Wow, that's the longest title, I've ever written. But let me explain.
I do a lot of customer requests, but I will not make copies of something that is copyrighted or someone else's work. Very simple and a rule I don't break.
There's always a "however" out there. I've had a request from a customer to make a Mighty Mouse style bead. She had a dear friend, a policeman who died from cancer, who used to call himself Mighty Mouse and she'd like some beads to commemorate him.
Needless to say, I told her I can't make them like that, but what are some different angles we could use to have an essence of Mighty Mouse, but still make it a different bead that is special to his memory? We have decided on a police hat, a face change and his police number on the chest, but I think there need to be considerable other changes before I feel comfortable with it.
I know it's mostly artists and artisans who read this blog, so please tell me what you think. How would you change this image to keep the essence and yet make it different enough? I'd love to hear your ideas and opinions.
Oh Marcy - that's always going to be a toughy & open to interpretation! Personally I think if you change the colour of his outfit & make his face look masculine (perhaps a bit of manly stubble?) then you are far enough away from the whole Mighty Mouse 'persona' per se.
ReplyDeleteI feel the changes you have already discussed with a hat & number, along with a change of costume colour are enough to set the character apart from Mighty Mouse.
I agree Marcy :) good call
ReplyDeleteI think I'd change the color of the original character's clothing to the colors of the uniform. That would be good, I think. Add a crew cut, or and interesting hair cut, I think you'd be all right.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough one, Marcy, but I know you'll find the perfect compromise that makes that bead extra special for your customer and still leaves you feeling comfortable.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Disney characters requests are easy for me to turn down-- I just say I'd hate to make something and this have the Disney police confiscate it...
Ang, I agree. I normally turn down that type of thing too. But a policeman who passed away from cancer just touches my heart and I want to find a way to help his friend celebrate him in the way she wishes....but totally legally.
ReplyDeleteMarcy