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.
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!
Wow I would be pretty ticked off too. I hope they are embarassed.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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
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
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)
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:)
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.
how awful… i hope it gets sorted. x
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)
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/
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
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 http://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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/12/05/cake-topper-progress/
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8431245
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.
http://store.makoollovesyou.com/products/94-Lucky
http://store.makoollovesyou.com/products/141-Ernie
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.