huge sigh of relief until about 15 seconds ago
That's the pony I'm talking about. And wow, she is so beautiful! Mine really has nothing on her *shoves own custom into corner out of sight*. I really love your work, it is always so beautiful. But that particular pony I had not seen until tonight.
I have a lot of respect for you and your work, and I would never intentionally copy it. I will try to change my custom a little to see if I can make her a bit different. If you'd like, I can send you a picture when she's finished to make sure you're happy with me showing her on here? I had originally planned to sell her too, but if you'd prefer I didn't or even if you'd like me to strip her and start with a new design, I will gladly do so. I feel awful about the whole thing 

[jupiternwndrlnd]

 
awww thank you!

Honestly, don't change her! Im sure she is fabulous. Don't worry or feel bad about it I can't wait to see her!

[BerryMouse]

This happened to me once and I received a lot of harsh comments on here.
I said it several times that I did'nt know there was already a similar pony - cuz I did'nt search before like you did.... whatever that's already a few years ago but I didn't forgot it.

But I think now you have nothing to worry about anymore =)

[Colorscapesart]

Jupi is cool <3  I can't wait to see your pony!