When Someone Claims Your Creative Work: A Poet's and Designer’s Experience

As a poet, I don't hold a candle to the greats like , but that doesn't diminish my passion for my craft. I share my poetry on Instagram, and one day, a friend sent me a poem, claiming it was her work. It's a funny yet unsettling experience to see someone take credit for your work, especially when it's a personal accomplishment. This incident got me thinking about the challenges of creative honesty in professional environments.

A Poet’s Story

I recently shared a poem of mine on Instagram, and a few months later, a friend of mine contacted me. She admitted that she had written the poem, but couldn't remember who had given it to her originally. The irony of the situation didn't go unnoticed, as she tried to escape accountability with a mix of embarrassment and dismissal.

A Designer’s Struggle

My professional life is quite different from my poetic ventures. I worked on an important project for a company, part of a team responsible for updating a fintech infrastructure. I was the only member without a degree but brought valuable experience and expertise to the table. I prepared a detailed design and shared it with the team. Unfortunately, the manager focused on paper work and cost-cutting, which left little room for meaningful progress.

The Deception Unveiled

A year later, the project was reignited, and a more senior colleague presented a new design. This individual had a doctorate and was dealing with personal and interpersonal issues, yet took on too many tasks. Instead of delivering on his promises, he merely made superficial changes, like altering a few colors and copying some documentation.

During a crucial team meeting to discuss technical details, it was precisely the same as the plan I had presented a year earlier. The concepts were fundamental, yet they demanded intricate and tedious attention to detail, which was lacking among some team members who should have already understood them.

The Fallout

Feeling ignored and belittled, I lost all sense of commitment to the project. I confronted the new manager about the perceived lack of recognition for my efforts, only to be accused of trying to take credit for team work. Despite having clear evidence of my original work, I was labeled as someone trying to claim undue recognition. This left me with no choice but to leave the project and the company.

While I wish everyone involved the best of luck, this experience taught me the importance of honesty and proper documentation in creative and professional settings. It's a stark reminder that sometimes, creative plagiarism and professional misconduct can play a significant role in undermining hard work and morale.

Preventing Creative Plagiarism

Here are a few steps to prevent creative plagiarism and similar professional conflicts:

Document Your Work: Keep detailed records of your projects, from initial ideas to final deliveries. This can serve as a clear record of your contributions. Communicate Clearly: Ensure that all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings. Seek Legal Advice: If you encounter claims of plagiarism, consult a legal professional to protect your rights. Encourage Transparency: Promote a culture of openness and honesty within your team to foster trust and respect.

Final Thoughts

Theft of creative work, whether in poetry or design, is not an uncommon issue. It can be extremely disheartening to see your hard work attributed to someone else. By documenting your work, communicating effectively, and fostering a transparent workplace, we can mitigate such conflicts and ensure that everyone's contributions are recognized and respected.