long overdue

I am very sad that Tonia doesn't understand what she has been doing for the past few years. I don't think I need to make another long post-it is very clear that she has crossed many lines.

I want to thank so many for their support, this post was not easy for me to make.

 

====================================================================================

Firstly, I want to say thank you to those who are regular visitors & followers of my blog. I know that some of you have been peeking in on me for years-pretty much since I have had this blog. Believe me, I’ve noticed! 

I also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave comments. I do love hearing your compliments and critiques.

My blog has been an open place for me to share my work with whom chooses to visit, and I hope that everyone becomes inspired with each visit. I also hope that everyone enjoys my postings & I encourage them to try out ideas that I have shared.

There are hundreds of talented blogs around, and I am lucky that people take time to visit mine. I hope that I have enticed you to buy the products that I have talked about & used. I have been extremely fortunate to work for some great companies, they have great products-these companies want me to show people what can be done with their products.

To date, there has not been a copyright statement on my blog. It is flattering to see people trying the products I love to use; it ‘s also flattering to see people “lifting” my layouts & projects. It flatters most of all when people credit me when they have “lifted” a project of mine. Most people have been very open with crediting “lifted” work. There have also been many times when people “forget” or just choose not to credit where they might have picked up certain ideas. This has been the most frustrating aspect of creating and can be detrimental for any original creator. I want my blog to be open to everyone; I want people to feel free to use ideas from my blog. I hope that I am given credit when it is due. I am proud of my projects. I am excited to share my work; I love to hear what people think. I am excited when I see someone who has “lifted” my projects. I never thought I needed to add any copyright statements, because sometimes I like to use common ideas-but with my take on that idea. I do understand why people need to add copyright clauses. There are some remarkable artists with truly unique styles that need to be protected-I totally agree with that. I certainly do not agree with someone who copyrights their work and uses the ideas of other without giving credit.

I made mention of how I am an original in a post not long ago-my projects are pretty much original. I do not stalk blogs for my ideas; this is why I needed to mention that:

For the past 3 years, I have had a blog follower, Tonia Grant(nyahnicole, scrapfashionmakeuphair, Nicole, nicolebee), who has been lifting a lot of my work and posting to public galleries. I am being modest when I say “a lot”. When I first noticed Tonia doing this, I just figured that because she was new to scrapbooking she did not understand how crucial it is to mention that her projects were “lifted”. I was flattered and was able to look the other way.

My problem with Tonia is that she has been lifting my projects for years, and when she posts to Two Peas, Studio Calico, and other public galleries she has only mentioned me once or twice-if even that much. There were times when people have stated to her that her projects were remarkably similar to my work. I have had people email me wondering if I knew her or have seen her postings. I do not know her; I have never exchanged emails with her-we have not ever been friends. A few years ago she became a regular on my blog, and always had questions about products I used. I have always taken the time to answer every question from her. I have made it extremely easy for her to obtain products for her to complete projects that were extremely similar to mine. A few months ago I left a comment on her blog that it would be great if she stated that someone inspired her work when posting to public galleries. She felt that she always gave me credit when needed. From time to time, she has said that she bought products because of me, very rarely has she said that her layouts were inspired by mine. I have a problem with the fact that she does not give credit in public gallery postings. Tonia also thinks that we share a similar style; I guess doing what I have done-right after me that does make our styles similar. I guess Tonia thinks that if she is not lifting an entire page exactly-it’s not a lifted page. After my comment on her blog and email from her that followed telling me about my ego, I had to block her from my blog and other social media. Recently, I have begun to mention on some of her public gallery postings that her layouts/albums have been inspired by my work in the comments.

I have never been in this situation, and I do not know how to take it (or how to react to it). I have tried to ignore Tonia. I have not said one word (for the past 3 years), except to close friends. At first we thought she is a “big fan”. They said to let it go, and I did. Only now it is getting out of hand. She has gone way beyond just lifting my scrapbook work-it's extremely obsessive. I am tired of changing things on my blog, and the watermarks on my photos. I truly could careless about what Tonia is doing, in general. I do care that it seems as though she is trying to make a name for herself by stepping over (and on) me-not by her own merit. I am all for anyone who wants to share their work, I am all for anyone who wants to be creative; even if they are strictly “lifters”-that’s not a terrible thing. I will not continue to look the other way, I have to speak up for myself.

I would like for everyone to understand that I am not saying never lift my projects, please take any inspiration that you need. I hope that you can share who inspired you. I do not think that I need to be credited for every detail of your work. I am proud of my projects & I try to have my own style. I am upset that I had to do this post, this is not what my blog is ever about. This is one unpleasant situation that I had to address openly, and I would like for Tonia to understand I am not looking for a literal “follower”. I hope Tonia will aspire to find her own style or at least be truthful when she posts lifted projects to public galleries. 

