appropriating ideas from other artists

[MsRad]

what's everyone's opinion on this?

i know there are some artists out there that feel that if one artist bases their design off of another artist's work, that is stealing. however, almost every artists incorporates the use of designs that have been used for many, many years. what's the difference to you (if there is one)?

since i'm not an artist, only a client, i'm just curious to hear what everyone thinks.

[mario desa]

well...this is bound to turn into a huge mess. but, here's my take. i think we all "appropriate" things, especially those of us who follow "traditional" tattooing. by its nature, traditional or classic tattooing follows a certain code, look, and rules. we follow a lineage. most of the designs have been passed on to us through that lineage and visual heritage, and their origins are long lost, or if there was an originator, he is long dead.
now, if a LIVING tattooer does something unique and original, and it's his/her own idea, and overnight, thanks to facebook, it's being copied all over the world and internet, i think that's wrong. that guy came up with something cool and new, maybe his whole own style or niche, and he's still alive, making a living. we should respect that.

[MsRad]

thanks Mario. this was exactly the type of response i was hoping for. i think this thread will be fine as long as everyone stays civil about it (and i do realize that it's a heated topic).

[Deb Yarian]

Yesterday a guy came in to my shop.
I really liked both of his sleeves. One arm was black and gray -done by a tattooist in Thailand and the other done by a tattooist in Oregon. Both arms had design and application elements that really impressed ( and moved ) me.
He was kind enough (and trusting ) to let me take photos of them.
Certainly I would never copy or trace designs from the pictures I took ---but it would be impossible ( and foolish in my opinion ) to not be influenced by them.
I will definitely rethink the way I draw certain things and refer to the photos.

[Jake]

I believe every artist in every form (not just tattooing) takes their influences with them. It's just a matter of trying to put your own spin on it and when an original idea does come then run with it with all you've got.

Great artists are rarely born bursting with original ideas. The beginning stages of most artists involve a mimicking of something they appreciate so they can learn their craft. Most great artists that I've met manage to put in many hours of practice and work past the mimicking stage to a point where they're combining a great variety of influences to show the world their own unique vision.

[Dean Schubert]

I once discussed this issue with an artist that some think is the best in the world and he told me he loved it that people continually copied his work. I don't think the clients would dig on it too much though. In the early 2000's I tattooed a Sailor Jerry piece on a friend. Even won a big award for it. That design is now found on rum bottles throughout the world. Ouch.

[MsRad]

where would you say the line is drawn between an influence and purely ripping off another person's work? again, just out of curiosity.

sorry if this is a lame topic/subject.

[Dean Schubert]

custom tattoo rip off - lame trad image or tribute to dead trad artist - ok

[Jake]

I once discussed this issue with an artist that some think is the best in the world and he told me he loved it that people continually copied his work.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[mario desa]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

true, except that this how we EARN A LIVING. sometimes imitation takes money out of our pockets. why go see Mike Wilson (to pick a random awesome tattooer), when you can have the imitation Mike Wilson in your town copy it? that's where it gets so personal. because when it comes down to it, this is our PROFESSION. this is a craft and BUSINESS. not just sitting in a room oil painting or something. you know?