I first saw this a couple of weeks back on Evie's blog, and I really enjoyed it. I saw it again yesterday on Sarah's blog. It is indeed such an inspiring video on so many levels. I have it saved on my laptop. And watch it over and over again whenever I feel crappy making art or when things don't go as planned. This morning, I watched this video 6 times. I knitted while watching/listening to it on loop.
I was sad and angry and just disappointed to know that I couldn't do anything about my designs being stolen. If you don't already know, a shop in Singapore's Haji Lane is selling tops with my work on them. My sister traced the shop down yesterday and found out the shirts were going for $20 each. That's a lot of money for art that's stolen. I cannot imagine the profit they are earning and that I don't even get a mention, needless to say, a single cent.
As if things can't get any worse, we found out from the shop lady that the shirts were bought in bulk, wholesale from Chatuchak Market in Thailand. I was already aware of this Thai shop selling tops with my art, thanks to a blog reader who alerted me about it a few months ago. Back then I knew I couldn't do anything about it. And was just hoping that since it's a small shop, fine, whatever. It's not like it's going to go anywhere else other than within Thailand right? So I just tried to be ok with it. But I was wrong. Turns out this Thai shop is not only selling it on their racks, but also 'exporting' and selling it wholesale to shops from outside of Thailand. And this Singaporean shop just happens to be one of them. I don't know how many shops out there are selling it now. But it pains me to know I cannot do anything else but just sit back and watch it go. The thai shop stole not only one but 5 of my designs. ( I think it's 5, there might be more ) I am sad that I'm struggling here, trying to make a living out of my practice. Waking up everyday, finding jobs, feeling disheartened 80% of the time, working 24/7 thinking of how to make better art, pushing myself so hard and yet there you have it. Someone just goes and rips it all out and they probably earn more than I do now. Just from stealing what's mine.
I think being able to make a living as an artist is indeed a gift. And I am lucky I can even call myself an artist. But if shops and companies just go around stealing from us, what's left is just a whole bunch of unhappy artists feeling discouraged, with some even giving up totally on what they love to do. Not sure about you, but I really cannot imagine a world without handmade craft and goodness.
hang in there! have you seen this fb page? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designers-and-Illustrators-Against-Plagiarism/190313407647321
ReplyDeleteoh dear! sorry to hear this from you. is there any way you can ask the shop lady to take those shirts down? it's not fair at all, or at least give you credit for your designs!
ReplyDeletehope you are doing well in Melbourne. SG is a little hot & cold!
Jiayin
Dear Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your work has been stolen and they are making money off of your back, while you are struggling to make the ends meet as an independent artist. Although this incidence can be very discouraging, it also shows that your art is very beautiful and worthy. So, take this whole thing as a challenge to become even a better artist and show them what more you are capable of. Good luck!
oh dawn i feel your pain in these words and my heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeletethis is so horrible and so unfair. if there is anything at all i can do to help don't hesitate to ask. reading this just made me want to reach in to the computer and give you a big hug. i will always support a world full of handmade crafts and i think its important we make smart decisions as consumers to support those with integrity x
id like to believe that karma has its way too xx
id also like to say thanks for your gorgeous comments on my blog and the display at craft vic. im so happy you like it.
ReplyDeleteplus isnt yokoos video wonderful. it has the same affect on me and im really glad you enjoy watching it too. its such an inspiration. stay positive dawn x
Oh God, this is sad, seriously :(
ReplyDeleteI wish I could help. Maybe we can spread the word, asking to not buy the pieces due to copyright. I don't know, it really kills me not to do something and just watch how peolple gets money from others people work.
Dear Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a world without handmade goodness either. You have a precious gift so please don't give up. It's hard but as you overcome each challenge, it will only make you stronger. As they say, "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger".
I've seen this happened to two other designers. Have a look at http://roddyandginger.blogspot.com/2010/11/copy-cat-bird.html and http://roddyandginger.blogspot.com/2011/01/monoprix-update.html.
Tula Pink may have sorted things out with Wal-Mart as her original blogpost was removed. You can still google about it and see it discussed on forums like this one, http://www.talkaboutfabric.com/forum/fabric-talk/186-tula-pink-knockoff-fabric-found-walmart.html.
