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Art is intended to provoke an emotion from a total stranger. If you�ve succeeded in this, consider yourself an artist. Paper Shanks Blog. Love me or hate me, you are still talking about me
I'm an offender as you call us, and I'm not going to change a thing!
I recently removed my personal website from the internet - I am a professional painter, teacher and published designer in real life - and due to the rampant stealing of my pictures which ppl then undertook to copy and market as their own original paintings!!! I had no choice but to do so until I can watermark, java script and employ whatever other security feature I can use to protect my intellectual property from theft and subsequent loss of income. I may never return to a full internet presence because of the crushing hurt of knowing how badly I have been disrespected and taken advantage of by faceless humans who don't care who they hurt to get what they want.
I also do graphic design and web design and my watermark is top quality, professionally created, perfectly balanced and exactly what a true watermark is supposed to look like. I created it for my real business and use it also to mark my cards on SCS - at this time I don't think I really care if ppl case or use my pics, someday I may decide to turn my hobby into an income (I'm not making much as a painter when the "sharing" is as rampant as it is right now!)
That it irritates you or others doesn't even come into my realm of thought. I could make another that is more card friendly , I could make it smaller, I could move it into a corner but ...
once bitten - twice shy!
J
hey, we are practically neighbours, I live in Dorchester....
__________________ "My Father is tougher than nails!" (heard on a Christian Radio station!)
"Practice Safe Posting!!!
Watermarks: They're like a condom for your card.
LOL..... I need a screen guard now... rofl.... I was the middle of taking a drink when I read your byline..... *****spewing my lemon slush**** and choking as I laughed....
"Practice Safe Posting!!!
Watermarks: They're like a condom for your card.
LOL..... I need a screen guard now... rofl.... I was the middle of taking a drink when I read your byline..... *****spewing my lemon slush**** and choking as I laughed....
sorry ;)
__________________ Jeanne S - Inky Paws SCS Moderator
ha ha I don't have one because A) no one steals my stuff and B) I don' t know how to make one.
But if I was one of the really great artists I would do whatever it takes to protect my work. Stealing is bad and it puts bad karma out there!
First Jailbird, your work is awesome...
Second, I thought the same thing, why watermark? Well I have since found other Angels with my cards on their websites. I have seen my work in the strangest places. I need to get me a watermark...you should too. Don't get me wrong, I would let anyone use my art if they find it worthy, just let me know and give me proper credit. I often share workshop/class materials and designs. Just let me know and give me credit! I guess I already said that...
J
Wanna design a watermark for me? ;)wink Your watermark is great and that black iris card rocks! I used to have a black iris in my garden, but the boarers got it. I would love to have a new one! One day. I love my garden almost as much as my stamps.
I'm an offender as you call us, and I'm not going to change a thing!
I recently removed my personal website from the internet - I am a professional painter, teacher and published designer in real life - and due to the rampant stealing of my pictures which ppl then undertook to copy and market as their own original paintings!!! I had no choice but to do so until I can watermark, java script and employ whatever other security feature I can use to protect my intellectual property from theft and subsequent loss of income. I may never return to a full internet presence because of the crushing hurt of knowing how badly I have been disrespected and taken advantage of by faceless humans who don't care who they hurt to get what they want.
I also do graphic design and web design and my watermark is top quality, professionally created, perfectly balanced and exactly what a true watermark is supposed to look like. I created it for my real business and use it also to mark my cards on SCS - at this time I don't think I really care if ppl case or use my pics, someday I may decide to turn my hobby into an income (I'm not making much as a painter when the "sharing" is as rampant as it is right now!)
That it irritates you or others doesn't even come into my realm of thought. I could make another that is more card friendly , I could make it smaller, I could move it into a corner but ...
once bitten - twice shy!
J
I think your watermark is great. When my cards get better I'll need to learn how to do it.
"Practice Safe Posting!!!
Watermarks: They're like a condom for your card.
LOL..... I need a screen guard now... rofl.... I was the middle of taking a drink when I read your byline..... *****spewing my lemon slush**** and choking as I laughed....
You mean like this?
Gina K.
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
Huge watermarks don't bother me. Sometimes I think it is part of the design, but when I look closely I get it. But, it doesn't bother me if it bothers you. Good grief, I'm back in the '60's, where everything was groovy!! LOL
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Art is intended to provoke an emotion from a total stranger. If you�ve succeeded in this, consider yourself an artist. Paper Shanks Blog. Love me or hate me, you are still talking about me
I skimmed through most of this thread pretty quickly and I apologize if I'm repeating something already stated.
The semi-transparent, traditional watermarks that have been suggested can easily be removed with Photoshop. It's sad that sharing our cards and creations has come to this, but . . . well, what can I say.
And as a victim of image theft - a photograph for sell that does produce income, not a card posted here - it does not feel good.
I think if someone is intensely concerned about image theft even with a small watermark, maybe they shouldn't post on the web. That's really the only way to be completely safe. It stinks that it's come to that.
__________________ Debra ---artist * teacher * designer Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
I think if someone is intensely concerned about image theft even with a small watermark, maybe they shouldn't post on the web. That's really the only way to be completely safe. It stinks that it's come to that.
I think that maybe those that have an issue with watermarks with just have to deal. Those of us that use them due to image theft are allowing youa glimpse at the cards we have made and if we do as you suggest, no longer post cards, think of the impact on the SCS gallery...a lot of the DD girls use watermarks due to image theft, those worthy of DD usually do to...and to be honest I don't mind because it is their right to alter the card in anyway so it isn't stolen and it is our privledge to look....if it bothers you then just don't look at those....sorry to be snarky.
I'm an offender as you call us, and I'm not going to change a thing!
