Someone Stole My Art: What to Do Right Now
Take a deep breath. Finding your art being sold or used without permission is infuriating, but you have options. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
Do This First (Before Anything Else)
- Screenshot everything - the page, the URL bar, their profile
- Save the date and time you discovered it
- Don't contact the thief directly (yet) - it may tip them off to hide evidence
Step 1: Document Everything
Before you do anything else, create a paper trail. This evidence is crucial if you need to escalate your case.
What to capture:
- Full screenshot of the page with your stolen art
- Screenshot showing the URL in the address bar
- The seller/poster's username and profile
- Any prices, descriptions, or product listings
- Comments or reviews if it's being sold
Use your phone's screen recorder or a tool like Wayback Machine to save a timestamped copy of the page.
Step 2: Gather Proof You Own It
You'll need to prove you're the original creator. Gather evidence like:
- Original files with creation dates (PSD, Procreate, etc.)
- Work-in-progress images or timelapse videos
- Dated social media posts where you first shared it
- Any copyright registration (helpful but not required)
Pro Tip: The earlier your proof is dated, the stronger your case. That dated Instagram post from 2 years ago? Gold.
Step 3: Report to the Platform
Most platforms have copyright reporting tools. File a DMCA takedown notice through their official channels:
Need the full list? Check our complete DMCA guide with 12+ platforms.
Step 4: What If They're Selling It?
If someone is profiting from your work, you have additional options:
- Report to payment processors - PayPal, Stripe, and Square all have policies against selling stolen goods
- Report to print-on-demand sites - They can remove the seller's entire store for repeat violations
- Consider a lawyer - For significant damages, you may be entitled to statutory damages under copyright law
Did you know? Under US copyright law, you may be entitled to $750 - $30,000 per work infringed, or up to $150,000 for willful infringement.
Step 5: Check for More Copies
If someone stole one piece, they may have stolen more. Art thieves often:
- Upload to multiple platforms simultaneously
- Steal several works from the same artist
- Use multiple accounts to avoid bans
Use reverse image search to find other copies. Google Images, TinEye, or automated tools like Where's My Art? can scan the web for you.
Preventing Future Theft
While you can't completely prevent art theft, you can make it harder:
- Watermark your work - Subtle but visible
- Post lower resolutions - 72dpi, 1200px max on social media
- Monitor regularly - Set up automated searches for your art
- Keep records - Always save your original files with metadata
You're Not Alone
Art theft is frustratingly common. A 2023 survey found that 85% of digital artists have experienced art theft at least once. But artists are fighting back - and winning.
Most platforms take DMCA notices seriously and remove content within 24-72 hours. Stay persistent, document everything, and don't let thieves profit from your creativity.
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Written by
Where's My Art? Team