Let me say something really important...
These are my thoughts and my philosophy and I don't really care if someone doesn't agree with it. Recently in the cookie community arises the issue on copying, plagiarism, theft etc. Some people are so concerned about it, that can't sleep, they waste their and others time on empty arguments thus destroying friendships in groups and communities. Here are my 2 cents... and I wont get back to this topic again.
Don't be afraid that your ideas are being stolen..no one gets hurt! The world is much more wonderful and interesting than spying on someone who reiterated or plagiarized. All of us are imitators of something and there is some development of a mankind in that. You grudge your talent? Nobody will steal it from you and it wont be added to you if your work wont be copied. Don't think about it! Simply create! Be free! Create beauty and bring joy to people! Please, less self-worth, more humility. Less resentment, dear cookiers! May the joy and light of your souls light up the people around you..so many of them! The rest is vanity...
If you see that someone used your idea or copied your work, rejoice that you have been a source of inspiration. Only the best are copied! If a person is well-mannered and if your work in particular became an example for them they will award you with a credit..If not- leave it, you can't expect anything and can't prove anything.
If you see that someone used your idea or copied your work, rejoice that you have been a source of inspiration. Only the best are copied! If a person is well-mannered and if your work in particular became an example for them they will award you with a credit..If not- leave it, you can't expect anything and can't prove anything.
If your ideas are so dear to you, do not expose them to the whole world! No one will ever come up with an idea to put their wallets on the street? Right?
Conclusion - borrowing other people's ideas, using them as a basis for further work, an attempt to develop what has been invented by another author is not more than an impetus to creativity. If someone is a newbie it will be very useful for them! But they should always remember not to get carried away by only copying, it will eventually bring only disappointment.
Take a look at these pictures...
What do you think, which one is a copy?
Both artists are famous all over the world
and both of these paintings are stored in the museum, and in the same museum!
Both pictures are brilliant!
Painting "Adam and Eve",
both - in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Left - Titian, 1550.
Right - Rubens, 1628.
Just food for thought...
Nadia,
ReplyDeleteI have not been closely copied that I know of, my work, that is. I have seen a couple of ideas that I had, expanded upon by way more famous cookiers, and wowsie, did they ever make amazing things! Were they sparked by MY ideas? Who really knows? If so, what an honor, and like you, that's how I choose to see it. As it says in one of my favorite books, The Artist's Way, there are no original ideas, all are things that borrowed or were inspired by bits and pieces of what has been done before. Hmmm, we can choose to agree with that, or not. I think that the world of positive good, and ideas, is infinite.
Totally agree! Thank you for your comment!!!
DeleteI love the fact that Rubens made Adam just a little chunkier!
ReplyDeleteI have been inspired by cookiers all over the internet, in no way would anyone think that my work (for a preschool or elementary class) would compare. Thank you for making me not feel guilty for my lack of imagination. :)
"If you see that someone used your idea or copied your work, rejoice that you have been a source of inspiration. Only the best are copied!" ... Well said, amen!
ReplyDeletePeople who copy the ideas of others can only do 3 things. They can fail, they can achieve the same results without your help, and they can exceed your results. people are so worried someone is going to exceed in what they could only achieve the basics, they actually make themselves sick.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter if they like it or not, i haven't met anyone who makes their own sugars/flours/icing ingredients. when they start growing all of their own ingredients, then they are not taking from someone else to include in their own work. how about those who have even 1 single brand name cookie, or even 1 single saying they didn't write on one o their cookies. that's taking from someone else for their own profit, yet its stealing for someone to copy their ideas and improve on them.
Like you said, if you dont anyone to copy them, keep them off the net, and stop leaving your wallet on the street for someone else to take.
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteThere is nothing new under the Sun ... but there is "joy" and there is "delicious". These things are mostly temporary because we can't live in perpetual joy and because your cookies are meant to be seen, then eaten. The joy I have is that my family has eaten your deliciousness and I am privileged to see your beautiful work. A woman on a recipe site actually called the site and said I was using someone elses pictures as my own and that is why I won the voting a few times. The site directors called and emailed me and took over 200 of my pictures off their site telling me I was a cheater. I sent them my portfolio and credentials and they apologized and took HER off of their site. It's not worth getting all upset about. People ... you can't copyright flour, sugar, designs or talent ... colors belong to everyone and spirit and love belongs to each of us who give and try to make this world a better and more fun place. Do your best, send out the beauty and realize for every copy cat, there are 100's of admirers ... maybe more. Your joy reaches it's target and will return to you tenfold. I agree Nadia ... and you are the best ... keep producing and keep the Joy tank filled up. Thank God for our good fortune to be able to share what we do, and the gift of love we receive back. Copy that ...! Hee hee! Pamela!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that it happened to you, Pamela! Some people are not respectful to others and we can not change them. We can only change our attitude to what is happening... I know you are very positive and kind...I see it in your comments! Thank you my dear friend for you words! :)
DeleteI don´t mind being copied by anyone, creativity is inspiration and we all get inspired by the beautiful work of someone else. The issue for me would be if someone copies a picture and pastes it in their page like if the original work belongs to him/her and that is not so easy unless the originals don´t have the creator´s name.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts!
