Can I say that I'm so sorry for not posting. It seems like it's been about 4 years or so since my last post! I was going to post about Blissdom, but that is going to have to wait. I have several paintings, that is going to have to wait as well. Over the past several days, I've gotten a ton of emails - 44 to be exact - about the same situation. And obviously, I'm still getting a few trickling in. I think I have responded to everyone's so far. If I haven't, please know that I appreciate all of your comments AND thanks for looking out for me!
Yes, this is why I've not posted. I've really been bothered by this one. I'm mad - really hacked off. There was no point in posting till I was ready to talk about this. To get it off my chest and move on. Well, today is the day! I will probably lose some readers - but this has to be done! Sorry guys - it's just time to call some folks out!
The funny thing about this whole situation, is that I was planning this post for some time. But after February 8th and I saw what everyone else {or at least the 44 friends} did, I knew I had to get the post up now.
I know, some of you are dying to know where I'm heading with this . . . . but first you must go HERE! That is a new friend, Jamie. She is awesome and knows what she is talking about! {Jamie, I hope that is okay that I called you a friend - we have only emailed a couple of times!} Seriously, go and read it before you read any further . . . I'll wait. GO!!
hmm, . . . hmmm, waiting, waiting . . .
waiting, hmmmmmmmmm, hmm . . .
still waiting . . . . . . .
Okay, did you read it? I so hope you did, it is worth it to understand this post!
As most of know, a "new blogger" recently started creating her "own" art. And WoW, let me just say the similarities are amazing!!! But as you just read from Jamie's post, she has changed it up just enough!
Since I know alot of you have seen her work AND because I feel like it, let's point out the similarities . . .
** I'm just going to jump into the Valentine's art . . . . which a bunch of people must have like my idea of the Halloween and Christmas pieces because I was blown away with how many people did the same concept for Valentine's Day! HENCE, the reason you didn't see any come from me! Sorry for all those waiting for that piece - I'M ORIGINAL - I MUST NOW GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR AN ORIGINAL IDEA!
I think it is a waste of my time to point out the fact that she did it each with a different font on each canvas . . . because everyone else that followed my idea did the same!
But the fact that she did a slightly domed framed with tick marks! WoW!
As you can tell I did it on my Christmas ones too!
Oh, and did I mention she did it on her Christmas set, too?! As well as the circles with the dots around them? The font overlaps the frames? Or how she packages them in cello with a coordinating ribbon?? How she gives "sneak peeks"? How coincidental - all of it!
The best lifted idea yet, has got to be my paisley! The EXACT same freakin' paisley!! Do you know how many different ways you can paint a freakin' paisley?? I can think of about 500 original ideas on how to paint a freakin' paisley! But my mind works like that - original! AND I'm talking about the exact same designs inside the paisley as well as the tail of the paisley! Wait pardon me, she did change the tail slightly on one of hers {but the rest of the thing looks just like mine!}
Not only did she copy the paisley pattern she finished off the same painting with a dark edge {actually black} with, what else, white polk-a-dots. Is it coincidence??
I'm not saying any of these ideas are JUST mine to ONLY use! I'm sure someone has done them at some point in time and I know others {who I know for a fact look at my blog has lifted an element or two here and there.} It is the fact that so much of the work I saw was copied!
Unfortunately, this person doesn't have very much art to look at for more comparisons. But 4 of the {I think only} 6 she has posted looks coincidentally familiar!
And because I know she reads my blog {she has to with the all the coincidental similarities} I have some advice for her,
Hi friend,
The secret to art - is to come up with an original idea. Obviously you can paint, so find your own art - own ideas. You need to figure out your own style and paint it. Make it yours - and own it. LIKE I OWN MINE. That is why I have tons of people email me weekly about copycats. In this business, Imitation is not the best flattery. And remember, what goes around comes around.
PS - I apparently don't believe in coincidence.
PSS - You misspelled your website in your 'about me' on your side bar.
sincerely - kim!
I feel I haven't said eveything I wanted to say, but time has officially ran out. My kids are up and running around and I feel whatever else I put in here might not have the same effect now that I have all the distractions. I hope that everyone knows that I'm sorry that I put this on here - but there are so many others that need to see this. Such as the few people who copied my profile. Get real people - that was me I was describing NOT YOU! I guess I'm going to have to now change it!
