Copyright Talk

In the the last few days I have been hearing a lot about copyrights. You know the little c you see inside a circle. Yes, that little c in a circle may seem to be insignificant, but it means so much to artists and creators alike. It's the stamp that keeps others from stealing original work. 

If you have read my blog for some time, you know that I like to include definitions. I thought this was a subject that needed more than just a definition, so I am referring you to the U.S.Copyright Office frequently asked questions page concerning copyrights. It's a good place to start your research about some of the issues surrounding copyrighting.  

This morning I read an article by Harriete Estel Berman, who happens to be an excellent resource for artists. The article is called Alibaba and the Copycat Thieves. It brought up issues of IP (Intellectual Property). She was dealing more specifically with the craft community, but made good points for all creatives alike. I absolutely agree with some of her points, but there were a few that had me thinking. Here is what I mean...

In one portion she states, "The wonders of the internet have also fostered a culture of copying where less creative individuals copy and sell work based on tutorials, instructional materials, or Pinterest images. Let's be truly honest: Ethical boundaries are crossed when amateur and casual makers rationalize copying with naive compliments like, 'I love your work so I made my own copy' or 'I want to make something just like this.'" And in another portion, "Designers should not be surfing Pinterest or the web for ideas. Products 'inspired' by original artists and makers are derivative copies and unethically pirating IP."

In every (and I do mean virtually every) art class that I have formerly taken, I was taught to study and learn of and from the greats. I studied and learned their techniques. I learned to find inspiration from them and make it my own. It wasn't something that I necessarily wanted to do at the time. I was always afraid that studying the greats would affect the originality of my own work. However, it was a requirement in my training. 

We learned by observing those that came before us. And I would venture to say that even when we aren't surfing the net for ideas, we are subconsciously inundated with the ideas of others on a daily basis. Our human brains seem to work that way. We see and hear things long enough they become part of who we are without even meaning for them to. And often times we mistake and think we have come up with the idea ourselves.

I am also somewhat confused as to why images from others can't be used as long as the proper documentation is being used, and that particular image is not being used for monetary gain. I am all about getting a piece of the pie if someone is capitalizing on your creation. I am an artist and would be furious beyond belief if reproductions of my images were being sold without my knowledge or without me getting a cut (if money was being made off them) of the proceeds as the original artist. However, I also know that there are some arenas that I am in because others have properly shown my work to others. Meaning, I was mentioned by a fellow blogger or facebook friend that passed on some of my images to their followers. Did they ask before doing so? No. Did they give me credit as the artist? Absolutely yes! And isn't that all that we are looking for anyway as artists...to be recognized for our work? Isn't that the ultimate compliment? It is in music and writing alike. One always wants to create a song that can be covered by other artists,  and in it is a wondrous thing when other authors reference writers that have inspired them. Is there any reason why the visual arts follow can't have the same mind frame?

I have been extremely blessed by those that have chosen to properly pass on my work to others. It has gotten me commission jobs that I wouldn't have otherwise gotten if my work hadn't been passed on..shown. 

I truly believe that there is nothing new under the sun. Yes, it is biblical, but we would be fools to think that we aren't influenced by those that have come before us, and aware that there is always someone behind us that is better. That is what we want right...to learn from the greats and become greats ourselves so that future greats can teach others. It's called leaving a lasting legacy!!!!

I could go on and on, but in an effort not to bore you, I won't. I often remember a concept from a great play that I once saw. In short the play was about clothing designs that were stolen and sold without the designers consent. The designer was reminded that although her designs were stolen, she had the ability to make new ones. 

That is what I hold onto as an artist. I always have the ability to create new things. Those that steal aren't! They copy, but aren't able to come up with anything original. That's the reason for them copying in the first place. 

I am sure that I was created by God with this incredible talent. And if He has given me this talent, I am secure knowing that ideas will be abundant. The well may run low, but never dry! He has equipped me with all that I need to be successful at what I know to be my purpose.

Fellow artists of any capacity, please be encouraged. Take the necessary steps to protect your creations. If you've been burned, take proper action...you have every right to. Last but not least, be open to those that want to showcase your work properly. It may open up a world of opportunities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise!

Corner of Gratitude:

A never-ending supply of ideas from the Ultimate Creator

Pearls of Wisdom:

Innovators are like finding a needle in a haystack, but duplicators come a dime a dozen.

Your Thoughts:

Are you flattered when others show your work with proper documentation or would you rather they not share your work at all?

Until next time...