My mood was little affected by something I stumbled upon today; I'd found photo of a piece of wall art with my drawing on Instagram. I know I should be happy with a caption that says, 'I just had to get this! So cute and fun!!', except that this product didn't look familiar to me at all. I don't remember printing my artwork on some wall decors, let alone discovering this lady had actually bought it at some random shop in Seattle. Then it suddenly hit me as I recalled this art publishing company whom I'd given my rights to manufacture my artworks on their wall decor products more than a year back (I wrote a post on this some time back HERE). In agreement, they'd pay me a royalty for every sale. Anyway, long story short. When all attempts to get my payment fell through, I sent a final email informing them about my displeasure and decision to terminate our contract. This mean they no longer have the right to use ANY of my artwork. I know I could have pursue the matter with a lawyer or in small claims court but it wouldn't be worth the time, money and hassle. I'd chosen to let go this matter and moved on. BUT to my great dismay, I found out today (6 months later) that this company is still using my artworks! I don't want to imagine how much money they're earning out of my works without paying me - A SINGLE CENT. They sell wholesale by the way. Seriously, these people just make me want to scream out the four letter word. I did.
Now I just hope by bringing this up, I can warn freelancers or small businesses like me out there about 'trusting' someone so easily.. not even when you have a contract signed with company stamp. For all that matters, collect a down-payment BEFORE the start of any project and get all your legal resources on hand. I can't stress that enough now that I've learned the hard way. You can read up more helpful tips by Forbes HERE.
Phew.. enough negativity. And thanks for reading. I'd like to end my post with some positivity.
Here are some gorgeous photos I took in Bali!
Caught this moments before we touched down at Bali airport. Is it a rainbow? Or the presence of an Angel?!! :D
Breathtaking views at the Uluwatu Temple
❤ Xoxo, Rheea.