Copy Cats.......

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...Suck. It has to be said.

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I have hesitated to speak aloud with regards to this dubious and ever so tricky subject for quite some time now, regardless the persistent emails sent to me by concerned contacts and friends. However, I do believe that the time has come for me to actually share my feelings on the matter: a matter which concerns both myself and many other artists who present their work in the public domain....Basically, I am now fully aware (enlightened!) that many blatant imitations of my work, my style and my techniques are circulating almost 'of a sudden' over at Etsy, Flickr and elsewhere. 

By blatant imitations, I am referring to a direct theft of my particular style, motifs and techniques. Now, I am fully aware that I do not own a particular set of techniques, of course, they are available to all who care to utilise them, but I am instead pointing to work that appears almost instantaneously with my own, sometimes even a day later, which is almost identical in every way...apart from, perhaps, a sense of studied practice. It would be quite difficult for me to illustrate this to a fine point, for I would surely have to name names, or else show the works in question, which I simply cannot and will not do.

So, I can only hope that my regular readers and support base will recognize the issue for what it is, and realize that this particular post is directed, in the main, to the copy cats themselves.

They will know who they are, for they follow my work almost religiously so; favouriting my images, yet oddly, rarely ever mentioning me as a source of inspiration - in fact, some of them even communicate with me via email on a regular basis, asking me questions about the work, then go away to promptly recreate it. For a time, I was more bewildered than disturbed, and as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (!), but now? I consider the lack of respect and the underhanded manner in which the work is imitated to be downright rude, cowardly, and grossly suggestive of an incredible lack of imagination.

At least 3 of these new 'shops' have denied all knowledge of my existence when questioned by friends. Yet they do actually communicate with me privately and collect my work in their 'favourite' files. Stranger and stranger indeed. It is the ignorance and shameless theft of another persons ideas which troubles me. I do not mind any individual using my work as an 'open' source of inspiration, it is a most pleasurable thing to discover - but there surely is a difference between those who are merely inspired and openly impressed and those who snake around in the shadows, lurking over every new upload of work, with only one intention in mind - to copy it, blatantly, and then attempting to sell it.

I would like to point out here that i do not consider the grafting of rabbit heads onto human bodies to be my own invention. That would be ridiculous. This particular practice is very common amongst many of us in the creative community, and we all embellish our images with our own, distinctive style or flair. Nobody has the copyright on anthropomorphism, in much the same way that nobody has the true copyright to a style or technique. But as many of us know, a copy is a copy.

I will attempt to illustrate an example here : take the work of Marmeecraft (I'm sorry Marjorie, my dear, but you are distinctive!). Her illustrations and paintings are so undeniably 'her own'. It would be immediately visible to all who are familiar with her work if somebody began to churn out endless, cheap imitations. Now, on occasion, both myself and Marmee use animal heads upon human bodies, and it is probably even obvious that we both share a quite similar passion for the expressive potential of hair! Ok, that is very true, but we are each so very different in the way in which we express these common interests, visually, that I cannot imagine any feelings of intrusion or imitation ever disturbing our respect for each other. Our work has certain passions in common, but what we actually produce is nothing alike. And the same goes for so many other artists who have an interest in such themes. I am hoping that this will have made some sense, if any (!!!)

So, finally, you know who you are. You will feel a twinge within you when and if you read this (and you most likely will read it, because you devour my every move). And all that I would like to ask is that you have a little more respect for the hours and even years that I have put into the work that I love - work that you have spent little to no time caring for; work that you do not express from your heart, nor from your intellect. To copy the work of other artists is, like it or not, a violation. People notice it, and they are never, ever impressed.

Does it worry me? No.

Worry is the wrong word. But I do believe that we have a right to express our feelings on the matter, and to voice our recognition of it. And if we, the artists are aware of it, then so too are the audience.

I have made this post as a direct response to the many emails that I have received recently on the subject. It is intended to shed some light onto an already unmanageable issue and to bring awareness to those who may not have encountered the imitations in question as yet. It is also intended to reach the eyes of those who are the cause for concern.

I am not quite used to speaking so boldly about my feelings on such matters, and I do hope that I have handled it as decently yet as honestly as possible.

I am simply asking the people in question to think about what they are doing.

I adore what I do. It is integral to my being. To imitate the visual elements of the work itself is fruitless. The nucleus, the seed from which my ideas continually grow, cannot, thank god, be stolen:)

Imitations rarely ever shine, even if they manage to gain a certain amount of recognition. To create what comes naturally to you is the greatest compliment that you could possibly bestow upon yourself.

Try it and see.

