HERE'S What Happened
Our photos have been stolen by counterfeiting thieves. Both product photos and customer review photos. They removed our logo, cut out the background, set up ads and dropshipping shops. They have targeted several pieces, especially Modrake and our Deathmoth. I am currently pursuing legal action against the companies behind those listings.
It has been incredibly frustrating to watch my work get stolen and passed off as cheap imitations. Most people are simply looking for pieces that speak to them, and the flood of fake ads using stolen images makes it hard to know what is real. The cost of a knockoff goes beyond money. It damages the artist’s work and erodes the buyer’s trust.
How to make sure you're getting a REAL & original Hidden Realm Studios Modern Relic:
Check the Address
I only sell directly through these official storefronts:
- https://HiddenRealmStudios.com
- https://GabLei.com/HiddenRealmStudios
- https://www.etsy.com/shop/HiddenRealmStudios
⚠️ Items purchased from unauthorized sellers or third-party marketplaces (including but not limited to Amazon, eBay, Temu) are not authentic.
Ensure consistency
Visuals, surrounding products, and overall presentation should match both within the store and across platforms: the official website, Etsy, and social media.
Everything I create has my Hidden Realm Studios brand name and/or logo on it.
⚠️ Be aware that thieves sometimes copy photos and descriptions. Always double-check the storefront URL.
Verify Credentials
You can confirm authenticity through my official social media, website, and Etsy store, or through my film credits, including Face Off Season 7 (streaming now). My work and studio remain the same today as they’ve always been.
If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out via: Instagram, Facebook or through my website or Etsy store I’m always happy to confirm any piece.
Here's How to Spot This When It Happens to Any Artist
These are not definitive tells, but the more red flags the stronger the chance of a counterfeit
Is it reasonable?
Does the price seem normal for something handcrafted with those materials?
If a hand carved, hand painted, handmade item with quality materials is under $10, that's a red flag.
What else is there?
What else does this seller sell?
If they sell cat mugs AND phone chargers AND car parts, chances are they are not the artist.
Is it established?
Does it look like an established real business?
Random seller name like "BestDeals2024" or "XIADAH"? Probably not reliable.
When in Doubt
- You should be able to message any seller.
- You can even message sellers on Amazon.
- Try something simple like “Love this design! How did you come up with it?”
✔️ Real artists truly enjoy talking about their work and will appreciate you checking
❌ Fake sellers will give generic responses, say they are just a supplier, or ignore you completely
❖ TRUST YOUR GUT! ❖ If something feels "off," listen.
Optional :
There are several ways to report ads, accounts, and stores, but unless you know for sure its stolen, you could inadvertently hurt a small genuine artist.
THE BEST WAY TO REPORT COPYCATS:
Inform the artist of what you saw with a link and, if possible, a screenshot. Give them a heads up in the subject line that you're reporting a copycat It helps them mentally prepare.
The artist can then file the claims for takedowns or pass it on to their legal representation.
The copycats are like whack a mole, exhausting and violating to deal with. Once one pops up, there are 2 million behind it. Seeing them honestly makes my heart beat so hard it literally hurts. I don't think I'm the only artist who feels that.
One person cannot do it alone. It takes a community to fight them.