POSTS ON INDIE ART LIFE --
PROTECTING ARTIST RIGHTS and SELF-CARE TIPS
Artists in Action against AI Art
Starting back in Oct 2022 a vanguard of artists took a stand against unauthorized use of their copyright protected artWORK being "scraped" off the internet by AI art platforms.
Concept art above by artist Karla Ortiz below...
Here's a link to my first post on the artists vs. AI art.
In July 2023, Karla was part of a group of artists who testified at congressional hearings about the impact of AI generated images on their industry and career.
Articles and interviews on AI and impact on artists:
Excerpt: “ But the efficacy of these “voluntary” deals with leading AI companies is unclear, as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are each already embroiled in lawsuits over alleged copyright infringement and misuse of user information — and experts in the fields of art and technology are skeptical that they will achieve much. “The ‘voluntary’ nature of these commitments renders them meaningless,” University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao told Hyperallergic, noting that “while the Biden administration has good intentions, they seem to be oblivious to the real risks at stake.” As a computer science educator, Zhao served as the faculty lead for the research project “Glaze,” a system designed to shield artists from AI-style imitation. The technology, which is currently available for free to download, uses stylized masks that apply barely noticeable alterations to artworks in order to misdirect generative models that try to steal an artist’s personal aesthetic.
These are incredibly strong yet poorly defined goals that have been set forth, and many of these commitments involve technical problems that lack solutions or may be completely insolvable,” Zhao said, pointing to the example of “watermarking” content. “There are no robust solutions for watermarking generative content, either text or images, known today,” he explained. “How hard will these AI companies work at ‘voluntarily’ building these difficult systems? What we need is real regulation with well-defined, transparent goals that are backed up with plans for testing, enforcement, and if necessary, penalties. The assumption that big tech will do the ‘right’ thing despite the obvious financial disincentives is naive.” Concept Art Association, an organization that supports concept artists and their work, also explained to Hyperallergic that because creators “are the true creative core at the heart of generative AI,” they must be allowed to have a say in the legislation around it.
NFTs --- Future for art, or current version of 1630s Tulip craze cautionary tale?
CONTROVERSIAL CALIFORNIA LAW REGARDING FREELANCE WORK(became effective January 2020)
This January 2020 post is where I update links and info on AB5 (updated 5.17.21)
CASE ACT (Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act )OPTION TO FIGHT ART THEFT
UPDATE January 2021 -- This is the Bill has become a federal law. Read all about it here:
(images below from the Graphic Artists Guild)
Several posts here on the blog explaining the CASE Act Bill, as well as links to other sources.
COPYRIGHT INFO FOR ARTISTS.jpg)
It was around July 2014 that I started posting frequently about Copyright Protection for images posted online. My artist friend Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings https://www.doggiedrawings.net/
had become a target for outrageous levels of art theft. This included an impostor in the UK who downloaded Lili's dog images, flipped them, painted them on canvases adding painted dog collars with actual rhinestones on them, then sold them at art fairs and even a gallery! The gal ended up on a British TV show bragging about her successful business. Lili's fans alerted her -- a great example of how an educated, loyal, invested fan base is the front line for fighting art theft. Even more vital: Lili registers her copyrights. It was a long, expensive, frustrating fight to watch my friend go through. The gallery was appalled at the impostor and kicked her out. The impostor went into hiding. It became a dead end for Lili (and the expensive UK lawyers she had to hire). Lili has won successful settlements since then, but is still fighting art theft. I see how exhausting it is. This waste of artist time and resources, not to mention livelihood, inspired my activism. So I started learning more and posting more. Since 2015, I've subscribed to an intellectual property legal service that allows me to schedule phone consultation appointments. It's an investment I make on behalf of the blog. I want to post info that's as accurate as possible given that many of these issues are fluid with new laws in the works. I use this source to fact check my own IP questions directly with an IP attorney. More on the service here: https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program/
My blog post links below share resources and case studies on unauthorized commercial use of artist-owned images for profit by others:
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/copyright-info-for-artists_15.html
Also see blog post from June 11, 2016 with FREE infographics by Lili Chin on copyright 101
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/06/copyright-101-infographic-by-lili-chin.html
Lili's infographics are available as free downloads on her link:
http://www.doggiedrawings.net/copyright-101
Lili Chin won a settlement against Kohls when the retail giant stole her artwork.
This Oct 2016 post has background info on this groundbreaking legal case in the fight against art theft: http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/indie-artist-lili-chin-files-lawsuit.html
This post also has links for the infamous case Lili suffered in 2013 with the UK art thief.
Lili's suit against Kohl's settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
Important info on blog post "Fan Art -- Playground or Minefield." Includes link to video clip of panel on IP. This post on the grey areas of Fan Art is also updated.
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/fan-art-playground-or-minefield.html
COMBAT ART THEFT --
case studies and taking action
This "Combat Art Theft" post compiles case studies and how artists are fighting back. There is a dangerous culture of tolerated piracy when it comes to online art. This. Must. Stop. Links on this post explain the risks.. and offer solutions.
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/combat-art-theft-case-studies-and.htmlLoyal fans alerting artists are the front line of defense against art theft. Artists educating fans about creative rights helps curb counterfeiting... (chart below by Ginger Davis Allman -- more info in these links --
https://thebluebottletree.com/copyright-guidelines-polymer-clay-artists/https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/12/copyright-guidelines-chart-by-ginger.html)
PRICE YOUR ART RIGHT --
DON'T WORK FOR FREE
August 2019 posts with insights from industry pros about the damage done to artists at all levels when art is undervalued..
