Debate: should you watermark your art in the showcase or leave it clean?

I spent 4 years posting my digital paintings on this forum without watermarks. Felt like it showed respect to the viewer. Then last month someone ripped my piece from the monthly showcase and sold it as a print on Redbubble without my permission. Took me 3 days to get it taken down. Now I'm wondering if I should slap a subtle watermark on everything or if that ruins the viewing experience. What do you all do with your showcase posts?

3 comments

3 Comments

derek6561mo ago

Yeah I don't know about all that. @jana119 makes it sound like you got hit by a smash and grab but in reality a 3 day takedown is pretty quick for the whole process. Honestly who is buying prints from random redbubble shops anyway.

avery_lopez1mo ago

Random Redbubble shops" - people buy from them all the time, you'd be surprised.

jana1191mo ago

I showed respect to the viewer" - that's a nice thought, but respect has to go both ways. You trusted people not to steal your work and they proved you wrong. A clean image is a free invitation for anyone to take it. A watermark is just a small price to pay for security. It doesn't ruin the viewing experience if you keep it subtle, like a small signature in the corner or a transparent logo across the middle. Way better than having to chase down thieves for days.