Kawaii PC builder calls out brands for copying custom designs

UK-based custom PC builder Celestefleurs has called out Ironside and Aftershock on X/Twitter for allegedly copying their work.

The more mainstream PC building has become, the more unique the custom PC mods we find. More and more independent creators take up the daunting task of turning an array of PC parts into a work of pixel-pushing art.

Celestefleurs is one of those independent creators. First grabbing the attention of PC-building enthusiasts after a ‘build your own pink/aesthetic gaming PC’ tutorial posted on their YouTube Channel. The artist has created a name for themselves, producing some of the cutest and well-thought-out gaming PCs.

Celeste’s creations have inspired many fans and PC enthusiasts to create their own adorable PC setups. However, according to the creator, a few other builders may have taken the inspiration a little too far.

The PC builds bear striking resemblance to Celestefleur’s work

The creator took to X/Twitter to create a thread, outlining allegations that they believe some big names in PC building have copied their work.

The first brand mentioned is Aftershock PC, which posted a limited-edition Valentine PC that the builder says resembles their previous design.

The second brand name dropped was Ironside. The US brand has its own ‘Little Beasts’ line of PC cases inspired by cute animals, with their faces front and center on the side, and ears on top.

Celeste also called out one of the brand’s TikTok videos for using her ideas.

According to Celeste, Ironside previously reached out after being pointed out the similarities between their work. The Ironside representative noted that there are “pretty obvious similarities” in the builds, but stated they hadn’t seen their build before creating the Ironside cat design.

“I asked Ironside PC if they could send me their original work as a way to show proof of their research, development, refinement, and a final concept”, Celeste explained.

While sharing four photos sent to them by the Ironside director, Celeste stated, “My honest opinion is that it looks like someone panicked, grabbed the nearest sketchbook, and then made a bunch of pencil doodles to have something to show”,

Since the X/Twitter thread by Celestefleurs, neither Ironside nor Aftershock have publically commented on the allegations.

Ironside & Aftershock respond to Celestefleurs claims

Dexerto has reached out to both Ironside and Aftershock regarding the allegations made by Celestefleurs. Both companies have responded with two statements. Justin Nguyen, Marketing Lead at Aftershock stated that their projects have numerous inspirations and that their design was developed through a “collaborative effort” that draws upon multiple sources.

Nguyen continues: “We have the utmost respect for Celeste and the passionate community of creators who continually inspire the industry with their innovation and creativity. It’s never our intention to undermine the incredible talent and hard work of independent creators.”

Ironside also responded to Dexerto’s request for comment, clarifying that they were made aware of the similarities, and reached out to “open the conversation about a potential collaboration”. Celestefleurs did not respond, and the design was posted on their social media accounts. However, an Ironside representative stated:

“The Ironside black cat design shown in her tweets is not a part of our Little Beast lineup as we decided to forego the cat completely after not having a conclusive conversation with her about it. It was only released as a showcase PC for Halloween in 2022 and not as a part of the official Little Beast release. We think Celeste does great work and we understand the frustration of feeling like your work has been copied, however that was not the case and we would never purposely capitalize on the efforts of other talents.”