long and unpleasant
It’s horribly awkward and distasteful to talk about and I hate doing it here - but in terms of recourse this is really all I’ve got.
My birds are being produced and sold in Australia. Not by me, without my permission and until a couple days ago, without my knowledge. There are minor differences in the details but it is unmistakably my pattern. This is one of the offenders.
I inquired with the parties responsible who shall remain unnamed for the moment ( I’m still thinking about that one and also want to give them every opportunity to correct the situation without any unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment). They deny copying and they claim the similarities are just a coincidence. In an email responding to my inquiry they offered a vague story of how they came up with their pattern. They also reported that they followed the links to my websites that I provided and acknowledged that upon seeing ( they inferred it was for the first time) my birds that they are ” exceptionally similar ” but maintained it is simply a coincidence.
I suppose technically that’s possible, but pretty unlikely - here’s why :
* In December of 2006 they purchased one of my birds at The Johnson Shop in New York.
* The pattern they are using does not deviate from the pattern of the bird they purchased at Johnson at all, not one iota, including my very particular method of making wings and a slightly different tail pattern than the one I use now. It’s not really a sensible way to make the tail and I only used it on a couple birds including the bird they purchased. Sure enough “their” pattern uses that tail.
* In their response to me they not only did not mention the purchase but inferred they had never seen my birds before.
* They copied my little name tags too.
So, coincidence? I don’t think so .
There are plenty of people out there making birds, making them well and in their own distinct way : abby glassenberg, stephanie barnes, tamar mogendorff, florence forrest, and lauri faggioni are a few I admire. None of their birds or patterns are exactly like mine or each others .
I did not seek these women out and I take no pleasure in embarrasing or discrediting them. This was brought to my attention by a number of emails I received letting me know my pattern was being used. I think these are talented and creative people who made a mistake, an error in judgment and they should make it right. I’ve looked at as much of their other work as I could find as well as photos they sent me -its lovely- really elegant and unique and I wish them lots of luck with it - but hands off my birds.
October 6th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Oh, how awful! Unfortunately, this sort of thing seems to be happening more and more, from copying web design to outright stealing someone’s artwork for their own commercial use (!), and it makes me feel in turns sad and angry. I hope they do the right thing, but you may end up having to play hardball in the end. Best of luck, Ann!
October 6th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I would say you’ve hit the nail on the head—no matter what vague, coincidental story they put out. If it’s any consolation, their quality does not look as fine as yours.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Ann, I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. The world is not so large as some people might think! I hope it all ends well without putting you through too much turmoil. In my mind, no one could duplicate your fine feathered friends.
October 6th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Yuck, yuck, yuck; what a truly unpleasant situation to be put in. Best of luck working this out. To me, your work is still unique!
October 6th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Poor you! ~Don’t be so nice! They have blatantly copied YOUR creative work & seem to think they can get away with it! - it is unfair - I have come accross this SO many times before being an agent for creative designers. Pursue and name - It is your work - go for it & get them stopped! All the best - i know it’s hard going! It can be done - I know!
October 6th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Ann, I’m so sorry that you are having to tackle this kind of situation. I hope you are able to resolve this with as much grace and level-headedness as you’ve shown in this post. I’m usually less than patient with people, but there is something to be said about accepting that people make mistakes, even terribly blatant ones, and giving them the opportunity to correct them.
October 6th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I’m currently taking a class on copyright issues in the art world…this stuff happens often and is hard to stop. Hopefully they will stop making them just by you mentioning it here in your blog. Shame them into stopping, honestly,. there’s actually not much else you can do except the costly legal route.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
This is so sad. I understand be inspired by another’s work, but blatantly ripping off is another thing all together. Hopefully you will be able to resolve this situation in a manner that will bring you some peace.
Best, Sarah
October 6th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Isn’t it a shame that people can’t come up with their own ideas? Your birds are so unique and you are right - that one looks like yours except you are a better seamstress! I hope they do the right thing and stop selling theirs.
October 6th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
bird stealing is not nice. Scott and I are behind you 110%.
October 6th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
So rude. I hope they are embarrassed into ceasing production of their birds. Imitation and flattery be damned.
October 6th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Can you post their website. That way your fan base could bombard them with messages! This is an absolute outrage
October 6th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Hi Ann,
I’ve been popping by your blog from time to time, because I am an admire of your work as a fellow toys artist. I’m flattered that you have noticed me and placed my work in such fine company.
