First off, I am really, really excited to announce that one of my video tutorials, Waxes 101, has been transcribed for the hearing impaired by a wonderful lady named Laurie. She saw that I wanted to offer that and volunteered to transcribe my video tutorials. She does it professionally and it was so amazing for her to offer her talents to serve others. We’re hoping to get the slipcover tutorials transcribed as well. If you’d like to check it out, follow the link to the post. There is a button directly under the video that links to the transcribed document.
Now, to the heart of it.
I get a lot of e-mail with questions…mostly about paint and furniture and stains and waxes and running a creative business. I do get a few asking me about a sensitive issue…What do you do when someone copies you outright. Should you be flattered? Should you be offended? Should you confront the person?
Well…it depends.
First of all, a copycat is always flattering, even when you feel ripped off. Someone likes what you do and wants to do it, too. People usually don’t copy someone they think stinks. So, take it as a compliment.
There are times when copying is okay…even encouraged. We are in the world of DIY blogs, after all. We’re trying to teach our readers how to make something, paint something, sew something, build something and we shouldn’t be surprised when they do it and show it off. Donna and I had a blast with the Copy Me Challenge we ran in January. It was fun to see our styles through the eyes of others.
We also have to remember that there are some people who are very creative and others who aren’t. Some can’t make things up as they go along. They have to follow a picture, tutorial or the design of someone else…and that’s totally okay. I love it when I get pictures or links from my readers sharing a piece they made that was inspired by my blog. Not only did they love what I made, but they loved it enough to bring it into their own home or sell it in their antique booth. It’s one of the best compliments someone can pay.
I think things get sticky when the “copier” is making a profit off the “copy” and/or not giving the true creator any credit for the idea. What’s even worse is when the “copier” is in direct competition with the creator. I think that’s the line where imitation becomes irritation. Here are some things to think through when this happens…
Is it maybe a coincidence? It really is possible that you both had the same brilliant idea around the same time. I was so excited about my sheet music line of Christmas ornaments, only to find that Pottery Barn was doing the same thing! Those thieving, copying, no-good, lousy, rotten… No. Not at all. Pottery Barn creates their lines well in advance and we were both just following trends and taking them in the same direction.
Is it really going to hurt your business? If you’ve created a name for yourself in your field, chances are it won’t hurt your business if there are a couple of Etsy sellers out there making the same thing you are. Your customers are going to want your work and will probably recognize the knock-off.
Use this as an opportunity to spur on your own creativity. Move on and develop new ideas and projects and pieces. Stay one step ahead. I know this is hard when you create one thing over and over and that’s your forte, but you can always change things up a little…even just how you stage and photograph your work.
If you’re going to confront the person, make sure you keep yourself above reproach. There’s a way to approach the issue without being a total jerk about it. Write the e-mail or contact the individual when you’re calm and after you’ve slept on it. Get the opinions of others and see if they think the copying is as blatant as you do. Also, decide what the goal in contacting the offender is…do you want them to stop? Can you even control that? Do you just want to let off some steam? Know what you want before you initiate something.
Now, there are times when copying violates the law and I’m not even going to get into that. I’m not an expert on copyright and trademarks and all of that. I’m just mentioning it to say that there are times when going after someone who’s copying you is within your legal rights and the best thing to do.
Here are some good rules to keep in mind when you’re the one doing the copying…
If you’re keeping the piece for yourself, I think most designers/artists will be okay with it. If it’s just for you in your home, go for it.
If you want to sell the work you’re copying, first of all, it may be illegal. At the very least it may really offend the person you admire and it may take your business down a notch if you’re classified as a copycat. Why not change it up to make it your own? You’re in love with a pillow you saw on Etsy. Instead of making one exactly the same and selling it on Etsy, make one in a different fabric, color, shape, style, etc. If you find you are totally lacking in the creativity department, there are plenty of books and blogs that give permission for the work to be copied exactly and sold. If there’s a doubt, send the creator an e-mail and ask for permission. It could save you a lot of grief.
