Check this out. Our friend Jerry Ma, a gifted artist who designs awesome, geeky t-shirts through his independent art/apparel company Epic Proportions, recently learned that his cool Carmelo Anthony design has basically been ripped off by another company. You can view his shirt and the other Knicks-themed design in question above, side by side. Here's Jerry's take:
Look, I understand that this industry is all about using what other people did as inspiration. But these guys at UNK flat out ripped me off. Which I don't really appreciate. Why didn't I make more you ask?
Simple. I do this out of passion for art and design. I'm not a big company. I work out of my apartment. I do this for people that really appreciate real art and real design. I don't even make money off of this stuff. In general I actually lose a lot of money when I make new designs. But I keep doing it because there are some people out there that genuinely get excited at what I do. That motivates me. It inspires me.
Generally, I try to do what I can to help others. I do as much charity work as I can. I really do try to give back to everyone that inspires me and keeps me going.
But then you find guys like this.
And it disgusts me.
I'm going to try everything in my power to get them to stop this. Me being just a single person... I'm pretty sure I don't have the resources to fight them.
So I'm asking you... everyone... anyone reading this. If you're reading this blog post, I'd like to think you guys are aware of how genuine in what I'm saying. In knowing that I am trying to make a difference, and not a quick buck.
Please share this post with as many people as you can.
I need your help to show that the little guy can't always get picked on.
If you ask me, this is lowdown dirty stealing. Jerry's a good guy, and a talented guy, just trying to make a living by doing what he loves. And now, he's trying to get the word that he's been ripped off. Read his blog, decide for yourself, and spread the word if you so feel inclined. Jerry thanks you. And do check out the rest of his cool t-shirt designs Epic Proportions.