As you might know, I’m from Australia and I have recently seen these birds: one in a magazine (Inside Out - October 07) and in a shop, could be the one in the picture as they were also in a bird cage as in the picture. When I first saw the bird in the magazine I thought it was yours and was taken aback when I read the name. I hadn’t heard of it before. I was secondly very surprising to see it them turn up in a shop/gallery in Brisbane too, with another magazine article open with the birds in…..hmmm.
My good friend Liana Kabel, who makes contemporary plastic jewellery has a copycat who’s even tried to have her work sold in the same shops as stock her work n Brisbane (home town) and around Australia. Most of which those stores/galleries refused…..some those who know of her work but didn’t stock it bought the (very inferiour) copies, because Liana’s work has reached a high level of popularity and sells well. Her copycat no doubt would tell the same sort of wishy washy story as yours have.
I find these copycats don’t realise how small the design world is now with the internet…getting away with “borrowing” that really great design, isn’t going as un-noticed as it once might have.
My mother has worked designing in the craft world for over 20 years and she says that there is a huge problem with copying in the crafts as people just don’t see that they are doing anything wrong. This is were the concept of the design is so crucial, for it is our bread and butter and is what we have worked so hard to develop over all these thankless years. It’s good that the craft/arts begin to behave with the same responsiblities that operate within the rest of the arts, as this is the way to build and protect careers and the creative principle. There is nothing more noble than to acknowlegde your sources, to give your predecessors their due and comit yourself to finding a unique path and vision.
May the impostures be found out.
Your reputation and the proof of your long standing work can easily be discovered, that is at least something that they cannot take from you and makes it all the more difficult for them to denign you.
Very much with you in spirit.
xx
October 7th, 2007 at 1:48 am
It is always so terrible to hear stories like this, and I’m so sorry you are having to deal with such a frustrating situation. I hope that the impostors decide to do the right thing.
I have been an admirer of your work for some time, and I am sure, that even if these sad people continue to do the wrong thing, no knock off, no matter how well crafted, can take the place of an original. When I get married someday, I intend to purchase an original!
Best of luck, and I hope this situation gets resolved quickly for you.
October 7th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Thank you for sharing this experience as it is indeed helpful for other makers to know - your level-headed response to this copying is something valuable.
I personally would find no joy whatsoever in copying someone else’s design exactly. For profit, or otherwise. The great joy in making is holding your own thought process in your hands, so to speak.
Your birds are superb tiny works and I have actually stayed up late at night to try to purchase one (as I am in the UK) - but have yet to succeed!
October 7th, 2007 at 5:38 am
Oh darling, I am so sorry to hear this.
And deeply ashamed that the culprit is from Oz.
Tell us her name, and we’ll go round and knock her block off.
October 7th, 2007 at 5:56 am
The little red bird I bought from you sits above me watching me as I work. And is silently weeping at the continued ’similarities’ going unchecked, and artists without voice. There is nothing anyone can say that will bring you consolation - your art has been violated.
And people will notice.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:08 am
How incredibly frustrating - and how fair of you to not name the person, although I am sure you have the absolute right of it and it soundas if they thoroughly deserve exposing. One does get to know one’s little trademarks and I would recognise your particular style anywhere. I’m not sure how copyright works on this, because they seem to have been canny enough to make some little changes. Keep us updated, you are not alone.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Yikes, this made me feel a bit ill. I don’t think theirs is close to yours in quality though. I hope this passes quickly and you feel it’s resolved positively.
October 7th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Ann, I think it’s wonderful that you have the composure to be so professional about this. I’ll go ahead and say what everyone’s thinking: This is RIDICULOUS!
How dare these people blatantly copy your design and think that they can get away with it because they’re on another continent? BOO! Bad girls! They will pay a heavy karmic debt for this nonsense.
They should pay you for use of the pattern, give you the profits from the birds already sold, pay you for the buzz generated in the magazine article, and cease and desist immediately. Oh, and ADMIT WHAT THEY DID and APOLOGIZE profusely.
I have some other choice words for this tomfoolery, but as it’s Sunday I’ll hold my tongue. Good luck with this. Nothing but a swift resolution on your terms will be acceptable.