Lastly, always give credit. Be gracious to the people who inspire you and link to their blog, book or shop.
Does anyone have any other words of wisdom for dealing with this issue?
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I am always inspired by others work.The keyword here is to be inspired, not a thief.
I just may use these words on my homepage.
"Look around, be inspired to create, but please don't steal".
Like others have said there are not too many truely orginal ideas in decorating or crafts. I read a lot of blogs and magazines and its not often I'm surprised by anything. I think many bloggers need to remember not everyone is reading their blog and "copying" their idea that has been around for 20 years and is recycled.
There are only so many variations of ideas, and I think it is easy to point a finger and say your idea has been stolen, when nothing is very original to begin with.
I don't create to sell, I create and decorate for ME and my home alone, so I am in a bit of a different ballpark. But when I have been copied (I have!), it doesn't bother me because another person can never be me! They can put a dresser in their house similar to mine but they can never have a home that feels just like mine because they aren't me and can't crawl around in my mind. I never run out of creative ideas and original creations, so if they choose to copy something I do, I choose to be flattered. Great post. I love your blog!
Alana ([email protected])
Glad I popped over to read this! I can't tell you how many times my business partner and I have had these discussions. Not necessarily in our "faux" world, but we began building and painting home decor products and selling at shows and then eventually wholesale. Ugh, no one told us we were entering the world where copycats prowled. We would walk into stores and see direct knock off's of our very original creations. I wish I could sit down with them and explain that they are LITERALLY stealing food off my families table. Yes, everyone says take it as a compliment. We try. But I think more than anything it just hurts, like a disappointing hurt, that someone so easily "steal" your idea as theirs. Plus, you feel as though you put in all the time and hard work and they are reaping your rewards.
On the other hand, it pushed us! We were driven to come up with new designs and new creations. And we were adamant about being certain we were not doing anything that someone else had already done. With people chomping at your heals, it propels you forward into more original creativity.
Great post!!!
when i discovered blog world and started reading around ( i dont have my own blog, or an etsy shop), i thought it was apparently the norm to copy…i've seen many people post "how to's" for pottery barn, anthropologie, etc copys.
i've also noticed most blogs have tutorials on their projects..i thought we were meant to copy…us decorator dummies come on to the blogs, read the tutorial and go and copy it…guess the tutorials should come with a disclaimer for us dummies!
Hello:
First of all, a huge shout out to Laurie for doing the transcribed wax 101… I will forever be grateful to you and Marian.
Secondly: I am a firm believer if your product does not have a "copyrighted" done to it, it's a game! If you don't want it to be copied, get it copied right and if they still do copy your idea… go after them with your lawyer.
I do admit that I do have an idea that will get my Deaf customers to buy this product of mine but the fear of copying and all of my hard work will go into the drain very fast. I am way too poor to get it copied right and get myself a lawyer.. but perhaps one day, I shall do it.
Great post, Marian. I typed up a draft of a similar post recently. I could easily type 5 paragraphs here but I will say this – There ARE such things as original ideas, designs, and thoughts. Just ask Da Vinci or Bach. (Well actually, DV was even trying to copy birds/God but…) We tell ourselves that 'nothing is truly original' to perhaps feel better about borrowing or maybe we've never truly created something original. Most of us just don't have such a gift, which is why they'll never make a movie about my code. I say that not with condemnation but from the fact that personally, I don't think I've ever created anything truly original, except for my children (and I can't even take full credit for that)! I've been inspired and have thought and created original interpretations, techniques, or designs though, and in my opinion, copying them exactly and taking credit as if it were your own is just plain wrong. Like you, I blog to inspire and be inspired and the sharing of ideas through venues like the internet isn't a license to abandon morality. It's as simple as giving credit where credit is due or putting your own creative style on something if you're going to make a profit (in either fortune or fame) from it. What is no big deal to one person, could be someone else's dream. I've been both flattered and frustrated too. At the end of day, it is what it is though and I agree, opt for creativity instead of frustration. I've had fun with a few new designs & photography this weekend! Blogging about it tonight. Be blessed.
