So You’ve Been Ripped Off? Raymond Biesinger Has Just the Book for You
Raymond Biesinger, an artist and illustrator, wrote 9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off: An Informal Self-Defence Guide for Independent Creatives to support creators facing theft of their work. His motivation comes from personal experience and a desire to empower others.
Author’s Motivation and Purpose
Biesinger explains why he penned the book:
“Spite, quite honestly,”
he laughs, before adding,
“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 been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Monocle.
Background and Inspiration
Living with his family in Quebec, Biesinger came up with the idea during negotiations with an unnamed organization that had used one of his images without his permission or payment. Reflecting on his 20-year career, he realized he had many similar experiences to share.
What began as a story about a single infringement evolved into a hybrid of career retrospective, memoir, and practical business guide.
Examples of Cases Covered
- Simple disputes like tracking down a music promoter to collect a $50 fee.
- More complex conflicts, such as a detailed disagreement with an agency over image usage rights.
Summary
This book blends real-life examples with advice, offering creative professionals clear strategies to defend their work and assert their rights.
Author’s summary: Raymond Biesinger’s book reveals his encounters with intellectual theft, providing practical guidance to help independent artists protect their creations effectively.