Instagram is a powerful platform to share our voices and empower others to do the same.
As a creator, I frequently post my own content on Instagram. Unfortunately, I’ve often seen my art shared without credit and sometimes even used for views or commercial purposes without permission.
While I understand that users may unintentionally forget to add credits, as small business owners and creators, it’s crucial that we support each other by properly crediting sources.
Give credit and tag
Even if you have permission to repost, always give credit and tag the original creator. Sharing someone’s work without proper acknowledgment not only reflects poorly on your account but can also harm your engagement. Followers appreciate originality, and the value of your account should come from your unique ideas.
Be sure to tag the creator both in the image and caption. This not only informs your audience of the source but also ensures the original artist sees your post, which could boost visibility for both of you.
Ask first
Many creators depend on their art for their livelihood, so never assume that their work is free for public use. In my case, I’ve shared guidelines on how to properly tag me in my Instagram highlights, and many other artists do the same. Always check for this information before reposting.
Pinterest is not a stock image bank
While I do have images available on Pinterest that can be repinned with proper credit, they are not free for commercial use. Downloading and printing these images without permission violates intellectual property rights and can lead to legal consequences. The only authorized seller of my licensed artwork is Adobe Stock.
Avoid editing
If my content doesn’t fit with your aesthetic or photos, don’t modify it—either repost it as is or find another image. For those who want to customize my work, I offer templates for sale on Adobe Stock.
Use of images to promote a business
Please remember that my Instagram feed is not a free stock image library. Every illustration I share represents time, effort, and years of experience. Just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s free for commercial use.
It’s also important to note that the only authorized seller of my artwork is Redbubble. Please be cautious when purchasing stickers or products from unauthorized sites like Temu or Shein, as they often sell my art illegally. China has different laws regarding intellectual property, so be mindful of who you're supporting with your purchases.
There is such a problem and it will most likely never disappear, since there is a lot of content and it is simply unrealistic to keep track of everything. I add watermarks to my videos in the editor, then compress them in size using this, then upload them to instagram and follow the views.