What I’m Thankful for…

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I get to spend time with my kids, hubs and family at the same time which really makes me reflect on what I’m Thankful for. This year I’m thankful for so many things but one thing very much stands out to me and has touched on everything I do on a daily basis. Also events around Facebook and blogland have really made me thankful for how lucky I am to get to be doing what I do for a living. 

I’m thankful that I get to actually spend time with my family, when I worked at my previous job I always had to work holidays and worked opposite shifts from my hubs and missed out on alot. I feel very lucky that I now get that time with my loved ones and enjoy it. 

I’m thankful that if my kids get sick that we aren’t scrambling to figure out how to take care of them, that I can take care of them (or myself when they give me their sick) and help them feel better.

I’m thankful that I can be there for all their school sings and programs and “look what I learned” breakfasts, I can be a really good mom to them while still providing for my family.

I feel so very thankful that my job is to create art that others enjoy and that bring them fun and happiness in their own crafting. All I’ve ever wanted to do is something creative for a living and I’ve finally found my niche. I put a lot of time and effort and love into Some Odd Girl and I try everyday to do the very best I can for all of my customers and am very grateful for each and every one of them. 

Speaking of customers, I also want to say that over the last week especially I’ve heard about some things that have happened that really made me upset and sad for people who I call friends who are the artist behind other stamp companies. Big incidents of image swapping, file sharing and down right disrespect for the people who create the art and the art that we all enjoy. It makes me sad that people think that when they purchase a digi or a stamp that they own the art and can willy nilly do what they want with it. That sharing it freely is ok. Its one thing when they are just ignorant, we all make mistakes, but when they purposefully do it with full knowledge and say “why pay for it when I can get it for free? “

I’m thankful that my dear customers respect me and my work and this isn’t a problem I’ve been dealing with because I’m sorry disrespectful user nothing is “free.” Artists spend their time to create things for you to use personally (and a PERSONAL use license is what you get when you buy, person meaning you only) and it takes alot of guts to put something that so much of you goes into out there for others to judge. 

People are put off by talking about this topic and terms like “Copyright Infringement” and “Terms of Use” but I respect the work and effort people put into their jobs when I buy things online or go to the store for groceries or whatever goods and services I may use and the thing is I PAY FOR IT. I pay for those items because that money pays those workers who then take that home and provide for their families. 

Families like mine.

So when you are offered something for free, and you know better, be it stamped images, digi files, music or whatever I want you to think of the families who are not getting supported because you can’t be bothered to spend the $1, or $3 or $10. If I need/want something and can’t pay for it now I save for it until I can, because its the right thing to do. 

While this sad epidemic out there in craftland right now hasn’t touched my family (that I’m aware of) I want to implore each and every one of you to respect the work of myself and all the other artists out there who you enjoy by respecting their Terms of Use and their Copyrights. Those things are in place for a reason and the reason might be tiny smiling faces who need love and support. 

I want you to have fun with your digis and stamps and yes, if your friend comes over for a crafty day I don’t care if she uses your stamps but sending her home with 10 stamped images is not the same. In a digital age the idea of honor and respect has far more reach and responsibility than it used to and its being forgotten more and more. 

I am thankful for the people who can see right from wrong.

I am thankful for customers who respect my heart and soul on paper.

I am thankful to be able to supporting my family joyfully.

All I ask is that you respect others as they have respected you. Your opinion is not law.

 

*I will delete comments that are hurtful or disrespectful, fyi*

7 Comments
  • Rachael says:

    Well, I’m thankful for you and for your friendship! You are truly a talent in this world, and you are a fantastic wife and mom!

    • Kristy says:

      Right back at ya Rachael! 🙂

  • Cathy P in AZ says:

    Amen girlfriend! 🙂 your art is lovingly shared and no one has the right to do whatever they want with it just because they paid for the right to use it. They don’t own your art – you do!!! Everyone should respect that and work for what they want – just like you do! I’m grateful for your happy unique art that is Some Odd Girl and for your wonderful talent! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🙂

    • Kristy says:

      High Five Cathy! I’m very glad this hasn’t been a big thing for me but its sad that good artists and people have to deal with it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too!

  • Stacy B says:

    Nicely stated Kristy! I’m new to your site, but just wanted to let you know that I think your artwork (and tutorials) are amazing! I’ll be shopping later this week. Hope you enjoy this time with your family!

    • Kristy says:

      Well WELCOME Stacy! I’m glad you found me 🙂 I’m super glad you like the tuts and art, I really love being able to help and the feedback is amazing :)I hope you enjoyed your holiday too and I hope to see you around!

  • Grace says:

    I’m thankful for the chibi you drew of me =)
    I STILL love it!!!

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