So You’ve Been Ripped Off? Raymond Biesinger Has Just the Book for You
Raymond Biesinger, an artist and illustrator, wrote 9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off: An Informal Self-Defence Guide for Independent Creatives to help others protect their work and rights.
Purpose Behind the Book
Biesinger shares why he created the guide:
“Spite, quite honestly,” he laughs, before adding, “My goal with the book is to open up the window of possibilities for what people think they can do [to protect their work and their rights].”
Author Background and Inspiration
Living in Quebec with his family, Biesinger’s illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Monocle, and other outlets. The idea for the book came while he was negotiating with an unnamed organization that had used one of his images without permission or payment.
From One Incident to a Comprehensive Guide
What began as a single story evolved into a broader work, combining a career survey, memoir, and business self-help guide.
Types of Cases Covered
- Simple disputes like recovering a $50 fee from a music promoter
- Complex rights disagreements with agencies over image usage
Author’s Reflection
“After 20 years in the business, I have a whole lot of these stories,” he says.
Summary: Raymond Biesinger’s book offers practical advice and inspiration for creatives facing unauthorized use of their work, drawing on his two decades of experience.