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And my many thanks to those of you who have been kind enough to alert me to such matters, and to those who have been so perfectly supportive. Especially my Sylvia Plath loving friend:) xxx

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***re-edit - Please understand that I only refer to blatant copying that is both insidious and sneaky, and an almost direct imitation of my work. I do not aim any of the above towards persons who have taken my images or collage techniques as a source of inspiration. Please do not confuse yourselves with the true offenders....I know we all worry at times:)***

Comments

[Gillian]

Lou - I have come to this awful news so late in the day (my google reader is failing to update on many blogs!) but my heart really goes out to you. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling but you have and are handling it with such dignity (which is more than can be said for the person or persons who your words are directed too - I hope they feel a real sense of shame having read this and rethink their tactics for using inspiration). Your work is truly unique and your ideas can only ever be yours as they come from the very heart of you - anything else is a poor cheap immitation which not an ounce of soul. Take care! x

[Jessica Doyle]

I traveled here via the Etsy forums. Your voice struck a cord with me a long time ago when perusing some forum posts there.

This blog post says what many of us feel. May you know that your art stands/floats on it's own two feet and speaks volumes to those that know you are indeed the creator of it. It is yours and no one can ever take that from you.

You are as a great a writer as you are artist.

Nice to meet you :)

[beckaboo]

I found you blog via the forums. You work is wonderful. I just don't understand why people who love someones work wouldn't just want to collect it, instead of ripping it off. I prefer to leave the work I love to the experts who created it, and enjoy the pieces I buy from them.

[lou]

thanks, everyone, for your continued support with regards to this grim subject.

all of your comments are very much appreciated.
xxx

[Karen]

I was really taken aback when I saw a treasury on Etsy recently with what I thought was your work shown twice. In fact, once was you and once was the most blatant copy one could possibly imagine. Up to that point I hadn't realised that some people are simply reproducing you in every respect.

Like you, we use animal heads on bodies - have done for many years. But I agree absolutely when you say that it's the WAY it's done that marks out one artist from another perfectly clearly.

We've been copied too, so I know how it feels. I'm sorry and hope these people go off and do their own thing sooner or later. Of course, they may not be capable of that.

[Karen]

I was really taken aback when I saw a treasury on Etsy recently with what I thought was your work shown twice. In fact, once was you and once was the most blatant copy one could possibly imagine. Up to that point I hadn't realised that some people are simply reproducing you in every respect.

Like you, we use animal heads on bodies - have done for many years. But I agree absolutely when you say that it's the WAY it's done that marks out one artist from another perfectly clearly.

We've been copied too, so I know how it feels. I'm sorry and hope these people go off and do their own thing sooner or later. Of course, they may not be capable of that.

[kiwi]

oh, Lou, I missed all this. wow, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's such a violation.

[Robin]

I am so sorry this is happening to you! I adore your work and visit your blog every week or so to see what you've been up to. The person/people doing the copying/stealing will hopefully look at themselves in their mirrors, feel shame, and quit stealing from you!! I haven't seen the pirated stuff but I highly doubt that it could inspire the sense of wonder in your work along with the occasional frisson of eeriness that is evoked. As my mom says, "Chin up!" Your true fans are behind you all the way!!!

[sarahblank]

Oh Lou this post makes me so, so sad. It has been in my heart and on my mind since you wrote it. Around this time last week or so I noticed that one of the copiers had a thumbnail on the Etsy home page hand-picked items. This was before I read this entry and it stabbed at me for some time (it still is). I was going to send you an email about it (it's the first I've seen of these copied works in the exact like of your amazing work) but I see you addressed it here. And since then I have been thinking about this issue. (((hugs))))) and hopes that those involved will read this and all the comments and stop what they do. They are mighty talented on their own and don't need to copy! Please keep creating! (and I see you have!!!)

xoxox sarah

[alex s]

I'm old. I'm established. And I still haven't come to terms with copy cats...I know. I should be flattered, but my blood always boils...especially when people steal motifs that are mine (well, at least I perceive them as mine, even though there really is nothing new under the sun! :-)

The worst incidence of this happened to me in artschool (way back in 1989.) Oddly enough I was doing anthropomorphic imagery back then (mostly duck and bird heads on nudes.) I was so harshly critiqued for my images that I would cry sometimes...and then, my awful teacher had a show at the John Berggruen Gallery and there I was. Everywhere, on every wall. Nude women with duck heads, or flower heads, doing circus acts...it was me, exactly.

I was standing there gape mouthed and my wonderful mentor, Sam Tchakalian, walked over and chuckled. He asked me if I liked the show. I was vitriolic. And he said, Don't worry, you'll always have ideas. This poor soul has to steal hers.

Don't know if this helps, but remember, you'll always have ideas...pity the poor thieves.

