I guess there is no such thing as fan art anymore. Why is this happening, you ask? Because, according to British/Canadian tattoo artist InkItEJ (real name Emily-Jayne) Sleep Token, their management team and RCA Records took down her company on Instagram for posting tattoos and flag designs inspired by the band.
Presumably, this is not the first time Sleep Token has been accused of the same thing. Fans were quick to point out that all of these account closures were the result of Rico Management (KillLynx LLC), the company that had been handling the band's business operations. They also note that Instagram’s automatic intellectual property restrictions hit small independent creators the hardest.
Since her main account was suspended, she had to post the following on the newly created account:
“I worked hard to build clients and the platform’s account @inkitej was mistakenly removed by Sleep Token’s team “RCA” or Rico’s management/entertainment department for creating a Sleep Token inspired tattoo and flash sheet.
“I've been tattooing for three years now and have built up a client base in the UK and Canada mainly around music-related inspired tattoos (should I move permanently). I fear this abuse of power will get worse and more widespread, attacking small businesses and creativity.
“I will now be using this account as my main business account (and hope to get my old @ back at some point). I will no longer tag specific bands, hashtags, or use their music in posts, and will be more mindful of the designs I post, but I will continue to do custom tattoos for clients who ask.
“This will not be the end of me creating music-related and inspired tattoo designs, flash sheets, or customizations. This is not only a passion I love, but also my career.
“I'm sad that all my old illustrations are now gone, but this is a new chapter. Please follow me and support small and local businesses.”
Justice for Emily-Jayne, man. Her tattoos are great. Sleep Token, Rico Management and RCA have yet to comment.