 

some random examples:

 

Comments

[Ann P]

51.

Keisha, I have been a big fan of yours and I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this unpleasant experience. I just looked at Tonia's blog and as much as she is trying to copy your style, there is something that just isn't quite right. You have a certain style and there is just no way she can replicate your beauty and integrity. It is very creepy that she photographs her daughter in the same fashion as you do, but again, there is something VERY unnatural in what she is trying to do (or just very fake). You hold the light! Please don't stop sharing your inspiring creativity. I LOVE your blog and there are many out there who do as well. I hope that through this process Tonia finds a way to discover her own gifts and not feel the need to "copy" someone in order to be recognized or paid attention to.

[Mollydiane]

52.

Yes, I agree with the others! We ARE inspired by YOUR work, your style is simple and elegant. I DO check out your blog via JB inspiration to see all of the great photos and classy way your layouts are presented. I have been greatly inspired by YOU and your work. You have taught me much! And this teaches all of us to give credit to the author of creativity! I hope that I have and always will credit the creater; when I post one of "my" layouts. I'm sadden that a few spoil it for the majority (author unknown, to me)(something my Father always quoted) And yes, PLEASE don't give up on the rest of us! Thank you Keisha for sharing all of your many talents! We KNOW the real thing when we see it!

[Christine Meyer]

53.

Well said Keisha!

[Joy Taylor]

54.

Keisha, I am truly sorry that this has happened to you, your words in saying that credit where credit is due is so right, I was totally inspired by a couple of your creations not long ago, which you will remember as you left a sweet comment on my blog, but in saying that I totally gave you credit.

It is fine to be really inspired by someone and take different ideas and make them you own, but you still need to give the recognition as to where you were inspired.

I know that some of my work has been lifted, but I feel and hope that the person/s doing so will give me credit...

I think you were left with no other option but to vent out your frustrations here on your blog, you are within your grounds as to do so...

Hoping that this does not ever happen again, and that some sort of peace can be found..

Hugs

[Jill Sprott]

55.

BTW, were any of the pictures posted on this post ever credited to you?

[caroline hancock]

56.

We have been discussing this on a DT i am on as someone used a sketch and never got credit (until now as she was called on it too) so when one of the DT came across this she gave us the link, well i have just opened her blog up and it is the spit of yours, that is obsession alright, wow. Good on you :)

[Kellie]

57.

Well said Keisha.

I think there are a lot of people out there who are 'inspired' by blogs, magazines etc, even down to copying other's work exactly! I don't necessarily think this is wrong - IF they are doing it for themselves. A layout for their own album, a Christmas decoration for their own tree. When they share it online and gain accolades for their cleverness when clearly their only talent is copying - that is where I put my foot down!

I conducted scrapping classes for a charity, and one of the women who paid for the class, submitted, and had published, her layout from that class. It was a direct copy of the class layout - the only thing different was the photo. How can you be paid for, and assume credit for something you didn't have any hand in creating?

If we were writers doing this, wouldn't it be plagerism? Tonia's defence would be, oh no I didn't copy the exact sentence. No - just the plot and the ending!

[Audrey Yeager]

58.

I have to admit that I am not a follower of your blog! :) I was directed here from a forum of fellow scrappers (Practical Scrappers) where we have been talking about the issue of when "Scraplifting" becomes more that just a lift. Many of us on the team there have had our layouts and projects copied without proper credit given. I remember when I first heard the idea of "scraplifting" years ago and thought to myself, "but that's not my idea...". I understand taking bits and pieces for inspiration, but I think lately in this scrappy world there is just TOO MUCH of this complete copying of projects. And if you like someone/something so much that you want to copy it exactly, then just give credit????? I just don't get it!

I am so glad that you aired this out. I think it is time for a lot of the people in this industry to start taking this issue more seriously!!!

The only thing I know that I PERSONALLY can do about this issue is to make sure that I always give credit when I can.

I hope that this issue can get resolved and I think that maybe Crate Paper should reconsider her for their team.....

[kim Stewart]

59.

I love your blog and one of the reasons is because you have your own style! I only came across your blog recently and yes I have stalked and only because I've been trying to educate myself on what it takes to create your own style. Being a srcrapbooker that was something very important to me. When I came across the CP blog and checked out the new DT I did immediately say the same thing! Very creepy! Good for you for getting it out there and clearing the air! Keep doing your thing!

