Why I Chose to Protect Sprocket’s Legacy

Back in 2021, my illustrations caught the eye of a larger retailer—exciting, right? They loved my designs so much that they wanted me to redraw them for their brand, but with a twist: a different-colored dog (sorry, Sprocket!). At first, it seemed like a golden opportunity, and I was buzzing with excitement.

We had a phone call to discuss the project, and I couldn’t help but feel thrilled about the possibilities. They mentioned they might need 6–12 designs a month, which sounded like a dream come true! But when it came to pricing, things got murky—they wanted me to put prices on the table and wouldn’t start with a clear offer.

As a proud member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design), I’ve learned a lot about contracts and protecting creative work. Yet instead of proposing a proper deal or licensing agreement, they suggested we just shake on it with a casual email. Their reasoning? They claimed they weren’t “big enough” to need anything formal.

But here’s the thing: I take my work seriously, and I wasn’t about to let Sprocket’s legacy be reduced to a vague email exchange. My gut told me this wasn’t the right move, and I listened.

I declined the offer because I believe in the potential of my brand and my business—and oh, do I have big dreams! I’m not willing to sell myself short or compromise on the vision I have for Sprocket. The way I see it, the best opportunities are the ones that respect the heart, creativity, and effort behind the work.

And trust me, Sprocket and I have big plans for the future—we’re just getting started! 🐾✨