Gemotions

The vibrant atmosphere of the tattoo convention was usually invigorating for Jasmine, a renowned painter. The energy, the creative exchange, the sheer audacity of the art—she fed off of it. Today, however, she felt like a stranger in a foreign land. The booths, the music, the buzz of conversation—it all felt jarring.

She'd been alerted to the situation by a fellow artist. Someone had been showcasing a piece, and they had been using her distinct style. A flash sheet, filled with copied renditions of her work. Jasmine, overwhelmed, had demanded to see it.

She walked towards the booth, her body stiff with tension. Seeing it up close was a blow. Her signature swirling lines, her whimsical characters—all replicated. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, a sense of violation. She wanted to scream, to run. She stared at the booth, paralyzed.