So you’ve been ripped off? Raymond Biesinger has just the book for you.

So You’ve Been Ripped Off? Raymond Biesinger Has Just the Book for You

Artist and illustrator Raymond Biesinger has written a new book titled “9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off: An Informal Self-Defence Guide for Independent Creatives.” The work aims to support fellow artists in protecting their creative rights and understanding how to respond when their creations are misused.

“Spite, quite honestly,” he laughs, describing his initial motivation. “My goal with the book is to open up the window of possibilities for what people think they can do to protect their work and their rights.”

Biesinger’s illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Monocle, and numerous other publications. Living with his family in Quebec, he explains that the idea for the book emerged during a dispute with an organization that had improperly used one of his images without consent or payment.

“I realized that after 20 years in the business, I have a whole lot of these stories,” says Biesinger. “What started as one incident grew into something that resembled a career overview, a subtle memoir, and a self-help guide for creatives.”

The book recounts a range of experiences—from simple cases such as tracking down a promoter to recover a modest $50 fee, to complex disagreements with agencies over image usage rights. Each story highlights the challenges independent artists face and the ways they can assert control over their own work.

Author’s Summary

Biesinger’s book blends memoir and practical advice, guiding independent creatives on defending their artistic integrity while growing from each professional challenge.

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Orange County Register Orange County Register — 2025-11-08

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