And just because I end all post {like this one} with the line . . .
. . I bet their momma is proud!
Thanks for listening. And thanks for sticking with the original small words! I love all of you! Really, I do!
40 comments:
Geez, that sucks. Now I'm dying to know who it is girl so I can see how bad the copying is!!! Just stay true to yourself and know that you're the original and don't let the copiers get you down!
WOW. Good luck with everything. I guess copying is a form of flattery.. right? I love your stuff and plan on making my own name prints for my future kids and some other people, but want to take my own spin on things. As much as I love your art, I don't want my stuff to be the same. I find you very inspirational, but as someone who spent a lot of money and time, not to mention energy, on art school, I know not to copy. I also like to add my own "style" to things, so that's another difference! Please continue your work and don't let copiers stop your creative endeavors. You're great!
That makes me furious & I'm not even the one being copied! I can't imagine how mad you must be. I'm dying to know who the copy cat is! You're awesome & she must think so too or she wouldn't be doing it! keep it up!
Hoo-wee! Wow. I bet that girl is just burning up with embarressment right about now. The biggest thing about art is that it is a reflection of who we are...that chick is reflecting you, not herself, by copying. She needs to BE herself.
I love your work, Kim. You have a great product--keep it coming!
It's great to have you back. I have been waiting for some new art or just a new post. I hate that you are going through this. Don't let anyone bring you down. You are an amazing artist and I adore your work.
PREACH ON sista! Coming from someone that owns an ORIGINAL ORIGINAL (and several others) -- it's almost appalling to be blogsurfing and stumble on someone's art that is EXACTLY like yours!! I literally had to pick my mouth up off my desk.
Kim, you did the right thing. I'm sure she didn't think she was doing anything wrong .... but she probably didn't think you would find out either!!
Can't wait to see some more STUFF!! Pirates, anyone??!?!?!!?!?!?!?!!!
The world is full of parasites, a necessary "evil" I guess, but there are ways to get rid of the nasty little buggers! My friend is a photographer and has pics on Flicker that folks nab here and again...they get busted! She gets the photo credit! She calls them out, too. I mean, really! Stealing pictures is not copying even...it is just out right theft! People have lost all self respect and morals! We all make mistakes and do wrong things, I try not to judge. But, when you are wrong...admit it and make amends as best you can, right?! At least then maybe there is hope for ya.
Go get a Starbucks...do what you do for you...life is short!
My husband has a company and a federal registered trademark and people copy and infringe ALL THE TIME...it's part of the business world....even when they know they will get a "call" from lawyers within 24 hours....
Your work is beautiful...it tickles me pink when I see what your amazing hands can do with a paintbrush....
A loyal reader of your Blog!
It makes me sad that people are trying to copy you. Good for you in calling these people out. Keep up the fabulous work.
wow kim.. i hate that you're being distracted by such negativity. kudos for posting this and 'letting it out'.. and hopefully her burning cheeks will conjure up some conscience of guilt.. and maybe even an apology. chin up & keep creating!! OH, and don't even THINK about changing your profile! it is YOURS.. and we ALL know it!! :D
many blessings,
Tracie
I am so sorry this has happened and has caused you such grief. Hopefully, "she" is reading this and will get a clue! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
kim- your work is ORIGINAL and very BEAUTIFUL!!!! and you have every right to feel violated. Don't let this road block stop your creativity.
Keep painting-and I will keep reading!!!!
ps... i just love how frank and honest you are... it keeps me coming back again and again. love it!
You are too good... I was waiting on this post. People who copy are seriously crazy... I hope she reads this...
I wouldn't worry too much. The cream always rises to the top. I know it can be annoying to say the least. These people don't last.
Continue to do your wonderful work. You are an inspiration to many!
Best of Luck!
Cindy
YOU GO GIRL!!!
I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!!!
When it's happened to me it doesn't feel like FLATTERY it feels like BETRAYAL!
I know exactly which person you're talking about and it is so nice to know that you're the ORIGINAL ARTIST!