Artists and other indie creators must be well to work -- they are the only ones who can do their jobs. You can't do your best from a place of unwellness.
Use the internet and social media wisely. Share facts, not fear. Always SIFT before sharing.
Stop.
Investigate.
Fact-check/Find corroborating stories on credible sites.
Trace posts back to original context/media.
The SIFT system was coined by Mike Caufield, a digital literacy expert at Washington State University.
Please check out more SIFTing tips here:
ART AND ANXIETY
I also post links for resources regarding Art and Anxiety. This includes tips on how to communicate the value of your work!.
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/get-inspired-art-and-anxiety-dance-steps.htmlLink below is for Tumbler post by (gal artist .. just saying :) C.Spike Trotman. The gem below is just one of the panels from the Tumbler post explaining steps to success for indie artist life ....
http://spikedrewthis.tumblr.com/post/64136324548/this-is-everything-i-know-a-24-hour-comic-aboutThe link hasn't been active for awhile... but I'm leaving it here as a record and in case it revives somewhere else. Meanwhile, here's the link for the book form of this terrific comic about indie art survival:
https://ironcircus.com/product/this-is-everything-i-know/
More "art has value" on this post on how to turn a charity request into a paying job ...
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-business-lesson-turn-charity.htmlLots here on the blog for artist health -- physical, emotional, financial....
Graphic above by Patternson Clark...
"PSA on Killer Chairs" post on dangers of too much chair time for anyone with a desk job .. and tips to help fight the effects of damage to posture and hand and wrists
...
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/posts-in-progress-and-psa.htmlYOGA FOR ARTISTS
In 2015 I launched a series of posts to share stretches and restorative options for Artists and others whose work demands long hours of sitting. These simple exercises will help undo the strain on back, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Posts feature stills and video with certified yoga instructor Simone, who gives helpful workshops at the SNB showroom for crew and colleagues. Simone's Facebook page also offers links to online tutorials she finds and recommends:
Always consult your own doctor before beginning any fitness routine.
Here are links for "Yoga for Artists" lessons on the blog:
Introduction -- Art requires Flexibility
Lesson #2 - Upper Body Stretches using Chair, Wall and Blocks
PROCESS POSTS --
I will always advocate for using tutorials to monetize your online art. Educate followers so they can grow with you as supporters.
Art below by Catherine Scartaccini
https://csillustrator.com/Documenting your creative process engages followers. It's also a great way to make your artWORK work for you. You're going through the steps already. You're taking the time.. and spending your resources... to document them. They are perfect to make multi-purpose. Monetize them. Never undervalue your time, talent and effort. Art life requires art work that is compensated.
So many artists posts these valuable tutorials for free. Why not share a few, but then use these sorts of posts to move followers to platforms where they can find more by supporting your art life on Patreon or with Ko-fi.
Art below by Hannah Stiles, Ainigmati Studios
https://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/process-post-ainigmati-studio.html
GET INSPIRED BY LOOKING BACK, LOOKING OFF-GRID and
NOT BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE LOOKING ONLINE
The internet has been a game changer, but recently I've heard professional artists, executives, instructors and collectors concerned about the growing trend of mediocrity. The easy access to so many versions of familiar images and subject matter means that everyone's art starts to look the same. Imitation is the death of growth. Don't copy other artists work, tweak it a bit, and call it your own. That's fine for practice in your sketchbook, but it's no way to build a brand and audience of your own.
If you want to reach the next level, get away from the screen. Go in person to look at original art. Attend events that lend themselves to sketching. Visit the zoo, aquarium, museums. Look back in books and at libraries to see what artists were doing generations ago. These are habits the exceptional artists share. Disney legend artist Andreas Deja is a prime example of this. His highly educational blog shares treasures from his personal collection of art by past artists who have inspired him. My blog post on his wire sculptures shows his work, an artist that inspires him, and links to his blog:
Art history in all genres can expand your own visual vocabulary. Here are some posts that showcase art inspiration from icons of the past, or activities that inspire sketching...
Icons to study...
activities to sketch and study anatomy
COVID may seem like old news... but the virus continues to mutate and will complicate conventions for exhibitors and attendees. Everyone who has been attending conventions for years is familiar with "con crud"-- that range of respiratory symptoms that flare up a week or so after a convention. Several days working nearly non-stop in a convention hall environment is bound to irritate your throat etc. But now there's the concern that conventions are ideal "super spreader" events. Everyone has different risk levels. Be respectful of others needs and concerns. Even healthy looking people can have risk factors. The basics will continue to apply -- wash hands frequently; limit close contact; mask and vaccinate as recommended. Golden rule -- treat others as you wish to be treated. Be kind.
ORIGINAL BLOG POSTS ON COVD-19
There are 15 Posts for April 2020 on the blog regarding COVID-19. Here's link for #1 of 15 of the April posts:http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-1-of-15-april-2020-snb-open-for.htmlThe 15 posts in April include links for indie artist funding resources (post #s 3-5) , DIY disinfecting tips, post #7) links for credible, science-based sites to find the latest on Covid (post #s 12-14). Post #s 9-11 have oodles of online links with family friendly sites like links to zoo and aquarium live cams, as well as tips for home office and self-care survival tools. I'm leaving the March 2020 posts in tact with the announcement that they are untouched from 3.31.2020, but are valuable as a record of information we had available as the crisis hit.
Info graphic below from Compound Interest
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