by Carol Pentleton

Artists and designers often complain about unethical clients. But what about unethical artists and designers? What's unethical in art and design? How does it hurt clients and colleagues? And are you an unethical artist or designer?

I've recently had some experiences with artists and designers that have left me scratching my head. Their actions and behaviors cost me time and money, yes. But these people have made things worse for other artists and designers in the future. I'll be far less likely to trust or to take someone's word. And, finally, they've made things worse for themselves; I would certainly not offer them future assignments or exhibits or give them a positive recommendation.

So, what sorts of actions qualify as unethical? Here's a short list.

1. Plagiarism. I don't know what it is that people don't get about plagiarism. Perhaps it's just that it's a big word they've never bothered to look up. (Wikipedia defines plagiarism as "the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.") Yes, art and design is included in that definition. And if you still don't understand the definition, know that it comes down to this: plagiarism combines the sins of lying and stealing. The plagiarist steals the work of another and them lies about it when claiming it as his or her own work.

2. Broken promises. When you give a promise to do something, someone else is relying on you. When you break your promise, someone else is, at the very least, inconvenienced. (And probably pissed-off, too.) When you don't complete and assignment, when you "forget" to deliver work to a gallery, when you don't do an exhibit as promised because, well, you suddenly decided it was too much work - or you had a better offer, you only gain a reputation as a liar and a totally unreliable moron.

3. Rudeness. Please check your ego at the door. Snooty, dismissive, highhanded and impolite behavior is not the hallmarks of talent or genius. They are the unmistakable signs of boorishness. No matter how wonderful your work may be, nobody likes or wants to work with impossible people, artists or otherwise. Get over yourself.

I hope none of these bad behaviors are part of your repertoire. If they are, then you need to clean up your act, if, for no other reason than for self-preservation. While you may get away with this nonsense for a while, they will eventually cost you business, sales, friends and family and your reputation.