When and why did you first start creating your products/designs?
One day, I said, “I want to be an artist when I grow up”, and I did. I am self-taught and as an environmental volunteer my designs and products have grown from the love of the nature. I find and redefine woody gems into unique gifts, such as wooden ring boxes, driftwood / wood cottages and wall art. They are created from a cabin between the sea and the mountains.
Did you have any knowledge of intellectual property when you started your business?
Not really, although I was aware that there was some kind of protection for the originator and their works of art. I just muddled on so to speak but somehow it was always in the back of my mind. It was strange because I would actually read up on it but it all seemed quite complex. Then I found ACID, it took the thoughts straight out of the back of my mind and I’ve never looked back since.
Which ACID Membership services have you used and how have you benefited from being a Member?
The ACID Membership Logo is a must and I use it extensively, it’s there to send a message that you care about your work and you intend to look after it. More recently my use of the logo has increased considerably and is placed on my images that go on my website, store, in fact anywhere on the internet. I place it discreetly along with the copyright symbol and my name, woodywomansworld. I am doing my first trade fair in April 2018 so will be using my logo at the British Craft Trade Fair Harrogate as Woody Womans World in the Newcomers’ Gallery N16.
I use the ACID Copyright & Design Databank where I upload my designs. I have found this indispensable as I feel reassured that my work has the protection it deserves before it goes into the big wide world. It is easy to use, quick and efficient and very affordable with an option to purchase the upload certificate as proof.
I have also purchased the ACID labels from the ACID Marketplace Shop and used them on various items for images and are great as a visual backup and deterrent.
Have you brought anything new to the marketplace recently that you would like to share?
It would be a pleasure. Tall White Cottages/Bythynnod Gwyn Tal were inspired by my wanderings along the coast of Wales. The majestic homes stand around huddled harbours and sandy seafronts with views that take you on a wonderful journey. I will be making groups of these cottages and each one quite unique with a story to tell which by the way comes with the cottage adding to its charm.
One of my favourites, a scene of Tenby in Wales. It was a custom-made piece and so wonderful to create.
The Tiny and Enchanting Collection are not much bigger than a 50p but in the true sense of the words they are the hidden gems of Wales. The tiny white cottages were inspired by those seen tucked away in the most remote areas of the mountains. These charming cottages look so insignificant against the monumental mountains that I couldn’t resist creating the Tiny and Enchanting Collection.
What is the best aspect of ACID Membership for your business?
I think of it as a community of like-minded people all who care about the protection and safety of their designs, there can’t be a truer saying than *safety in numbers*. For me it’s reassuring to know that there is always help available, resources for information and the right people to speak with in various IP legal areas. The logo and design bank has become the thing I do before anything else after I have designed/made a product. Especially with an online presence, I tell myself “protect it”.
What advice would you offer to a new designer?
I think every creator feels, that the work they have produced is very much part of them. All the effort, time, thought and product should be protected. I used to create signage and it was when a retail outlet that I was supplying actually copied my work to create a piece for their premises that alarm bells rung, I felt it was time to actively seek advice. Acting on this I contacted ACID and after some positive direction I joined. It goes without saying that if you value your work, protect it.
ACID values the support of its members to enable it to campaign for design law reform. Do you have any messages for Government/Policy Makers on IP issues?
I fully support ACID campaigning for unregistered design right to have criminal provisions to really put the D in “deterrence” against copying.
https://www.woodywomansworld.com/
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoodyWomansWorld?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
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