Why contacting an artist makes
the world a happier place.
As an artist, I totally get a high from people appreciating my work. Really, it's better than a turpentine and rubber cement cocktail. When I'm contacted with a request to use my artwork in a non-profit scenario, I'm absolutely delighted, and usually grant permission.
What angers me is when people 'borrow' my art, repost it online, and don't tell me. They often don't give credit, either.
Why is this a problem? Legal issues aside, say if someone 'borrows' a piece of my art for their personal website. However, they don't give me proper credit. Someone else sees the piece, 'borrows' it, also doesn't give credit because they don't know the art originated from my site. Now it's a chain reaction, and my art escapes into the vastness of the internet. This poses a problem especially when:
• someone likes the art, and wants to see more of what I do, but don't know my website
• someone wants to use it in a profit-making way, but doesn't know I'm the artist and thus can never ask legal permission.
Then of course, it's also annoying when someone does give me credit, and doesn't tell me. It's ridiculous, especially when I have the tendency to do artistic thank yous for those who promote my work.
In general, I'm no crazy copyright Nazi. I'd rather be well known, appreciated, and poor than unknown with a few sales in my pocket. I'm probably too lax in the way I grant permission to use my art. I love hearing from people, and I always respond to e-mail. So don't be an inconsiderate beaning bean of a bean and take my images without asking.
