She sent a friend request and I accepted. That was quite some time ago. I knew she was a graphic designer who's also offering wedding card printing services, but I didn't mind because I regarded her a fellow businesswomen & designer. A few days ago, to my surprise I saw an artwork which is similar to one of my buntings, posted on her wall. Then I found out, there are three more.
I was frustrated, dissatisfied and let it all out on my personal wall.
But, in order to clear the air, I left messages on her photo walls to inform her about the similarity and also the link to my blog. She responded a few minutes later. A typical respond which was expected earlier (refer to the above)
I left the same remark on each artwork. Note the 'copyright' claim, one for each artwork.
A few minutes later, I could no longer view the artworks and also her entire Facebook profile. I was removed as a friend. But unfortunately it did not end there...
As the saying goes, walls have ears. A few amusing questions raised when I was given an opportunity to view her wall comments later.
1) All my earlier comments on the buntings similarity were removed, together with her "kebetulan" & "tak mungkin meniru" comments.
2) Did she make a 180deg turn from saying it was all 'kebetulan' and "tak mungkin meniru" to admitting copying my work? She justifiied her act by claiming that copying is an art form, but what she did was not just copying, it's close imitation of the original.
3) I do understand that we are 'inspired by' or to create new ideas from observations and research. Being creative & innovative is something, but making an exact copy and then claiming a copyright, that is something else. And if that was what her lecturer taught her, I am appalled.
4) The industry of wedding invitation card is evolving. The designs are more personal & revolutionized. Our b2b's and g2b's are now more creative with all sorts of ideas for their special cards of the special day. Customers are wiser and more aware of getting the best money can buy. Those with limited budget should not be left behind. That is what artchetak all about. We are trying to give new and fresh ideas which are affordable to everyone.
5) How does she expect me to "bising" on her wall if I was no longer her facebook friend. YOU REMOVED ME, REMEMBER?
What is she babbling about? Of course lah you did the editing yourself. But there's difference between coming up with a totally new artwork which is inspired by another artwork; and making ("editing") an exact copy.
Eh! I thought you said it was all your ideas, why did your friend said it was your customer's? So, which is it?
Ok, last but not least, this is exactly what I mean, "
inspired by an idea/concept" versus "copycat" (or some say "good editing"). I spent less than 15 minutes for "good editing" artwork. But it took me 4 days and several emails with customer to get the final artwork of "inspired by original".
Even I couldn't propose something with the likes of the "good editing" artwork to customer, tak sanggup beb!
