Monday, March 3, 2014

Pink Can Be Badass, Too + A Rant


PinkPink

______I've been thinking about creativity.

______The other day I was scrolling through Tumblr and came across an image that I thought a person I knew had drawn, a person who we will call Jessie. It had thousands of notes. "Hey, that's Jessie's picture!" I thought excitedly. "Good for them!" But upon closer inspection, it wasn't exactly the same image. A few stray lines were here and there. I knew Jessie had posted their version to Facebook, so I opened the two side-by-side and compared them. They were nearly identical. It was, disappointingly enough, a copy. A disappointing copy that Jessie had clearly made of the drawing from Tumblr.

______When I Google searched the Tumblr image, it came to an artist who had posted it a few years ago. It had been re-pinned, re-posted, and such so many times that the artist name had been lost, thought not a struggle to find. It's disheartening to think that a person I know would copy then claim another artist's image as their own. Maybe they don't think it's a big deal. But... it kinda is. Yuck-o.

PinkPinkPink

______That's not to say it's wrong to look and be inspired by others' art, absorbing their ways of making or utilizing a technique you hadn't thought of, along with viewing source material as a reference--because it's most definitely not. Looking at other art is the only way to grow and not have your art look like other art! And references are great ways to make sure an aspect of your work is accurately depicted, as is copying it for the purpose of pure practice. However, to directly copy something line for line to the point where it's practically a replica, then adding an extra line or two and calling it your own? That's sort of more disgusting than a moldy egg sandwich.


PinkPink

______I understand that coincidences may occur, but coincidence and inspiration have to stray from each other at some point. The fact that Jessie turned their art in as an assignment, as their own, is what bothers me the most. Maybe the original drawing isn't the most renowned piece of art in the world, but it's still someone's creation. So why would a person say it's theirs? Whyyyyy? What would you gain except for a cheated sense of praise?

______I apologize for the grumpy gargoyle mood in today's post, but I suppose a blatant disregard for artists is one thing that picks at my nerves. Especially when it's another so-called "artist" doing it. People shouldn't get credit for what they didn't work hard at. You gain so much more through failure and actually trying than you ever will from turning in something that isn't yours. Art is something that should come from a person's own artistic knowledge, not an uncredited image from Pinterest.

______What's one thing you could rant on for hours about?

Pink

______On an outfit note, these snazzy-fierce Jeffrey Campbell boots were a Christmas present from the parental units. I think they make for a surprising combination with this hot pink dress. The metallic heel and embossed snake print in the leather caught my eye quicker than a bearded man in a room full of beardless men would. Nature calling? No, no. Shoe calling? Yes, yes.

Dress: Cynthia Rowley, via TJ Maxx (similar)
Sweater: via TJ Maxx (similar)
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell, via RevolveClothing
Necklace, earrings: Charming Charlie
Hair: styled by my most beautimous mother

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Girl, you hit the JACKPOT with those boots. Seriously, they add the perfect amount of badassery to the pink you're also rocking. You + bright colors = win.

And I totally get you about copying art and taking credit for it. I feel like that happens so often and it's so hard to regulate to the point where not many people do anything about it. Woof. :(

LyddieGal said...

Hey, I get it. Yes we all look at stuff we love and wish we could call it our own, but there comes a time when you need to stop emulating and start being.

Love the pink and stripes, and those boots are gorgeous. You've totally made pink badass.

Chic on the Cheap

Frannie Pantz said...

I can appreciate your frustration. It is very annoying and can be infuriating for someone to take credit for your or someone else's work when they don't deserve the credit.

I do give you credit, though, for making this pink skirt and stripes totally bad ass with these awesome boots!

Sampada said...

Aw man, that sort of blatant plagiarizing is uncalled for! I understand that people can feel uninspired, but isn't there a level of guilt that goes along with making copies of another's work? You're justified in being upset!

On a lighter note, those boots! So intense, and perfectly styled with the bright pink skirt :)

sampzandsuch.blogspot.com

Keit said...

About time you rant about something! You were so sweet and cuddly I thought you'd never say anything negative eveer!:D
As a nonartist person, the kind of nonartist that can't even draw a circle, I can't say I've come across this often. I understand your frustration though. That's why people usually place a big-ass logo on their works, so others wouldn't snatch it. I really think it's silly to claim something as your own, when it's not. Isn't it better to create something utterly distasteful and ugly, but to be only yours, than to snatch something pretty that someone else work their ass off to create.
I love the booties, can't believe the parental unit is so generous. Trade you mine for yours? :D

Rachel said...

As another kind of "creator"...it is very disheartening to come across examples of copying and plagiarism. It feels like something sacred has had the sacredness stolen from it, and that's a very yucky kind of thing.

Ivana Split said...

I love those boots. Great outfit!

I can understand why you are annoyed and trust me I feel with you. I'm a bit tired right now to rant about anything so I'll leave it for some other time...

Unknown said...

yeh, that sounds totally sucky and sad that that artist you knew isn't confident enough to explore their own ideas/concepts and feels compelled to copy. :(
But, on another note, ROCKING THAT SKIRT! you are totally bad ass in pink! x

Priya said...

In high school we discussed the quote "Good artists copy, great artists steal." Everyone was cool that it meant everyone draws inspiration from someone else, but it's always kinda bothered me a bit. It seems like even if you come up with an idea, it never truly gets to be yours. That's my two cents on that...

as for pink: you look great! I was thinking about this two, how we innately loved pink as kids, then hated it, then loved it agin in middle school, then hated it, and now it's back again! I realized this after I bought 2 pink items of clothing this weekend. Pink is baaaaack. Rad boots too!

♥ perfectly PRIYA

Alissa said...