Dawn--isn't there someway you can publicize this==do something on social media like facebook-get someone to write an article and expose these people? There has to be something that can be done!! It's just awful! I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI've had something similar happen to me before. It's disheartening and frustrating, but hang in there, your work is amazing and so unique and no amount of copied work can ever match that! Don't let it get you down and never stop making your amazing creations! xx
P.S: thank you for that video!
What a video! I love this! It was perfect for beginning my day, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteugh this sucks so much. i hope things will get better over time and that these thieves will stop doing what they're doing because it's just not right. but whatever happens, don't ever give up on doing what you love. your art is absolutely amazing and i appreciate that you're even taking the time to share it with us <3
ReplyDeleteOh! I feel so sorry for you since i'm one of your fan/reader and I'm Thai but I think stolen things from people is not forgivable. This happen a lot in Thailand, one my friend also saw her illustration on a T-shirt in wholesale shop. I wish someone would take this problem seriously in Thailand. It not fair for us who create every work with loves and put all the effort on each piece. I hope your feeling is getting better soon, your art can make a lot of people smile ( i'm one of them :) ) You is the best!
ReplyDeletestay positive!! you still have tons of people out there who admires your works!! i'm from thailand and it's a shame for me to admit this fact about copying. -*- anyway i love your work i really enjoy visiting your blog each day seeing something interesting and i can never live in the world without good crafts. you got talents!! so just forgive those people for their ignorance and their lacks of talents and keep on doing what you are born to do :)
ReplyDeleteI am Thai and I feel so ashamed,disgraceful and also feel really really bad.
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog and really admire your work like...forever.
My friend just bought me your brooch and I feel so happy!!!I am sure that people will knows!
I wish I can do something-_-;This is so sad.
Hey, I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I'm from Thailand and I'm really ashamed to hear about it. I have just blogged about your situation here: http://oeilsj.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/how-to-deal-with-design-plagiarism/ and I hope it has helped spread the word. I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteArt theft is horrible. I believe in you Dawn! We all do! If I ever see your art being sold by someone other than you, I'll be sure to confront them! Although it may not be much, it's the best I can do right now. I hope you could track them down and sue them for what they did to you!
ReplyDeleteDON'T even think about giving up what you love to do Dawn x
ReplyDeleteSo shocking what has happened to you Dawn, so so sorry to read your story.
ReplyDeletePlease know there are people all over the world supporting you.
I hope you cantake a little comfort in that at least.
The video about Yokoo - wow! very powerful, took my breath away.
Keep watching the video Dawn, keep talking about what is happening, and keep reaching out to people.
Take good care.
This is a terrible shame. It breaks my heart and makes me so mad that there are so many out there willing to steal the creative work of others with no concern for their talent and hard work. Hang in there, Dawn. I hope that there is some resolution to this plagiarism that will make you a bit happier :)
ReplyDeleteI'm terribly sorry this just happens over and over again. Keep your hopes up, we indeed do need to work very, very hard to keep handmade goodness in this world.
ReplyDeleteI've been admiring your work and I'm sorry to hear what happened to your designs. You have such lovely designs. I hope you feel better and keep staying positive! *hugs*
ReplyDeletei'm so sorry this has happened to you, dawn. i love your work, especially the recipes. i always feel a little happier when i see your gorgeous illustrations. keep your spirit up!
ReplyDeleteHey hey hey~~~ Jia you n be a GREAT artist so U will able to protect ur own artwks!
ReplyDeletePple may copy but they will nvr be as good as the original~~
Dun ever give up yah! ^_^/
Dawn, you do amazing work. It's so discouraging when things like this happen. But you'll come out on top! Thanks for sharing this video, too. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn, I just came across your blog and saw this post and thought I should chime in.
ReplyDeleteIt is a MAJOR bummer that people are cashing in on your work, but my second thought was why not beat them at their own game? Get someone local to produce tshirts with your designs on them and sell them online?
You won't stop the others selling your stuff, but you will at least get a cut? and you know they'll sell well if they're already in stores? Make them $15 and steal their sales!!