An Explanation

This is going to be an outrageous post for some of you but I need to say what I feel. Please bare with me.

Tonight I was let go from After 5 Designs. Previously there had been an issue with people complaining about my packaging on my word brush kits being too similar Ali Edwards' packaging. My first thoughts were that they were not exactly the same nor did I know of any licenses on packaging. However, I gladly changed mine to avoid any conflict. Then I got pregnant with the twins. I took a long break from creating layouts, my blog, DT's, OLW and After 5 Designs. I came back and started to get back into things slowly. A5D has grown a lot. Many new designers. All very enthusiastic and able to participate on the blog,  in the forum and galleries on a constant basis. That was not in the cards for me. I have too much going on right now. So lately I've made some kit's here and there but my participation had not been up to par. I understand that. However, I had cleared all that up. I thought that it was understood of my situation at this point. So I get an email today that asked for my resignation on the basis of lack of participation and because Ali has been complaining about my blog looking too similar to hers. I was advised to get my own style and come back when I am ready.

I have e-mailed them both with my concern over this matter. I have not received any response from either of them as of yet. I'm not sure If I will. I can't speak for them but I do owe any of you who buy my kits an explanation and I feel that I need to defend myself in this situation.

First of all I understand that Ali and I have similar styles. Our handwriting is a lot alike. But I write the way I write. I can't just switch that off because it looks like someone elses. I love my handwriting and I will continue to use it in my designs. I work very, very hard on creating every single thing I do. I make things from scratch. I am an artist and I have visions. I have been creating the way I do since the beginning. I like to combine text with my handwriting since who knows when. I am inspired by many people, Ali and others alike. But I'm not trying to copy anyone.

As far as digital kits looking similar. Um? Most everyones kits look exactly the same. There are different color variations and elements but yeah...they look a lot alike to me. How come when I make a kit I'm punished. Because it looks like Ali's? I'm not understanding. I make paper, I create image brushes by hand. I have elements that are similar but they are not identicle. I'm doing what everyone else is. I'm just trying to be me and make kits for others to enjoy.

As far as my blog. I have two things that are like Ali's. One of them is a TypePad feature that I received information on in my e-mail. It's a new comment system that is offered to TypePad users through TypePad Connect. It is not produced by Ali. Nor does she lisence it. It's for anyone with a TypePad account to enjoy. The other is the little feature at the end of each post that shows thumbnails of previous posts of mine. She has the same thing. Again...this is not Ali's creation this is available to you all too. It's a great tool to get people more involved in your blog. It's available through Link Within. I've been making changed to my blog like these because not alot of you would come by anymore. I was trying to make it more interesting. More involving. Other than those two things I'm at a loss of how my blog can be so similar and why it's being discussed in the first place.

It's so sad to me because I've worked so hard for everything that I have ever accomplished. I do not copy, I do not steal material. The only thing I could be accused of is being inspired. And it's got me where? I've lost a spot as a digital designer at After 5. That was extra income for my family. not even two days before mothers day. And why? Because I have some digital knowhow. Because of the way I write. Because I have an interactive blog now that I love?

Wow...that makes me wonder what's next. Makes me wonder a lot of things.

So, to all of you who liked my kits I'm sorry. But I will tell you that I plan to create freebies here when I get the chance. So that's pretty cool. I also will Keep my blog the way it is. It's totally within my rights to do so.

I hope that any of you designers out there get the privilege of being informed of any issues as they accure before it's too late. I hope you're able to create without consequence. And know that until someone shows you proof of breaking any laws or licenses, keep doing what you do.

Peace to you all and have a wonderful Mothers Day,
-out

Comments

[Toni]

Oh, i am so sorry to read that... Really, really sorry. But I must tell you that your blog is wonderful and unique place - I read it almost every day and will continue to do that no matter what. You make beautiful pages, you have such a gorgeous style - and I've never, for a one single moment, thought that you and Ali have something in common. Except that both of you are talented and really good in what you're making.

[K]

I never thought that yours and Ali's are the same, apart from the fact that you can tell it is a typepad blog? All three-column blogs looks similar, but yours stands out. It is unique. Don't change a thing.
xo

[EssenseVibez]

for one, when i email someone in the position ali is in, i expect to hear from you sometime within the year---afterall, i did email her a few times and NEVER got a response--so with that being said i came to the conclusion that she doesn't really take the time to know her followers---at least the unsung ones---but, when i email you, not only to you get up and personal you always take time to answer questions and come up with suggestions to help your followers--i think its sad when people get up in status they forget the people who helped them get up there---now, i dont know ali on a personal level and dont care to---bbut she does great work---i'm not going to knock her on that---but to accuse you of copying her blog and packaging is down right ridickoulous---so what ya'll have the same handwriting---i've met people who write just like me---you dont see me emailing them and accusing them of copying my handwriting---i've admired the both of you for some time now and you know this---i've never said a bad thing about her--if anything she has heped me to love scrapbooking more---the sad part is she never contacted you personally---had to go through a third wheel to speak for her---you know what?---i'm not going to waste my time typing how i feel right now---i just pray that she take a good look at herself and how far she's come and acknowledge those who have learned from her--youn will always have my support no matter what!---why? because I LOVE YOU--and family take care of family--ya digg???----keep your head up and live in the moment----remain blessed!!!

