They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While I can understand where this notion comes from, I can't quite say I agree. Most people that have this happen, not only feel less than flattered, but they also feel a little violated.
I usually try to give people the benefit of the doubt and think that if they came up with something around the general time that another person did, it wasn't a case of one copying the other. Often we are influenced by outside sources and what is popular in society at any given time without realizing it. Lets face it there are no new ideas under the sun, there is bound to be overlapping ideas when it comes to artwork. However where there are too many similarities there can be little doubt.
I was rather disappointed when someone directed me to the fact that another artist had copied something I had done. It wasn't a bear, but instead it was some of my online work. I had worked very hard for many days to make something interesting and unique that wasn't the mainstream concept, and I know for an absolute fact my work existed first.
I guess I should try to be happy that they liked what I had done so much they chose to use my concept for their own purposes. Try as hard as I might to feel that way, I find I am having a little trouble with that though...
Subscribe To www.blondheart.blogspot.com
Posts
Comments
4 comments:
I'm so sorry this happened to you :(
(((hugs)))
Hi Kelly
I have noticed that two bear artists are making almost identical style bears and have to wonder who imitated who? I certainly do not consider imitation a compliment. We can strive to attain a certain standard and ethic but the style should remain individual.
Kindest regards
Patricia
This is such a sensitive subject, one that I got involved in a few years ago, like you. You should not have to 'take it' or feel 'flattered', speaking out helps. I got flamed for even suggesting I was copied, not even hinting at who it was. The funny thing was people were saying 'oh no, such and such would never copy', even though her work had gone from one style to mine in weeks. Hmmm....how come they knew who the copier was, she was never mentioned. Enough said.
You have summed it up beautifully Amanda. Considering it was a third party who pointed this out to me, they recognized my style on what I had done right away. At least it wasn't a bear.
Post a Comment