Let me give you a side by side comparison (the two below are mine and predate the picture above):
I realize that there is nothing that I can do about this. But it makes me really really really angry, since I had never seen anything like my pebble rings when I started making them. Now this guy on etsy thinks he can just lift whatever he wants from my shop and use it in his own. And you know what!? He can. It almost makes me want to leave Etsy and just sell to stores. I wonder what he does...do you think he stops by every month or so looking for new designs? Perhaps I should just make it easier for and send him my design sketch book. That way he could be ahead of the game.
Ok, I'm done being petulant. But really, I sort of wonder why he didn't just save himself the trouble of photographing and just download the pictures from my etsy site.
The worst part about this sort of stuff is that it really takes the joy out of what I do. It really just saps me of all my creative energy and joy.
11 comments:
I've noticed those other sellers as well. Even though they are copying you and it is a totally douchey thing to do, your work is SO MUCH BETTER. If you do decide to leave Etsy, please let us know where you go because I definitely want you to make my engagement ring (when my boyfriend finally gets off his butt). He keeps calling me his fiance but I tell him he can't use that word until there is a ring! Hang in there!
I can only imagine how frustrating and infuriating it is to see your work copied, but for what it's worth, imitation is the highest form of flattery... Your pieces are beautiful and charming and unique and thoughtful, and that only comes through because these are YOUR pieces coming from YOU and you totally OWN what you do!! I also really appreciate the ethics behind your work, which isn't always easy to come by. So don't let the posers get you down! You totally rock!!
i browse etsy and also some rings that looked like yours. i wouldn't call them artist more of a "rip off" artist. that's so freaking uncool to steal someone's designs. and takes the piss out of you. like miss thea said don't let the posers get you down and you totally rock!! i love all the rings you have done for me:OD!!!
Justine, your work is so beautiful! I can tell the difference in your quality even from the pictures you posted. I can't wait for my engagement ring and am trying to not drop too many hints!
Yeah, unfortunately this happens a lot on Etsy. Your rings and jewelry are so much better made, and it's amazing getting to see the time and joy you put into your work. Try to keep your chin up and not let it bother you. If you see more of the same behavior with other designs from the same artist, have your lawyer send a cease and desist.
Hi just want to give you a supportive virtual pat on the back. You should send him a note, let him know you know, and say its a really mean thing to do. He probably wont stop but if it makes him feel more like a creative failure it may be a good thing.
I just wanted to say that I've been reading your blog for a while now and I just got my engagement ring, which you made for my boyfriend in September! Your work is absolutely superb and I am honored to wear such a beautiful and carefully handcrafted ring. I have received so many complements on the style and how unique the setting is, which is what I loved about your work from the beginning. Don't let these copy-cats get you down, regardless of what you do, you'll always have people imitating you if your work is something that people want. It's hard to get around it, especially on such a public forum such as etsy, which stinks.
PS. I love your pugs! They are so precious!
Just wanted to add to the other comments here as well to say that I think your work is amazing - so amazing and unique in fact that others are seeing this and getting (a little too) inspired by it. Yes, it's frustrating to see all your hard work and original creativity used by someone else who's calling it their own.... but yes, just as others have said, yours definitely look better! I've enjoyed reading your blogs and ooh'ing and ahh'ing at all the pretty jewelry in your etsy shop. I was so excited to see some new rings up today -- I'm trying to decide on one that i'd want for my engagement ring (just waiting for the boy to propose!), but it's so hard to choose! anyway, you are an amazing jewelry-maker...and i look forward to someday owning some of your pretty things!
Notice how much *less* interesting and engagine the copyist's rings are because he's polished them. Perhaps he thinks that by polishing them, he's not actually copying you! Moron. But your work has a texture & visual interest that this guy was not able to capture in his ripoff. More power to you.
While I agree with Miss Thea that "imitation is the highest form of flattery" you should copyright your work. Check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/AttorneySarah
I know this post is a little old by now, but I just found your blog and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you have to experience other people ripping off your ideas! It happens to all of us and there's really nothing you can do but hold your head high and know that you came up with it first and continue to create and be innovative (and maybe send a message to tell those copiers to BACK OFF). I hope it helps to know that you do have fans and that what you do is an art and that people who copy aren't artists and don't have nearly as much genuine creativity as you do. They might have enough skill to recreate your pieces, but they don't have any real talent of their own.
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