As a cake decorator (and sometimes cookie decorator :-) ), I feel that there is no such thing as "copying" another cake or cookie, because you are not using a copy machine, you are making that design from scratch, using your own talents and skills. I frequently get a client who prints a picture of a cake from the internet, and then want a cake "exactly like that". I always try and explain to them that, while I will try my best to duplicate it at closely as possible, I am not the creator of the original cake, so mine will NEVER match the picture exactly. And often it is very, very difficult to recreate a design from a picture, since you do not know what exactly the original decorator did, their methods, materials, etc. Like you said, no idea is original, and in the end, if the decorator does not have his/her own skill and talent, they will not be able to recreate the design in any case, so how exactly has your work been "copied"?
ReplyDeleteBut that is just my 2 cents worth. ;-)
Not only are these two master pieces housed in the same museum, but they are on display Side By Side!
ReplyDeleteNadia, you have inspired me to create beautiful cookies and I'm so grateful for your sweet attitude! Keep up the great work and I wish you all the success in the world!
Thank you Teresa! You are so sweet!
DeleteI may be mistaken, but the post that you are probably refering to was that the coping of pictures and entire tuteriols is not ethical. It was plainly stated that, yes, anyone should take an idea, do with it what you can, but photograph it your self for your own presentation. If I am incorrect on your inspiration for your post, I am sorry. I do see that in the upper right on your blog that you do put limitations on copying and such.
ReplyDeleteI am against when people use my pictures without my permission or if they present them as their's. I am not against copying my cookies but very appreciate when people give me credit.
DeleteOne of my favorite things to do in the evenings after work is look through the different cookie pages and see all the beautiful works of art people have created. There have been times that I have pulled pieces from my memory and recreated cookies I've seen in the past, but not known where I saw them or who to give credit to for the idea. I don't have a cookie page, only a personal page so only my friends see what I do, but I still feel a bit guilty for not giving credit to the people who have inspired me. Thank you for post and for making me feel like I'm not the worst person in the world :)
ReplyDeleteYou stole my thought!!! LOL. I´m really agree <3
ReplyDeleteTi ringrazio per aver detto con poche e semplici parole quanto cerco invano di far capire ad una piccola comunità di foodbloggers! La penso esattamente come te!
ReplyDeleteContinua così
La ringrazio molto per il tuo commento!
DeleteDobrý den. Jsem velice ráda, že jsem si přečetla Vaše myšlenky a naprosto se s nimi ztotožňuji. Já zdobím perníčky už více než dvacet let a říkám přesně to samé. Můžete se mými perníčky inspirovat, můžete "opisovat", vždyť každý si stejně najde svoji cestu i když třeba někdy použije něco z mého zdobení. A také pro mne je to největší ocenění, důkaz toho, že se moje práce líbí.I já však nemám ráda, když někdo nabízí výrobu perníčků a použije k tomu mé fotografie.
ReplyDeleteTaké procházím internetem a nechávám se inspirovat krásnou prací ostatních, vyzkouším si to, ale stejně se zase vrátím ke svému.
Děkuji velice za Vaše slova :-) Vaše práce je úžasná a velice ráda se vracím na Vaše stránky. Přeji Vám mnoho dalších krásných nápadů, kterými dokážete potěšit mnoho lidí kolem sebe.
Libuše Mokrá ( www.moli-rp.mypage.cz)
Veľmi vám ďakujem za váš komentár!
DeleteI am a fanatic at Pinterest - love to share pictures that I find of anything that is beautiful, but would never in my wildest dreams claim something as mine - in fact I have never tried to decorate a cookie :(..... but I do bake cupcakes, wedding cakes and birthday cakes and have found many an inspiration on the Internet from various cake-artists. I am thanking all of them and admire them for their creativity- but each person has their own style and it will always show in ones own work.
ReplyDeleteLove your cookies - maybe one day I will try....for now I just love admiring your work!! Have a great day and best wishes from Africa!
