[PSA/Beware] Tracing: nemillustrationsart

Posted 4 years, 11 hours ago (Edited 3 years, 11 months ago) by nocturnalraptor

Artist: nemillustrationsart / NeMDG / nem.dg
Beware: Selling traced adoptables.
Original Journal: journal/Artist-Beware-826669309

❗️ [MAY 5TH 2020] : Posting this here as well as I know some users here have some of their adoptables and I wanted to shed light on this. I will preface I have not contacted either artist due to my own nervousness and what appears to be a language barrier. I understand there is no excuse for this. I am only writing this from my perspective on a single adopt that I paid for. I have no idea if any of their other stuff is traced or referenced. If anyone does have further proof of more tracing and/or referencing, feel free to share it here, otherwise please treat this as a single issue. Thank you.

I absolutely hate making these, but I feel this beware is warranted and worth letting others know to be wary when doing business with. I came across an artist, nemillustrationsart, about two months back, one of whom I bought an adoptable from. They undoubtedly have talent, but unfortunately by sheer luck I recently discovered another image that looked strikingly familiar to the adoptable that I bought.

I took this image and superimposed it over the adoptable I had bought. Low and behold, it looks to have been traced. There are obviously some liberties taken here and there with certain shapes and the shading, but aside from that the line work is nearly identical in some spots. The design itself is even similar. I honestly don't see a result where this wasn't traced or at the very least inspired/influenced by the original pixiv upload.

The adopt I bought was uploaded on November 7th, 2019 while the original was uploaded to Pixiv on October 7th, 2019. Normally I wouldn't really pay too much mind to this stuff, since coincidences absolutely happen, but the tracing/copy is just too blatant for me.

NEM: https://sta.sh/22cm0ib5dcr6
SOURCE: https://www.pixiv.net/artworks/77163984
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/01h1rfse4ab6

ALL EVIDENCE: https://sta.sh/21l8af9l8db6

Please be wary when doing business with nemillustrationsart. I haven't been able to find out anything regarding the rest of their adoptables and art, only this one piece. This might have been a one time thing for all I know. For myself, I intend to re-imagine the character since it's pretty much a wash at this point. Please, please, please, do not harass, target, insult, etc nemillustrationsart. This is just a journal to bring light and warn others. It's up to you to decide what you'll do with the information I have provided.


❗️ [MAY 6TH 2020] : More research has been done and more of nemi's adoptable's seem to be traced/referenced.
Further evidence listed below, including original uploads and superimposed images:

NEM: https://sta.sh/0wb8022xioy
SOURCEhttps://sta.sh/01267cxie0gp
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0jkplk46gni
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2wzvuwh2liv

NEM: https://sta.sh/01i373w0it62
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/0v7luffkcrn
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/01i8fk9hpqp4
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21la3i8pszy7

NEMhttps://sta.sh/0c3t3aof3sm
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/01dvqdesqixw
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/01lt11wgtxkf
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2zaiq8zgmum

NEMhttps://sta.sh/0yfq5o5jqn1
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/0k1jzg1fbkt
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/0jz4plq2crc
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2czmwpsh6e4

NEMhttps://sta.sh/010xdsl37cmq
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/08a4e3z0tuo
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/0sqf1uut17k
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2ptfk8equpy

NEMhttps://sta.sh/01o4mpv3vtjv
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/01y784jban4
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/0ehi3x52zxn
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21suyjivbp22

NEM https://sta.sh/0mzpxvfz8on
SOURCE: 
https://sta.sh/0s6yktvd2no
SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/01u5zm61my5f
LINKS: https://sta.sh/210il6l07wwm

NEMhttps://sta.sh/0umwrqkgn8x
SOURCE & SUPERIMPOSED: 
https://sta.sh/02g7rwbx06xl
LINKS: https://sta.sh/223jsoew2cuj

NEM: https://sta.sh/0286yfms6p82
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/01lm48du9mff
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/028on9ee8ovo
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21fugh601j7x

NEM: https://sta.sh/020r8t1lkxqz
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/093jlowv07
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/02ap56bvafq7
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2253hikhq9zo

NEM: https://sta.sh/0ggvou4fhyb
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/01xusbyt12zl
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/01e0cbw11d18
LINKS: https://sta.sh/226fb000s1ce

NEM: https://sta.sh/01wmbl126a0i
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/0mk3tkgcsmp
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0i5zs84i5k1
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21k4qqbv87a3

NEM: https://sta.sh/01dvdl1c67oq
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/01r5ir58xp3e
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0n2gxjl5qnz
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21trj3rhrgei

NEM: https://sta.sh/0po99t5bz4t
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/0emxbzxht1f
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0243fh0nxztq
LINKS: https://sta.sh/2x2wyzy5fnb

NEM: https://sta.sh/01pjs5e78up1
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/02c6i142b013
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/021yztpgfhv9
LINKS: https://sta.sh/225dzmlv3alm

