After reading this post on 'Pretty Little Things' blog yesterday, I guess it's only a matter of time until we all face similar issues. Within the design industry, copying and copyright is an issue all designers are wary of.
(don't panic, they now have wings!)Creative inspiration and ideas come from what we see around us every day, internet, books, magazines, cards, etc, but the key to making it your own, is to apply a design process to those initial ideas. I myself, take inspiration from my fellow craft bloggers, but always credit and link to, where that initial idea came from. I feel sad when others don't.
This post has been edited, the matter is moved on from, but the subject, does still remain relevant. Right, that finished, enough said, I am off for that chocolate, happy easter!
22 comments:
how infuriating - i'm now visualising you angrily munching on easter eggs!!!
on a positive note have you seen how many people heart your shop? pretty good going seeing as it's not even open yet
x vInTaGe VioLeT x
This is a difficult issue isn't it?
I registered at Etsy with a view to selling my sock monkeys, which, I felt, were a little bit 'different' from others I'd seen. However, I then saw some others which were quite a lot like mine. I had a crisis of confidence and consulted a couple of friends. Those friends pointed out the differences they could see between mine and the others I'd seen, but I was unsure.
The internet is a wonderful thing, but it makes it so much easier for original design to be 'borrowed' - which is unfair on everyone.
I hope you eat loads of chocolate, and that you and your family enjoy a lovely Easter weekend. x
This is the one thing that I don't like about Etsy - I have had found things extremely similar to mine and descriptions copied word for word, it is so disappointing. Enjoy the chocolate.
i was just noticing your sweet owl this morning on etsy. i think i found a link cuz you hearted my shop...yay!
anyways, i can certainly see a resemblance to your idea, but i don't think they even begin to compare. there is something extra special about your little cuties and i don't get that feeling at all from the others.
you better hurry up and open your shop...can't wait to see what you've got.
i hope you have a terrific weekend.
smiles
lori
ps curses on the copycats!!!
So tricky. I mean it's hard enough to come up with anything original these days...it's one thing to copy, another thing to sell based on a copy. Hope you manage to resolve things soon.
It is enough to make your blood boil!!Your owls have special ingredient X that her's just don't have!!!Enjoy your Easter:)
If it's any consolation, I really like yours so much better. I don't think you should worry too much because copying and making similar things will always happen, but one will always be better. Be glad that, in my opinion, no copy job can compare to the stuff you make. You've got a good thing going, don't worry about anyone else. Just keep making what you love and I know you'll do just fine.
Oh it is so disappointing that people behave in this way. So sorry this has happened - take comfort in the fact that you have many a creative bone in your body, and the copier of your designs does not posses these creative bones - how sad for them.
Now I think I ought to have a few words on my blog about copying my ideas - is that counted a copying from you???
Also thanks for your suggestion about where to find the thick felt i've been looking for. I've made a purchase from the suggested retailer, so I'll let you know how I get on with it.
Monda
x
Sorry for your dilemma. Your owl is far cuter!! I have to admit I'm a bit of a copy cat in terms of crafting. I see things I like and use that to create my version of it for myself. Of course it's never exactly like the original that I saw and I would never think to sell something that was a copy of someone else's work. I think there is a fine line between using something as inspiration for a creation and copying it. I think some people confuse that! I'm not condoning copying, gaining from someone else's work is wrong. I'm sure that it has to be infuriating for someone such as yourself who is very creative. In the end I guess it's actually a backwards compliment...someone thought enough of your work to copy it! I agree that trying to gain financially from that copying is a problem. I hope it all works out for you. I'm looking forward to seeing what you put in your Etsy shop. Good luck!
there are always copycats and thieves out there but the thing about them is that what the do is never half as good as the original art. And it is art that you have put love, thought and heart into, a cheap nock off will never be as good as the first original and best. I like to think that the majority of people know this. Your owls are totally georgeous, the fabric is beautiful and you can see the love and care that was put into making them. Your owls outshine the copies handsdown.
Your owls are much nicer! She makes out inher blog that everyone is copying her! Take no notice! :-)
What a shame people do this. It makes you wonder whether they realise what World Wide Web means - i.e. we can all see you!!!!
I find loads of inspiration on craft blogs and through etsy and really admire the original ideas of other crafters.
To actually rip it off totally, complete with the same wording and then to sell it on the same online store is, to me, unbelievable!
What you make is so original to you and I don't think any copies could come anywhere near.
Enjoy your chocolate :)
xxx
Unfortunately this happens all the time. You go to a market and see something innovative and the next week it seems every second stall is selling something similar. The net is no different.
I don't know what the answer is. There will always be some people who have integrity and those who don't...
I hope that such bad experiences don't deter people like yourself from publishing your ideas and selling your products. I find your work very inspirational.
Ps: The owls look very cute without wings!
How infuriating! Being inspired by someone's work is one thing but a direct copy to make money is very different.
Don't let it spoil your weekend, you owls have so much more personality!
Thanks for the comment you left me !! Im glad to see the listing has been removed !! I will let you know how i get on with ebay !!!
Have a great Easter
Sara x
What a PITA- but yours are so much prettier xx
Oh gosh, I know exactly how that feels! I had the same thing happen to me, and unfortunately the person's listings WEREN'T taken down and she is still at it. It's incredibly frustrating and I'm sorry you had to experience it.
Chin up, girl. And remember - you know where to come for a good old rant xxxxx
Don't know about the issue at hand, but the OWLS are adorable!!
Those are such cute owls!!
Just beyond fabulous...a "HOOT" so to speak. Thanks for such a creative, inspiring blog. Kara
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