October 7th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
This is awful! If it is any consolation, their birds do not look nearly as warm and artful as yours. I have one of your ships hanging in my room (Pollyanna) and it puts a smile on my face every morning! Good luck in this unfortunate matter.
October 7th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Wrong is wrong–that is all there is to it.
I have been involved in the same and strongly suggest that the cuprits be outed, legal action begun, and all magazines and shop selling the product be demanded to make an immediate printed apology, and the birds in the shops be returned to you as soon as possible.
Although at times difficult and time-consuming, I prevailed over a horrible woman who repeatedly stole ideas, presenting misleading information as to the origins of the product, made shoddy product, fled over state lines a few times, and refused to pay anyone ever involved with her. Her major catalogue suppliers and handmade show promoters were informed and hounded repeatedly with the evidence of her mis-doings. Legal action, as simple as filing in each municipality where the infractions have occured can yield positive results.
In this wonderful international group of admirers and artists there must be good people who can lend their professional expertise to assist you in a positive course of action. I can certainly help, Ann.
Let’s all help Ann to preserve her extraordinary product, her livelihood, and her integrity! Speak out against the wrong-doing!
October 7th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Hang in Ann. I’m so sorry you are experiencing this, but thanks for sharing it here with such grace. It’s important for people to know that this is unacceptable and that with the “small world” of the internet, people can no longer get away with knocking off someone else’s designs. Your birds are still yours ~ While the ones they are making may “look” exactly like your birds, they do not at all, have the wonderful feeling that yours have. And that is something that can NEVER be replicated, no matter how hard they try.
October 7th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
I am a long-time reader of your blog and admirer of your lovely birds! It makes me very, very sad and upset that someone would steal your ideas and market them as their own! I have been hearing a increasing amount of problems associated with product/idea theft and it is just disgusting that people would steal ideas and concepts from someone else and reproduce them exactly. So sad.
You are dealing with this so graciously though–an example to us all!! I hope that you will be able to work through this and the people in question will cease their harmful and underhanded copying.
October 7th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I still like yours better and would love to sell a few of them in The Shiny squirrel if you were ever interested. I am sorry to see people blatently copying your patterns and ideas.
October 8th, 2007 at 5:27 am
Hi Ann, I`m so sorry about it, it`s a difficult situation for you….
I think that if you are a talented person, doing preety, charmy and special stuff, it`s easy that someone who hasn`t got so much talent ,and of couse either ethic, try to make it`s bussiness with other`s. This only says good things about you and bad about them.
“Their bird” could be done with every step you make, but it has no charm, because it has had not your hands making it, you taste, your care.
Today, when I have entered your site I have think: great! new post so new bird! But when the picture has loaded has been a little deception, because it was not a bird as beauty as I expected. Then I have read the post and understand everything!
I now that it`s very annoying to see that someone it`s making money with your work, without telling you nothing, without accepting that the pattern and the idea its yours. “Fight” with them as much as you want, but don`t forget that they`ll NEVER make this birds with personality, as you do.
Good luck!!!
PD: I want to see a post with an Ann Wood bird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(what I really want is to have one but I`m always late…)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Hi,
What a pity! I don’t know if those birds (they really don’t have the charm of yours!) are sold in a real boutique or only in Internet on the website of the copycat.
If they are sold in a boutique you should contact the boutique and tell them your story because the seller is also concerned, he could be in trouble if he sells something which is a copy of an original creation. Moreover, you could also prepare a kind of press release and send it to the design/fashion press in Australia and main design shops, they have to know that YOU created the birds.
Internet is so great but it’s also considered like a kind of big free shop where everyone can take everything, it’s a real problem for designers and artists. I don’t know if you have a way to protect your creations (in France we have a company which can register all the creations, the concepts and then if you have any problem you can proove that you had the original idea), may be it could be a goog thing. Your creations and your universe are so special, so refined, so beautiful… Don’t let people without imagination and inspiration earn money with your ideas!
Good luck and all the best.
October 8th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Ugh! I’m sorry that you have to deal with this, it’s a headache that no one ever asks for. I hope that the situation is resolved in the easiest manner possible.
I look forward to checking your blog daily to see each of your amazing creations!
October 8th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
that is just SHADY!!!!!!!!!!!