[Carolyne]

60.

bravo my friend. hugs.

[Christa Uttley]

61.

I am so sad for you. There has been much discussion aournd this topic at a DT blog site where 30 or so of us meet and talk. Lately this topic has come up and it looks like we all share similar concerns. You are not alone. Of course there wasn't any mention of a scrap stalker! Goodness. I wish you freedom from her oppresion. I wish for her to find her own creative apth too. How stifling for her to follow someone rather than be freed to create her own art. Keep up the great work. I am inspired by your craft and your strength.

[Elizabeth*S*]

62.

wow. I think one thing is to be "inspired" and another is to be living vicariously through someone's inspiration and God forgive me...I think that is exactly what's happening here. I just went and looked at a good portion of her blog. wow. like wow. I'm speechless. It totally reminds me of that lady who would cut and post Stephanie H's blog post and then even forget to change Harper's name for her own daughter's!!! WHAT is wrong with people?!?! I pray that this does not stop you from posting and sharing your beautiful creations! please don't. I've been a loyal follower/stalker :) for years and would HATE to lose ability to follow! Hang in there girl!

[MIchelle E]

63.

Keisha,
I have been following you for YEARS and I LOVE your blog. Your most recent post was very well written and I'm glad you made it. You are an original, amazing artist. Your style shines in everything you do. Please keep inspiring us! Love you and your work.
Shelly

[Ann Jobes]

64.

You are right that this goes beyond flattery. It goes beyond scraplifting, which involves finding an element of a project and incorporating it, allowing it to inspire your own original project. She is out and out copying you down to every detail. There is a HUGE difference. It sounds like you have tolerated this for far too long. Brava for taking a stand and, as someone who has had a project copied without credit, I appreciate that you have spoken up. Persevere! I am sure you will be rewarded!

[ann]

65.

I'm glad you expressed your feelings on your copycat. To be honest, I was even quite annoyed to come across her layouts on Two Peas and Studio Calico. I would consider commenting on the layout that it looked like a Keisha layout, but in most instances, someone had beat me to it! I think it's one thing to mimic someone's style in the beginning to find yourself in this craft, but to constantly copy another's work and then profit off of it is just wrong.

You have a beautiful, classic, and ethereal aesthetic and heaven knows, it's inspired me to buy more Making Memories than I'll need in a lifetime! :) You are the real deal and the watered down version doesn't inspire me in the least. Thank you for your bravery in addressing this troubling issue!

[Sherri P eh]

66.

Keisha, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It sucks, big time. Writing what you did, so eloquently, was long overdue. You're a class act and a fabulous talent and I hope that other person crawls back into the hole from which she climbed out. Continue to be true to yourself!

[Linda]

67.

I love your blog and your style. So sorry you have to deal with this.

[jenny dziekan]

68.

holy cow, so glad you put this out there. i see that you really had no choice. i had read elsewhere of this, but to see it with my own two eyes is astonishing. keep dpoing what you do. you are always very inspiring, no pun intended.

[Ingen]

69.

Keisha I have been following your blog for years and I love your style (and your dog LOL). I don't often read all the text since English is not my mother language but today I took the time to read your whole post. I pity Tonia who is so uncertain that she can not show her own style. I wish you all the best with this situation. (It's hard to express what you really mean in an other language but I think you understand what I mean)

[Jackie]

70.

Kiesha,I'm a long time follower of your blog, and I had not ever heard of of this person until last month when they announced the new Crate Paper DT. When I looked at her blog/work, I immediately thought that she was you! As I looked through her blog, and went way back, I also noticed that she was really doing many of the same things you are - from the colors she's painting in her home, to the stylings of her home decor, and most definitely her scrapbook work. My first thought is that she is not inspired by you, but rather obsessed, and that would un-nerve me as well.
I hope you can get this resolved without too much drama and I hope the other lady gets some help. :(

[J. Praisley Smith]

71.

Dear Keisha,

Thank you for sharing your work, your heart, your family and your home with so many of us who quietly enjoy your art and have done so for years. I've never copied your work (and don't even know if I could since it is so wonderful) but like many others, I have enjoyed viewing it for years. There have been so many sadness filled changes in my life that I find it difficult to scrap...something I truly enjoy doing. Despite it all, I turn to your blog for inspiration and because it reminds me to live again and dream again. Viewing your work helps me to stay in touch with the beauty of scrapbooking and what artists like you represent. Thank you...Thank you...Thank you. It's been a pleasure {and a BLESSING} and I am sorry to hear someone would try to abuse something you have freely shared. Much love from Los Angeles...Praisley

[Simone P.]

72.

