What to do when people copy your artwork?
When faced with someone copying your work, the most powerful response is to continue focusing on your own creative pursuits. If your work is centered around helping others improve (life), then the act of copying may not harm you, as your dedication to delivering exceptional products and services remains unchanged.
Instead of dwelling on the imitation, would you channel your energy into crafting even more remarkable offerings? Knowing that your originality and commitment will ultimately shine through?
"While we can't dictate others' actions, we retain complete control over our own reactions."
Magnolia painted in Procreate (2022)
Stay joyful
Find joy in the loss when someone copies your art. While the initial reaction may be unhappiness, consider it a compliment that out of all the artwork available, they chose yours. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to validate yourself and realize that you are doing something right.
The vision is yours
As an artist, I am proud of the vision I have nurtured at SLC, providing a sanctuary for fellow creators to ignite their creativity alongside me. My aim reaches beyond painting florals; it involves crafting an emotional journey for every visitor to my page. By staying true to my vision, I can easily express joy, which fuels my artistic endeavors.
Your vision, insights, and ability to execute is uniquely yours, no one can copy.
MOVE FORWARD
As long as we focus on improving ours skills and keep painting the way we do, abundance will follow. There will be a new outpouring of acceptance and love for the work that you bring to the table. In fact, there’s still so much for us to explore and learn about ourselves through creativity.
“To create is to live twice.”
Keep expressing your unique perspective and inspiring others with your work! Someone out there will be inspire to do the same and therefore a ripple effect to make this world a better place for creatives like you and I.
Well, more than the above to feel better, here’s 3 strategies that might help keep off people from copying your work too.
Build a STRONG cohesive brand
Developing a strong and recognizable brand identity that sets your work apart. This includes your style, voice, and overall aesthetic. Consistency in branding can make it more difficult for others to replicate your unique appeal too.
Create a unique watermark
Use a distinct and personalized watermark on your work adds a layer of protection against unauthorized use but also reinforces your brand identity. A visible watermark can deter potential copiers who might seek easier targets.
A great point from this forum I found in Procreate Discussion:
”If the watermark is just your signature showing the viewer who made the artwork then I’d say keep it small and fade it into the image. I think many new artists write their name way too big over their artwork, making the signature pop out more than the actual art. I did that too. But no-one really wants to see your signature unless they need to find out who made the image, the main thing is always the artwork. So I’d say write your name so that it doesn’t pop but can be found when needed.
And don’t worry about designing the perfect signature or watermark right away. Start with something and let it naturally evolve over the decades.”
Take Legal Actions
Consider registering your work with the appropriate intellectual property authorities. Copyrighting your work can provide legal protection and give you the ability against those who infringe upon your rights. Additionally, having a clear copyright notice on your work can serve as a deterrent. So, do spend quality time to highlight your terms and have them in your website for added protection.
I hope this helps any creatives feeling blue about copyrights infringements and serves as an insight to keep you on your creative paths. Have more time? Read this mind intrusive article that will blow your mind:
“Good artists copy, great artists steal.” Not so fast.
“Nothing is sacred. Anything goes. Things like sampling in music. Taking something and making it your own. It’s a battle cry for entrepreneurs, because you don’t have to create anything on your own. Originality is dead. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a lot of money, to get your name out there, be popular and well known. It’s being clever enough to see an opportunity where others didn’t. Not having to give credit.”
Mock-up by Stykke Studio
