Many believe in the “originality is dead” mantra. Now, I’m not here to argue if that is true or not, but what I am here to argue is that creativity, authenticity and integrity most definitely should NOT be dead – although, sometimes it feels like it is.
It’s not a shock that many artists are facing art theft with the internet becoming a part of everyone’s DNAs. Today, anyone can snap a screenshot, crop, repost to say whatever they want, gets shares and then the original creator of whatever it is, is nowhere to be found 1,000 shares later. In fact, this has actually happened to me recently and I don’t even do art for a living. I created a simple little “graphic” for an MLK Jr. Day post on Instagram. It didn’t take me that long and it definitely wasn’t a masterpiece or something I make a living off of, but the fact that I saw a reputable IG page and local store I cherish share it on their Story without asking or crediting me, gave me just enough of a taste of this horrible act. Art theft.
Now, just imagine if this is how you literally paid your bills, by making art or pins, or something – you create something and sell it. Then, discover a similar, less attractive, cheap version of it being sold at Target, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Zara, Madewell or any of the other numerous big box shops that like to be trendy. Their bottom line is just to stay “top of mind” during all occasions and to make a quick buck, all while the outcome is hurting real people’s jobs and dignity. Real artist’s work.
That doesn’t feel good, does it? That isn’t right, is it? You’re right. It’s not right. But it takes us, the consumers, the people who go out and buy things, to make change.
Here’s the thing though, I don’t think the average person is actually aware of this problem. Nor, do I think they know that they are a part of the problem.
I get it. You go to Target to get your usual “necessities,” you’re browsing some home decor items because you’re updating your guest bedroom and BAM – $300 later and you’re disheveled loading heaps of bags to your car asking yourself, “what happened?” “how long was I in there?” “did I really need all of this?” “it was all just so dang cute, though!”
It’s the typical “Target run” and it happens to a lot of us (myself included). In those moments of loading all the cute sh*t into your cart, you didn’t stop to think how the shelf full of hundreds of similar items is made. You didn’t stop to think, “wow, I’ve seen these designs before” or “how did this trend even start?” or “how does Target always come up with the cutest things, every. single. time.”
Most of us probably think the Targets of the world create the trends. But they don’t. They’re pretty far down the line for trend longevity (that’s why they’re constantly changing things, they’re behind). They spend TONS of money hiring scouts (“researchers”) to go out and scour for what people are buying, liking and so on. Yes, they team up with real designers (more on this later), but the typical outcome is discovering something like this: cute, yarn weavings with natural wood with cool tones is “super hot” on Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. So, hey, why not make these, since people are buying, create similar versions of what all their research shows (but for for dirt cheap with lack-luster ethical standards and undercut all the people who hand make these).
That is what happens. No, the one-of-a-kind, handmade weaving at the craft is not over priced. You are just desensitized to what the cost of quality goods are (thanks, Walmart) and say, “psh, I can get that for $10 at Target.” But, that is hurting the world and making the rich richer and stronger. And that mentality is what creates this vicious cycle.
It really starts with education. And that’s part of the reason why I’m writing this, to educate. But a good rant always feels good too. 😉 Plus, I see constantly on my social media feeds the pain these indie artists face and I want to help spread that gospel.
At the beginning of the year I talked about some easy ways to start switching your habits to support small business, but I think calling out the perpetrators (this post) well be even more helpful. Or at least, that’s what I hope. At the very least, maybe the few of you who are actually reading this will start to think deeper on the things you purchase.
Here’s some fun examples all from real independent artists or makers I follow.
Cities in Dust and Madewell.
Jeff Koons (renowned artist, btw…) and Target.
His:
Theirs:
Sara M. Lyons and Forever 21.
Her work:
Their work:
Whisker Row and AliExpress.com.
Her work:
Theirs:
Tons of more examples can be found via online articles too, I particularly like this one.
Hopefully you see the problem here. It’s such a shame. And the thing is, when you look at the tech industry or even simple kitchen gadgets you see infomercials about, those things get patents and makes it more difficult for some other company to rip them off. In this industry though, copyright exists, but it’s not as easy to catch someone like Target who has already made lots of money, needing lots of lawyers or bad PR to back them down or to even catch art theft. Even slight tweaks to the work can negate the fight, unfortunately.
What’s even more upsetting is that there’s many stories out there of independent artists getting not only copied from a far, but literally stealing work out of these people’s hand. Imagine that you get the opportunity to partner with these big shops. How exciting, right? What a great platform of opportunity to get your brand and work out there! Well, what if you draw up a bunch of designs, prototypes, etc. of some work you want to make for them, but before the deal is sealed (or it’s an unfair, purposefully confusing one) you don’t get a paycheck and then slowly you start to see that work being sold on their shelves.
Here’s an example of an artist submitting to work with ban.do, but not actually getting a deal. Now, The Out of Office Store isn’t completely ripped off here, but it’s the fact that this artist, whose theme is similar colors and is based on “out of office” things submits work and then suddenly this comes out…interesting.
I’m not a lawyer and I know there’s ways you need to protect yourself, but this all of these scenarios are shady. And I’ve read multiple stories online about this happening to artists working with very well known brands.
And of course, there are the times that these partnerships work, too. One that comes to mind is Ampersand Design Studio. They’ve partnered with Crate & Barrel Kids/Land of Nod, BlueSky + Target, Chasing Paper, Chat Books and more with their work and all are seemingly successful. So, don’t think that these can’t work, because they can.
Now, I’m not asking you to completely dump these stores (although that would be ideal…#shopsmall), I simply ask for you to start thinking deeper on your purchases and reframing the cost of quality, unique, original artwork. I want you to start KNOWING that the big chain stores are NOT the thinkers of the world creating trends. And, I also want you to start pushing those values of creativity, authenticity and integrity back onto these retail giants. They are no better than the con artist in some action movie. They are LACKING authenticity and integrity. I don’t know about you, but I’m not into that. Start small with thinking deeper, that’s all I ask.
Part two (and three?) on overseas manufacturing and artists stealing artists work to come.