Monday, January 19, 2015

But that's MY design....


Two interesting discussions on my email lists last week about quilters who were hurt, angry and/or confused about how other people responded to their work.

Quilter A wrote that she published a pattern for a quilt design that she has made several times; it's been selling well on Craftsy.  But a local quilt shop advertised her design as its block of the month, mentioning that they got the photo from Pinterest and made their own pattern from it "based on a quilt made by Quilter A in 2002."

Quilter A contacted the shop owner, said there is indeed a pattern, and would they please have their students buy the pattern if they want to make the block.  The shop owner refused and things got ugly.

Quilter B wrote that she just got an email from somebody who saw a photo of her quilt on Pinterest and fell in love with it.  What kind of fabric did she use?  "I intend to make it and would find it helpful if I had a starting point in my quest for the fabric."

Quilter B didn't know what to do next.  "I can't decide if I should laugh? be angry? or feel honored that she likes it that much?  I am at a loss for words."  A complicating factor: the Pinterest photo has been pinned and repinned many times over the last several years, usually identified as having been made by somebody other than Quilter B.

I was struck by the two unrelated tales and realized there is a wide gulf in expectations and understanding between people who make original designs and people who generally work from other people's designs.  And there's also a gulf among the people who make original designs!  Some of those people want to monetize their designs and techniques, through patterns, workshops, books, etc.  Some are happy to share their designs and techniques, even without getting money for it.  But other people are jealous of their designs and techniques, getting upset and offended if somebody wants to make copies or attempt the same technique or even take a picture.

Now think of the other group -- people who don't make original designs.  How are they to know which kind of person they're dealing with when they see a quilt they like?  Is this a quilt they're allowed and encouraged to copy, or one they mustn't touch with a ten-foot pole?  The presence of a dollar sign and the word "pattern" or "kit" is a clue, but not always.  And some people may not even realize that a quiltmaker regards her work as original art, rather than just a nice piece of handmade decor.  They may not even realize there is a certain etiquette regarding original designs, let alone understand the nuances of that etiquette.

Of course, the unindicted co-conspirator in both these stories is Pinterest, but we might equally blame Google images.  I bet we have all found our own work pinned to somebody else's board, or popping up when we google some other artist.  Often the work is not identified (it should be a felony to post photos with the remark "oh I forgot to note who made this") or is wrongly identified.  The only absolutely certain way to maintain control over the images of your work is to never photograph it yourself or take it out in public.

Since I am one of those people who am happy to share, and am not trying to make a living from my art, I am not qualified to chime in on Quilter A's dilemma above.  But I do have strong opinions about Quilter B's.  Some of the email list folks suggested that she ignore the request, or respond with some degree of asperity.  But I think it's better to be as gracious as possible.  I suggested that Quilter B say I can't remember what fabrics I used, it's been so long, and there's no pattern, since it's an original design, but you can certainly experiment with the concept, and good luck with it!

When faced with people who apparently don't understand the rules of etiquette that you and your pals live by, I think the best approach is to give them the benefit of the doubt, respond cheerfully, BUT ALSO educate them about that etiquette.  So Quilter B can tactfully mention in passing things like "this is an original design" and "I'd appreciate it if you would mention my name as inspiration."

For quilt artists who actively post their own work on blogs or Pinterest or other social media, I think it's also a good idea to be clear about your expectations.  If you truly don't want anybody to copy or riff on your designs, then you can watermark your photos and slap copyright notices and nasty language all over the place.  (Not that it's going to stop everybody, but your lawyer might be glad for the additional evidence if you end up in court.)  But if you are willing to share, then say so prominently and frequently.  When I did corporate communication for a living, all my publications had a note at the end reading "Copyright MY COMPANY.  You are welcome to reprint short quotations or extracts from this material with credit given to MY COMPANY."

I don't have a similar note on my blog, but I have said many times in describing my designs and techniques that I am happy to have you use my ideas and suggestions.  Go ahead and make a quilt that uses my techniques or looks like my quilt (just don't enter it in a big show as your own original design), but I hope you will make it three times, because by then it will stop looking like a Kathy quilt and start looking like  your quilt.  Mention my name as your inspiration if you are so inclined; send me a picture so I can see what you did and I can be proud of you.

Here's a bunch of quilts from a workshop I just taught in Boston.  They all sort of look like "Kathy quilts" but already they have moved on to reflect their maker's personality.




11 comments:

  1. I really appreciate discussions like this as I am a new textile artist, both seeking inspiration online AND creating my own original work. I think your approach makes sense. Thanks for a thoughtful exploration of some of the issues and responses. Do you teach in Louisville. I'd love to take one of your classes. I'm headed to the basement (studio) this morning to figure out how to make those skinny pieced curved lines in my work.

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    1. Vickie -- whenever I teach public workshops I will mention it in a sidebar on the right-hand column of the blog. Nothing scheduled in the Louisville area right now. You might check out my blog post from April 15, 2010, a tutorial on piecing very skinny lines.

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  2. Why one of the struggling quilt magazines hasn't picked you up to write a regular column I can't imagine. You are a wonderful writer and your opinions are well thought out and relevant. I love visiting here to read what you are pondering.

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    1. Thank you so much for your very kind words. I suspect none of the magazines would like me as a columnist because I'd rather make people think than make them feel good. But feel free to recommend me to any editors you know and love.

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  3. I think it is a risk to put a quilt on internet. If somebody wants to make a quilt in your style, it really should be nice to mention the name of the quilter who inspired you.
    The picture of the workshop makes me happy because I'll see you in April.

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  4. I went to your 2010 tutorial on piecing in very skinny lines, which as you know I do myself. Reading it I found I had a tip or two to add, and a statement of yours to refute - so I as the comment I had been going to leave got rather lengthy despite editing, I decided it should be a post on my own blog, http://www.alisonschwabe.com/weblog/?p=2959 where it grew into the evolution of strips as a design element in my own work - but yes, includes the hints and other comment I had planned to leave there at the end of the article.

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  5. I love how happy the women are in the photo. Testament to a great workshop from YOU. And thanks for the thoughts on design rights.

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  6. Kathy - you've addressed some complex issues in a thoughtful and considerate manner.

    As for Quilter A: I do wonder how 'original' her design might have been if there are variations floating around on Pinterest. If it's got any basis in traditional patchwork or applique patterns, then it's likely that she, in turn, has been inspired by those who have been before her. If she's trying to earn income from her pattern making, it can be irritating and upsetting to believe that others are ripping off her work, and it was the right thing for her to do to take it up directly with the people involved. If the design truly is unique and original, then perhaps commencing legal action might be the way for her to proceed.

    Megan
    Sydney, Australia

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  7. Wow, thanks for this wonderful Post!!! I worked as a Designer, now i have Designers work for me. So i know many of these discussions. I decided that a good Feedback is something you should be proud of. And Even a copy is a Kind (very Special) of Feedback. Staying gentle and kind brings the best results at the end. My opinion. Best wishes from Germany

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  8. It's really fascinating to follow this discussion from a different point of view - an architect. It's not terribly uncommon for people to see a house or building they love and copy it, or hire a designer, drafter, or architect to copy it for them, without really thinking twice. There's really nothing we can do about it except try to educate people (or engage in ridiculously expensive and probably pointless lawsuits). Seeing as I long ago gave up trying to protect my copyright to architectural designs, I can't imagine trying to protect an arrangement of colored fabrics being sewn together...... Just sayin'.

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  9. I appreciate your humble insight and polite discourse.

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