First, I want to thank EVERYONE for all your comments about my television appearance that I spoke about in yesterday's post. It was very reassuring to read through all of them and made me feel at ease about the whole thing! I was really hesitant to even post a link after a few of you had requested it! So thanks for all your support. It is one of my favorite things about this industry, a benefit that I wasn't expecting. Hugs to each and every one of you!
Speaking of "the industry", I had an issue come to light today that I would like to take a moment to talk about. I don't normally do this sort of thing on my blog, but I really feel the need to share my feelings on the subject.
And that subject would be creative copyrights.
A particular web-store took it upon themselves to blatantly steal a photograph of one of my nugget tin projects from this blog and use it to sell the tins themselves. Not only did this anger me, but it also hurt me beyond words. Anyone that has a creative bone in their body knows the feeling of accomplishment and ownership when they complete a project, or even a concept that they are proud of.
To have this project taken without permission and used for someone else's financial gain is one of the most intentionally hurtful acts that anyone has ever committed towards me.
I think one of the reasons that it upsets me so much is that I work so hard to make this place an open, inspiring creative space. Where people can come to learn new things, explore techniques & concepts. The time I commit to providing this type of environment is enormous, yet very important to me. There is no charge to enter here and gain new ideas. You do not need to pay to have a library of tutorials available whenever you need a creative jump start.
Everything is provided purely for the LOVE & PASSION I have for this craft.
The ink, the stamps, the paper. I want everyone to feel like THEY can do this. Even if they haven't stamped before, I want this to be a place where they feel everything is doable.
I want everyone in the WORLD to know and feel the joy that comes from creating something with their own two hands.
The feeling of delight you get when you lift that block from the paper and see a beautifully stamped image left behind. These are all the reasons why I share everything I do.
The things I have talked about here today, not only apply to my personal space that I have created here for you to visit, but also to the many creative outlets that are available all over the internet today. Use them wisely. Be respectful. And make wise choices.
Don't use somebody else's work for your own personal financial gain.
Instead, use the artwork as an inspiration; a tool to help you build upon your own creativity. That's what ALL of us share our artwork with others for, so use the resource as it was originally intended. Thanks for considering my opinion today. I appreciate all of your support so much. It is because of you that I continue finding inspiration for new stamp designs and project concepts. Thanks for being a part of this little hobby we call stamping!
