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KD
Since: May, 2009
2022-07-10 21:09:51
Sounds like Inspiration for the Work, in its own way.
I'm a work creator on occasion (small stuff), and I've been inspired several times by other works that I have equal admiration and criticism for. It inspires a certain "I could do it better, so I will do it better" mentality.

Sorry for the messy title; It’s a little hard for me to word what I mean without going in depth The show I’m trying to use this for is Smiling Friends. In several behind the scenes streams and videos, Zach has mentioned that several aspects of the show were done due to how badly they were handled in other adult animated shows, or because other shows carried messages he disagreed with. For example, he has criticised family guy for having incredibly generic backgrounds and set pieces, so Smiling Friends has very detailed backgrounds with many hidden jokes. The show’s theme of spreading happiness also seems to be an intentional criticism of nihilistic themes that are prevalent in other adult animations such as Rick and Morty