I am sadden to hear and see this. As a designer I know this can be frustrating. I love your blog and I always give credit if I pin a fabulous room that you have decorated. I do not scrapbook but I still enjoy your layouts. While it is hard for some people to understand that deigning takes time, passion and skill, the internet has made true design rare. Keep doing what you do best. Your style is impeccable!

[kris]

73.

I love your blog and hope this person stops .....and I thank you for all your inspiration!

[bv]

74.

Hi Keisha I have been following your blog since 2006, I always find inspiration from your blog, and I have to say what I find creepy is the fact that even the layout of her blog is almost identical to yours, In scrapbooking/design I don't believe anyone has an original thought/idea. I think we all use ideas or concepts that we learn from everything we see around us ...
The thing that makes me say WTH is that she takes photos to her daughter just like you, she decorate her house/scraproom just like you,etc... those are the things that really frak me out, the fact of a scraplift in this scrapbook world we all deal with that, I just hope you don't give up on sharing your work with us.

[Kimberly]

75.

I have not been to you blog in at least 2 years (when you were over seas). I have been working and my time is limited. (Home with sick child today)...I just have to say, WOW...this is scary.

[ginnyh]

76.

I am so sorry you had to deal with this. Good for you for calling her out! I have been an admirer of yours for a few months now and recently started seeing her layouts here and there. I couldn't believe what she was doing!! I hope she steps back and reevaluates the way she is representing herself. Good luck with this situation, I hope it get better for you soon!

[Amanda]

77.

Wow! I can't believe that she does not understand that she has done way more than just take inspiration from you; She has totally ripped off your style (its clear from her layouts, blog design, even the decor in your home (gray walls, scrap furniture, etc.etc.).

You have been kind and gracious in your handling of this situation - Kudos to you!

[mandy ni bhraonain]

78.

this broke my heart reading this, I adore your blog and your work, I cant believe someone would do this, to anyone, please keep going, you are a wonderful artist, know that you have fans that are thinking of you and sending you hugs xxx

[Svala, Iceland]

79.

Hi Keisha. I followed you blog regularly when you were in China but lately I have had very limited time to surf blogs like I used to. Came across this issue on 2peas and found out it was your style she was stealing! WOW what a sorry individual she is, it's OK to copy the people you admire if you are stuck for ideas of you own but to pass them off as your own is totally WRONG. Not to mention how creepy it is to look at the photos of her home. We all know who is the original here. Please please don't let her stop you in sharing your beautiful work, it would be a great loss for the people who truly love scrapping and beautiful design. Big HUGS

[Danielle]

80.

Keisha, Good for you for speaking out. I know it can be frustrating, as similar things have happened to me- not in the extent of this of course, but I know it doesn't feel good at all to have to call someone out. I'm glad you stood up for yourself. When I saw that she was added to the Crate DT, I was flabbergasted. You have a very unique and beautiful style that everyone loves, so I hope you won't keep this from doing your thing. You do it so well.
Hugs,
Danielle

[Janet Cox]

81.

“Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else” ~judy garland.

years ago i stumbled upon your blog, not even sure how. i spend several mornings sipping coffee and just marvelling at your work. i first fell in love with clear buttons because of you. ran right down and bought them, i've never actually USED them...haha...but you did inspire me. know this. i know your work by just LOOKING at it. there are few scrapbook artists in the industry that you just KNOW it is them by their style. you've got style. it is your own. i would know it anywhere.

[Kristina]

82.

Hi Keisha,
I have been a lurker for many years and a once in a blue moon commenter. I love your work.... but, this is a very specific post using names and specific details. While you are 100% justified, I'm worried this woman could to sue you for libel (defamation of character) based on this post.

I'm just trying to look out for you. You may want to consider changing her name or removing some of the personal details. It's up to you, but this woman sounds like a piece of work and you never know nowadays. You can never be too careful.

[Bernice J]

83.

Keisha, it might interest you or your readers to know that she deleted every comment posted to her blog that was negative or questioning. I had left a comment there asking how it was that the facts showed clearly that she was plageurizing your work, and that facts speak for themselves. I also read some other comments that have since disappeared from view. Hmmm...

[Kareen]

84.

So sorry you had to go through this. You really were not given any other choice but to "call her out" Maybe now she will change her approach. She can still love your work, but give credit where credit is due. Just remember, you have a very distinctive style, it is all your own.....and we know it.

[Account Deleted]

85.

I have been follower of your blog since I discovered scrapbooking in 2005 and I hear you abut everything you stated in your post.

This can not be a pleasant thing to deal with - kudos to you for speaking up!