…and that was very sweet of Laurie to transcribe that tutorial! I'm catching up on posts here and forgot that it was in the same post. There are some wonderful hearts out there!
I feel like being inspired by ones idea is better than copying. Being a runner up in your copy me challenge , I found it crazy that so many of our pieces were already alike without even trying to be! But, after seeing your burlap chair and union jack dresser I just had to "copy" the idea. However, when I "copied" it I actually took bits and pieces then added my own little style and flair and made them completely different pieces! Someone said above me , "there are no original ideas." I remember I thought I was an absolute genius for using drop clothes to slip cover my sofa (seriously thought I was something) After it was complete , I googled drop clothes only to find out I was the 984zillionth person to have the idea! haha
I've been told I'm very creative. The truth is, just about everything I do is a copy. Not a blatant one, mind you (usually), but an inspired piece. That's why I love blog-hopping. I get so many wonderful ideas from you ladies (and men).
I think it's important to give credit to the original, though- at least the original that I saw. For instance, I just did a French dresser that was inspired by something I saw on a blog. I couldn't remember where, and I mentioned that if I could link to it, I would. A few days later, I found it, went back, and edited my entry to include the link. I think God was happy with me.
I create files for cutting on the Cricut. I have one that I'm particularly pleased with, and I'm going to use it for as the logo for my new business. The design is completely original, and if I saw someone using it for their own financial gain, I think I would be upset. However, like one of your bloggers said, if you don't want it copied, don't put it out there. My daughter writes some pretty nice songs. I told her that she shouldn't put any of her music on line until she has a formal copyright for it. She complied, and I think she's happy that legally, nobody can take her work.
Just my 2 cents.
Fondly, Tami
http://www.thisandthatfromtami.blogspot.com
Hey Marian. I STILL say that PB copied your Christmas ornaments, and that bugs me. It's kind of funny, but I get more aggravated when people try to pass your ideas off as their own than I get about someone copying mine.
I grew up with my mama redoing furniture. She was painting pieces and wallpapering back…she redid pieces and left the tops stained, she would paint a piece a few colors. Even though I grew up watching her do that it was YOU who inspired me to do some projects myself. I've always painted pieces of furniture, but I really dove in after seeing through your tutorials and posts how easy it can be. Recently I was dedoing pieces for a shop in my hometown. I've now seen that a guy who works for them has started copying my pieces (down to colors) and is selling them there. He emailed me when he was working on his first piece, and I helped him get started. Now. I'm happy that he's jumped in and is enjoying it, but it does smart when I see that EVERY SINGLE PIECE is a version of pieces I've done. All my friends and family have noticed and are aggravated. I'm just nice about it, even though I want to tell him to try something on his own. What really pushed me over the edge was when I saw a grain sack covered bench he'd done. I commented that he must have found Miss Mustard Seed, because I'd seen the sack and he'd mentioned the Fiddes wax etc. He said "I found her a few days ago, but I've been doing this for months." WHATEVER. I know that no one in Jackson, Alabama would use a grainsack to cover a bench painted in chalk paint and waxed with Ruggar brown on THEIR OWN. SERIOUSLY. Just say, Yes. I found her and got some great ideas. I'm always telling people how I have been inspired by pieces you've done… That's just respect for people. Lack of respect. THAT'S what bothers me. If you copy someone just give the original creator credit. Plain and simple.
Loulou- for some reason Blogger won't let me log in…
My heart sank a little bit. The World/United States of Love line that I created is one of the reasons that I was able to quit my full-time job. They even stole the item name as well as some of my copy.
I’m very disappointed in Urban Outfitters. I know they have stolen designs from plenty of other artists. I understand that they are a business, but it’s not cool to completely rip off an independent designer’s work.