I recently removed my personal website from the internet - I am a professional painter, teacher and published designer in real life - and due to the rampant stealing of my pictures which ppl then undertook to copy and market as their own original paintings!!! I had no choice but to do so until I can watermark, java script and employ whatever other security feature I can use to protect my intellectual property from theft and subsequent loss of income. I may never return to a full internet presence because of the crushing hurt of knowing how badly I have been disrespected and taken advantage of by faceless humans who don't care who they hurt to get what they want.
I also do graphic design and web design and my watermark is top quality, professionally created, perfectly balanced and exactly what a true watermark is supposed to look like. I created it for my real business and use it also to mark my cards on SCS - at this time I don't think I really care if ppl case or use my pics, someday I may decide to turn my hobby into an income (I'm not making much as a painter when the "sharing" is as rampant as it is right now!)
That it irritates you or others doesn't even come into my realm of thought. I could make another that is more card friendly , I could make it smaller, I could move it into a corner but ...
once bitten - twice shy!
J
I love your watermark, its professional and cute too plus it doesnt take away th e image of the card, if others dont like it oh well, its your card.
Hmmm....I just scrolled through at least 4 pages in the gallery and didn't see anything like what you guys are talking about. :confused:
The bottom line is, the card is the artist's creation, she can do with it whatever she chooses. If she wants to put a big black mark in the middle of it, it's her prerogative.
Very good point Kathryn. It's a shame it's come to this, but so be it. If a watermark bothers someone that much, move on to another's gallery.
__________________ deb (it is what it is... really! )
I think that maybe those that have an issue with watermarks with just have to deal. Those of us that use them due to image theft are allowing youa glimpse at the cards we have made and if we do as you suggest, no longer post cards, think of the impact on the SCS gallery...a lot of the DD girls use watermarks due to image theft, those worthy of DD usually do to...and to be honest I don't mind because it is their right to alter the card in anyway so it isn't stolen and it is our privledge to look....if it bothers you then just don't look at those....sorry to be snarky.
The issue is NOT about not using a watermark. (Sorry for the double negative.) If you go look at the DD gallery you will see watermarks used in such a way as to (1) be unobtrusive, and (2) still effective. A person doesn't have to mar their photo to be safe. That's all I was saying.
__________________ Debra ---artist * teacher * designer Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
Second, I thought the same thing, why watermark? Well I have since found other Angels with my cards on their websites. I have seen my work in the strangest places. I need to get me a watermark...you should too. Don't get me wrong, I would let anyone use my art if they find it worthy, just let me know and give me proper credit. I often share workshop/class materials and designs. Just let me know and give me credit! I guess I already said that...Inky Hugs
Risa
Risa...your work is awesome and you have been very generous about being will to share. I find it amazing!! I personally think that a nice watermark really adds an aura of professionalism to the whole presentation.
I saw in Dini's blog that she makes them to order and emails them to you...and it seemed super reasonable... http://mamadinis.blogspot.com
She's just talking about some watermarks that really do obscure the card. The "nice" watermarks are fine. But when they do get in the way so much it's kind of defeating the purpose of seeing the card. So the answer isn't removing the watermark, or deleting the card, but it is finding a watermark that works.
PLUS, we all know that anyone good with graphic design programs CAN remove ANY watermark, it's just that most people aren't that advanced. I am a professional writer and have worked with many very talented graphic designers, and was AMAZED at what they could do (and sometimes frightened, to be honest). You've seen what they do to celebs in magazines. Heck, they took 20 pounds off of Katie Couric!
Location: In my Happy Place with no one bothering me....I hope!
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Originally Posted by greetingsbydebra
I think if someone is intensely concerned about image theft even with a small watermark, maybe they shouldn't post on the web. That's really the only way to be completely safe. It stinks that it's come to that.
That would be just really sad!:(
No cards from my fave designers......or a watermark that may (usually not) "obstruct" my view a bit. I think I'll deal with the watermark! Keep on posting 'em girls!!:mrgreen:
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Originally Posted by greetingsbydebra
The issue is NOT about not using a watermark. (Sorry for the double negative.) If you go look at the DD gallery you will see watermarks used in such a way as to (1) be unobtrusive, and (2) still effective. A person doesn't have to mar their photo to be safe. That's all I was saying.
I know what you mean.......I, for one, try to put my watermark where it will not be covering the view and make it small. But I do understand why others make it larger and "front and center". Maybe if I had any of my pictures "stolen" or used without my consent I would feel completely different. I have no problem with anyone doing what they feel they need to do to protect themselves and their creations...........that is unless they stop posting them. Then I would!;)
Ok, I have been reading this thread and I do understand the issue with the watermark ( I think they're cool) My question is this - what constitutes theft?
I have seen many cards "case'd" on this site and I myself, love the inspiration the galleries offer...I simply enjoy looking at others creativity.
Keep on posting em!
Location: In my Happy Place with no one bothering me....I hope!
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Originally Posted by merrymstamper
Ok, I have been reading this thread and I do understand the issue with the watermark ( I think they're cool) My question is this - what constitutes theft?
I have seen many cards "case'd" on this site and I myself, love the inspiration the galleries offer...I simply enjoy looking at others creativity.
Keep on posting em!
I know a few gals whose pictures have ended up on other people's websites. They were never contacted, asked, or given proper credit for the designs. These were NOT "case'd"...they were the original pictures.....some even had the watermarks cropped off.
It might be horrible if people pulled their creations just to be safe, but the only way to be totally safe IS to not put them online. Of course I don't want anyone to do that, either. I LOVE looking at galleries. BUT that's just a fact. If you really want or need to keep your creations' images safe, for whatever reason, I think you just can't risk the perils of cyberspace.
The real answer here is for people to just ASK if they can use your images. Most of us would say yes, provided we knew the details and it was a decent site.