Ugh. Ugh. I am always so surprised when people try to act like no one will ever notice that you just BLATANTLY stole someone else's work. That is always sooo stunning to me. Back when I was in design school this girl literally stole the exact design from the first Google Image that you find when you type in the assignment. If you aren't creative to be in design school THEN GET OUT HOMESKILLET!!!!!!!

Ugh. Girl. I feel for you!

Windi Wuisan said...

you definitely bring pink to a whole different level
and may i say that it looks perfect?
i love your look!

visit my new post :
www.sacsetchaussures.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

You are perfect. This outfit is so stylishly chic and I can't get over the pop of pink with those boots. Those boots thoughhhh!
I totally get it, girl. Copying sucks! Don't take credit for something you didn't do. That's one of the first things you learn way back in kindergarten!
It's kind of sort of like this one time when a random instagramer who has a bajillion followers posted one of my pictures. I commented on it and was like "Hey! Thanks for sharing my picture!" and they automatically deleted my comment. I tried like 3 times to no avail, and I finally just gave up. It was a weird feeling as I was sort of honored, but my feelings were wayyy more hurt by them not acknowledging it. It definitely left me feeling blahhh. I mean if you are truly inspired by something and want to emulate it, AT least have the courtesy to give the original a shootout...right?!

Anyways, your amazing. That is all.
xo Ashley

Sammi said...

First of all, you DO look like a total badass. And super pretty. You're like a super hero. Secondly, I completely concur with everything you've said about intellectual property and copying art. It absolutely makes my blood boil. There are already so many instances where big companies knowingly steal little-known-artists' work and pass it off as original for profit, but I think it's especially bad when another lesser-known artist steals another individual's work to get ahead. It's really slimy and underhanded. Artists should be supportive of one another, and this kind of thing is the opposite of that. Of course, we are all inspired (consciously or subconsciously) by artists we admire, but this kind of thing is just wrong, and it saddens me that it happens. In this internet-saturated world we live in, it can be hard to even find the original source of an artist's work, and it can also be hard to prove whose work predated whose, at times. I guess all you can do, as an artist, is keep plugging along, rise above it, and keep tabs on your own work and familiarize yourself with your rights to protect yourself and your art!

xox Sammi
www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

The Dragonfruit said...

Um, can you just send me those boots? Like, now?
I'm obseeeeeeessed! The snakeskin texture... *_*
Anyway, onward to your rant part.
Claiming something as yours when it's obviously been copied is reaaaally disappointing to see. And seriously annoying. :/
Of course, I love seeing art and have often mimicked styles that I've seen. However, recreating something and claiming it as your original work is disrespectful.
Ughhh, don't get me started Ali!
Haha, discussions like these can get me going.

The Dragonfruit Diaries

jess said...

Copying something and passing it off as your own is totally awful.
Those shoes are fantastic.

Samantha said...

Well, lady, your rant is absolutely warranted! I've never really created anything to be copied, but I can imagine how awful that would be. All that time and effort... When I volunteered at a middle school pretty much every written assignment was plagiarized. It was my job to find the original sources. It was a bit sad and yet kind of humourous.

And awesome look! I love the black and white with a pop of that oh so vibrant pink skirt!

Juliet Polilova said...

your boots are amazing!
very nice blog by the way :)

kisses from Russia,
Juliet
RUSSIAN DOLL

Alexa said...

this pink is perfect <3

Alexa <3
http://sleepeatbreathefashion.blogspot.com

FASHION TALES said...

That's horrible. That happened to a friend of mine, and also to me one of my pieces that were original designs, but it worked out after I contacted the person and got legal involved. It's sad that some people choose to take or copy what's not their own.

The pink stands out beautifully here. I love your marvellous boots!

E said...

Still collecting my jaw from the floor over those gorgeous boots, but I digress. I actually think it's kind of crazy in the internet age that people still think they can get away with that. Like you did, it's very easy to search for or just stumble across the real thing and uncover a fraud. But some people are just particularly ballsy I guess...

Katie Aman said...

00 googly eyes...those boots are so pretttty! I love the detail on the heels, those are fancy boots!
Ugh, that would make me sad too about the art...I think part of it is that when people like you work hard to make original pieces it feels unfair that others are getting recognition for work that isn't theirs. That stinks!
One thing I like about fashion is that I can downright copy someone's look and it will probably end up looking different just because it's on my body and made up up slightly different pieces.
Also, to answer your question, unfortunately I could rant about any topic for far too long. My family is made up of women who love to rant, it's a disease really ;)

Madison Martine said...

Love this entire post!

xo,
Madison Martine
http://madisonmartine.blogspot.com

Alexandra Zakharova said...

I absolutely agree with you, what you have written there is so true. With the appearance of widely available internet, mostly people have lost their chance to think freely and separately. Even in Art sphere you never can be sure is that a unique idea of concrete artist or it is stolen from someone else. People are not scared to share there creative ideas and artworks in the internet, but the truth is - you never can be sure that all rights reserved. Hope you understand what I mean)
By the way, I fall in love with your boots, this pair looks so edgy and chic:) Those photographs are adorable as well, you look so feminine and pretty as always. I can't allow myself to name you like badass, sorry)

Harija said...

So cute and love the colour
My Lyfe ; My Story
@MyLyfeMyStory ♥ ♥

mochaccinoland said...

really cool boots! love this girly x edgy look! u look lovely dear <3

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

This is one rant you do not have to apologize for! This happens way to often to fine artist, handmade artist, photographers, writers, bloggers....it is so sad!

I hope "Jessie" has apologized to the true artist and I hope that she has learned her lesson.

Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly

Bobsphotography said...

Love the boots!! Following you on gfc.

My blog: Street Style City

Also have a look at my photography page: Photography