I’ll no longer be shopping at any of their stores [they also own Free People & Anthropologie], and I’m going to do my best from here on out to support independent designers & artists.
Please feel free to pass this link on. I really appreciate all the support & love I’ve received today.
Great post Marian! I was just thinking about this in relation to you this past week (and I'm just now getting caught up on your posts…) I recently came across a local store here in my hometown in OR, that had a Union Jack dresser!!! That was weird! I know that everyone has loved that piece and it made such a huge impact in the blog world, but I always wondered if it bugged you at all. I think I'd have mixed feelings on it. Thanks for all the info. Good stuff to ponder.
I agree a lot with comment 3. I notice there's some "blog bullies" on the web who feel like everything is theirs to claim. "There is nothing new under the sun" So true! None of these people are the originators of anything- we're all getting ideas off the same internet. I don't understand the "mine" mentality… I mean, says who?
I was told by a friend to 'hurry up' and get my crate stairs in a magazine somewhere, somehow, because someone would eventually copy them and he wanted the originality traced back to me.
Not sure about the quote, 'there are no original ideas' in cases like this…
Anyway, my stairs made the grade. Currently published in one and another feature on the way! It's all we can really do I suppose.
And then just go invent more original things.
Donna
Back when my company was just Lucid Designs, I noticed that someone in Canada had opened a design firm of the same name (yes, I google myself often!). Interested, I clicked her link and saw that she had stolen my logo… The very logo that I had designed my very self years before! The only difference was that she put a shadow on it. I was quite offended, but figured since she was in Canada that it wouldn't hurt me a bit. But the fact that she is a designer that couldn't come up with her own logo really makes me wonder what she is able to design on her own. I've since added "Interior Finishes" to my company name, which makes it way too long but at least there is a much smaller chance of anyone stealing it.
Marion, You are wonderful! Thank you for this all encompassing post; you convey such an important topic. Do you mind if I "copy" your text (with linkage to you) on my blog? I'm fairly surprised at some of the negative feedback associated with this post, but like the Bible says – there is nothing new under the sun. It's all about designing quality work and staying ahead of the game and working with integrity. I design sewing patterns, and while dresses are nothing new, we've been wearing them for hundreds of years; learning to make your own and designing instructions is slightly different. You certainly have the gift of talent, and you work hard with relentless effort. Hard work is half the battle; keep it up, and enjoy the blessing.
P.S. What glaze do you suggest for a sewing room with white furniture? I have Ralph Lauren Tea Glaze left over from our kitchen.
I find this post rather troubling also. I love following lots of blogs including yours. I truthfully haven't seen many unique ideas in most of these blogs. Ideas are intentionally and unintentionally lifted and recreated. I am 50+ and have seen over the last 30+ years painted furniture, refinished furniture in "your" colors, the use of slipcovers from dropcloths, the use of grain/flour sacks for furniture and pillows etc. the use of music paper, and on and on.
I think the thing is that you just have to really enjoy what you do. Don't worry what others are doing. You are totally productive and you follow your passions. You have a great blog.
Xerox copies…artists create. I read that somewhere, but can't remember where or I would credit the person who first said it. LOL!
On a serious note, I did a post last week about your desire for a cow picture, which made ME want a cow picture, so I painted my own. I gave you credit and a thank you for inspiring me but I didn't copy either the cow picture you originally wanted, or the one you commissioned. Ideas abound, and it's what we do with them that count.
I just had to read this and chime in also because I too feel totally weird whenever I create a piece because I'm afraid I might copy someone. I mean, even to the point of where I worry that I may upset or ruin an established professional relationship with someone I see as a mentor. I even try to stay away from certain colors because I know those colors are "trademarks" of the person who uses them. Now I will admit that I have seen something someone has done and thought, DANG! I totally have the materials to create the exact same thing! But in the long run even though it will be close to what I was inspired by, I will MAKE SURE it isn't a direct copy of what that person made – along with crediting the person who inspired me.
