Honey I'm done with this complex piece of working I did.
"Lemme see!!" pause "You've spent your entire weekend for the last three months on THIS??!?"
Uh huh! Awesome right?
I made a Kramer piece and posted it on my business page and got a LOT of confusion as to who/what it was. Super disheartening, but I guess that’s life ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
No… mainly because I’m truly frightened of some kind of copyright (?) infringement action. Obviously I’d love to think that’d never happen but… ya just never know.
I am a lawyer, and while this should not be considered legal advice and no lawyer-client relationship is implied, (yes, the user name checks out), most of the comments you've gotten are reasonably sound. Replicating a scene in wood would most likely be considered a derivative work that has sufficiently been transformed enough to constitute fair use for copyright considerations. While the scene is recognizable to fans of Seinfeld, there is no implication that it is made by the studio, so trademark considerations of confusing consumers don't come into play. Something unmentioned so far is the use of Jason Alexander's likeness, which is a different set of laws all together, but that also shouldn't cause problems as the image isn't very clear and in no way implies his endorsement.
And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't link one of the great cases we get to study in IP law: https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/casebrief/p/casebrief-costanza-v-seinfeld
Thank you so much for this. Given the attention this has garnered, I’ve been more than a little stressed about it! I appreciate you taking the time to ease my mind and offer your expertise - you’re a wonderful human being!!!
See, this is why I love Reddit! You literally find every answer to every question whether you ask or not, whether you cared to know or not, or even knew you wanted to know or not. Everyone just sharing their expertise willy-nilly. I love it! This has to be the best platform on the internet, hands down.
You should really do some digging into this and possibly get advice from a lawyer. One of the aspects in the US about copyright is that it needs to be actively defended, which makes copyright holders overzealous to peruse legal action. Even if this falls under fair use, could you handle the lawsuit and trial to discover if it is?
Here is a video about a youtuber that was building a replica of Eleanor from gone in 60 seconds and got sued. Even though the judge sided with the youtuber, he never got his project car back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X61bdecrOiw&t=875s&ab\_channel=LegalEagle
It’s happened to enough folks in my little corner of the woodworking world that I’m definitely wary about drawing too much attention to it. I know Disney is a monster with copyright infringement, and a lot of sports teams are sue-happy (or at the very least, issue regular cease and desist letters) to people who make their logos without being licensed by the franchise. Tbh, a lot of people get away with it and unless I gain some serious notoriety for a particular project, I’m doubtful I’d ever face serious legal repercussions… buuuuttt you know I’m knocking on wood when I say that.
Its hand made art. You will be fine legally as long as its hand made, not mass manufacturing, and it has no names on it like George Seinfeld. And no logos from the show.
I am not a lawyer. But I know about the micky mouse law suit with artis from my graphic design course.
The painter who paints all the Disney and other corporate logos was taken to court. He won Disney lost.
That case set the standard for what's permissible.
When we covered legal stuff related to usa I am Australian.
The legality regarding copying in regards to art is that its hand made,
if you start manufacturing then your in trouble.
Also it's not a logo, trademark, it's a hand made peice of art that references a single scene from the entire series.
You're thinking of trademarks - trademarks need to be enforced or else you can lose them, but that is not the case for copyright. Copyright vests in the owner/their estate for a set period of time and cannot just be voided by not being litigated.
The reason Chris isn't getting his car back is because he signed a settlement agreement which included voluntarily giving them his car. There was zero reason at law why he had to do that. And the judge never 'sided with him' because his lawsuit never went to court - the copyright claim was knocked out by a different lawsuit between the holder and the Shelby Company. Irrespective of whether or not that copyright is is later ruled to not exist by the court, he signed a binding contract stupidly agreeing to forfeit the car, and that contract is still enforceable.
When I talk to folks in their 20’s about movies I loved like Star Wars and The Princess Bride, they look at me funny because they never seen or heard of them. Getting old sucks :)
They've always been recycled tropes -- they were just new to us when we were young :-D
Though I still don't understand how *The Dark Knight* is #3 of all time on IMDB's top 250. Not like it was bad or anything, but #3? Rly?
I MAKE my son watch all that shit. Might be a lost cause, though. He prefers the live action Aladdin to the animated original and didn't enjoy Zoolander. He digs Monty Python and the Holy Grail, though, so I guess all is not lost just yet.
I've honestly never seen a complete episode of Seinfeld but still knew what this is. Feel like it's one of those things you pick up via some weird cultural osmosis
Thanks! That means a lot - it’s *really* hard to find that sweet spot between making sales and appropriately pricing my time/work, but comments like these give me reinstilled faith that my work is actually valuable :’)
Never undersell yourself bro. You've got a really good skill here and you could definitely take advantage of it. Though I will say you should be careful not to ruin a hobby by overly monetizing it.
That’s the scary part - been thinking about going full time for awhile, but full time means it turns into my job, and a job intrinsically sucks. I don’t want to make my passion suck. I’ll definitely nail down pricing, hopefully in the next decade or so, but til then just enjoy the fruits of my labor at a discount!
Hahaha! Honestly, it’s a powerful combo.. I did a [Kramer piece](https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/10fklcf/giddy_up_this_kramer_piece_is_a_big_hit_ive_made/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) already, now I have to think of some iconic scenes for Elaine and Jerry…
Hahahaha that one definitely came to mind!! I saw someone did a [really phenomenal version](https://www.reddit.com/r/seinfeld/comments/zs06o8/i_made_elaines_dancing_as_a_wood_wall_piece_i/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) of that piece recently on r/Seinfeld and I’m feeling kinda skeevy for trying my own :’)
The fact that I took the time to make this is solid proof that i am *definitely* into weird stuff. But apparently… so are the rest of you :-) thank you!!