[Greta]

Karla, just remember, as one door closes another one opens. Your work is stunning and I for one cannot see how your blogs are in the least bit similar. It's a shame when some talented people let their insecurities get in the way.
You stick to your guns girl!

[S]

I've never read your blog (I came here from a link on scrapsmack), but I have to say that this is so ridiculous. To be inspired by someone is not the same as to copy them. I mean, just look at music. Brittany Spears has so many similarities to Madonna, and was inspired by her as a child. But you don't see Madonna accusing her of "copying" her. I've looked through your galleries, and it seems that you and Ali do have a similar style, but I think it's far from being considered "copying." If you had taken her work and changed just the color or something, well, I guess that would be an issue. But seriously?! I think a certain someone is getting a little big for her britches!

[Mye]

Wow....is the first thing I can say.

I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Speaking from a person who purchased your digi kits I'm disappointed I won't have that option, but hopefully you will not let that stop you from creating. Don't even sweat it, press on!

[karen]

There is something better on the horizon. You are truly talented and your design work speaks for itself. Is anything in scrapbooking really original? I enjoy Ali's work but her design style is no more original than the simplist of layout designs we learned in high school yearbook. This is not a put down I am just saying this is the one true thing I hate about the business of scrapbooking - how we get in our own way.....You have your own creative style!!!! and you are talented.
As for the whole typepad thing - unless it's your own design and programmed website credit goes to typepad programmers (I mean really)
It's the sign of the times - everyone is trying to stay afloat!!!! Your star will shine

[sarah]

Karla,
I've been following you for a while now, and I love your work, as much as I like Ali's, I have never compared the two of you. And it's funny, I don't follow Ali, but i visit her page sometimes.
I think is the the second time I have heard something very similar to this, and it's funny because it involved Ali too.
I won't go into details, English isn't my first language and I'm very bad expressing myself with it.

But its my first time writing a comment and I want to tell you to please keep it up, and don't feel sad or worry because that ended, i'm sure that sooner than later a big door will for you.

be well, and i love love love your handwriting and every one of your creation! :)

[Avital]

I'm sorry to hear that. I have just named you today my fave hybrid/digital scrapbooker for a Two Peas In A Bucket query. But although it's trite, it is true: Every time a door closes, another one opens... Have a fabulous Mother's Day.

[C]

I've been reading your blog for a long time now and I'm always gifted with a good laugh and inspiration when I stop by here. Honestly, you and Ali do have quite similar styles, but I think that just has so much to do with your handwritting. I would not call it copying though. You have such a unique eye for design. I think you are wickedly talented!! Girl, this is just a bump in the road. One door closes and another one opens. This is certainly an unfortunent event, but it's gonna be alright. Keep doing what your doing!

[momy4him]

i am so sorry this has happened to you. there really wasn't any call for it in my opinion. i like your kits!

[Anilu Magloire]

K, don't even get me started. I'll send an e-mail tomorrow...

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!

You rock!

[Meaghan (bonafyde)]

Wow! How about ill timing and just a real salty way to go about letting you go! (shaking head)

Ok, so ya'll have similar styles but there is no copying from what I can see...it's a style statement that others share too...Keisha comes to mind...Many designers with a graphic arts background gravitate towards that style. There is no shame in counting her as one of your inspirations and I'd say you leave it at that! Now. If Ali has expressed concern towards A5D, then I think she should also notify you of her copy-write concerns as well, it only makes sense to bring up the issue directly with the person you feel is violating your rights.

Karla, the fact is you are talented, very much so. We all know how hard it is to achieve balance raising our families, especially the bigger the brood! Yet still you have managed to create beautiful designs, maintain your blog and your presence...don't let this situation knock you down, see it instead as an opportunity...to ask yourself some key questions. What can A5D really do for you, that you cannot do for yourself? With the internet being the gateway it is, does this really mean you cannot sell your designs...yourself? Girl, put them big panties on and just do it! Find a way.

Now knowing salt may be in the air, make sure you trademark or copy-write what is rightfully yours to copy-write...it ain't as costly nor hard to do and it will save you from any potential headaches down the road, many resources exist on the web that can help you with this.

