Label of Hope Tutorials

I get a lot of emails on how to stop thieves from "borrowing" your images. Keep in mind there is NOTHING you can do to stop this. The most effective thing you can do is "watermark" your pictures. A "watermark" can be done in most photo editing programs and even in Window's Paint program. Most people put their name or company name across the image. Keep in mind, however, someone skilled in Photoshop (or a similar program) will be able to doctor your watermark, or even get rid of it completely!!!

I personally don't use watermarks. I have no desire to cover up a design or picture. I used to use them when I sold other odds and ends on eBay (not my DIY designs). I was only bombarded with emails to send more pics to proove nothing was wrong with the item, and in the end other sellers were still "borrowing" my pictures for their own listings.

If I feel I have to protect some images I will use a Right Click disabling code. This will NOT stop thieves from copying your pictures! There are ways you can still save or copy a photo with the right click disabled. People also like to disable right clicking to protect their image information and URL. Keep in mind there are also ways around this too. Still, the right click disable code is effective on users who aren't that familiar with the "loopholes".

Here is a decent Right Click Disable code:

//Disable right mouse click Script
//By Maximus (maximusatnsimail.com) w/ mods by DynamicDrive
//For full source code, visit http://www.dynamicdrive.com

var message="Function Disabled!";

///////////////////////////////////
function clickIE4(){
if (event.button==2){
alert(message);
return false;
}
}

function clickNS4(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document .all){
if(e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}
}
}

if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=clickNS4;
}
else if (document.all&&!document.getElementById){
document.onmousedown=clickIE4;
}

document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")

// -->
</script>

I know how horrid it is, especially for DIY and Indie designers to protect their clothing and art. The truth is: nothing we can do as designers in technically new. Puff sleeves, hoodies, yoke necks, spilt cowls... they've already been "invented" so there really isn't a way for ANY designer to trademark it as their own. If that was the case we'd all be in court. This is why big designers like Chanel, Juicy, etc. have created a logo that is displayed or made into their fabrics. The logo can be protected!

You can do a poor-man's copy write (mailing yourself a logo and keeping it sealed). But keep in mind it won't actually protect you in the long run. The only best (legit) way is to visit: http://www.copyright.gov/.
I know it is so disheartening to see something you've made get into the hands of another designer & how frustrating it is to see someone else get credit for your hard work, but think of it this way:

1. You are creative & can always come up with something new. If you are constantly evolving & others are "copying" your fans will know it.

2. Take it as the highest form of flattery! Sure, you aren't being thanked by the copy-cat or their buyers, but man, it's still pretty cool that your design made some impact on someone (not that it makes it okay to steal).

3. Pity the copy cats. They lack their own personal touch & need yours. You may feel heartbroken, but at least you can sleep at night knowing you are in the right.

4. Create/design items that are more complex. Make them wonder how you did it! Don't describe into too much detail how you made a top or what you did to make "the look".

I hope this helps, and hey, don't sweat this stuff and NEVER lose sleep over it. You are an honest person trying to make an honest living. Life is stressful enough without having to worry about theives!