Rip off artists

Hey all, I have a request for all ya out there familiar with my work. In the last few days I've literally had 5 different incidents in which other tattooists, and so called artists have blatantly ripped off my tattoos, and called them there own. I do realize that I published two books, making my art, and tattoos available for view to the masses. This is not to say that they were published to give people, and other "artists" all the free reference they could steal. The books along with my web site are out there to showcase my work, and hopefully inspire other artists. So here's a few rules I'd like to see followed. 1 My art book is full of both tattoo's and artworks. The art is pretty much up for grabs. IM not about to tell other tattooers that there not allowed to use my art for there clients. Hell I used plenty of other artists work to reproduce as tattoos. So it would be a bit hypocritical of me to not allow my own art to be used in a similar fashion. But my published tattoos, wether they be found in my books, or off of my web site, are not to be reproduced in either tattoo, or fine art form. Granted I can only ask for your cooperation here. But I hope that professional ethics keep most people from stealing other peoples tattoos. This is not for me but my clients who I've taken the time to do original designs for. As for my sketch book, as I stated in the intro (if you took the time to read it). I did not publish it to be used as flash (as is made apparent with the $35. cover price), but to show other artists how I sketch, and the process I take to complete a drawing. Also to inspire others to draw more, not just bite what they've purchased. So here's the short of it. Just because you've purchased it, does not give you the right to bite it. Show your clients, my clients, and my self, a bit of respect, and do the right thing. Draw, give them what there paying for, not what others paid for already. My apologies for this long post, but things seem to be getting outta hand. My thanks for all the years of support. J.Capobianco www.joecapobianco.com [email removed] New Haven CT

While I see absolutely nothing wrong with using published work as reference I abhor the practice of COPYING anyones work.

Now that this post is as easily accessable as Joe's art is, I REALLY hope this crap stops. Everyone gets ripped off but it seems that his stuff really gets it the most. While imitation can indeed be flattering, theft is BS and now that there is a public request to knock it off, I hope people think twice before doing such things.

Maybe you should publicize the artist who are ripping you off?