anyone else having a constant problem with art being taken down because of copyright claims? There is art everywhere based off of Star Wars or Marvel or Rock stars ... we create this original art, and then SOMEONE makes a copyright claim.

The first thing the site wants is to know that you have WRITTEN PERMISSION to create their likeness in art.

Are you kidding me?

I create an image of Joey Ramone and sell it as art - some site that sells Joey Ramone merchandise says I infringe on their copyright. My art is pulled. The only recourse it seems that I COULD have is if I contacted Joey Ramone's estate and ASKED them if I could create artwork of him and sell it.

Aren't we - as artists - protected some how with creating our own fan art? If not, isn't EVERYTHING somehow protected under someone's copyright?

Can someone enlighten me? It seems that the odds are against the artist. We have no ability to fight back.