Saturday, April 3, 2010

So I promised you guys a big announcement and now I must deliver. Unfortunately, what I have to say probably isn't going to be what you're expecting, but please bare with me, there are some things I need to address. I'd like to start by saying that first and foremost I appreciate all of you guys. Without you, SSD wouldn't be what it is today and I appreciate that you come back week after week to see what we have to offer. I started this company because I wanted to create fun digital images like no others for you to use and I feel like I've done that. However, recently it was brought to my attention that similar versions of a few of my images were found on the internet. Now, I've never tried to hide the fact that I use other images for inspiration. Looking at various designers and learning from them is part of the design process, but rest assured it was never my intention to create "knock-offs" Unfortunately, after taking a long hard look at some of these images, I have to agree they are a little too close to the originals. So, after much thought and consideration, I have decided that it would be best to remove these stamps from the website. I have tried to contact the original artist to see how we could resolve this issue, but unfortunately, I haven't heard from him so I have decided that the only way to make ammends for the mistake is to revamp the images and offer them as freebies throughout the SSD Spring Break. After Spring Break they will find themselves back in the store...but never for sale always only as freebies. I would like to apologize to anyone who may feel offended or mislead, that was certainly not my intention. I can assure you all future SSD images will be unique and one of a kind. In fact, I'd like to start showing my sketches again on the blog. I really enjoy sharing my creative process and I know it will put everyone at ease. Please do not worry about selling cards/projects made with SSD images, none of them are in violation of copyright laws. If you have further questions about this, I'd be happy to discuss it with you one-on-one. Just send me an email. Again, I appreciate all of you guys and I want you to know I am willing to do whatever it takes to make this right.
Now, with that being said, I'm sure you've noticed that there are a few design team members missing from the list. Sadly, we have had a few members resign for various reasons. We will miss each and everyone of them and we wish them nothing but the best. Each of them was a great designer and I count myself lucky to have worked with them. For now we have decided to continue on with only a few members: Sara, Larisa, and Cassie. However, after we get things back to normal around here, we will be adding more members to the list, so if you're interested in becoming an SSD Designer...start getting your projects ready! Because we now have a much smaller DT, we will be temporarily changing a few things. Studio Sundays will now be held on the first Sunday of each month instead of every weekend. Releases will now be once a month on the 1st of each month and Sassy Thursdays and Saturdays will remain the same. If any other changes occur, I will let you know as soon as possible.

So I know this post took place of what would normally be our Sassy Saturday but it will be back this afternoon. Sara has a wonderful crafter featured this afternoon around 3 so be sure to check back.
And because of these changes, tomorrow though it's the 1st Sunday of the month will not have a Studio Sunday but rather it will host a Freebie.
And lastly, as mentioned those images are being redone and we will feature a new one redone and free to you on the blog every few days over this 2 week spring break we are having so I hope you will come back and see what we have in store

Thank you for being patient with us during this difficult time, I appreciate you guys more than you know!
Lindsay

15 comments:

  1. Oh that's so sad. Well done for having the personal courage to stand up and address this. You have always been very honest about your inspirations and wouldn't have meant any offense. I hope that this becomes an unexpected turning point and things just get bigger and brighter for you.

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  2. I admire your honesty and standing up to address the issue, it's a blurred line as to were inspired by becomes plagarism - but I feel the guilty ones are those that have done clearly traced imitations of an artisits work. If your work is hand drawn and interpretative then surely it is a new creation.
    Good luck anyway,

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  3. Kudos to you for addressing such an issue! I give you tons of credit for writing this post. I think it was very well written and it seems to me that you've done all the right things to remedy this. I hope everything works out well for you. Good luck!

    All the best,
    Heather D.

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  4. OMG, this is so sad, Lindsay! I never understand why people do things like that... You are such an awesome and big person to stand up and address these issued - you go girl! I will not be going anywhere - will be right here for you :)

    Happy Easter!

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  5. I too want to say kudos for writing the post and for keepin' on keepin' on.. even with a few DT members. I know this place will be booming again in no time!! I hope you have a very blessed Easter.

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  6. Well done for writing this post it must have been difficult for you!! And I do hope that things get back to normal for you soon. And I will certainly be putting some desigs together for when they do. Caroline x

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  7. I am sorry for the struggles you have had, but applaud you for your honesty. As an illustrator myself, I know EXACTLY how you feel!! But I am glad that SSD is still going to be around... and I'll be keeping my eyes out for a DT call... I'd LOVE to join you! :)

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  8. I hope you won't be too hard on yourself. Similarities are bound to happen. You see it all over the industry--all the time. The cliché "great minds think alike" is a cliché for a reason. Synchronicity is a wierd thing(coincidence that is so strange you wonder how on earth two such similar incidences could happen at once independently) but they do happen all the time! In my opinion anyhow, coincidence is not a copyright issue. ;o) Anywho, not to rant; I just wanted to chime in to say--You rock; your art is fabulous; you're creating trends along with the best of them & the fact that your in stride with another artist just tells me that you have your finger on the creative pulse. Not to mention that this post is pure class! (And thanks in advance for the freebies!) ;o) hugs, mel

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  9. O wow Lindsay... I hope you didn't get into trouble :(..Everything will work out :) thinking positive thoughts for you..I'm not one for writing all these eloquent words, so I'll just say your artwork is fantastic and can't wait for more :)...Have a fantastic Easter! ((hugs))
    Mandy

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  10. Oh wow!! How can someone take something that isn't theirs?? How rude. I wish you the best of luck in getting everything resolved.

    xoxo hugz
    sheng

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  11. I am sitting here in awe and amazement. I have rarely witnessed such character in a person. You are truly someone amazing and to be respected. I admire you more than you can know for what you have written here. You have not only taken the high road, but climbed to the top of the mountain. Please know I wish you all of my very, very best for everything in your life.
    Big Hugs!!!

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  12. I am sooooo sorry that you are having these issues....May everything work out for you and your drawn images.

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  13. I'll just reitterate what everyone else has said...you do good work; you obviously have a good character cuz not too many people will admit to what's happened; and I'm SO glad you're going to be around....as I was reading your post, I thought you were going to say you were closing shop....I was gonna cry! I LOVE your images...they well, they rock!! :D And your group at PCP is, even though small, still fun! Good luck with the changes around the site/with the team...I noticed there were quite a few pics missing from the DT photos...I was hoping things were okay...glad you're regrouping and "spring cleaning"! :D That's always good for everyone!!
    Good luck with the changes happening and THANK YOU for the cute freebies so far!! :D I'm off to play! I have some cards to make!!!!!! :D

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  14. I second that Amanda! I love Lindsay's work and they are so much fun to work with and I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next :) I'm so glad the sight isn't closing which was my first thought too :( So glad to find out I was just jumping the gun!

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  15. well as someone new to your blog and shop, I applaud your post. I have known Sara for a long time and have great respect for her & her work. So happy she will be staying w/you! :)

    sorry for all you are having to go through though. ick....

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