The frustrations of having a copycat.
I'll start off by saying that I am not against those who are wanting to get into making antler jewelry! There are far more antler jewelry makers out there now than when I first started 6.5 years ago! However, that can make things a little more difficult when trying to come up with your own style.
Despite that, for as long as I've been making antler jewelry now, I can honestly say there are still copycats out there!
And it's not flattering.
The tough thing with antler jewelry is that there is honestly only so much you can do with the antler. Whether that's with the burr's, tips or slicing the antler into disks, hollowing out pieces etc.
BUT you can still make designs with those pieces "your own".
You have to realize that my heart and soul goes into each and every design I put out into the world. That is "me" you see in those pieces.
You can't imagine how exhausting it is to keep ahead of the game by constantly putting out new ideas that align with my style and vision!
Don't get me wrong, it's a great thing to keep my business growing and evolving but I'd like to so on my own terms.
The research that goes into finding gemstones, the brass hardware, chain, leather, sourcing antler etc takes up so much time. Then to have those designs ripped off by another is down right disheartening.
It's hard on my mental health, especially since one of the reasons why I started this business was to get out of the bad postpartum depression I was experiencing at the time.
I've tried blocking and restricting known copycats but honestly, I've found it's not worth it. They're going to find a way to see what you're doing, especially if you have a website or sell on Etsy.
I'm always looking through the "antler jewelry" hashtag on Instagram to make sure I'm not making something that someone has already done.
If someone already beat me to the idea I had, well, sucks to be me lol
Though if you find a design made by fellow maker that aligns with you and you'd love to give it a try, or see a design that they've made but it's been quite sometime since they've made one, message that maker to see if you can go ahead and make it. What's the worst they're going to say? That they'd rather you not?
I think that's a better way to go about the matter. Instead of going and making that design, throwing your little "twist" on it and creating bigger problems in the future!
I'll finish off by saying, find your own style/niche/vibe in how your want to showcase whatever it is you're making.
No one likes a copycat.
Stay true to yourself. An original is worth more than a copy.
Suzy Kassem
