So You’ve Been Ripped Off? Raymond Biesinger Has a 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 offer guidance to creatives facing unauthorized use of their work.
Purpose Behind 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].”
Biesinger's art has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Monocle, and other notable outlets. Living in Quebec with his family, he conceived the book while dealing with an unnamed organization that used one of his images without permission or payment.
From One Incident to Many Stories
“After 20 years in the business, I have a whole lot of these stories,” Biesinger explains. What began as a single case of work misuse developed into a blend of career reflections, memoir, and practical advice for fellow creatives.
Examples Covered in the Book
- Tracking down a music promoter to recover a $50 fee.
- An obscure dispute with an agency over image usage rights.
The book serves as a resource for independent creatives navigating the challenges of protecting their work and asserting their rights.
Author's summary: Raymond Biesinger’s book offers real-world advice and stories to empower independent creatives against unauthorized use of their work.