October 8th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Oh no! I am so so sorry to hear of this. I love your site and have been setting aside the change from my pockets daily in the hopes of buying one of your precious lovely birds for my birthday later this year. I would never consider another bird! It is your talent that makes them so wonderful (and I could go on and on about your ships……). As unpleasant as it may be, I hope that you can find the time and energy to pursue this matter and make them STOP. This must be so hard, to find something so dear to you being passed off (and quite badly too) as someone else’s original idea. Argh…..know that we’re all with you in solidarity on this. Chin up, it will get better. Nicole
October 8th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
I am so sorry this has happened to you!
I actually had never seen your birds until I recieved a commission for wedding birds - - the potential customer sent me pictures of your birds, asking me to make a pair like them - instead of like my own! I couldn’t believe that someone who obviously supports the indie craft world would ask an artist to outright copy another. When I refused, I never heard back. Was it really that much of a surprise that one artist wouldn’t do that to another??
I would be so upset if I found out someone was ripping off something I have been working on for years now (though I do often worry about it).
I think your response to this copycat shows that you are such a strong person. I hope they get what they deserve. And I hope that others can see this and realise that in this small niche of handmade, we need to support eachother, not steal.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
I am so sorry that you are going through this. You are handling this much better than I would, I think.
October 9th, 2007 at 1:47 am
in kansas city, not a few shops have signs posted on their doors telling ‘hallmarkers’ that they are not welcome in the shop and to go knock someone else’s work off. (hallmark is based in kansas city)
inspiration is one thing, but a complete rip off is just not. i love your work. i found via flickr. it’s wonderful.
October 9th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
All of what you’ve described is awful, but this is the bit that I think is just horrid:
“* They copied my little name tags too.”
That’s just beyond bad: that’s akin to identity theft, and I think that’s just wicked. For shame.
[Commenting on a comment above, I have a confession to make - until I started making things myself, I don’t think I would have quite understood that asking one artist to copy another’s work was wrong. I mean, I would have understood it to be in poor taste, but I’m not sure I would have understood that the request was intrinsically A Very Bad Idea. As unpleasant as this experience has been, you’ve done a very good job at stating your case in a way that will both educate those who are ignorant of their errors and serve as notice to those who are willfully taking advantage. Well done, Ann.]
October 9th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Maybe you could work with an Intellectual Property (IP) attorney to try and protect your design. Your particular design for the inner structure might be patentable and you may be able to enforce copyright claims on aspects of the outer design and tags/labels. You’ve probably already gotten this far, but for those artists that could use a starting point, they could start with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (www.vlany.org), for example.
http://www.vlany.org/resources/index.php#copyright
October 9th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
In certain areas I feel ‘Copying is the highest form of flattery’, but not in art, especially if one then puts ones own name on the art. This happened to me a number of years ago, when I was making jewelry in the late 80’s. I wrote letters, I told others, I did all I could think of to make them stop, but they persisted. The one consolation I had was that I knew I could always be a step ahead of them, and create something new and different! Ultimately they disappeared, but I remember being so angry and upset in the moment. Remember your talent and take that to heart! No one can steal who you are or what you will become!!! Good luck, and I wouldn’t be afraid of telling others who they are, so your customers are better warned!
October 9th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
The world needs more Ann Wood birds, but this is not the answer. Good luck in resolving this. It makes my stomach hurt thinking about it.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:21 am
I had to comment and just say to hang in there. I am sorry you are dealing with this, it is no fun. You might want to have a lawyer draft a letter to them. Best.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:30 am
I think you should name them and shame them.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:38 am
sounds like someone has their panties in a twist!
October 10th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
So sorry to see this Anne, I imagine copying to be an enormous problem and of course people can say that it is merely coincedence. However it would seem that in this case you actually have the proof that this is an outright copy. Wish I had practical advise to offer re intellectual property but unfortunatley I don’t and of course legal intervention can be expensive. I know it isn’t any consolation but the bird pictured really is a cheap and shoddy imitation of yours noone who had seen your work would see it for anything other than a cheap copy.
Best of luck with stopping this person.
