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Okidokie so I just saw a comic on this godforsaken platform that was kind of upsetting. I won't link it, bc that's probably not a good idea, but it was about an illustrator going on the art store and shop lifting art supplies.
Bare with me as I process my feelings on this. 1/?
Bare with me as I process my feelings on this. 1/?
I read the whole comic, waiting for the punchline, which was "haha I shoplifted sooo much good stuff! But oh no, I still have artblock wah."
For context, I work at an art supply store (or I did, before #StayHome2020 started.) For the record, I've never seen an employee lose
2/?
For context, I work at an art supply store (or I did, before #StayHome2020 started.) For the record, I've never seen an employee lose
2/?
their job over someone shoplifting. We all do our best to prevent it, but hey, it happens. Inventory gets messed up, confusion abounds, we eventually move on.
I get where the artist who made the comic may be coming from. "Stick it to the man!" "Don't pay into capitalism!" Etc
3/?
I get where the artist who made the comic may be coming from. "Stick it to the man!" "Don't pay into capitalism!" Etc
3/?
But the thing ppl like this don't understand is, if ppl keeping stealing, eventually, there will be no more brick and mortar art stores. Everything will be online. Browsing different brands in one place? Gone. Getting advice from actual artists with product training? Bye
4/?
4/?
Artists like me, living the dream, getting to help other artists and stock awesome supplies? Out of a job.
Stealing is a complex thing. I've never stolen from a store before, because I am absolutely privileged enough to have never needed to. I realize that I am so, SO lucky.
5/?
Stealing is a complex thing. I've never stolen from a store before, because I am absolutely privileged enough to have never needed to. I realize that I am so, SO lucky.
5/?
I am definitely ignorant when it comes to needing to steal to survive. Stealing necessities (toiletries, food, clothes) seems forgivable - we will always need grocery stores, pharmacies, and clothes to put on our backs. But art supplies?
6/?
6/?
In the case of this particular comic, the artist seems to only be shoplifting art supplies out of boredom, and to escape art block.
Listen, buddy.
We all feel that way sometimes.
But that is NO reason to further cripple an industry that is having a hard time fighting the rise
7/?
Listen, buddy.
We all feel that way sometimes.
But that is NO reason to further cripple an industry that is having a hard time fighting the rise
7/?
of online shopping. If you want to be able to browse in an art store, or treat yourself to a visit in the years to come, don't. Fucking. Steal.
8/?
8/?
What makes you exempt from paying your art store dues? As someone who lives and breathes art, it PAINS me to say this, but..
*whispering*
Art supplies aren't a necessity.
9/?
*whispering*
Art supplies aren't a necessity.
9/?
Final thought: by stealing art supplies, you're making everyone else pay for your shit too.
Employees: time spent adjusting stock, letting MGMT know, etc.
Customers: paying more for supplies, since corporate might raise prices to stay open.
If you steal art supplies?
10/10
Employees: time spent adjusting stock, letting MGMT know, etc.
Customers: paying more for supplies, since corporate might raise prices to stay open.
If you steal art supplies?
10/10
