This a huge deal in this day and age with the wide range of access to social media and the work artists will post on these platforms. This however does not excuse the common theft going on all the time between brands and artists, and even just common people who think it's cool to take credit for something that isn't theirs.
You know that kid in class that would hear you say the answer to a question and say it louder only to have the teacher give them all the credit? Yeah, we all know that kid. It is a terrible, horrible, angry feeling to have that happen. It makes you want to take them by the throat and well...you know the rest.
Everyone has had the experience in elementary school where there was a "copy cat." It is a completely gut-wrenching feeling when someone has the audacity to take something that was yours, even if it was just an idea.
Photographers have watermarks on their photos, artists have signatures on their paintings, authors have copyrights, and movies have credits at the end. These are just a few examples of how people try to keep their work original and not able to be stolen. This applies to all those in an artistic field who have gone through the hoops to try and keep their work, their work.
There was recently an incident where an artist's work was stolen by a major company. Shantell Martin, an artist from New York, had her work stolen by Lane Bryant and displayed on a shirt that they are now selling in stores and online. This is no mistake, nor had Shantell given the OK for them to use her work. This is just one sad example of people or companies thinking it is OK to take something that is not theirs and claim it as their own.
There is a difference between being inspired by someone's work versus stealing or blatantly copying it. Be original people, and learn how to be your own person without having to have your life and work based off of someone else's. It is extremely disrespectful, careless, selfish, and uncalled for. Not to mention that there is a universial rule that states -- if it isn't yours, don't touch it.
How to respond:
Always be aware of others and their hard work. If you notice someone stealing the work of another person, call them out on it or bring it to the attention of the artist. People can't be kept under the impression that they will never be caught for something that is completely wrong.
First of all, take pride in yourself. Whoever is doing this clearly does not have enough originality to come up with their own ideas, and they find you truly inspiring. Though their copying or stealing may not feel so great in the beginning, you have made an impression on this person that makes them long to have a lifestyle like yours. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery!
Second, take the situation carefully and tread lightly when approaching the person, if that is where the situation needs to go. Asking questions that put the weight of the situation on them is the easiest, because they will able to notice their mistake on their own without you throwing accusations at them.
Lastly, take pride in yourself and your work again. Their actions upon something you have produced does not define the quality or skill set you have displayed. Your work is original and priceless, no matter if someone is trying to steal it or claim the credit as their own.
