For a long time I've labeled my patterns as "for personal use only." What this means is that items made from the patterns shouldn't be sold. I think I thought I was protecting myself from something, especially big companies using my designs.
There are a whole lot of copyright issues at play, and I don't understand so much of it. A few months ago I started learning about what a pattern designer can and can't legally "protect", and because so much of what I do involves artwork (that's what my embroidery patterns and printables primarily are!), that has a different set of legal "rules".
Because I knew that people wanted to make items with my patterns, I started offering commercial licenses at an up-charge. And then something happened. I became convicted that I was wrong to do this. Wrong to hold on to my designs so closely!
So, I'm now labeling my patterns "for personal and cottage industry use."
What that means is that if you, as an individual, buy the pattern (or download a free pattern from my blog), you can make and sell items using the design. No questions asked.
If you previously bought a commercial license, you'll be hearing from me about a refund. I want to make my mistake right.
Also, I want to note that all of my old patterns and product listings still say "personal use only", but only because changing them over is a process, and it'll take some time. Even though they are labeled the old way, all embroidery and sewing patterns are also for cottage industry use. (Due to the nature of the products, printables should not be printed and sold, unless given explicit permission.)
This has been in the works for a while, and I'm so glad that Abby posted recently about this idea, prompting me to move forward with this announcement. I'm sorry for the silly limits I placed, and look forward to seeing more Wild Olive out in the world!
If you have any questions, please let me know. And if you have been selling, or plan to sell items from my designs, share a link to your shop so people can find you!
I've been following (and somewhat pontificating) this issue closely for months now and also read Abby's post and the copyright 101 posts from Jen. Beyond the legality I'm convinced it doesn't keep the bad people from doing bad things, it just keeps the good people from doing good things. Good for you for stepping up to the plate and making it right! Hooray!
ReplyDeleteYou've hit the nail on the head! There will always be people "stealing" artist's work...I want to take care of the lovely, wonderful folks and have an attitude of generosity and trust.
DeleteThis is awesome! Crafting totally confuses me too sometimes. Like finding a perler bead pattern someone has posted on thier blog for free but then other people are selling it on Etsy, and I don't know if the seller made the pattern or the free person, and I worry about copying their stuff! It's nice to know where you stand with stuff :)
ReplyDeleteThis has been such an incredibly useful post! I personally don't embroider a lot but just love looking at your works b/c they are so cute. But I do craft a lot and the links you provided really cleared up a lot. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of you to allow people to sell items they make with your embroidery on them! :) You're right, the world needs more Wild Olive!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSo generous of you!
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty awesome. While I respect artists' work, and don't sell myself at this time, I avoid designers who charge a license (and I don't think it's legal, and have also followed the recent blog posts on it). This is a classy, and wise, move!
ReplyDeleteVery generous and kind of you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agree, a very classy move!
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with your decision. I used to make and sell crafts, on a small basis, and it was a pain when I couldn't make a pattern I bought other than for family or friends. I never was large scale and not plans on abusing the rights of a creative person. It was easy to label an item with then name of the designer. And made the items seem even more special.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed! I tend to not buy patterns when they don't include the license to sell. I would never sell a product if I'm not allowed to, but it makes life so much easier not having to worry about that! And that you're even offering a refund - you are amazing, lady :)
ReplyDeletethis is so brilliant of you!
ReplyDeleteLauren | OhHay Blogs!
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I LOVE this! Such an honorable move of you!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I'm so proud that you've had this conviction. I hope more designers follow suite
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy that Jen's explanation of copyright law on my blog was helpful to you, Mollie! This is a great move.
ReplyDeleteVery generous of you--the type of spirit we need more of in the world. I'm going to look into doing this for my own designs! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI do think this whole area of copyright/licensing is very confusing. I have never sold any creative work, partly because I don't want to wrongly use/adapt anything. I appreciate your grace in this circumstance. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI just have to say that your humble spirit in this post is just beautiful. It takes a really big heart to admit publicly that you may be wrong...I think you're really brave. :)
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about making and selling my own patterns. I haven't even thought about this aspect of it. Thank you for bringing it up and your honesty. I will keep this in mind for a little down the road.
ReplyDeleteMollie!! This is SO AMAZING of you!! I can completely understand you wanting to guard your art and hard work. I would feel the same way. I think it's amazing, kind, and so generous of you to allow us to use your work. Thank you a million times over!
ReplyDeleteI love that you posted this. I don't embroider (yet), but if I did, this would make me want to buy a whole bunch of your patterns. I think the crafting industry can thrive overall if we all have a spirit of appropriate sharing. Pattern designers such as yourself can graciously offer the assurance that someone creating and selling the work is not violating any copyright laws, and as someone who has used many patterns that people have been gracious enough to share, I certainly try to be kind and give credit to that designer. I figure there will be some people who see that credit and decide to buy the pattern and make something of their own instead of buying my creation, and that's ok because there will also be others who enjoy handmade but won't have the time or skill to make it and they will buy. And, for those people, if I can help them understand that handmade is often a result of many creative minds passionate about their craft -- including the pattern designers -- then everyone wins :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Mollie!!!
ReplyDeleteI love you adorable and whimsical work. As a crafter with an Etsy shop, I always ask permission before I use another artists work (and had been told the same thing about copyright) BUT I still always ask AND credit the artist when using someone else's pattern.