Recently, an incident involving tattoo artist InkItEJ, known as Emily-Jayne, has raised questions about fan art and creative freedom. The UK/Canadian artist had her Instagram account shut down after posting tattoo and flag designs inspired by the band Sleep Token. This action has sparked significant backlash from fans and fellow creators.
Background on the Incident
Emily-Jayne, who has built her tattoo business over three years, found her original Instagram account, @inkitej, taken down by the management team associated with Sleep Token and RCA Records. According to reports, the issue stems from her band-inspired tattoo designs, which were deemed unacceptable by the band’s representatives.
Impact on Independent Creators
This case is not isolated. Fans highlighted that similar actions have been attributed to Rico Management, the firm overseeing Sleep Token’s business dealings. The automated intellectual property (IP) restrictions on Instagram disproportionately affect small, independent artists and creators, raising concerns about the broader implications for artistic expression.
- Artist: InkItEJ (Emily-Jayne)
- Band Involved: Sleep Token
- Management Team: Rico Management (KillLynx LLC)
- Accusation: Wrongful closure of Instagram account for creating inspired artwork
- Experience: 3 years as a tattoo artist
- Business Focus: Music-related tattoo designs in the UK and Canada
Emily-Jayne’s Response
In reaction to her account suspension, Emily-Jayne expressed her disappointment over losing her platform built on a passionate clientele. She has recently created a new account to continue sharing her work. In her post, she urged followers to support small businesses and indicated her intention to avoid tagging specific bands in the future.
Despite the setback, Emily-Jayne emphasized her commitment to creating music-inspired tattoo designs and custom work. She noted that her artistic endeavors are both a passion and a career.
Conclusion
The response from Sleep Token, Rico Management, and RCA Records remains pending. This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by independent artists navigating creative expression in today’s digital landscape. The community is rallying in support of Emily-Jayne, advocating for fair treatment in the world of fan art and creativity.