[christina]

86.

i was so sorry to read this. i have been reading you, since you began. i adore your work and your style. and most of all, i respect you as an artist, mom, and blogger.
keep doing you, my friend.

so glad you wrote your feelings here.
xoxo

[Sophia]

87.

Keisha, I have been following your blog for a few years now! Just want to say that I see your point and I can imagine that this was a difficult subject. I truly love your blog. I will continue to be a fan and hope that you can continue to share as freely as you have always done. For those of us who love to be INSPIRED by others, there is clearly a line, respect, conscience, golden rule, etc.

[stephanie]

88.

I've been reading your blog for so long and I just want to say thank you for sharing for all this time! Its really amazing just thinking about it. More than 6 or 7 years! I don't even have to look 2x to know your imprint and style in the scrapbook community. Its very similar to knowing a Chanel, Monet, or a Picasso when you see one!

Having said all that, more importantly, I am going to send good thoughts your way because nothing about this seems easy.

[Ava]

89.

Awesome post. It's about time girl!

[nitasha]

90.

I'm glad you're speaking up, Kiesha! I'm a huge fan of your work and the moment I saw Tonia's work in the Studio Calico gallery a few months ago I immediately thought that she must be EXTREAMLY inspired by you! Then, it hit me even more when I saw her work as a new DT member on the Crate Paper blog! I'm so glad that you have spoken up about it because it's not right at all! Thank you for all you do and share with us and let's hope this has put an end to any plagiarism from your site!

[jersey Girl Anne]

91.

I am so sorry that you have been going through this. Your style is so unique that I could never even begin to copy it even if I wanted to. It is so interesting that others had picked up on the problem. It is eery how she copied your craft room and the layouts. Keep being original! I love your blog!

[Julie Short]

92.

Hello Keisha,
We have been talking about exactly the issue you are describing in a Facebook discussion amongst some Aussie crafters just today.

One of them mentioned your post and I am so glad she did because I have found you again!

Well done for calling it out and telling it exactly like it is. Your work is terrific and I say "Keep creating, keep enjoying and being true to yourself"
Now I am off to find your followers section so I can enjoy more of your work.

At the moment what seems to be being ripped off over here are Mixed media pieces almost to the point that the original artists are only showing parts of what they do. I understand totally but it does make you wonder what will happen in the future.
I have a small range of hand made embellishments and quite a number of times I have been approached by people from a large foreign land not too far away to sell. I know exactly what will happen.

[Kat Mc]

93.

Long time lurker and have been following you since you started scrapping. I admire your work and talent and you are so inspirational! Not sure if you remember Lilia (fleamarket), but she went thru the same thing and the other person denied everything even though it was so obvious and continued afterwards. Sorry that you are going through this and I completely agree with what Cindy said, Keep inspiring, I too, need my dose of Keisha!

[diana]

94.

This is such a difficult subject. Being "out there" with your work and being an inspiration to others comes with having your work copied or having others work be inspired by yours. It seems to me you don't really have a problem with that.
This lady could never give you the credit you deserve because everything she does looks like your work. Your name would have to be under every single pic she posts.
It's hard to believe her when she says you are only an inspiration. Literally everything she does looks like you did it! Down to the way she photographs her work and post it on her blog. Heck even her blog is a copy of yours.
It's really creepy and I feel for you.
Not sure what the answer is here. It seems to me what she is doing is wrong. Blocking her from your blog will most likely not stop her from being "inspired" by you. Hopefully she will make more of an effort to find her own style.
I Have not scrapped in years and probably won't in the future but I still visit your blog once in a while. Love your home decor ideas and I always get a kick out of seeing your beautiful girls and how beautifully they dress.
Best wishes to you and your family.

[Mel H]

95.

Keisha, I love your work, and I hope you continue to share your gifts with us. I often draw inspiration from your work, and have lifted an idea from a time or two---though I have never posted them online, or shared them on blogs or in contests, but would absolutely credit your ideas and inspiration. To not do so is the mark of a coward and a thief. You have certainly taken the high road with this, and you should be proud. We love you here in the blogsphere....keep on creating!

[Judith Norman]

96.

OK, first thing, Keisha, I love your blog and your work. I've been a weekly reader since your China days. Please keep sharing.
Second thing, just checked out this Tonia person. She's scary. She has copied your style, the way you photograph, etc. It's like she wants to be you. I can't believe she got on that CP design team with work that's an exact copy of yours. You are right for blocking her.

[jackie radu]

97.

how creepy is latonia grant! the first time i saw her blog, i had to do a double take - she is clearly stalking you! hang in there <3

[Brid]

98.

yours is better