(PAPAYA! designs on the left knock offs to the right.) I've been debating sharing this or not but I feel since most of you are artists and designers that this is good for us all to see. I have always assumed that fellow artists and designers would have a mutual understanding and respect for the creative process. But we are learning that isn't always the case. I have always maintained a "there's-enough-for-everyone" mentality. And to squabble about where inspiration arises from seems a waste of time. But today I am seeing what I have heard about thanks to people looking out for us in the UK. The second company to knock off my designs. I haven't even seen them all yet (there's more! and yes they also have glitter details & a sleeve) but I'm shocked to see a professional company who employs designers and works in the same industry as we do would be so blatant for what must only be a buck.
The part that gets my panties in a bunch is that when we began PAPAYA! faced a lot of criticism. In some ways we where before our time and people said we would never make it with our weirdo designs and mixed media feel. Some asked me what drugs I was on while working trade shows. The offenses where there- but we believed in what we where offering (and still do.) I guess for a company to now profit from the path we've laid upsets me. Where where they when we had to educate the public (and the buyers) about art for arts sake and that paper companies needn't follow the traditional format? That people can connect with imagery for the sake of impact etc. And where where they when we lived in a tiny apartment sleeping between boxes of inventory and staying up all night for years designing hundreds of images and glittering by hand until we couldn't see anymore with nothing more than elbow greese?
But regardless of where they where. They are here now. Lets keep our fingers crossed that there won't be gobbs of designers with hungry mitts in the future.
Wow, how frustrating for you. Hold your head up high, and march on. I can see the difference and the left side here is much better!
Posted by: Emily | January 22, 2009 at 09:34 AM
i'm sorry to see someone else profiting from your hard work and talent. as an artist, there's a line you shouldn't cross and they've crossed it. there are times when you can tell an artist is influenced by another artist, but this is just down right copying--i mean, it's a lesson we learned in grade school! i don't know if it makes you feel better, but i can see the difference between your work and theirs--they just don't have the soul and depth that your art conveys.
nicole
Posted by: Nicole Austin | January 22, 2009 at 09:35 AM
It makes me furious to see people stealing ideas from talented artists. If you sue them, I hope you win.
Posted by: Tiffany | January 22, 2009 at 09:50 AM
I do not see the cards on their website now. Maybe they pulled them? I would check into taking legal action. If you let it go others will attempt it. I will agree there is a difference in the quality.
Posted by: Dawn Sellers | January 22, 2009 at 09:54 AM
That is so disheartening. And especially since it is a "professional" company. But I would agree with the comment before mine - yours definitely have soul and life and theirs fall flat...besides, theirs should be lifeless, after all they are mindlessly copycatting the original and how COULD the copy have any flair compared to the original?
Posted by: Jennifer Maroney | January 22, 2009 at 10:09 AM
WOW! This is so blatant. I used to be of the same "there's enough for everyone to go around," but came to my senses when someone I knew was clearly copying myself and others that I knew... without admitting it (still to this day).
I also went to check out the link but couldn't find the cards so maybe word has gotten out and they decided to pull their merchandise. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this because you're designs are incredible and I've always loved your style. I would have never guessed that someone would try to claim something that is so unique to you as their own. Karma, I tell ya. Karma has a way of working things out.
Posted by: lisacohen | January 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM
It's no consolation, but your cards are gorgeous and theirs are lacking.
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | January 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I have been through this before and the sad thing is that they are probably different enough that you cannot even sue them. Everyone always told me to feel flattered, but that did not help at all.
Posted by: Cathi | January 22, 2009 at 12:08 PM
It's funny their name is PULP, because that's what their cards should BE. Pulped.
Posted by: Lolly | January 22, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I feel for you! Trent and I get so frustrated when we put all this work and travel into our designs only to see them knocked off. Trent has blessed me with a good philosophy on this...just keep plowing ahead with new...stay ten steps ahead. Their attempts at copying lack the fairy dust your creations have. They pale by far in comparison. Missed you in LA!!
xo
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2009 at 12:46 PM
that is awful :(
their designs definitely pale in comparision to yours but that doesnt make copying right.
i never knew that people thought you guys were on drugs for making such designs. what i know is that your cards are vibrant and beautiful and look so eyecatching to display.