NEM: https://sta.sh/0j7w469zkhi
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/0ueo4le0u1j
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0gk6dvigaj5
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21vg1f9vm4lz

NEM: https://sta.sh/0vs45fsc1xl
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/014tv7vfmanm
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/0f78wjkpmf0
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21opkjyal9cx

NEM: https://sta.sh/0t9pzi9pik9
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/011xxk4w50sp
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/01knhdfac9o9
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21wuamwh1hfc

NEM: https://sta.sh/0q46bg4do7y
SOURCE: https://sta.sh/09kp30a36y3
SUPERIMPOSED: https://sta.sh/09xvkeqffgd
LINKS: https://sta.sh/21v80mdezrt7

Additionally it seems nem also traces/copy real people as well.
Please note that these are slight NSFW with skin showing:

NEM: https://sta.sh/224eoqey61yd
SOURCE #1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMzEu-g-Ah/
SOURCE #2
: https://www.instagram.com/p/B29k8oViLKA/


❗️ [MAY 7TH 2020] : I had attempted to issue a chargeback, but unfortunately I was past the 180-day protection. After failing to attempt a charegback, I was going to go back to nemi's profile to find out I had been blocked.


❗️ [MAY 8TH 2020] : I have prefaced that I never contacted nemi originally and that is 100% my own fault. I accepted that my adoptable was traced and that I lost my money. I didn't really want to fight it on what I assumed was a single incident. I wrote the beware emphasizing this. I didn't want to get into anything as I have never dealt with this, and again, I fully accept the outcome I've been dealt. I'm continuing with this beware just in case I might possibly get a refund or at the very least, warn others of the abundant amount of tracing evidence.

nemi is claiming that people who are unhappy can come talk to them and that they fully acknowledged they traced and referenced art. The design may differ, but it does not deny the fact that the images are traced and referenced with no credit at all. For now, I would advise anyone with a traced adopt to try and contact nemi requesting a refund and if that falls through, chargeback if possible. I apologize to everyone for not being more upfront when I discovered my adoptable was traced. I hope that nemi can provide solutions for all of those affected.


❗️ [MAY 10TH 2020] : To reiterate, nemi is saying to contact them if you'd like a refund or new art in exchange, so I would advise contacting them first before going to PayPal. I have added more traces and referenced art to the list under the spoiler tag. I've put up all the evidence here. Nemi has also purged most of their gallery. I will say that I, myself, am still blocked. I also posted a beware on artistsbeware.info as well. AFAIK nemi hasn't actually refunded anyone yet, but it sounds like they're making steps to fix the issue. If there are any further updates, I'll post them, but for now, I'm done. Good luck everyone and thank you.

Ancient

Just to give an update on the real artists (Mitch and Kyle Lucas), I haven't received a response from them on twitter, so I went ahead and sent a followup email with information, in case they aren't very active on twitter. Will let you know if and when they respond. I think reaching out to the Pixiv artist is also a good idea, just so they're aware, and am happy to do so if no one else has yet. Thank you abluecorridor for providing the translation! 

I think it's also worth noting the fact that Nem is also starting a patreon (looks like no backers yet, fortunately) and selling products on Threadless and a few other sites. Not sure if any of that content is traced, but I wouldn't be surprised.

En-zu

Thank you for posting this. I just got word that the three designs I purchased are among those traced :/

I'm the one who bought https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/Adoptable-cyberpunk-09-CLOSED-816366481 and I'm not sure where to proceed from here.

Ancient

En-zu and others who've purchased designs that were traced:
First of all, I'm sorry you're going thru this :< I can't speak for the original artist, who may feel differently, but as Novaraptor mentioned, I think most of the designs are far enough departures that minor edits to the designs and redrawing their reference images would be enough. For those with the copied hair (like yours, unfortunately, En-Zu) I would also suggest changing the hair styles. Otherwise, at the very least, there are significant enough differences that separate art of the adopts, I don't think, would be infringing on the original artist's property. For the most part, it seems to be the outfits/coats that were mostly ripped directly so redressing or altering attire would be enough. I would just retire the original adopt artwork and delete it from anywhere its been posted online. 

I would also recommend filing chargeback claims on paypal if you're able. Tho I haven't done this before, so I'm not sure what paypal's stance on tracing is. Hopefully I'll receive a response from the artist and see what they say about the adopts/usage.

While I can't offer things for free, I will be opening commissions shortly, and would be more than happy to offer significant discounts for folks looking to have their designs redrawn/edited. I'll do a fullbody sketch with flats for like $20, if that helps anybody. 

