An open letter to my latest copycat
Dear L,
Some months ago my attention was drawn to you by several of my loyal and oh-so-perceptive customers who felt that your ceramic jewelry work was just a little too close-for-comfort-looking-way-too-much-like-mine. I was already aware of you, as I am of all people who feel the need to copy my work (I see everything), but the fact that others were able to pinpoint the copycat made me pay even more attention to you. Since that time you have copied much of my style and many of my designs. You have also branched out and copied the work of other ceramic jewelry artists. You photograph your work on one of the same backgrounds that I used to use (you can have it, I am done with it). You even give your work similar names and use similar descriptions in your Etsy listings. Basically what it comes down to is that you seem to have no imagination of your own.
Now I realize that sometimes people unconsciously make things that look very much like other artist's work. What you are doing is NOT unconscious. In fact, it seems to be rather calculated and without a conscious. You sell blatant copies of other people's work at shows, passing them off as your own (you seem to be under the impression that if you don't list the copies on Etsy that it's OK). Even your booth display and earring cards are copies.
I could rant on and on about ethics, dignity, creativity... I could even give the PC response and say that "I feel sorry for you." But I don't. You know what you are doing and you are doing it without a care in the world. I could also out you right this minute and publish your name, business name and even your address. But I won't. It is absurdly obvious to any and all who see your Etsy shop and (especially) Flickr account where you are getting your ideas from so I will spare you the outright public embarrassment. You have done it to yourself already.
What I will do is offer you a little advice. Work on the quality of your pieces. It's not very good. Rule number one of being a good copycat is to do it well (wasn't that in the handbook?). It's one thing to rip off other's ideas but at least try to do it as well as they do. And you, my dear, have a long way to go. Your pieces are crude and the commercial glazes you use are muddy. Your wire work is amateur at best. You may find that once you turn your focus to improving the quality of your work you may actually develop some ideas of your own. (In your case, probably not, but it was worth a shot.)
Sincerely,
Nancy
Some months ago my attention was drawn to you by several of my loyal and oh-so-perceptive customers who felt that your ceramic jewelry work was just a little too close-for-comfort-looking-way-too-much-like-mine. I was already aware of you, as I am of all people who feel the need to copy my work (I see everything), but the fact that others were able to pinpoint the copycat made me pay even more attention to you. Since that time you have copied much of my style and many of my designs. You have also branched out and copied the work of other ceramic jewelry artists. You photograph your work on one of the same backgrounds that I used to use (you can have it, I am done with it). You even give your work similar names and use similar descriptions in your Etsy listings. Basically what it comes down to is that you seem to have no imagination of your own.
Now I realize that sometimes people unconsciously make things that look very much like other artist's work. What you are doing is NOT unconscious. In fact, it seems to be rather calculated and without a conscious. You sell blatant copies of other people's work at shows, passing them off as your own (you seem to be under the impression that if you don't list the copies on Etsy that it's OK). Even your booth display and earring cards are copies.
I could rant on and on about ethics, dignity, creativity... I could even give the PC response and say that "I feel sorry for you." But I don't. You know what you are doing and you are doing it without a care in the world. I could also out you right this minute and publish your name, business name and even your address. But I won't. It is absurdly obvious to any and all who see your Etsy shop and (especially) Flickr account where you are getting your ideas from so I will spare you the outright public embarrassment. You have done it to yourself already.
What I will do is offer you a little advice. Work on the quality of your pieces. It's not very good. Rule number one of being a good copycat is to do it well (wasn't that in the handbook?). It's one thing to rip off other's ideas but at least try to do it as well as they do. And you, my dear, have a long way to go. Your pieces are crude and the commercial glazes you use are muddy. Your wire work is amateur at best. You may find that once you turn your focus to improving the quality of your work you may actually develop some ideas of your own. (In your case, probably not, but it was worth a shot.)
Sincerely,
Nancy
Comments
I just discovered her stuff a couple of weeks ago when I thought one of her listings was mine, and I was stunned that I posted such a lousy photo. I've sort of been mulling over what to do, but then decided that I'll be creating some new designs, and good luck to her. She'll need it.
We can just forge ahead! She will be out of breath trying to catch up! :)
I really appreciate your support Altered Beauty and Abeille à miel!
But, I agree with everyone else that you have tackled the issue in a wonderful way - it's hard to take the high road, and I think you've done it with loads of class.
With so many of us out there trying to create things (beads, jewelry, whatever else we are creating) that are uniquely our own (and trying SO hard not to re-create the work of others), it's sad to see people blatantly copying others.
Just know that quality will always win out and that your good karma will always triumph over the bad karma in the end :o) (I've seen bad karma bite people in the hindquarters...it's never nice, but it can be a valuable lesson...)
Take this advise copycat...you need it!!!
Nancy, we all are behind you!!
Nice job taking the high road and not naming names. The copycat doesn't need any extra attention. Your work is excellent...and reflected in your etsy sales!
you'll always be one (or more) steps ahead of her.
The others are correct in that she can't keep this pace for long. It's clear she doesn't have the strength or character to endure.
It is a small world online and any 'artists/plagarists' using their lack of integrity to make money will damage their reputation for good unfortunately.
I have already informed two etsians of their work being stolen and used by a female with a lack of standards. She has now closed up shop.
It is a sad and sorry person who can 'make' stuff but not come up with their own designs or ideas. They must have a thick hide and no morals and that is a real shame.
At least if the copycats work is as bad as it sounds, no one will ever mistake it for your work. Or choose hers over yours.
Good for you on taking the higher road and not outing them and ranting angrily - as others have said, it really shows your professionalism.
Good luck!
You should change your name to Round Tiger. I admire your willingness to deal with this quasi-publicly when you need to. I can't deal with it anymore, except behind closed doors, in the arms of my husband, where I cry my eyes out and then go out to my studio and make something so fanfriggentastic that it won't EVER be ripped off by a person with scum on their soul.
Humph.
In solidarity,
The Plume