Posted by: annie | January 22, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Ugh, that totally sucks! I love PapaYa! artwork so much, no one can truly copy, but I get that it is so disheartening, especially when you've laid the pavement for your art and business. I would think that it would be flattering to know that your artwork inspires, but to see someone else profit from copying...shame on them!
Posted by: alicia | January 22, 2009 at 01:52 PM
I love the Papaya line and find it unique and uplifting. Did you know that the glass artist Dale Chihuly sued a glass artist who was copying his work?...and years ago my sister(children's book author, Carmela LaVigna Coyle), found out someone plagiarized one of her essays. Ended up the lady didn't know that she had done anything wrong (yes, some people are that ignorant!) My sister (her lawyer) sent a letter demanding the thief cease publication and recall all printed work and write a letter to all vendors and a letter of apology to my sister. It all worked out okay in the end. Sometimes all you need is a letter of warning from your attorney to let them know you are serious. As a fellow artist I feel for you. Keep it fresh. They can never steal your soulfulness.
Posted by: Thea | January 22, 2009 at 02:54 PM
How annoying that must be. You work so hard to create something original and true to your own vision, and as soon as you get some success, others start copying. Totally not fair.
In this speedy age of web inspiration, is it possible to prevent this kind of theft? I don't know. I'm struggling to wrap my mind around it, too.
Anyway, the copies are very feeble, and I wouldn't buy them. Good Luck with this issue!
Posted by: Lilli | January 22, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Interesting, especially since I was in a Borders store today and saw a rack with cards and post cards and thought some of the products were yours. . . the design and images were so Anahata. Yet when I pulled out the postcard and looked at the back, it was another artist. Don't remember the name, but it wasn't Papaya. They were close enough that I was fooled and I can usually spot your stuff immediately.
Posted by: Meri Arnett-Kremian | January 22, 2009 at 05:12 PM
This is beyond crappy! The 2nd one down is a true dead-ringer ripoff if there ever was one. That is so sad. I'm so sorry.
Peace & Love,
~Barb~
Posted by: Barb | January 22, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Its a shame about this rip off take heart, your designs are beautiful and the copies not so great.
Posted by: Sharon | January 22, 2009 at 06:37 PM
It goes without saying, your designs are fabulous and certainly one-of-a-kind. I can understand being inspired by another artist and then putting your own twist on that inspired design. While some of these designs are clearly a rip-off of your original work (which is so no right), their interpretation lacks and it clearly shows. I think this kind of thing goes on all of the time and maybe there's a bit of comfort in knowing that imitation is the highest form of flattery? I do believe this: what comes around, goes around. No doubt, this company will certainly pay their dues for what they've done with your designs.
Posted by: Catarina | January 22, 2009 at 07:16 PM
so sad but so true the only thing to say is imitation is the highest form of flattery ~ and karma does come around ~ there ain't nothin like the real thing baby!
Posted by: gina armfield | January 22, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I'm so sorry that that has happened to you! I've had that happen twice to me, and there was nothing I could do about it but complain. It was fairly devastating. But, I love your work so much, I would NEVER buy a knock-off! And I can spot the wrong one from a mile away. It has no soul like your work does. Keep on keepin' on honey! You've got LOYAL fans!!!
Posted by: Katie | January 22, 2009 at 09:35 PM
It's a big problem especially now with the internet and digital technology. You want to share your work and get people to see it, but that then makes it so easy for others to steal it. And the copyright laws aren't very helpful when its not an exact copy. even if its pretty obvious where they got the idea from.
There's nothing wrong with being inspired by someone's work, but some people seem to think its fine to make blatant copies.
Keep doing your thing, the copies are nowhere near as nice as the originals :)
Posted by: Jenn | January 23, 2009 at 01:46 AM
This sucks! I am totally disgusted for you!
Posted by: Diane | January 23, 2009 at 02:24 AM
Hi Anahata, Yes I live in the UK and have seen "papaya style" note books and cards while out shopping in Brighton(UK). I am totally disgusted for you!! They dont even come close to your beautiful designs anyway, hold your head high, your the BEST most creative person i know about!!!!!! x
Posted by: Holly - UK | January 23, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Shocking... to say the very least. I just sent them an email expressing my disgust at their blatant theft.
Posted by: Deborah | January 23, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Anahata ~
I met you at Art in Ashland last summer when I crashed your workshop. EVERY time I see your work, I flip it over and look for the PapaYa! logo, that is the green flag for me to purchase it. I guess those in the UK think they are too far away to be noticed. The WEB has shrunk the world, and what they've done is a HUGE eticate blunder.
