I wanted to take some time and talk about beading or crafting and what happens if you post photos of your work with your watermark.
This once again has recently happened to me where I've been "indirectly" but yet "directly" accused of taking credit for someone else's design, even though I stated who's design it was. It was all because of my Watermark.
Never once have I intentionally stolen someone else's design or pattern, no matter what craft it may be. I don't appreciate the accusation to be honest, and if anything, I find it a bit discouraging.
I know there are many out there who don't realize that watermarking photos that YOU take of YOUR work is actually a safe way to ensure no one else steals your work.
As you can see, on completed projects, I place all information on the photo so that it can not be missed. I make sure I state the name of the design/pattern (if there is one), who the designer is, and/or where I got the pattern from. This information is also posted with my photos on my Facebook page.
This woman claimed she couldn't follow the pattern but yet really wanted a necklace and asked another beader in the group if she would make one for her and send it to her. This lady went out of her way, using her time and supplies to do something nice for someone else. Nothing wrong with that, right?
When this woman received her necklace, not only did she steal the other woman's photo and attempted to claim it as hers, but she also was taking credit for the necklace herself!
Now of course the woman who made it attempted numerous times to contact this person, but found that she was now blocked from posting or seeing anything by this woman. (Talk about gratitude!)
This once again has recently happened to me where I've been "indirectly" but yet "directly" accused of taking credit for someone else's design, even though I stated who's design it was. It was all because of my Watermark.
Never once have I intentionally stolen someone else's design or pattern, no matter what craft it may be. I don't appreciate the accusation to be honest, and if anything, I find it a bit discouraging.
I know there are many out there who don't realize that watermarking photos that YOU take of YOUR work is actually a safe way to ensure no one else steals your work.
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| Jill Wiseman's Daydreamer Rope Photo by KraftyKatLady |
I now recently began doing a lighter watermark (barely visible) across the entire photo as much as possible, so that should someone attempt to steal or post my photo, they will have a difficult time editing the photo to make it their own. This does NOT mean I am claiming the design as my own.
This just means that I took the photo, and I made the item that is in the photo.
Here's a little story about what recently happen to a fellow group member.
This just means that I took the photo, and I made the item that is in the photo.
Here's a little story about what recently happen to a fellow group member.
Another "supposedly" beader came across a pattern that she really liked. It was the Bargello Stitch necklace designed by Rebecca Peapples. Below I have a photo of one I made myself.
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| Bargello Necklace by Rebecca Peapples Made by KraftyKatLady |
When this woman received her necklace, not only did she steal the other woman's photo and attempted to claim it as hers, but she also was taking credit for the necklace herself!
Now of course the woman who made it attempted numerous times to contact this person, but found that she was now blocked from posting or seeing anything by this woman. (Talk about gratitude!)
She then went to (at least) one of our groups and told us all what had happened, and she was clearly upset. I can't say that I blame her.
Numerous other group members began spreading the word throughout the groups what this woman had done. It is now out there that this woman will steal other designers' work, AND take credit for the work being done when in fact she didn't even so much as pick up a needle.
This is so wrong in my books. If you want to bead, knit, crochet, or do anything that requires the use of someone else's design, you give that person the credit THEY deserve. YOU get the credit for making it. Nothing more.
Many designers offer free patterns or tutorials to help increase your skills, promote sales, businesses, etc. This should be taken into account that just because it's "free" doesn't mean it's free for the taking.
"So what do I do if I find a pattern I like but have no way of knowing who the designer is?"
There are a few options, but here's what I found is best. First, do a Google search on the image to see if you can locate the "original source". Sometimes that can be tedious work, but it's better to take the time to do that rather than later become accused of theft or plagiarism.
Another thing to try if that fails is to ask around. If you're in special groups or have friends who do the same type of crafting as you, don't be afraid to ask. No question is ever a stupid question, and if anything you may be more respected because you choose to do things the right way. Chances are, someone out there knows the answer you're looking for.
Finally, if all else fails and you still want to do the project and post a photo, state clearly where you found the project along with a link to where you got it from. Also mention that the designer's name is unclear and that as soon as you know who it is, you will give them the proper credit.
"Do I have to buy a special program to watermark my photos?"
No. The internet provides many free programs for computers and smartphones where you can edit your images and add a watermark. Windows Paint Program will also do the job sufficiently. I personally use Pixlr and have had no problems with it as of yet.
I hope this information has helped many of you, especially if you are new to the crafting world. Enjoy what you make and be proud of your accomplishments. :)
~Lynda (aka KraftyKatLady)
"But there's so many ""FREE"" patterns and tutorials! Can I claim those?"The answer is NO. Granted the internet is FULL of free patterns, tutorials and images but that does not give us the right to "copy" the work and claim it as our own. Someone created that design, and they should get the credit. You just simply state where you got the pattern from.
Many designers offer free patterns or tutorials to help increase your skills, promote sales, businesses, etc. This should be taken into account that just because it's "free" doesn't mean it's free for the taking.
"So what do I do if I find a pattern I like but have no way of knowing who the designer is?"
There are a few options, but here's what I found is best. First, do a Google search on the image to see if you can locate the "original source". Sometimes that can be tedious work, but it's better to take the time to do that rather than later become accused of theft or plagiarism.
Another thing to try if that fails is to ask around. If you're in special groups or have friends who do the same type of crafting as you, don't be afraid to ask. No question is ever a stupid question, and if anything you may be more respected because you choose to do things the right way. Chances are, someone out there knows the answer you're looking for.
Finally, if all else fails and you still want to do the project and post a photo, state clearly where you found the project along with a link to where you got it from. Also mention that the designer's name is unclear and that as soon as you know who it is, you will give them the proper credit.
"Do I have to buy a special program to watermark my photos?"
No. The internet provides many free programs for computers and smartphones where you can edit your images and add a watermark. Windows Paint Program will also do the job sufficiently. I personally use Pixlr and have had no problems with it as of yet.
I hope this information has helped many of you, especially if you are new to the crafting world. Enjoy what you make and be proud of your accomplishments. :)
~Lynda (aka KraftyKatLady)
