This page features the text from my “Forced Atonement” post on January 27th, 2025. The format has been changed slighly to provide an easier reading experience. Certain parts may not make the most sense due context and formatting but the text should convey the general idea well enough.

“I always hoped I’d wouldn’t need to make a post like this, but I’ve been pushed to my limits. A few of you lovely people have reached out to me bringing up concerns of an artist that copied my designs and claimed it as their own. I would never consider making a post like this without reaching out to the person in private first. Which I did. Twice.

The result? They got back to me and claimed it’s an insult to compare my work to “theirs”, attempted to threaten me by saying they will publicly post a time-lapse of them drawing my design, and then blocked me on multiple platforms before I could submit a formal response. They even told me “good luck”.

Fair enough. Allow me to introduce and save Jordyn’s time (@jordyn_tatts on Instagram, @wazowskis_basement on TikTok) by posting her time-lapse for her, along with an explanation for all to see.

It was a bit hard to watch the time-lapse, and I’m sure many artists facepalmed when they watched it. I’m not sure if Jordyn thinks I’m silly, or if she thinks I don’t know that private layers exist on Procreate, but I digress. No one creates a design like that without playing around with positioning and references. You can see a comparison of my designs and “Jordyn’s designs” on the pictures labelled “Item 1” and “Item 2”. It also doesn’t help that Jordyn doesn’t have any medieval work posted besides the cat. How odd.

A learning lesson for me would be that you should always take a screenshot of an account before issuing a serious letter. Jordyn had her mentor mentioned in her bio, but she removed it after I issued the message. Very intriguing. It’s a lengthy read, but for a full breakdown, swipe through the carousel post for more context.

For clarity, my standard procedure whenever my art is used improperly is to first send a take-down message, which then may lead to a formal cease-and-desist letter. If it escalates beyond that, copyright strikes and formal action may be pursued. I have honestly lost count on how many take-down letters and copyright notices I’ve issued, but it probably numbers around 100 (which is sad in itself).

The vast majority of the time, an artist apologizes and insists they were misled by a client, and they take the posts down with haste. It usually involves a client misleading them about the origin of a design. I’ve made friends with many such artists. I’ve invited many to my studio, and many have invited me to their own studio. I’ve even sent gifts to some due to the great lengths they went to right their wrongs. It really doesn’t have to be a doom-and-gloom situation.

Mistakes happen. Just keep it private, be respectful (both ways) and things can be easily amended. I’ve only encountered two or three people in the past that were difficult, but they still complied and were amicable enough. Jordyn is the first person to directly challenge and threaten me.

If Jordyn were an established artist, pursuing them formally would absolutely be on the table. However, Jordyn appears to be young and an apprentice. I might be being naive, but I truly believe Jordyn doesn’t understand the weight and repercussions her actions have. Me publicising the matter is enough for me, and hopefully it is a learning experience for her.

Some might consider it ironic that I’m trying to empathise with Jordyn, yet I’m making this post outing her. But I ask those who think this: What would you do? I already tried to be amicable. Would you allow your art to be stolen? Copyright lasts for the life of the creator, plus 70 years after their death, and is enforceable internationally. I’m still alive, so I’ll be enforcing it.

The same people might consider the fair use argument. Nope. This doesn’t check out as fair use at all. Jordyn isn’t doing a critique or analysis of my designs, she’s using them for her own gain and fame. On a commercial level too, meaning aspects of my design was used without my consent, likely resulting in Jordyn’s financial gain. Simply put, this is theft.

It should be obvious, but I want to make it clear that I do not think I own animal knight designs, lady knight designs, or any thing else of a similar matter. Fantasy has been her long before me, and it will be here long after I go. What I know for a fact though is that I own my own designs, both in full and the distinctive aspects that make my designs unique.

I’ve seen countless designs from other artists that are obviously inspired by my work, but they put in so much time and effort to add unique twists and turns to make it their own, to the point where you have to second guess if they used my art as a reference. That’s how it should be. Any artist that says they don’t use references or that they don’t gain inspiration from other artists is a liar. But an artist who doesn’t significantly change a design of another artist is a thief.

Situations like this is why I don’t offer tattoo tickets. Another artist tattooing my design is just not rewarding for me. It also takes credit away from the original artist. All of my designs are non-repeatable and custom. In fact, some of the designs Jordyn used are of my client’s pets as knights. That’s just weird.

Jordyn’s not just stealing from me, but she’s also stealing from my clients. The latter is the thing that really pushes me to protect my work. So many of you choose to take time out of your day to support me, whether it’s a comment under my post, a story mention, a private message of appreciation, buying prints, ordering commissions, getting tattoos, all of that and so much more. It’s all worth protecting.

Long story short for artists: Don’t steal designs. It has been legally enforceable internationally under the Berne Convention since 1886 in all but 18 countries (all of which are largely poorer third-world countries). Many artists are cool with others using their designs, while many artists are not cool with it. By default, don’t tattoo or use another artists’ design in full or it’s distinguishing features. Otherwise, you may be found liable for damages.

Long story short for clients: Don’t get designs that you aren’t entitled to. Here’s a basic case study: Assume you’re an influencer, and you get a tattoo of a very distinctive design you’re not entitled to. You go to a photo shoot and get photos taken of you, especially featuring the tattoo. You and the photographer earn some money from the shoot. What do you think could happen? Yep, you and the photographer may be found liable for damages.

On a good note, I gather Jordyn is enthusiastic about tattooing. It looks like she cares for her clients, and I actually think she is talented. Tattooing is one of the very few ways people can earn consistent money from doing art at a young age. I was there too once. I hold zero issues against Jordyn at a personal level. If Jordyn is willing to take down her posts, I’m happy to remove her tag and name from the description of this post. The pictures and post itself will remain up.”