October 11th, 2007 at 6:33 am
Hi Ann, i’ve had something similar (but not nearly as bad) happen to me, and i know the sick, awful feeling you would be experiencing. Its so unoriginal and unprofessional, just pathetic. They should be made to stop. I live in Australia, and saw the magazine the other day. I was so excited to see ‘your’ birds, and was shocked to see that someone else was making them. Upon looking at the photo, they are not nearly as beautiful as your birds, but i know thats not really the issue. Sorry you are going through this. Renee x
October 11th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
depressing. i love your ships and birds. the fact that you make an income crafting these beautiful things is a great inspiration to me. it makes me sad that another crafter/artist would interfere when it’s artists like yourself that are paving the way in my opinion.
i was just talking with a friend recently about how trusting, and supportive and generous the crafting/blogging community is and how amazing it is to be a part of it, but now i’m feeling a little let down, like somebody just crossed an uncrossable line.
i’ve started my own softie making recently (i’m a total novice) but i intend for my work to come from my heart and be distinct and different from those i admire. if it turned out the same or too close i’d be sad but i’d just start over again from the beginning. finding your own thing that comes from your own heart is part of the fun.
anyways, good luck sorting this out. i can’t imagine that the copy cats will continue doing what they’re doing after they see your post and all these comments. steady on!
October 11th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Ann, as a proud owner of one of your birds and my sis owning one that I got for her, I can only say that it stinks out loud that some individuals would think so little of stealing someone else’s imagination and creativity and pass it off as their own. Keep doing what you are doing and I trust that things will catch up with them. I think you handled things gracefully…I will treasure my little birdie even more. Best wishes for continued success and know that your fans and admirers will support you and YOUR birds only!
xoxo Nina 
October 12th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Ann, I have read your blog for a long time and followed your work. I never have commented, but have to say something here to let you know how horrible I feel for you. A good friend of mine had the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston actually rip off her design and make her tiny clay finger puppets for their shop after she decided to quit doing business with them.
Pretty sad state of affairs. I am very sorry this is happening to you.
Best wishes,
susan
October 13th, 2007 at 7:28 am
absolutely hire a lawyer (if possible) who will send them a cease and desist letter. if they don’t oblige, sue them! i hate that this is an international issue.
October 13th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I just discovered your blog and read with great sadness about your work being ripped off. I had a 7 year battle with a major corporation who quite literally stole my copyrighted and design patent children’s item and produced it for sale in the retail market. I actually took them to court and the jury was out for 5 days…..and I lost….they changed the item so slightly as to make it enough for the jury to not find in my favor which I must say we all were incredulous that I didn’t win.
It was an awful disheartening experience and left me reeling about our judicial system for artists, but one thing I have learned. “In a world full of copies, here’s to the originals”.
If I can be of any assistance to you please do not hesitate to e mail me and I would be glad to give you more details of what happened. My advice is to move on and don’t dwell on the negative. Your birds are charming, I collect vintage wedding cake toppers of bride and grooms, so I just love yours. The copiers will disappear eventually because they have no original concepts. They are like a vampire, they need our creative “blood ” to exist. How sad and pathetic.
Take care and keep moving forward in a positive way and don’t let the turkeys get you down.
best, carol eldridge, designer and originator
October 14th, 2007 at 7:35 am
I think you should name them so we know not to buy from them and boycot them in anyway possible this is just outright nasty! Let lost of people know who the rip off artists are and shame on them for lying about it for that they deserve to be named and shamed. Im sorry but this makes me really angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
October 14th, 2007 at 11:37 am
i have been a fan of your blog and art for a while and i am also so sorry that this is happening to you. your graceful way of dealing with a dreadful situation is as inspiring as your beautifully detailed and uniquely handcrafted works of art. i see that there is great support for your cause here, and i want more people to know this is happening. maybe it would help if we all posted a link to this post to spread the word and discredit the awful copycats. i send you best wishes for a positive outcome.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Ann, I totally feel for you and although I work in a totally different area of the art/craft world to you, I too have been affected by copyright breeches on more than one occassion - it kind of gives you a BIG lump in the throat. I was so upset with one particular case that I felt that I had no option but to fight it legally (In Australia)……my advise, think carefully before doing that. It cost me heaps and really didn’t get me anywhere. The answer sadly, is use the power of the press or in this case….word of mouth, internet or what ever it takes to shame them. No-one likes bad press and a bad reputation sticks.
Good luck sweety!!
October 16th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Undeniable yours!
Good for you to take stand and nip it in the bud. Good for you to tell it like it is. You said it clearly professionally and honestly.
I HOPE THE PERSON RESPONDS and STOPS COPYING your creative charming artwork!
October 16th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Wow I would be pretty ticked off too. I hope they are embarassed.