Posted by: Tina Marie Capriotti | January 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I feel that one and hear you loud and oh so clear!! I've been there but on a smaller scale and what about when you create something a while ago and somene just now creates it and thinks they did it first- Oiye vay- and then there's the simultaneous creation of things---it gets a little nuts. Educating your paper buyers- I know the frustration of that too!
I have a friend in the exact spot you're in- happening in Canada and other places. You should hook up. Jamie Mills Price- between the vines. Her style is very very different from yours but meeting might be helpful. I'll tell her about you. She's from Oregon too.
Posted by: colette | January 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM
This is awful and destressing to see indeed. Are there any legal actions you may take, or is that even a possible route? I know for most artists it isn't. I think everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere...but it's the creative persons job to take that inspiration, divert and follow their own path and vision...so these people copying your work so blatantly is so pathetic and they should be ashamed to even remotely consider themselves artists...the nerve of it is horrendous...
Posted by: Mandy Saile | January 23, 2009 at 02:47 PM
It was weird when I first came across your website and I thought to myself 'I'm sure I've bought a Papaya! card in the UK' ... but then I thought 'crap - have I bought a knock-off?' - then I realised I hadn't and felt happy!
You are truly unique and I absolutely love your work - I guess you just have to think to yourself that it's a form of flattery! Unfortunately every artist suffers from immitation - however - it's not fair when others are making money from it.
There is something about your work that immitators cannot touch - there are levels there that they obviously do not see but shine through your designs.
Posted by: Polstar | January 24, 2009 at 08:44 PM
hello
i am disgusted by this behaviour and I just sent them an email lodging my complaint and disgust. it probably will have zero effect but i think if we all said something together, at least one company may stop.
your work is original, amazing and inspiring, and always has been. maybe (and it is no excuse), it is this inspiration they took a bit too far!
Posted by: sasha | January 25, 2009 at 03:26 AM
There's absolutely NO comparison. The spirit that makes it yours is simply lost in translation. When someone tries to emmulate another person's "spirit" they are in no way able to get it down with the same joy and sweetness......how could they?!?!
It's like fingerprints; each of us has our own unique take on the swirls and dips and lines. It is through our inherent creativity and perception on life that we are able to express ourselves to others...this is exactly WHY art can move people to FEEL and we (no matter how empathetic we may be) can not express someone else's happiness and/or sorrows. Carry on being you with the joy, love and inspiration that you bring to your work.
There is a reason that you have managed to get where you have with your work. It is so much appreciated by so many!
*cheers*
Lisa (San Diego workshop Sept ]08)
Posted by: lisa | January 25, 2009 at 05:50 AM
It's always disheartening to see someone steal your work and tweek it just enough to avoid legal consequences. Just know this - no one can take the soul from your art. It is yours. Keep designing from your heart and let karma take care of the rest. Just a little side note: I still have an "M" you gave me years ago from the SF Gift Show. It hangs next to my bed and inspires me day in and day out. Thank you for being unique, original, and soulful. XOXXOO
Posted by: Molly | January 25, 2009 at 09:26 AM
This happened to someone I know that created the Care Bears. She called them Share Bears and pitched them to Hallmark who, in turn, told her they weren't interested and then proceeded to sell tons as we all know. She hired an attny, sued and was well compensated. But what a drawn out process.
My copyright attny told me once: it's sortof like being a leader of a dog sled team-when you're the leader of the dog team the scenery is always new and different but for those that are copying you- they only see you (or what's been done already)
There's something to be said for that and it's comforted me at times. Sadly it's dog eat dog and new levels of challenge await each step up. At some point you won't have much choice but to grow a really big no nonsense legal presence.
Posted by: colette | January 25, 2009 at 11:17 AM
another comment- This also happened to someone I know that created the Care Bears. She called them Share Bears and pitched them to Hallmark who, in turn, told her they weren't interested and then proceeded to sell tons as we all know. She hired an attny, sued and was well compensated. But what a drawn out process.
My copyright attny told me once: it's sortof like being a leader of a dog sled team-when you're the leader of the dog team the scenery is always new and different but for those that are copying you- they only see you (or what's been done already)
There's something to be said for that and it's comforted me at times. Sadly it's dog eat dog and new levels of challenge await each step up. At some point you won't have much choice but to grow a really big no nonsense legal presence.