Handwriting that is similar? That's tough luck for those who think that they alone write that way. Analysis would prove no doubt that variations exist that make it solely your imprint as would Ali's imprint show variations that make her handwriting imprint hers.... so really where is the validity to that line of questioning? If you were indeed copying her Handwriting then that could be proven but if there is variations the case does not hold up.
This whole situation saddens me as I really love Ali's work/ aesthetic and I am hoping that once the smoke clears everyone does the right thing.
Tomorrow is another day, stay focused and keep yourself stress free, you got two beautiful babies hitching a ride on the Karla Express ;) and they need those stress free vibes! Much love!

[Kateb]

Karla-I have to agree with Greta. I am not a digi person NOR do I look at any of ALi Edwards' work since I'm not into that style but that's exactly the problem with people who are known in the industry-they think all the stuff they do is original -that NOBODY on the entire planet could come up with the same idea and we all know that that is not true. I never thought your blogs looked alike and I can say I've seen others with similar handwriting too. It is a bummer and it comes at a bad time but I can say from experience that when life throws the curves, especially to those who are innocent, a blessing will come...Keep the faith chick, don't get discouraged and let them other folks know that there is room in this industry for ALL of us. Some folks just get too damn greedy; that's all...makes them do silly things but you will persevere at the end of the day....(this is just my opinion so don't hate me via my blog either like some of ya'll did last time I defended somebody.)

[Heather]

sheesh. That's all i need to say about the ridiculousness of this! You are amazing, original and extremely talented, do not let this cause doubts in yourself. This industry can be stupid.

[Sandrine alias Didine]

My sweet sweet sweet friend ! Please DON'T change anything ! You are UNIQUE ! and for years I know you (an Ali) you are not the same at all !!! Your art is so UNIQUE and WONDERFUL ! I think that is just ridiculous and not fair at all. But trust me : people who know you will never forget you because you are OUR Karla, the one and only !
You stay yourself while others becoming pretentious because of "success" !
I love you sweetie and this FOREVER !

[ania]

R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S.
Is all I want to say.
Sheesh.
*hugs*

[Novalen]

I don't think your blog is like Ali's, and i think you've got your own style which i like very much. Couldn't you just sell kits on your blog to get back that extra income? I'm sure people would love that...

[Kirstie]

How rude. That's all I can say. I can't believe that Ali would complain about your blog and designs!! People *do* have similar styles but they different enough to tell them apart.

I have just lost a little bit of respect for Ali Edwards and After 5 Designs.

[elin janne]

All have been said. Just keep working. I love your work, your blog and the moments you share of your wonderful familiy. You just raise above this and go on doing what you do so well. :)

[Ayesha]

Hey girl your FABULOUSE and remember theres no comparison i follow ali edwards but have never thought of her when i come and visit your blog... and remember as one door closes another opens.... xxx keep in high spirits

[Sandy]

Karla,

I have never commented on your blog before. Today I must.

This is absolutely absurd!!! You are one of the most talented women on the net today. I love your style, your art, and your unique way of combining the two. For After5 designs to accuse you of copying someone else is just beyond me. Yes, the handwriting is similar, but your write the way you write!! You can't just decide to cop someone else handwriting!!!

90% of the kits on After5 look VERY similar to me, using the exact same style, exact same color combos, etc. For you to be specifically called out because of similarities to AE is just riduculous!! Are they going to get rid of the rest of their designers for style similarities?? They would need to for me to ever consider purchasing something from them again. Your kits were one of the bright spots there - offering something unique, fresh, and clean.

Please keep doing what you are doing and offering your kits to the scrapping community. It is very cheap to set up your own website. Probably the most cost efficient way I can think to do this is to go through ELANCE.COM. A rating system is used very similar to EBAY so you can have some confidence in who you are dealing with. There are also a few good designers on wahmshoppes.com.

Blessing to you and your family and I hope you do not let this unfortunate situation stress you and those babies.

Sandy

[Chrushch]

Oh, that just makes me so mad! I have read your blog for a very long time now. I have bought many of your kits (and LOVE LOVE LOVE them). Please do not let this bring you down...how disappointing in something that you helped bring together -

I agree with what someone else said, I would keep designing your kits and sell them on your blog - I would def. buy them :)

Please don't change a thing - I absolutely love your style and it is unique and YOURS....

Hugs being sent your way

[kamelleon]

Karla,
Moi j'adore ce que tu fais et comment tu le fais. Alors surtout, continue et donnes-nous des nouvelles. Bon courage pour les jumeaux. A bientôt.

Karla,
Me I adore what you do and how you do it. Then especially, continues and give us news. Good courage for the twins. So long.
Francoise (of Belgium)

[Cat Geiger]

Personally, I think Ali has gotten a little too big for her britches. Don't change anything that is yours, you are very talented and I love your style.