You've been blessed with VISION and those that copy don't have that so in the end, you'll succeed and she'll fail...It is copyright infringement and last time I checked that was ILLEGAL!
renee'
renees FUNKY country
P.S. Tell your hubby THANK YOU FOR HIS SERVICE!!!
I love your art! In fact, you are the one who inspired me to go back to selling my art. My excuse was that I had three little ones to care for and not enough time in the day. Then I found your blog and thought, If she can do it, so can I!"
Don't worry :) my artwork is not like yours. I should only be so talented! I finally opened my Etsy shop last week - theframedfrog.etsy.com.
Keep up all your wonderful and original ideas! I love seeing all your work!
WOW - I saw the copycat's stuff and there is no denying that. Seriously, what are people thinking??? Don't let it get you down... we know you're THE original and you're much more talented. =)
If you go on Etsy you can see a lot of Kim-wanna-bes. What can you do? I'm just hoping Twin and I can STAND OUT in the crowd and no one takes our ideas. It's got to be hard. Your paintings are very classy and they STAND OUT :o)
I agree with SouthernAccent...how do all these people know who the heck it is?!
Keep doing what you're doing though. We're behind ya!
This is obviously frustrating to you. Unfortunately, that's how commercial art goes. My husband works in the field and even the big companies don't do much more than cease and desist letters on copyrighted material. People are copying you so you're stuff is becoming a fad, which is cool in a way. But not so much when this is your business. I guess that's why art evolves so quickly. Good luck to you still.
I don't know you. I visit your site occasionaly because I think your artwork is adorable. Read this now and read this when you've cooled off a bit. So..I say the following from an 'outsiders' perspective:
1) Take the post off your site. Let it be. Yeah, you're angry, but I doubt it's who you want to be or how you want to be perceived.
2) I believe copyright can only be defended or claimed in court if you have a government issued paper showing ownership. But I understand what you're saying about someone copying your artwork.
3) Sign and stamp your work to make it an original.
4) You've copied others work and even mentioned it on your blog. We're all guilty to some degree of either copying or buying copied works.
5) I'm from the interior design world where we use the term 'knock off' a lot. I can't tell you how much furniture and the like is copied on an international scale.
6) The internet poses tricky situations. You need it to market your goods, but it also allows others to see your work and copy it if they'd like--making a few modifications is expected but not always done.
7) Internationally, the Chinese are experts at these infringements. I use that country as an example being that the USA imports an enormous amount of 'knock offs' from the Chinese simply because they are made at a cost that can't be matched in the USA. We're all guilty of buying 'Made in China.'
8) It sounds as though you've been stewing about this for a while. You just got back from Blissdom. Take that 'Bliss' and let that be your pleasure right now, not the anger. Were you a speaker? That now makes you a role model whether you want to be or not. Watch your actions.
9) You are absolutely swamped right now (I seem to recall you mentioning 99 orders?). Why do you need to pick this battle when you have enough work for yourself? You're an artist. You'll be creating original works for the rest of your life..always evolving. "This too shall pass."
10) Rudyard Kipling wrote something like 'keep your head about you when all others are losing theirs' (I don't think that's an exact quote, but close). Let the anger go--keep your head about you.
11) Just as an example, did you know the cute quote we are seeing everywhere "Keep Calm and Carry On" was actually created by the British government as a slogan during a World War?? Talk about copyright infringement...
All this is to say, I care about you as a fellow artist and blogger. I hate that this has happened to you. I hate it to happen to any artist. See it as a blessing you have done very well with what you do. Some are not as fortunate.
peace (and much love): *duchess*
oh no!!!! i was wondering where you had been!!!!
that is sooo crazy!!!! you do such cute work..just hang in there and just do what you know how to do!!!!!!
i also believe..what comes around goes around!!!!!
You go Girl! Tell it like it is! The other person should know better! I hope she has learned her lesson and stops copying your and others work.
How frustrating!!! Good for you to say what needed to be said. It's such a shame that someone is copying your work so similarly. Your absolutely right in stating that they need to find their own style and stop copying yours. They are selling themselves short and taking your ideas. I'm very proud of you for stating what you did. I for one wish I could be more forward when someone does something inconsiderate. Way to go!!!!
Oh, that's just ridiculous. Shame on whoever this is for not getting her own ideas. To copy someone's artwork and then sell it as your own is like lying to the whole world. Your stuff is great, please keep showing it to us.
