Darren Daz Cox, now in Pekin Illinois!
For the one artist who this might help…
Some people get so upset about ‘art theft’ that it affects their attitude towards art and this is sad. Art theft is that cheesy occurance of when someone simply takes a digital image of the original artwork off the internet and presents it or sells it as if it were their own. Can this be stopped? No, if you can see it on the screen then you can take that image and present it as your own. The only way to prevent art theft off the internet is to not put your art on the internet.
Many artists who have discovered their work in places other than where they intended feel so violated and cheated, often they end up making their uploaded images low quality and sometimes covered with big ugly watermarks. There are methods of getting revenge if you choose to use them but fear of theft shouldn’t prevent you from sharing your work with the world. Consider these suggestions.
- Remember why you love art. Art is magical, it takes you away to places other things cannot, it activates your imagination and senses. Often art inspires more art which is a positive thing. Your art makes you a better person, being able to express yourself reduces stress and can help you connect to your spiritual self. Sharing makes you a better person, start with that. No one can take that away from you.
- I suggest you stop thinking of your art in terms of money. If art becomes a product then it loses magic. Sell a portrait today and you might not attempt that surreal dreamscape you had planned to try tomorrow. Don’t setttle for a pigeon hole just because a gallery wants you milk you.
- Be prolific and original, if you have shared a dozen examples of a style you’re exploring then it’s less likely that someone will claim your work as thiers.
- Take a long term view of art. Picasso was at the top of his game as a senior citizen, always finding new avenues to explore and people to talk to about art. Art is one of the few things you can get better and better at.
- Be positive, don’t sell out your future for a few dollars today when your best work is ahead of you. Trust that you will get rewards that far outweigh the few dollars some thief might make off your work.
~art and graphic design by Darren Daz Cox~
Originally posted 2008-01-22 11:06:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Thank you for reminding me where my heart needs to remain. If I find myself thinking “what will sell” rather than what my intent and passion need be, I’ll think of your words.
As far as images on the net, one puts it out there, one reaps the rewards and the drawbacks.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
-Kat
February 17th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Ah yes, I thought you had posted on this, Daz! I just had a conversation via Twitter with a photographer about photos being ‘stolen’ through Flickr. I upload a lot of photos to Flickr so wasn’t sure if I should be worried about this. I decided that ultimately it comes down to what you want to achieve with your art, and your views of copyright. I want to share my perspective on my immediate environment with as many people as possible. I get so excited about what I see around me that I want to inspire others to feel the same about what they see around them. Putting barriers around my images seems antithetical to that larger vision. Anyway, I just wanted to refresh myself on your views on this, as I remembered this post from when I first discovered your blog. I’m grateful for finding such a generous spirit in the art world