[sherry]

dear lou,

so perfectly put, and i absolutely understand and empathise. this is one of the main reasons i moved off etsy. unfortunately, etsy does not seem to understand why this matters to artists and designers. i get very agitated when people use the "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" argument! *shakes fist*. lol. anyways, you are my absolute favourite artist, and i will spread the gospel about your crazy original talent. *hugs* xx

[Anna]

Very passionately and eloquently expressed ~ I've been an admirer of your talent and art for many months, since first being introduced to typepad and blogspot, and was so excited to recognize your gorgeous works of art in the recent Somerset publication... I'm so thankful for this forum and the ability to view so many talented artists and their creations ~ I'm so sorry unethical people have chosen to attempt to profit from your talent, but I agree that your work, and those of other incredible artists (like MarmeeCraft) stand out in your unique style and original subjects - commonplace things in life that you bring together in a way that only you can that makes me stop and ponder and wonder at it's beauty... Thank You, Lou, for sharing your art with us <3

[Heidi]

I can see that for you, your vocabulary of imagery isn't something you just developed overnight. It's a lifelong process that's very personal. When people think they can just take all the elements, mix them up a bit and sell it as their own work, it's like stealing your life! I think it's it's pure ignorance from people who can't understand because they aren't artists. I'm glad you posted this because everyone needs to be told. Not only those that are already guilty, but all those who are thinking about it too.

[Cathy]

Very sorry to hear about this. You have a very beautiful and distinctive style and because that is successful on Etsy, it encourages others to steal, thinking they will be equally successful. I sincerely hope they are not.

[Katrine K]

I am so sorry this happens to you, and you really have my fullest support! The ones that just copy will never be good artists themselves, that`s for sure. Well said!

[Yoli]

Oh NO! I am so sorry, I had no idea. Unfortunately it happens to all artits. The thing is that others coming after you are mere imitations. Your work stands out, trust me.

[Emma]

A few years ago, before they became as common as the butterfly tramp stamp tattoo, a friend asked me to draw her a carp so that she could have it tattooed on her back. That year she went to Japan for some kind of tattoo competition and did pretty well for her tattoo artist. Unfortunately he liked the koi so much that he did it on quite a few of his clients. Lucky for her though she had been smart enough to take home the original drawing so he had to work from a photo :P

The distortions or mutations on these copies of your work remind me of that. Sadly for them they don't have your mojo, so aesthetically they fall flat. Seriously, there will always be losers who try to reproduce the work of creatives for profit. Only one I have approved of so far drew a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

[susan]

I had seen the copycats on Etsy, and thought to contact you a few times, but on closer inspection of their work, I also noticed the inferiority of it, and I felt certain that others would, too. Instead, then, it made me feel a little sorry for these people. To go about life trying to profit by passing oneself as creative when one clearly is quite the opposite when there is 'art' and 'creativity' out there for all to have, for free, and that, on top of it, art, is the most wonderful thing to have in life...my opinion....is the biggest shame and loss of all.
And these people will never know that.

[lou]

...curiouser and curiouser, Amy.
If there is a point to your comparison, and your link, do feel free to share it with us.

[amy]

I love Fawn Gehweiler's art and at times i see cute alice stuff and i think of your pretty wonderlanders. Well who doesn't need a cute little mirror? I need one everywhere since i have contacts and allegies, bleh.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10140022

[Rima]

Lou, so sorry to hear of this.

Copying makes me very cross indeed... and bravo for your eloquent writing on the subject. I guess the reason this is happening is mostly down to envy as others have said.. and flattery I don't think comes into it.

I find it very lacking in imagination and indeed in any artistic spark for people to take the ideas of others. (not to mention unfair and dishonest)

The thing about inspiration is for me to do with that SPARK. When I look at other artists, I am inspired by that impulse behind their creations (that becomes obvious in the final work.) The actual subject matter/techniques are irrelevant - work that people respond to has to have had that heart put into it at its creation. THAT is what inspires me in others' work, not the actual work. (That's not to say that I don't delight in the wonderfulness of the work too of course)

Artwork that has not come from that spark of desire to create within is dead.. and appears so... therefore copies will not shine.
I think what you do is fabulous Lou and wish you luck with your battling :) Hope my input makes sense?!
Rima xxx

[museum of fire]

There's not really much more to add, but you've put this in such a wonderfully clear, measured and insightful way that their sleep shall never quite be the same again.

It all seems fearfully horrid, so I do hope there's some solace in the words and actions of friends who have been looking out for you.

And whatever else, this behaviour does not detract from what you do and the creative brilliance and personal warmth that has drawn these people (the nice ones above!) to your work in the first place.

[Carrie West]

I am very sorry about what your going through! I'm not good enough to have anyone want to copy my work!!!!{{sigh}} People should stick up for their own work! You have put it so nicely!!!!!~

[sevastra]

I totally understand what you are talking about.
I'm a doll collector and i have a shop where i'm selling clothes for dolls. Recently i talk about plagiarism because some people contact me to tell me that my clothes were copied.
This is not the first time for me but i think that people don't understand the notion of respect, they don't realized what it represents for us and even if you're trying to explain your feelings about that,i think that they'll continue because if they were enough clever they would not have copy you.
By the way, i love your work and discover your talent recently on flickr.
Your work is amazing and hope you'll continue to delight me.