Wow, Kim. It's sounds a bit "Single White Female" and I thought only Nadya Suleman was on that band wagon. At any rate, it took me a bit to follow your post today, but I get the jist. Take the high road and keep doing what you do with fabulous style. Love Ya! -J.
Kim
No I don't know you personally but reading someone's blog you start to "feel" them. I'm truly sorry that a poor soul can't find her interbeauty and talent like you have and has decided to cheat not only herself but to undoubtfully hurt you.
Know that Karma does dish out....what comes around goes around Miss wanna-be artist.
Please remember that your a beautiful soul and don't let someone's envy ruin you! We enjoy YOU too much!!
I can understand your frustration but please take a look at the negative tone that has been hovering over your blog. Another post was very negative when a friend damaged one of your pieces of art. You mentioned that it was an accident, yet you went on and on about how upset you were. Forgive... it heals. Your artwork is lovely, I proudly display and enjoy your "fa la la" but I would almost feel guilty ordering another piece when you comment about how stressed you are about all of the work you have. In these difficult economic times, it is a blessing to have work. Please keep sharing your talent. It took courage for that other person to come to you, please apply forgiveness and let your light shine.
Kim,
Wow, you are on a roll..... You are such an amazing artist and such a great person that you should not sweat the small stuff. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Your art stands on it's own and you are an original. Those two qualities are hard to come by. Anyone can copy someone but only a very few can be original. I love your work and you.
Cynthia
Wow, Kim, I am just catching up with you and I am blown away by all of this. I think you handled yourself quite well--and, as an editor, I have to applaud Jamie's post. SO WELL WRITTEN. I feel for you, sister. I am headed up to the next post to see how the saga continues. AND, I know I keep saying this, but I WILL WILL WILL be buying some art for Ella's room. PROMISE. Love ya!!!
Wow Kim...I am also an original artist and my work has been copied before. Makes you want to damage something doesn't it? I don't have a "business" like you, but I do paint things for money on occaision. I have a link to your site from mine. Your work is great and I understand you taking full pride in that. You have every right to take up for yourself.
Like the others that have posted comments, I am sorry that a copy cat has caused you so much stress and anger. You do have a right to be angry, but aren't you the least bit flattered? I dabble in art projects every now and then, and I would be. It's just how it works. People see something they like and try to replicate it. Can you honestly say that you haven't gotten "inspiration" from someone else's work?
Ummm... I was just rebrowsing the comments here, and was wondering if my comment was the one you happened to delete. Maybe I just didn't really "post it" when I thought I did, but the times seemed to match up, so I thought I'd ask, and then ask why. I was totally supporting you in what I said, but maybe it wasn't clear who I was supporting.... Oh, it's silly of me to worry that I hurt your feelings, but I like you! Oh, now I sound pitiful and friendless, but I just thought I'd check. Maybe let me know? :)
Wow - I can say I been there and I got the t-shirt to prove it. Thank you for the link to my post (my stats were going crazy)...I have written many about just this very topic. And just so you know, this too shall pass - the sting stops to hurt at some point.
You can call me friend any day - I just put up a post about how much I loved meeting all these "virtual friends". I am bummed I missed the Blissdom thing -if you go to Blogher let me know....I am leaning towards attending!
I can't imagine how you must feel....it is flattering, but wrong at the same time! You are a fantastic artist, and I've always been inspired by you, but to do my own thing. I'm sorry that this happened and I too want to see this work...it can't be that good...you'd be pretty hard to beat. : )
DITTO! I agree!
"I can understand your frustration but please take a look at the negative tone that has been hovering over your blog. Another post was very negative when a friend damaged one of your pieces of art. You mentioned that it was an accident, yet you went on and on about how upset you were. Forgive... it heals. Your artwork is lovely, I proudly display and enjoy your "fa la la" but I would almost feel guilty ordering another piece when you comment about how stressed you are about all of the work you have. In these difficult economic times, it is a blessing to have work. Please keep sharing your talent. It took courage for that other person to come to you, please apply forgiveness and let your light shine."
wow, your stuff is way better. :))
this paisley is amazing!!!! You are so creative!!!
Post a Comment