I've seen my best friend who creates jewelry constantly get copied (mostly from people visiting her booths at festivals) and I see how it has affected her creativity and outlook on the DIY creative atmosphere online. It's just sad when it's an obvious carbon copy for profit.
Anyways, I'm so new at this game and I do feel inspired by all these blogs. (I mean, some of you girls are heartstoppingly amazing with your furniture redo's.) I stop by and all these blogs and see pretty pictures of decor, but then I start feeling too inspired… almost to the point of saying, ooooh I want that in my home or I want to create one just like that. So I have found myself having to take breaks and spending time with myself in my own mind to use my imagination to become inspired. Then again, that alone is a double edged sword. How do I know what people like and what is popular if all I do is hermit up in my studio? Does that make sense?
Enough long windedness. To make a long story short – too late – thank you for this post. It helps a newb like me understand how the veterans feel.
I love your blog Miss Mustard Seed. I can appreciate your view point and kindness of spirit on this issue. I can't tell you the number of times I had a "brilliant" idea that I have never seen anywhere before only to see it in the next day, week, month elsewhere. From my point of view that has stopped me in the past from following any business idea I might have had. But there is a large market out there. Lots of creative people. I am working on telling myself that someone will want MY version and spin on something over others even if the next day, week, month, or year someone else thinks up their own brilliant idea that looks like mine…
There is nothing new under the sun after all.
I don't know how many times I have come up with an idea and become very passionate about it only to find some one beats me to the punch. I think ideas have a life of their own. So many things that are in style right now are basically recreations of past creations. I get so inspired by so many blogs and get the 'i can do that' bug all the time. And why should I have to give up my idea just because someone made it first? People just need to be encouraged to do their own thing and appreciate others do also.
I can understand where people get offended or irritated when they see their idea copied. But, there is a difference between an idea and an invention. Copying furniture finishes and fabric ideas is not a copyright infringement, but copying an invented product is. Blogging is a social media outlet where ideas are shared and people get comfortable copying them because they are encouraged to do so (i.e. "Copy Me Challenge.) That said, it isn't right to copy someone's idea without giving credit. Blogging opens up so many opportunities (financial and fame) for people that otherwise wouldn't be there for them. The caveat is that ideas are shared and copied. You have to take one for the team is that is avenue you choose to persue.
Just want to say, I love a lot of things vintage. I love everything Cottage White. I read a lot of blogs and read about Annie Sloan paint on several people's blog. When I painted something and blogged about it, I linked back to the tutorials I read – I'm sure I may have read about the paint from other people, but I don't remember who. There must be all kinds of people like me, who get ideas from you guys and want to try it. If I find a cool piece of furniture to refinish 3 months from now and I experiment with my own color combination, how will I pick which blog to link back to?
I also like to sew – I just bought white cotton fabric to make pillows with ruffles on the edge and an envelope type closure. I know that other people sell this exact same style, but did they invent it? (I understand if I copy someone's bird or crown and use their design, that's not cool)
I've always wanted to have my own store and admire all of you who do – if I sell white stoneware and white pillows and you sell white stoneware and white pillows, did I copy you?
Like I said, I admire all of you and you all inspire me…. There must be a fine line somewhere and I hope to never cross it. Just know, I want to be like all of you …. and I hope it's not stealing.
To the commenter above…
No, I don't think that using the same paint or selling white stoneware and white pillows is copying. If you make an exact knockoff of someone's design, then that is copying. If you were inspired by someone else, it's nice to link to them, but you don't have to go overboard with it. There are so many great ideas and inspiration floating around!
Miss Mustard Seed
You are right, copycats can be so flattering but irritating too. I also had encountered them and no matter how I try to control myself, I end up getting so annoyed. I came across a video that also talks about copycats and how to deal with them. It’s a great video from Marie Forleo. http://marieforleo.com/2012/01/how-to-deal-with-copycats/
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