October 17th, 2007 at 9:30 am
I second Shulas comment, it is a terrible shame and embarrasement that this is happening from Australia, I have been admiring your birds for so long and can’t imagine how hurtful this must have been to find out. I wish you all the best in dealing with it and hope that these people fix thier mistake and wrong doings.
October 17th, 2007 at 9:53 am
I just read about what happed to you via, meet me at mikes. It is so sad to find that someone is copying your work. It is for that reason why I am apprehensive at posting in detail any current projects or future projects. I don’t want that to happen to me one day!
I really hope they stop and if they don’t you should tell us, so the craft world can send them an email telling them exactly what we think!!!
October 17th, 2007 at 11:11 am
I know I’m very late commenting on this, but I just wanted to throw another voice of support for you in there. You have really handled this with grace and I greatly hope that they are (or have) ceased production of these and instead are trying to do their own thing.
October 17th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Dear Ann,
I am terribly sorry that this is happening to you.
I came across your birds a few months ago when I was first starting to plan my wedding. I immediately fell in love with your birds and topppers - so much so, that I would love to order a bunch as wedding favors! But that’s a different story.
My best advice is to hang in there and keep your head high. In the end, everyone gets what they deserve. I would, however, encourage you to contact the magazine that published the pictures as well as the retailers. They should be made aware of the situation.
I think the comments on this blog are a good example of how much you are esteemed in the art world. Hopefully, this will not deter you and we will soon be able to enjoy more of your beautiful work.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Ann
This must break your heart. We see it more and more often in the craft world, unfortunately. That what brings us all together to share, i.e. the internet, can also work against us!
I sell on Etsy and see it all the time there. Sometimes the original item shown right underneath an imposter.
My best wishes are with you and I hope those that so blatantly copy your designs sleep at night.
Stacey
October 17th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Hello Ann, greetings from Darwin (right up the top of Australia). We hear you all the way down here, i just don’t get it, where is the satisfaction in being original and unique. Why do they have to do birds?? Why not a different animal, i mean, there is a lot of work in your birds, surely transfer that effort to a different animal. Or do necklaces, brooches, anything but the stand alone bird?? At least you know you are creative & not boring!! Love Posie
October 17th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I don’t know how these people can sleep at night…seriously..however talented you might be with a sewing machine, if you copy..you’re NOT REAL! They’re fake, wannabe artists. Only in it for the money and not for the passion. Sorry but it makes my blood boil. It’s hard enough for artists not always being able to protect yourself with copyright etc, involving high costs etc. Knowing there are people that rip you off is the worst thing…these birds are made with passion, something those copycats will never understand. Greetz, Bianca (Melbourne, Australia)
October 18th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
oh dear not another copycat…this is about the third time in a few months I’ve heard of this in blogland…why can’t people just sit down and be creative instead of copying someone elses work and what a liar to have purchased the pattern and then deny they have copied
I think you have been very restrained but hope you out them some time soon…..
Corrie:)
October 19th, 2007 at 11:38 am
That’s awful. It’s bad enough when hobbyists come into my husband’s booth (he’s a professional artisan) at shows and tell us they want to take pictures so they can build things themselves at home. But having your work stolen and reproduced like that. It would be nice to think that they just didn’t realize how wrong it was. But since it’s in Australia, they probably just never thought they would get caught.
Your work is so unique, it’s a shame to see people so blatantly stealing your ideas.
October 19th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
how awful… i hope it gets sorted. x
October 21st, 2007 at 12:27 am
Dear Ann,
I am a new admirer of yours and find your work inspiring and compelling in every way. I think its awful that his had happened and the offenders are “playing dumb”-your exposure of the situation was the right move, and I think you will stay on top and continue to thrive through your strong ability and creative heart.
Don’t let them drag you down, the bird is yours and your admirers support the truth.
Best to you ,
Sara/Muk designs
p.s.
on another note, I am glad to know of the other artists you list-I adore every one’s pieces-and am motivated to work harder by seeing what genius exists in the broad world of fiber creature art (you included)
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:57 am
Hi! I am from Australia. I saw the birds you design being sold at a store just down the road from me. The ‘Cherry Blossom’ in Paddington, Brisbane. They are an ethical organisation and it is awful to think that they are selling your birds. I sent them an email but you may wish to contact them yourself. Their website is: http://www.urbangrind.com.au/paddington/cherry-blossom/
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:14 am
Hi Ann,
I’m Rachel, the owner of Cherry Blossom in Paddington mentioned above. Firstly, I had completely no idea the birds were copies and I’m so sorry. The shop is not open today but I will take them off the shelves tomorrow. Obviously I need to contact the girls and have a talk to them about all of this.