[Amanda Louise]

Many of us, unfortunately have gone through similar things....and it is never something that feels flattering. It feels invasive, and violating. I've gone through it, and I can immediately think of more than a few friends who have as well.

You took a moral highroad in how you worded this post, and I wanted to commend you on it.

Incidentally, I found this post while looking up your links, as I was about to feature you on my design/art/inspiration blog. I have been loving your work from afar ever since I first saw it, and am very impressed by your technique :)

http://darkenedforest.blogspot.com

[Beth]

Wow, this kind of thing really pisses me off! You are being so polite and nice about it though. I don't think I could!
Ever since I have entered this whole etsy/blogging world I have been reading your blog and following your work. It's obvious that you put an incredible amount of time and thought into it and so it must be absolutely infuriating to have this happen!!
What does one do in a situation like this though??
It's really quite sad for them and I almost feel a little bad because it's kind of a pathetic excuse for an artist...you know what I mean? It gives me the same feeling I get when I see someone do something that is so embarrassing, I actually feel embarrassed for them and it's painful to look at them...you know?
Anyway, I would just keep doing what you do, you obviously have a wonderful following and true fans of your work, including me, so these copycats will just sort of fade away I'm sure. :)

[Stilettoheights(jenn)]

there's nothing I can say that has not already been said, just stary true to yourself and fight the good fight.

what is happening to you is wrong, and such an artistic violation, I feel for you, as your friend and as someone who has been copied as well.

xxoo

[lou]

your input is more than appreciated, thanks so much everyone:)

xxx

[dangerkitty]

As the owner of some of your wonderful prints I just wanted to add my support. I can't imagine how these copycats sleep at night.

[lisa-marie]

Wow, that does suck! I'm sorry to hear about this. I hope someone alerts the webmasters at etsy so these thieves don't make any money selling blatant copies of your art.

[skunkboy creatures]

I completely understand where you are coming from. I have had the same thing happen... one person I have to see face-to-face on a weekly basis. When I say things to trusted friends, I'm just told that I should be flattered... NO. You're right. Taking inspiration and ripping someone off are two completely different things. If we all just copied each other, there wouldn't be a need for places like Etsy, because we could walk down the street and find everything... or nothing. There could be no diversity, I suppose. I truly hope your blog has some positive effect on your current situation. All the best.

[Sandra Evertson]

You are a Beautiful Artist, whose work can bring tears, a true one of a kind, and that my Dear can never be imitated!
Sandra Evertson

[amy]

I know your love of cute BJDs and i came across this cutie today and thought you'd enjoy him if you havent already seen him. He and Georgie would be cute best friends.
http://www.absolutearts.com/cgi-bin/portfolio/art/your-art.cgi?login=charlesstephan&title=Alice_Cherry_Blossom,_the_Victorian_Pig_Doll-1191166570t.jpg

[Janey]

Wow. I hadn't seen the copycats on etsy, but I used the search terms Andi suggested, and I sure do see them now! I am so sorry. It's not fair.

[megan]

Thank you for writing this, as an artist myself I see this kind of thing on the internet all the time. This is not an easy thing to write about, as we are taught to believe that line about flattery etc, but there is a point when it crosses the line. I applaud your courage for speaking out, and I am sorry this has happened to you. You are a true original and I admire you and your work.

[Scott Bulger Photography]

Excellent post. It's one of the risks that all of us as artists run in this much smaller worl that the internet has created.

Best of luck to you.

[Dees]

well said,very sad this is happening on such a wide scale.I just saw wee wonderful has posted two soft toys that were a copy of one of her patterns,so awful when it happens.Hope it doesn't put you down too much and sending you a big hug from me!xoxo

[Jiffy Cat]

Wow, how horrible. I think I ran across one of the copy cats on flickr the other day. Let me say it's pretty obvious that it's a cheap imitation of your work. You are handling it real well with this fine blog. If it was me being copied I'm sure I would not be this graceful about it. Shame on you stealers, shame.

[waterrose]

Well said and expressed eloquently. It's a shame that some people have no imagination or talent of their own to create. Obviously they are not doing this out of love of creating, but only financial gain and hanging on the coattails of another. Be strong.

[Frankie Kins]

I agree with Jenny. The work that I have seen on Etsy that is BLATANT copying, does not have the quality of your work. I guess that goes to prove that when you copy someone, you can be sure that your work is only a white-washed shadow of the original artist.

I'm so sad that this is happening to you, dear Lou. I hope the copycat gets removed from Etsy and all other venues promptly.

Please do not lose heart; there are many of us who hang on your every word in a good way---we LOVE to see your posts and LOVE to see your new work! BIG hugs to you!