It’s becoming a growing issue within the handmade community- and one that it’s high time we addressed here on Pierogi Picnic: Design Theft. Having become one of the latest victims, I have chosen to speak out in the hopes of raising awareness of this burgeoning trend.
My first encounter with this phenomenon was many years ago at a Renegade craft fair. I was making my merry way around the booths when I stumbled upon a vendor who had a “no photos please” sign up in her tent. I inquisitively asked behind her reasoning – thinking it was a shame to discourage people from photographing and promoting her work. She shared her actual purpose: to prevent idea theft. She explained that large companies send out “spies” to fairs such as Renegade in the hopes of scooping up inspiration for their next season of designs. I was shocked, appalled, and in somewhat disbelief. How could it really be?!
That had been my first time hearing about these alleged scouts, and at the time, I wondered if the vendor’s concern had any basis. Sadly, many years later, I know her fears were well founded. Continue reading
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