Thank you so much Astrid!
DeleteWell said, my friend, well said!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with anonymous, above, that I'm not always sure who to give credit to for an idea, so appreciate how you have put this blog entry together. I will say this to your readers, though: Nadia has been the most gracious person towards me, in allowing me to play with and copy from her supremely beautiful designs as I try to learn how to do this type of cookie decorating. I feel like a 5 year old with the techniques (and hopefully will 'grow up' into them!!) but she is always encouraging and gracious in allowing me to not only practice and copy her designs on some of my cookies, but to post them to my site (I do credit her!) She gives us all joy with her beauty, and she practices what she preaches! :-)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you Laura! You are so sweet :)
DeleteVery well said Nadia and your Adam and Eve example is definitely some great food for thought!
ReplyDeletetotally a gree with you Nadia, I share sometimes photos from other blogs or fb page, but always write the name of where they from, unless I can´t find it as sometimes in pinterest but I usually write photo from pint, I think is wonderful that you or other people can inspire my job or the job of other people :)
ReplyDeleteNadia this was so well written. I would be honored if someone copied my work. But I do agree that you should use your own photos and not use someone elses without permission. Please continue to inspire. YOUR piping skills are my inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear!
DeleteI love your blog post on this. The way I feel, is if you think your idea is an original and there has never been anything like it seen in history with those colors, the DO NO POST IT, that way you can keep your masterpiece all to yourself and not worry about anyone "stealing" it. I agree with you that they shouldn't steal your pictures and claim them as their own, that is just wrong. If they want to use your picture and send to someone and say I can make something like this, then I don't have issues with that, at least it isn't posted on the internet that they did those exact cookies. It seems to me that the cookie community has gotten a big head recently and a lot have become what I call part of "The Mean Girls Club". Granted not everyone is like that, but it seems a lot of true colors are coming out and it's not pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at other people's work and yes, a lot of it inspires me because I think the cookie is beautiful or cute and I want to make someone happy with a cookie similar to that as well. I think it's a compliment that someone likes your work so much that they want to recreate it. A lot of times I won't remember where I saw the idea, but I usually always say, I saw this cookie on the internet but cannot remember who did it and if it's something you've done, please let me know so I can give you credit.
Thank you for having the guts to do a blog on this subject!
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteWhat a beautiful attitude. As they say "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Your work is an inspiration to others and though many try to duplicate what you do, very few are actually able to achieve your level of perfection. I for one always look forward to seeing what you do and appreciate that you share it with us.
ReplyDeleteSorry because my English is not good enough but I´ve undertood perfectly every word you said. I really agree with you and if you don´t mind, I´ll visit you more times :) Your cookies are really beautiful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou know what? My English is not good enough too... :) Thank you for your comment and Welcome to my blog!
DeleteSo beautifully said, I could cry. As a fairly new cookier, where would I be without all of you to learn from? God Bless You!
ReplyDeleteSweetRebeccas.com
Becky McGeorge
Thank you Becky :)
DeleteVery well said Nadia. Very few people find the right words to say some thing difficult or a better way to say some thing that could be bold. You approached a very sensitive issue and yet so gracefully. Everything you said is so true.. Life has a lot more than to waste it on these trivial matters.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Veena
Veena's Art of Cakes.
Thank you my dear!
DeleteBRAVO! I agree! I am just glad that I have been given my talent, glad to have friends that share and make it better. Well said!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you posted this. I came to your blog today seeking information to contact you for permission to copy 1 of your beautiful designs for cake competition Austin this month. Although there's no fear that I would ever do anything so beautiful, I always like to ask first, and give credit where credit is due. Your beautiful delicate designs are suIch an inspiration to me. May I ask what size tip you use for your filigree work?
ReplyDeleteThank You,
Rosemary Galpin
Luling, Texas
Thank you Rosemary! Check my post here...http://cakecreationsforyou.blogspot.com/2012/08/lace-heart-cookies-with-ri-roses.html?utm_source=BP_recent
DeleteWhat a wonderful point of view. How many times I have read people complain that they are the "inventor" of a design not being credited! Get. over. it. With so much talent in the world, there is someone out there making the exact same thing...if not now, 2 weeks ago, 2 years ago or 4 months from now. I love that you encourage praising all talents and inspiration especially because you are one of the best talents out there. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteHello Nadia,
ReplyDeleteYou are the best,making cookies and with your attitude,I love your cookies and your job,I make cookies and sometimes I copy ,but always I say who I copy.In Spain,where I live there is always problems with that,and I know a lot of people who copy you...well it's life...
