Hello Readers,
I am sorry that I haven't posted lately but I have been in a bit of a situation that really has me flummoxed. I have been posting many of my creations online for people to appreciate and learn from in the spirit of sharing. I realized that by posting my creations on the Internet, abuses might occur but I was never fully prepared for the situation that I am in.
Some of you have asked if you could use some of my designs for personal purposes and for the most part, I have granted permission. Never did I realize that people would steal my designs and use them for their personal gain.
Some of my silhouettes have appeared in another artist's store as their own work. Not modified work but my work in its original form. I have been careful to label my work so that pictures couldn't be stolen. This "artist" simply copied my work, scanned it, and then reproduced it without asking or without any modifications.
For those of you who don't know, silhouette/paper cutting work is very meticulous and time consuming. Getting correct proportions, placements, etc is very much a trial and error process and sometimes can take hours to get correct. This person has bypassed all of this work and effort by simply stealing my designs.
Right now, I have had to spend money on getting an attorney to write a cease and desist letter which we had hoped would solve the problem. So far, this artist has refuse to abide by this letter. We are now in the process of suing this person for damages.
So, dear readers--if there are any of you left out there--that is why I haven't posted recently. I don't want to provide this person with anything else to steal. As soon as we get this resolved, I will post more pics of projects that I have been working on. Right now, I am in the middle of the holiday season and I am making some goodies of which I will be able to show you pictures.
9 comments:
Oh no! That really sucks Russ! I'm sorry to hear about this. Some people are suck a**holes! I hope that this situation will pass relatively quickly and does not discourage you from sharing your art and talent with us.
Sorry to hear about someone stealing your work. It's unbelievable really. Some people really lack character and ethics. I hope a resolution is forthcoming and you find a way to continue to share your art without fear.
How about if you tell us who it is and where their shop is, and we'll leave nasty messages for them?
It's really too bad, Russ. My friend Janet told me your story and after reading it, I feel badly for you. I have had numerous so-called artists steal my ideas too. I have even had people take the photos right off my web site and put them on their own web site, along with my workshop titles and descriptions, offering to teach my workshops on jewelry making without my knowledge or permission. It's just sick. I am so tired of fighting this, but fight we must. I hope you win your lawsuit!
Wow - I am so very sorry about this. I hope it all goes well. If I were you, I might write them a letter first --- threatening to involve a lawyer (maybe resolve it without having to spend much money?).
That is just dreadful. It happens a lot with photos too. I've had portions of my blog posts stolen on many occasions. Usually there is no way to act against it. Anything that involves getting an attorney is such a nightmare and expense. Good luck.
P.S. I got one of your cards on Swapbot and decided to check out the rest of your work.
Yuck!! Atorney's aren't cheap. I hope U nail this person. Boy what talent to cut out a profile. I don't know what's w/people today.
If I use an image or digi, i credit the person's name on the back of my card. I don't sell them.
I came here sinceI found U on swap-bot.My blog is @ glograbear.blog spot.com,title is grandmabear
I feel ya ... a colleague recently had someone on deviantart blatantly steal her artwork. I'm with fingerstothebone. Watermark your images if they're high-res.
I feel ya ... a colleague recently had her art blatantly stolen and posted on deviantart. I'm with fingerstothebone. Watermark your high-res images.
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