Got the Blues…
I’ve got the blues today and I’m feeling a bit distracted. An issue arose the other day and I can’t stop thinking about it. What results from thoughts like this rattling in my brain usually, is a complete lack of productivity. What I need to do more than anything right now, is get to the studio and work. So, I am going to put down a few words on the subject at hand, and then be done with it.
As an artist, the issue of ripping off other peoples ideas is one that is discussed often in both an academic setting and just among fellow artistic people over coffee or beer. This is not an new issue or one that will go away. Being a creative person means you have to figure out your philosophy about the whole concept because chances are, sometime in your life, your ideas will be stolen or borrowed (however you like to look at it). I think it’s just human nature- as sad as that may be. I have discussed this issue at great length in the painting & drawing classes that I have taught at the college along with having many conversations with my husband (who is also an artist and art prof.). The internet makes this subject so much more common and prevalent. I see it written about all the time on blogs & in tweets (on twitter). If you are an artistic individual who has chosen to have a website, blog, or FB account, where you ideas are out there in the world, then you have completely opened yourself up to being copied. I also truly believe that if you are a person that is very aware and “present” in the world, then it is very likely to come up with similar ideas to other involved & “present” people. Color, shapes, materials, and subject matter are things that often come in waves as a response to a person’s surroundings. So, it would be natural to find similar things explored among creatives. But out and out stealing is another thing. Everyone has their own way of handling this sort of thing and I thought I would share my view on it.
Ok, so what sparked this little post (that is turning into a long post) you ask? I just saw one of my thread drawings (debuted in April) completely copied by a well known designer & available at a very large department store. My first reaction was that I wanted to barf. I studied the images over and over again – sort of in disbelief really. You see, as a small independent designer, I always assume things are easier and better if you have money and an entire staff to help design your items and help you run your company. The idea of a designer “think tank” seems really exciting to me. I would assume that there would be no reason to search for ideas to “borrow” on the web. That being said, it happened – there is no question about the fact that my drawing & idea was used. Now is when I insert my philosophy and ignore my queazy stomach. Here I go- ….I am going to take the side of feeling flattered and extremely grateful that I have the ability to generate ideas at a rapid pace. Chris and I always talk about how it is better to be the person thinking & executing the ideas , than the person stealing them. I also have to remember that I always document my artistic process openly via Facebook or this blog with no control as to what people do with that information. After all, this sort of thing only happens if it is a good design, right?
So that is that. I’m done…. case closed. All that is left to do now is what I always do when I am frustrated. See below…
Ah…. now that felt good! Nothing like a little boogying & a lot of laughing to get things in perspective. Now I am off to the studio to create and make more stuff. Thanks for listening!