Edit: ART THEFT...Resolved, and small updates.

So I'm checking on my updates. Artwork that is posted up daily from the clubs and people I've watched and communicated with when I stumble upon this. fav.me/d3pnavg

Ugh.

I had been confused for a moment, since I hadn't recently added this artwork of mine to any of these clubs. Up until I saw who the artwork "belonged" to. It was a script, a Zutara Story by this person -

It hit me then. This person stole my art and (here's the best part) they didn't have the decency of covering up the watermark that CLEARLY says it belongs to ME. I mean, hell, if you're going to steal something, TRY to be smart about it! I just....UUGH...better yet, DON'T TAKE THINGS THAT DON'T BELONG TO YOU. THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES.

Ugh...

I honestly didn't expect this to happen so soon.

A few years ago, when I first joined this website of artists and the like, I had asked my cousin who had - at the time - taught me how to use the website. She would grab whatever art she saw and posted it on my account, in a way to teach me how to do it. Of course, I didn't really think this art belonged to anyone, so I let the artwork stay on my gallery. I suddenly began to receive hate mail and flames, people yelling at me and demanding at me to take the art down. I was severely confused, I had no idea why they were so angry until I saw the owner of the art. This person threatened to report me unless I took down the art. I turned to my cousin and asked her what the crap this was about. She merely shrugged and told me that it was no big deal. People do it all the time. It took a while but I eventually took down the art and apologized to the owner of the pieces I had claimed with ignorance. In the end, I am still here and now I proudly post my own artwork on this website for many people to enjoy.

I realize that not every single person who is subject to art theft, nor is the culprit of such a feat, is always without innocence. Mainly since I started out with being on the ignorant side of things. We all have our vices and such.

Even so. I cannot stand it.

I did what I thought was right, I warned this person to take down my art. Frankly, I don't want to wait any longer. This is disrespectful and annoying. I truly understood how the artist who had been the victim of my cousin's nonchalant actions had felt when she saw her art being displayed as if it belonged to someone else.

I can say now that in situations such as these the verdict is truly, guilty until proven innocent. I find it insulting that this person took my art, used it as a portrait for their prose, without bothering to ask for permission or, hell, even give me where credit was due! Not even a thank you or a -- "Hey, This is my story! The art belongs to Harei-ruto! Go to her profile and check out her gallery! blah blah blah..."
Instead they had the nerve to enter this artwork into clubs, had the audacity to do so without so much as thinking there were going to be no consequences.

I realize now, that despite whatever reason this person did this, be it similar to my own story or not, THAT IT IS WRONG.

I worked real hard to make that picture. Spending hours and hours sketching, erasing, revising, scanning, fixing, working on photoshop, with layers and filters and stuff us artists go through to see the end result and to let this sort of this pass by without indignity is severely offending. This is the sort of thing we fight for! When we place our work up, we are careful! We do so because we are proud of our hard work and we want it to receive the credit and attention it deserves!

I have been struggling these past few months with money issues. One of the only way I am getting income is through my art! To see someone use it in such a disrespectful manner puts a bad taste in my mouth because this is work I had sweated so I can support myself. I do not want to resort to completely removing all my artwork, like so many artists whom have dealt with this have done so. Because I put this artwork up for you guys! For all those who have placed me on their watch and comment and favorite my work.

This is insulting and I wish the aid of those of you out there who are reading this to help me send out this message to - not just - but to every young and aspiring artist that the only way to success and victory is through achieving it through your OWN hard work. That cheaters in the end, never win anything, except a web of lies and a dirty conscience.

I ask that you guys could do the favor of - RESPECTFULLY - telling this person to take down my art and to start posting up their own art and stuff. If this person does not do so, I will report them.

So this is strike one, Missy. You take down my art, and if you don't, I will report your sorry rump.

Yep. It didn't take long. I'm quite glad this was taken care of. Thank you to those of you who helped me out. This is a serious business. I hope that with this we'll be able to raise more awareness to newer artists who are joining this website that your own work is the best way to getting recognition.

Thanks again! As for some other news, I'm currently fixing the Fourth Page for the Zutara PAIN comic. I had it sketched and ready for scanning, but then it got ruined. So...I had to start up again. Maybe that was a sign that it could've been better...hmm...ah well.

So there's that. Also I'm working on the MARK OF THE FLAME story I promised you guys. I'm just working some plot kinks and what not. I'm working on some requests...and COMMISSIONS!!

I'm going through a tough time, financially and I would appreciate all the help!

for more info on pricing, just go to my Commissions Journal and send me a note or comment below!!

THANK YOU!

Harei-ruto signing off.