Thank you Shirin for emailing me today with this info.
Please contact me Ann if you would like to discuss this more.
Your work is beautiful and it is a shame that I’m here on your blog for all the wrong reasons.
Rachel
October 22nd, 2007 at 5:06 am
You know I have been thinking about what happed to you all week. I have some ideas that we can all use, but rely on the customers help too.
one
Number each of your items with a note saying go to www.xxxxxx.com to verify your purchase is not a fake. Once the customer arrived at the sight they would then input their item number which would be automatically checked against your records on you computer or website.
I am not sure exactly how this would be done, but I am sure I computer programmer would know. Maybe a friend can help out with this.
Another option (and easier) would be to list all the stores you sell your goods too. Customers can then check to make sure what that got was the real thing.
October 22nd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
There is a girl in my city who organised a market which stallholders paid a high price to attend. She particularly liked one of the items one of the stallholders was selling. So she got her patternmaker to copy the design exactly and then sold it alongside the first stallholder. It only confirmed the impression others have of her as an aggressively competitive person in an otherwise friendly and sharing field of creative women. What goes around comes around. I also think that coming from a place where you are always watching the competition and wanting a slice of their pie is a very unpleasant frame of mind to operate in. Enjoy your talent and your creative inspiration and take heart that you are probably a much happier person than the people who blantantly copy you.
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:41 am
As someone who set up her first crafts and zines fair last weekend, I hate to think of copy cats. I get alot of joy out of my own crafting and in providing a space for others to expand their market. There is so much inspiration out there (especially with the internet, let’s face it), I find it hard to believe someone would need to copy…
Cate
Melbourne, Australia
October 30th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Ann. This is heartbreaking and I’m sorry there are such miserable creatures in the world who feel justified in stealing and copying your art. As the proud owner of “Ted” I can assure you that nothing comes close to the love and artistry you produce in your birds. We all support you!!
October 31st, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, but a great deal of the value in your birds is that they’re made by you. The provenance of an Ann Wood bird is the value and anything else is just second rate. I’ve been too slow to click, but will hang in there because I covet one of your birds, not just any bird.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Hi Ann,
I feel compelled to write to you, I have 2 stores in Melbourne, Australia and have been selling the ‘fake’ birds, unaware that they were a copy of your original. Since realising, we have stopped buying them from the girls making them, and would like to apologise to you.
I am going through a similar situation at the moment with a women blatantly copying my work, it is not a nice situation.
There is so much amazing craft happening out there, the work of all you bloggers astounds me, I just wish I had the time to do it myself.
Please contact me if you wish, maybe we could start stocking the real thing?
we import a lot of product from the states, and wouls love to have some of your birds.
regards
cathy hope
November 12th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
wow.
this is so disheartening.
you are so diplomatic and kind about it as well…
i think you should contact an attorney, really.
just my opinion.
i love your birds and ships, i think they are so magical and sweet.
i wish you the best of luck.
November 13th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
OK, I’m trying so hard right now not to get all worked up, but I can’t help it…..Ann, please keep us posted as to how this develops. I know this post has been out there for a while, but I just came upon it yesterday, and I was P*$$#D OFF when I read it. I admire your tact in not naming the copycat, but if this person and the company who manufactured your birds does not cease and desist, I strongly urge you to name ‘em and shame ‘em, as an example to others who think they can get away with their “I’m all the way on the other side of the world and she’ll never find out about it” mentality. Believe me, they will do it to someone else. They are not innocent: they knew exactly where their “inspiration” came from, it was no coincidence.
Copying from other artists and crafters (without permission nor credit) is crossing the line, and just plain evil and lacking imagination. One of the many things I love about the blogs is that credit is given for inspiration, props to all the wonderful artists who turn us all on. I was wondering how long it would be before this sacred blog world would be infiltrated by manufacturers….we all have to keep our eyes and ears tuned in…I applaud you for keeping your cool.
Don’t be afraid to “out” this copycat, because chances are, they’ve done it before and they’ll do it again…..and word will get out. We all stand behind you, Ann.
