So You’ve Been Ripped Off? Raymond Biesinger Has Just the Book for You
Artist and illustrator Raymond Biesinger wrote 9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off: An Informal Self-Defence Guide for Independent Creatives to help creatives protect their work. Biesinger explains the motivation behind his book:
“Spite, quite honestly,” he laughs, before adding another purpose. “My goal with the book is to open up the window of possibilities for what people think they can do [to protect their work and their rights].”
His artwork has appeared in prestigious outlets like The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Monocle. Living in Quebec with his family, Biesinger was inspired to write the book after encountering unauthorized use of one of his images by an organization, without permission or payment.
Reflecting on his two decades in the industry, he realized the many similar experiences he had to share:
“After 20 years in the business, I have a whole lot of these stories,” he says. “So what originally was going to be about one rip-off turned into something that was more like a career survey, stealth memoir and business self-help book all rolled into one.”
The book covers a wide range of situations, from pursuing a modest $50 fee from a music promoter to complex disputes over usage rights with agencies.
Key Takeaways
- The book serves as both a personal memoir and a practical guide for independent creatives facing copyright issues.
- Biesinger shares real-life cases of his work being misused, offering insights on how to address such challenges.
- It aims to empower readers by expanding their understanding of how to defend their rights in creative industries.
Author’s summary: Raymond Biesinger’s book blends personal experience and practical advice to inspire creatives to recognize and fight unauthorized uses of their work.