Thanks again for your very good attitude,and sorry for my english!!!!
Bsssssss.
Thank you for your comment!
DeleteHi Nadia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post & I agree with your comments. With the internet making images & information so available you could spend all your time tracking down everyone who 'copied' you - what a waste of time & energy :( it's a happier more peaceful life to accept it will happen to some degree & move on.
Mignon
PS - love your cookies :)
Thank you for understanding!
DeleteYou put it so perfectly! The first time someone copied my cookie idea I was so excited that someone thought enough of my cookie to copy it. I wasn't mad or angry, I was thrilled. They did not credit me, but that was okay, because I knew it was my design and was happy to contribute to their learning!
ReplyDeleteYou are like me...Thank you for your comment :)
DeleteNadia, Just Wanted To Thank You For The Cookie Recipe! I've never had a cookie come out so perfect for decorating, no bubbling or spreading...and they taste chocolately delicious! Can't Wait To Try My Hand At Royal Work On Them Tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteIt's not my own recipe...I am glad you like it!
DeleteGood MornImg Nadia! Just Wanted To Show You My First Feeble Attempt At One Of Your Beautiful Cookies. Hopefully I'll Get Better As I Do More Of Them Lol! How Do I Upload A Photo To You?
ReplyDeleteDo you have Facebook page? You can give me a link...
DeleteSpeaking of copying, and giving credit, are these your cookies? http://theartofthecookie.com/vintage-heart-cookies/
ReplyDeleteNo, these not mine...
DeleteOkay!
DeleteThat is breathtaking czech gingerbread from Libuse Mokra.
DeleteЗдравствуйте,Надя!!! Вы Мастер с большой буквы, только такой профессионал мог стать автором этой замечательной статьи. Браво!!! Мы с недавних пор (я и сестра) очень полюбили украшение пряников и, естественно, смотрим и восхищаемся на больших мастеров, какие-то детали конечно копируем,но мы занимаемся украшением не так много времени и со временем найдем свой почерк(мы на это надеемся). Конечно мы учились и у вас (мы никогда не использовали чужие фотографии),но по дизайну иногда повторяли профессионалов, и после этой статьи очень хочется поблагодарить вас(если это возможно будет сделать) имея ввиду не на словах, а "кредитовать вас" за ваше обучение (как это можно сделать напишите нам на эл почту maro6363@ma.ru).Спасибо вам еще раз. Марина и Анна mak11.livemaster.ru
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Lydia and I'm from Madrid, the Prado know, of course, and I agree with everything you say. I am a follower of yours for a time your work is wonderful and you are for me a world of inspiration for my cookies. Thanks for your work. regards
ReplyDeletehttp://mis-recetas-mas-dulces.blogspot.com.es/
Hi Nadia! I cannot agree more with what you say. This post itself should be a source of inspiration for so many people in the world that spend more time worrying about being copied than creating. My real dream is that at any point, one of my creations (yes, I recognize it....many of them are copies!) would be copied by someone else. BIG congratulaciones for your work. It's aboslutely AMAZING! Natalia
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Natalia!
DeleteWow I'm so glad I stumbled upon this blog post! I love your perspective on this matter. I am not new to cookie decorating but I am a new to starting my own cookie business. How can you not get inspired by all the wonderful cookie artists out there! I will remember your positivity as I am continuously inspired by other cookie decorators and as I begin to post my own works soon! Thanks again =)
ReplyDeleteYou are Welcome! I hope your business will be successful and you will find your own style and will have a lot of your ideas!
DeleteWhat is your source of inspiration ? http://ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/search/label/red%20carpet
ReplyDeleteYes, You can see my post with link here...http://cakecreationsforyou.blogspot.com/2013/02/oscar-party-cookies.html
DeletePerfect post, I agree totally
ReplyDeleteI have not read through all of the comments, but as a NEWBIE i would like to say thank you to all of you wonderful creators out there, it is you who has given me the inspiration to give it a go. I am by no means an artist (actually the furthest from it) but the inspiration i feel when i look at your work and yes give it a go makes me feel for a minute that i can do anything. Thinking about how i can come up with some designs of my own is a way better way to spend my thoughts and i will never be able to do my own with out practice and how can i do that without such beautiful work to follow... Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment! I'm with you on that.
DeleteI love this post!!! Also, many cookie artists get their ideas from wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, cards, fabrics, yet you don't hear very often any credit given to the person who took the time to create those things. I love getting inspiration from other cookie decorators and it's sad that they post a tutorial and then get upset that somebody copied. I love your blog and thank you for this post!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
Delete