Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, redbubble

The Redbubble Problem (UPDATE)

Published Fri, 30 May 2014 10:00:01 -0500

Last updated Fri, 30 May 2014 15:37:24 -0500

So after yesterday's post, I've been having a time browsing Redbubble. Dark Horse's Editor-In-Chief Scott Allie writes,

If you love art, buy from the artists, not the thieves. Say no to Red Bubble. http://t.co/9eQhOq98AB

— Scott Allie (@ScottAllie) May 30, 2014

But is it that simple? This thing is, much of the work is being done on Redbubble is by original artists, some original, some transformative. Such as Miranda Sawyer's blurred and filtered comic characters. If the art isn't her own, it is arguably transformed into something that is.

Or Joe Harris' Super Manatees, created for DeviantArt but being sold by the same person on Redbubble. Original work featuring transformed IPs.

Or Almn's minimal Harley Quinn

Or this wonderful Frozen-inspired art by Megan Lara.

Emphasis on "inspired". And clearly this is a way that artists such as these make a living. But it's just not being policed. Such as…

Name: Vindication

Profile: Hello! Welcome to my profile! I hope you like what I put up for shirts and I hope you'll buy them because whenever your happy with a shirt of mine I'm happy too!

Also check out some designs by my friend Sykotic!
http://www.redbubble.com/people/sykotic

Joined: September 2013

Theft: Skottie Young

Name: Sykotic

Profile: Heyooooo!

If you want you should check out my friend Vindication!
http://www.redbubble.com/people/Vindication

Joined: November 2013

Theft: DC's Teen Titans

Name: Neosporinswag

Joined: August 2013

Theft: Skottie Young, Fiona Staples, Tradd Moore, Rafael Albuquerque,

Name: Bullshirt

Profile: Absolute Bullshirt!

We're dedicated to bringing you unique, kitschy, pop-culture, limited run t-shirts, hoodies and more.

All designs are limited to 10 sales! Meaning chances of you running into someone wearing the same design is practically nil!

Once 10 of a design are sold, that design will be permanently retired from the store.

Each week a few new designs will appear, so keep checking back!

If you have an idea for a design or a request, do bubblemail us!

Joined: December 2013

Theft: Jamie Hewlett and Brian Bolland Tank Girl.

And on and on and on.

@AimeeHudson redbubble!

— Marco Garcia (@MARCUSPACK16) May 29, 2014

@Marvel @Guardians @skottieyoung Boyfriend just got me the best pillow case EVER thanks @MARCUSPACK16

UPDATE: Redbubble have responded on twitter and on the redbubble blog.

@redbubble @bleedingcool thank you. but i did bring many of these exact users and images up thru you months ago with no success.

— skottie young (@skottieyoung) May 30, 2014

Maybe we've helped start something?

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