To watermark or not to watermark... - Lateral-g Forums

city_ofthe_south · #1 01-06-2009, 08:56 AM

Seems to be a pretty sticky subject. That I am aware of it hasn't been a problem for me. For people that it has been a problem or people who use art as their only means of putting food on the table, then I often see water marks. Would a water mark stop someone from building a car that looked exactly like the drawing? Be tough to prove. As far as designing a product or something marketable, I think it is obvious to have it registered if you don't want it taken. Unfortunately, dishonestly and humans are found together too often. Nothing will stop someone from doing it but if you've already claimed the rights legally, you have the law on your side.

Hdesign · #2 01-06-2009, 11:07 AM

Absolutely, without a doubt!!!! I cannot emphasize this enough. If you make money on your talent, skills and creativity, protect yourself and your clients that are paying for the work. I've learned the hard way and it's not a good feeling.

Colter has a great point, now that this is my family's primary income, I'm forced to be aggressive about preventing this stuff. It's too bad, there are so many projects I'd love to post but can't.

SRD Art · #3 01-06-2009, 11:43 AM

Thanks for the insight, both of you. I've felt a bit weird thinking of putting it on there for things I've posted here only because I didn't see others doing it. I think I may do something like this in the future and hopefully everyone viewing can understand and look past it and enjoy the art. Maybe we all should.

JamesJ · #4 01-06-2009, 11:51 AM

I think the only thing a watermark will do is keep someone from using it and saying it was their idea. Nothing can stop someone from using the style, colors, or look from a photo, rendering, and using it on their car. If it is that important dont show anyone.

I would put a mark on it, If someone really wants it, they should give you something, even if it is just for the wall, at least something to help the cause.

Weldon0405 · #5 01-06-2009, 03:12 PM

Anyone currently or considering sellings prints of their designs? I know I'd buy a few as decorations around the house.

Hdesign · #6 01-06-2009, 04:05 PM

I'm actually going to be doing that later in the year. I'll be sure to post their availability when the time comes.

city_ofthe_south · #7 01-07-2009, 08:55 AM

I have to second Ben here too. Stuff I've sold the rights to, no one but the client has ever seen. What I DON'T need is my clients getting ripped off. I've been given permission to post them but I think I get enough traffic just posting the drawings I do for fun and family and the drawings I do of existing cars or cars that are going to be built. For me, those sorts of drawings are well protected because to steal them only makes the thief look bad. It's all too easy to prove they are mine or they belong to the person who had me draw them and we hang out on forums like this so we can publicly bash people like that if they make the mistake of claiming one of our drawings or designs. heheehe. No one is going to hate you for protecting yourself though. If they do hate you then it just means that they don't get it. Also I think style is natural protection. When you see a Hermance drawing ... you know it's a Hermance drawing. How stupid would you have to be to try to say it's yours? My greatest goal is to define my style as my own.