these things that we are creating...it takes so much heart, energy and emotion, no wonder it hurts when we feel someone has copied us...or how we can stress when we feel our art is to similar to someone else’s. here are some things you can do to protect your artwork, how to cope with the copying stress and how to move on. i'll admit that i have only done some of these things...know what your options are and figure out a plan that works best for you.
- copyright your work (you can do it in collections)
- use low resolution images (72-96 dpi)
- crop your image (detail shots can protect your original images)
- use watermarks
- invite people to give you credit for your work if they share it
- protect your friends (create the kind of community where you can be supportive and find support in return...leave comments and share things you feel are inappropriate)
- work with a licensing agent
- take it as a compliment, ask for a link
- always title your images with your name
- if they are taking money for your images, take legal action
when it comes down to it, there’s only so much time in the day and ways to use your energy and resources. make sure you are fighting battles worth fighting for, give people the benefit of the doubt, stand up for your friends, be supportive, and above all, don’t let it take your soul -- let it go and take the high road if you need to. make better, deeper artwork.
sign up for my SWEETlist (aka my email list)
join in the CANDYclub (her art biz membership)
