Original... Theft?
Micklyn Le Feuvre-Smith is a South African graphic artist and mother of 11. Yes, ELEVEN children. Besides having creative talent, I am certain she must have the patience of a saint to have eleven children running around at all times. (Not that I wouldn't join her if my husband and body would cooperate with my love of having children.) Her artwork generates income for her large family and she has a long history of her work being available for licensing online. Micklyn is hands on involved with all aspects of her artwork's publishing- including
negotiating the licensing herself.
A couple of days ago, a woman who is a LuLaRoe representative unpacked a Jordan athletic legging from her shipment and was inspecting it before photographing and offering them for sale. She admired the pattern, and when she looked closer at it, saw that there were words written on the pattern. Looking even closer, she discovered the words were a name. Micklyn Le Feuvre-Smith's name. The LuLaRoe representative was clearly upset by this, and wanting to do the right thing, she found the artist and reached out to her and MommyGyver to clarify the situation. Micklyn spoke with me and assures me that she did not provide licensing to LuLaRoe, and her name shown on the printed fabric is there because the graphic had been illegally used. Had the proper license been obtained, the artist would have provided the correct file with watermark removed for their use. It's clear that the pattern has been altered in color, but why those responsible for the color alteration wouldn't have thought enough to remove the watermark from the supposedly stolen pattern is confusing and upsetting. Almost as upsetting as what appears to be a brazen lift-job of protected artwork. The irony of the allegations are interesting. A company that touts and boasts that they exist to empower women and enrich their lives- possibly caught stealing the artwork created by a woman and mother to eleven children.... priceless. Even more upsetting is Miklyn's pattern was purportedly lifted from Spoonflower.com- a site where you can order the artwork printed on fabric. Instead of ordering the fabric, or just buying the license, someone in the organization grabbed the watermarked photo and printed that instead. My head hurts.
This isn't the first time these allegations have come up for LuLaRoe- at least two other accusations of artwork theft have been filed in court, and MommyGyver is aware of another accusation. The artist wishes not to be revealed as their case is not yet filed in court and has been advised not to discuss the details with anyone including media. As a blog dedicated to mothers, and women's interests, this hits us all right in the gut at MommyGyver. Even my husband, upon hearing this story as it was happening pointed out the irony of it all. Take what you want, when you want it- even if it's hurting the very same type of person you claim to be empowering and enriching. I'm sure her children aren't feeling the benefit from the illegal admiration of her artwork, and mom having to potentially incur legal fees to pursue a case against a self-touted MLM giant just adds more stress to an already overwhelmed plate. But, but... Patrick... he's a genius. (Patrick please tell me how this one fell off your desk and into production...) Miklyn's work is admirable. As I flip through the various pages she offered me as evidence of how far back this print was published (earlier than 3/2014) and available for licensing and purchase, I notice how talented she is. It's clear why her artwork was stolen. It's very unique and decidedly feminine while still being of bold design. Most of her work relies heavily on floral and geometric shapes. It's quite lovely and eye catching. While we wait for an update from Micklyn while her case develops, I invite you to take a look at her work on Spoonflower.com HERE and Society6.com HERE. Sad is the day that plundering artwork to pinch a few pennies becomes a reality to an artist. Through the whole debacle, Micklyn retained her composure and her gentle tone. We hope that she gets her much deserved justice. In the meantime, maybe we could all pay it forward and check out her work. Good luck, Micklyn. From one mother to another... I know this group has got your back. You go girl.