Ancient

Sorry to double post, but a friend found one of the non-adopt images also being traced, so it seems like nothing this guy drew is his.
Not art, but he literally copied the woman's tattoos, which is still definitely intellectual property:

Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/BATMAN-GIRL-ONLINE-STORE-820125255 
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B29k8oViLKA/ ( I don't have instagram but if someone does wants to reach out to her, that might help combat his threadless/redbubble/teepublic/displate shops)
also took screens in case anything is removed. Will edit this if any of the other non-adopt work is found. Additionally concerning because these pieces are on his threadless etc shops.

Edit: Another one:
Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/VELMA-Scooby-Doo-ONLINE-STORE-829210173 
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMzEu-g-Ah/ 

Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/NESSA-Gym-versison-ONLINE-STORE-823182149 
Source: https://www.deviantart.com/imdrunkontea/art/Nessa-Dive-Ball-Ver-802577975 (the head is copied, haven't found source of the body)
Overlay: https://i.gyazo.com/3ad90ab4bc3d867351b6b2671c2a387e.jpg

nocturnalraptor

Ancient - Just a quick head's up, I had a user DM me saying they speak chinese and would be willing to contact the original PIXIV artist letting them know about the tracing.

In general, I'm incredibly disheartened and just angry that, what appears to be, all of nemi's art is traced/referenced.
I will continue to add further proof of their tracing to the top post. Thank you so much everyone for providing further proof!

nocturnalraptor

tinyYELL - I'm so sorry this has happened, but I'm glad awareness is being spread.

I'll take the first jump and am currently filing a chargeback for fraud. Regardless if nemi did have permission (which I highly doubt), it was never stated anywhere that they did. I'll post updates on how the process goes and if nemi actually responds or not. The evidence is too damning to let this continue. Thank you everyone.

nocturnalraptor

I attempted to do a chargeback, but unfortunately my case was pass the 180 day mark by a couple of days, so my case was automatically closed. I suspected as much, so I'll take the loss. Also nemi has blocked me on deviantART, so if you still have the ability to chargeback, do it now. I used the item not as described option. I'm also going to submit an beware on artistsbeware.info too.

En-zu

An update. I sent a note requesting a refund and showing the proof of tracing. Nem proceeded to block me and hide the comments.

https://sta.sh/01o6keo78os8

Sleepy-Thunder

Oof. I own a design by them. If anyone knows if this is traced from anywhere, I'd love to know. 

LaBelph

SleepingThunder

Well definitely just looking at it the suit is heavily referenced from EVA 01 from Neon Genisis Evangelion, at least from a cursory glance!

Ancient

No word from Mitch/Kyle Lucas yet, but hoping to hear from them soon. Not surprisingly, I noticed that Nem follows ProjectDivider (their insta): screenshot
If anyone had the patience to search, I'm sure some of the other traces could be sourced back to some of the other artists he follows on there. I'll do a little digging, but he follows a lot of people so not sure how fruitful it will be.

Also a shame that he's reacting exactly the way you might expect any tracer to react to folks. I hope at least a few of you are able to successfully file chargebacks :(
Happy to help however I can!

Sadismancer

I commented on their profile and this is their response:

jLQiSKD.png

Ancient

Well I guess that makes it clear he's reading this thread lol I'm also not the one who "started it" so not sure that's a valid argument. But yeah it didn't occur to me that he might try to weaponize that offer against this effort, so I apologize for that. Instead I'll just update that offer and say if anyone needs help redesigning their characters, I'm happy to help for free :'> At this point I just wanna help folks get as far removed from this a-hole as possible.

I'm not sure how he can explain away all of this evidence though. All it takes is a quick glance of a few links to know everything he's done has been traced. 

I did find another artist he follows on insta as a source for one of his adopts, by the way, so there're probably a lot more.
Nem: https://i.gyazo.com/878d0ac8c94586b3f6dd9149c74fa52e.png
Source: https://i.gyazo.com/b8053582f452308669329bf6ef4d7942.png

Nem: https://i.gyazo.com/9110ce2a65bec480f38aaa45f99eb5a5.jpg
Source: https://i.gyazo.com/1a7fa52974e934cb2fa4fff9b61796f5.png

Nem: https://i.gyazo.com/acba87d3cf8ea66073c922fa2973a05f.png
Source: https://i.gyazo.com/89027f29ed707e7aaad74b95fcb144d3.png

Edit 2:12pm: Another artist
Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/Adoptable-48-CLOSED-838935921
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B52w9bWFpJ_/ (this is a repost acct he follows, but original is by @XHE1992 and there are wips on the artist's account)

Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/Adoptable-47-CLOSED-838707172 
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Qp7ZbDd8B/ 

Nem: https://www.deviantart.com/nemillustrationsart/art/Adoptable-30-Cyberpunk-CLOSED-825746531 
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PceyjJ7tf/  (I have reached out to this artist)

En-zu

I am still blocked and haven't been refunded, he continues to claim that people with an issue can contact him. Even though I have done that and have proof he ignored me lol. I would have been willing to work with him but oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

https://i.gyazo.com/85fe4e0232a5cc960263a04ca12d726b.png