November 20th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Oh my goodness how sad. I feel really quite upset that it is australians causing you grief. I make little birds myself but nothing like yours, I found your site just now after following a whole bunch of links but Im just in awe of your amazing work.
The internet is a funny thing, I do alot of paintings with reference to my culture and spiritual background, but I am terrified of posting them on the net in case they should appear as a print on a teatowel or posted around the place.
There is so much that we put into our creations, our little hearts and souls, if only people could respect that.
I hope that it has been resolved for you successfully…and Im about to bookmark your blog because its just so yummy
xxx
November 28th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
This is sad! I’m sorry about this. When I was at Dutch Design Week in 2006, I had so many of the students exhibiting their in the graduation galleries talk to me about the photos I was taking - what my intentions were, why, why, why. I had to talk to over 100 students that day explaining I was there for a magazine called Domino covering the event for something I was working on for their website. 75% never heard of the magazine and the other 25% had but didn’t care. They were so concerned about their ideas, their products, being produced in China and sold around the world before they could bat an eyelash. So many expressed that they know of other students that have had this happen - by the time an event ended, their items had been ripped off and duplicated by factories in China. I was horrified because there wasn’t much anyone could do about it.
I feel that this is the side to being on the internet that as an artist, writer, etc. we almost have to be willing to accept. It’s ugly, it’s the under belly, but also it’s what gave you so much popularity and an ability to test your goods before a market of shoppers that you would not have had otherwise. I’ve tried to buy a bird from you, it’s impossible, and I’ve been trying for over a year. I love your work, it’s wonderful. But again, it’s on the web and unless you have a copyright on your pattern, it’s tricky. Even then, they could alter their pattern just a bit and claim it as their own. They do not live in the United States right? Even harder.
In the end, awareness is the only thing that will help. Making your buyers aware is good, I’m glad you did this. Your loyal shoppers will continue to come to you. You have to believe in that simple truth. It’s hard and ultimately perhaps you can lawyer up and see what can be done, but for now it’s a matter of trusting that your fans will continue to give you business.
Again, the internet is a very free place right now. Work is being duplicated constantly. Magazines are ripping stuff off of blogs, newspapers are doing the same, blogs are ripping stuff off of magazines, blogs are ripping off of other blogs, people are copying products and ideas, it’s the wild west.
However that will change. I just read a story about a girl that was harassed on the internet to the point of her suicide. The person drove her nuts and she took her life. She was only a teenager. Her parents are pushing to bring the case to court and put the freak behind bars. I’ve forgotten the state in which she lives, but that state is now trying to pass law that internet harassment can be stopped and they plan to do it.
I think that ultimately, people must be MADE to cooperate and respect the work of others. Ultimately people NEED to be responsible for their words. You have people commenting nasty remarks on blogs from time to time, I know some that have tried to ruin the business of my friends online through internet slander, and nothing can be done. Yet. Again, it will have to change.
Sorry to drag on, but a reader sent me over to this post because she felt something I posted from an etsy seller was a copy of her friends work. She included your post in the email conversation we had. I’m truly sorry that this has happened to you. I hope you can resolve it with minimal stress and in as much peace as possible.
Holly
December 5th, 2007 at 11:34 am
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/12/05/cake-topper-progress/
December 13th, 2007 at 1:08 am
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8431245
January 9th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I can understand someone being misguided enough to think they can copy a design without consequences - I think many otherwise good people don’t recognize the seriousness of copyright infringement. I can also understand the fear and embarrassment that would lead them to them downplay their actions once confronted. But if after all this they continue to steal your work…then I think you should take some form of action. Seeing how they had purchased one of your originals, I don’t see how they can in good conscience avoid admitting their error, apologizing and offering some financial restitution. This is certainly what I would do if I found myself in their present situation.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
http://store.makoollovesyou.com/products/94-Lucky
http://store.makoollovesyou.com/products/141-Ernie
May 18th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
There are only so many ways to sew the shape of a song bird and there are going to be people with similar products as yours. This person probably ripped off your design and they probably are not the first or last. Your birds are cute and in demand, but your prices are VERY high. Although detailed, your designs and materials are cheap and easy to make. Unfortunatly since the design is simple and the materials are dirt cheap, your not offering much of a challenge to imitators. Be happy people love your craftsmanship enough to actually pay $100 for 2 scraps of used fabric and some wire. You shouldn’t complain since your laughing all the way to the bank.