Growth

So....

Today I saw a post on Facebook by someone who visited my booth at a fair.  She posted on a local "for sale" board that she is now making bracelets just like mine -- she's clearly gluing pre-made metal on to belts.

Once upon a time this would have really pissed me off.  I would have ranted about it, maybe even contacted her about with a snarky remark, which would only have served to make me feel horrible later.  Instead it served as a great reminder that I think every artist needs to hear sometimes...

First of all, it reminded me of how far I have come in my learning and my work.  In the past I may have felt jealous or competitive about someone doing what I do, instead I feel like this is a sign to ramp up my game and take the next step in my jewelry.  Instead of making the same stuff, I am designing new pieces, learning new processes, and really working on my style to create a signature look.

Second, I'm flattered that someone liked my work enough to try to duplicate it.  She's clearly at the very beginning of doing what she does, but still, she liked what I made enough to decide to go purchase all the supplies to make them herself.

Last, and this is what I really want to impart on other artists... this other person deciding to duplicate what I do does not, in any way, detract from my work.  She's not the competition, she's a member of the artist community now, and we actually have something in common that we could talk about were we to meet by chance.  I'm not going to contact her, offer her advice, or anything like that, but I do applaud her and wish her well as she begins her own journey as an artist.

I know some folks who feel as if someone else ripped off their ideas for their own benefit.  Here's the thing... I didn't invent bracelets.  I didn't invent leather, soldering, recycling belts, etc. I simply took what was already out there and put my own spin on it, and now someone else is doing the same!  The circle of art! :)