Posted by: colette | January 25, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I can really feel for you. It doesn't just sound unfair, but it feels like someone is ripping your heart out and kidnapping your child. Unfortunately, this sort of thing just doesn't happen in the design arena. Beware of the magazines you publish in, as well. I won't mention names, but a prominent pub with a two sided editor, even gave credit for my work to other artists because she COULD and dared reprisals. If they have a bent for you or a jealousy thing, they will make 'mistakes'. So be careful most talented diva. You have a precious gift that, unfortunately, inspires ugliness, as well as, beauty and harmony in those of less character.
Posted by: Cher | January 25, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I've been through this more times than you can imagine and it gets very expensive fighting it legally. I feel for you. I've discovered many products with my copyrighted art infringed on it...
Why can't people do the right thing!
Seems watching out back is part of the art process now. Your work is beautiful! Keep on keeping on!
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | January 26, 2009 at 03:22 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:20 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:20 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:20 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:20 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:21 PM
It's funny, I just bought several cards of yours from People's Co-op for some friends in Ashland, and today I just stumbled on your website through another blog. I didn't recognize the name Papaya right away, but I recognized your work immediately. Love your work, and don't worry. Folks who don't have the creativity to do their own work will move on the the next artist they find to take images from soon enough, and you'll still be here-probably doing something a little different by then, anyway, as true artists are always inspired.
Posted by: Gina deLeo | January 26, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Very sorry to see this happening to you, Anahata. Seems to be the rule, rather than the exception nowadays, but that's no excuse for plagiarism. Everybody needs to make this as high profile as possible. It's NOT okay. Hang tight, keep creating. Know in your heart that they'll never catch you....
Posted by: Nancy Jamar | January 27, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Yours are so much more cooler and original. I hate when people say, "immitation is the highest form of flattery...blah, blah, blah..." Just keep yourself ahead of the game and don't let it get you down.
Posted by: Angela Henrie | January 28, 2009 at 08:30 PM
What a bummer experience! I too don't get how one can call oneself professional, and then pull a stunt like that. Just too bad.
I love your work, and find it hugely original and fresh (couldn't believe my eyes, reading about the critizism ??). It's visions like yours that make our world beautiful.
Posted by: Christine | January 30, 2009 at 01:17 AM
I can't believe their blatant theft!!
However, their products are poor imitations. They don't even come close to the beauty, elegance and originality of your own products.
Posted by: Darlene | February 03, 2009 at 08:43 AM
I agree with Lisa.......that "Karma has a way of working things out" Your art is beautiful, and that's why someone is trying to mimic it.
You have enough inside of you to reinvent and evolve over and over again. They wont be able to catch up with you! Best wishes, Franny
Posted by: Franny | February 04, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Not to worry. You work is superior in every way. You inspire me to no ends!! Keep up your fabulous style...never stop. You can tell it comes from your heart!!
I was a student of your at ArtFest 2008. -Julie Collinge
Posted by: Julie Collinge | February 04, 2009 at 09:56 PM
I'm sure it's frustrating for those to be so similar but there's a little something missing from each design on the right. You've got it and always will!
A fun little surprise that I thought you'd appreciate: I have been telling my best friend of 30 years how much I love your designs. I even sent her one of your Christmas cards last year. Then on my birthday, lo' and behold, I get the most incredible birthday card from her ("I love who you are") with the beautiful girl and the pink flowers in her hair. She'd sent me one of your cards without even realizing it was yours! Not a knock-off, the real deal. There's something to be said for that connection. It made me very happy and I wanted to pass it on to you.
Posted by: Jamie | February 09, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I'm very late at finding this post and your ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS STORE you and your mom made. I LOVE PaPaYa!
A wonderful collection of beautiful art and journals... I'm sorry about the rip-offs. Hope they get taken care of soon.
Your work stands out as uniquely yours! Wow... sharing it with everyone I know.
Posted by: Diana | March 13, 2009 at 09:20 PM
I remember when you first read about you in Teesha Moore's zine. She said "I have a feeling that Anahata Katkin is going to be the next big thing." Teesha's intuition was correct, but I'm sorry to see these clowns ripping you off. I feel for you!
Posted by: Gail | March 27, 2009 at 01:27 PM