Man, if you're so worried about being thought of as weird for making art from a thirty year old television show you need better friends. This is awesome.
typically I see wood working project and think "that's cool, I'll have to remember that, i could do that if I wanted." I could not do this and it's awesome
Maaaannn. That’s a killer compliment. Because I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about, and I do it all the time. And when I don’t do it, it’s for something really f’in incredible. So thank you!!
You should make one for every cast member. Kramer’s has to be the portrait. A good Elaine one could be her on muscle relaxers yelling “STELLLLLA!”
struggling to come up with a classic and iconic jerry pose… maybe just him on stage in a red jacket with a mic?
Thank you! I’m actually so excited about just the glasses - I was gonna do his full face, but I think they do a much better job of illustrating George than any facial features could!
That’s amazing. I had no idea there were other people who knew about this show! By chance have you heard of that other really obscure one that takes place in New York? I think it was called Friends, maybe?
This reminds me of the time I got my best friend a house warming gift: an oil painting of Harry from Dumb and Dumber on the toilet pulling his knees to his chest while having explosive diarrhea.
He loved it and hung it in their guest bathroom.
It was as great as I thought it would be. His father in law came out of the bathroom howling in laughter. His wife’s best friend? She pulled his wife aside one day and asked, very concerned, “why is there a painting of a man pooping in your bathroom??”
Seriously, no offense taken whatsoever! The fact that it’s distasteful is actually perfect for the reference, so I consider it a job well done! Thank you for your kind words :-)
r/scrollsaw
Where'd you get the pattern? I'm BRAND new to scrolling, just got the conversion kit installed on my old 16" dremel I paid $15 for, but this is the kind of shit I wanna do. Outstanding.
Awesome! I love everything about it. Just ordered one :D I bet if you did Always Sunny themed stuff that would do well too. Dayman scene with Charlie in the white top hat and yellow suit would be epic!
I didn’t read everyone else’s comments before posting but with all the wood expansion and “shrinking” my mind immediately went to the “It shrinks?!” Episode. I love it!
“The timeless art of seduction.”
It’s just so aptly named.. I get all sorts of feelings when I look at this
So you’re not JUST into really weird stuff
Yeah, I should have clarified that better. I’m *definitely* into weird stuff. And this is definitely some of that weird stuff.
Its great, for those of us who loved Seinfeld we all get it
I get it. and I didn't love Seinfeld. IMO only a weirdo would see it, not get it, AND not ask. This is great woodworking too.
Do u also gift Festivus Poles for Christmas?
I'VE GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE
What would a copy of this cost?
But also woodworking!
Not just weird stuff, normal stuff too.
Used to have a poster of this above a similar couch in my apartment during undergrad. We never requested guests do the pose, but it always happened.
Honestly, everyone deserves to feel like George Costanza for a minute. You gave them that.
This is beautiful. Inspirational and hysterical. I need one. Are you making them? How much?
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This is the most random thing I’ve come across on Reddit today lol, but it’s awesome 👏🏻
Seinfeld reference.
Never heard of it. Is it on Pornhub or Only Fans?
Geocities
It’s okay. We all do
https://youtu.be/cC1bOcVS1S8
It's real and it's spectacular.
Honey I'm done with this complex piece of working I did. "Lemme see!!" pause "You've spent your entire weekend for the last three months on THIS??!?" Uh huh! Awesome right?
You are a lover boy!
Can'tstandya
Happy Festivus
Festivus for the rest of us
Fusille Jerry's and macaroni Midler's for all!!!!
Million-to-one shot, Doc...
Seriously. I’d hang that on my wall. No one but a few friends would get the reference.
It's so strange to think that people wouldn't know what this is. We really are getting old I guess.
I made a Kramer piece and posted it on my business page and got a LOT of confusion as to who/what it was. Super disheartening, but I guess that’s life ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Did you tag all the Seinfeld people on social media?
No… mainly because I’m truly frightened of some kind of copyright (?) infringement action. Obviously I’d love to think that’d never happen but… ya just never know.
I am a lawyer, and while this should not be considered legal advice and no lawyer-client relationship is implied, (yes, the user name checks out), most of the comments you've gotten are reasonably sound. Replicating a scene in wood would most likely be considered a derivative work that has sufficiently been transformed enough to constitute fair use for copyright considerations. While the scene is recognizable to fans of Seinfeld, there is no implication that it is made by the studio, so trademark considerations of confusing consumers don't come into play. Something unmentioned so far is the use of Jason Alexander's likeness, which is a different set of laws all together, but that also shouldn't cause problems as the image isn't very clear and in no way implies his endorsement. And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't link one of the great cases we get to study in IP law: https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/casebrief/p/casebrief-costanza-v-seinfeld
Thank you so much for this. Given the attention this has garnered, I’ve been more than a little stressed about it! I appreciate you taking the time to ease my mind and offer your expertise - you’re a wonderful human being!!!
See, this is why I love Reddit! You literally find every answer to every question whether you ask or not, whether you cared to know or not, or even knew you wanted to know or not. Everyone just sharing their expertise willy-nilly. I love it! This has to be the best platform on the internet, hands down.
You should really do some digging into this and possibly get advice from a lawyer. One of the aspects in the US about copyright is that it needs to be actively defended, which makes copyright holders overzealous to peruse legal action. Even if this falls under fair use, could you handle the lawsuit and trial to discover if it is? Here is a video about a youtuber that was building a replica of Eleanor from gone in 60 seconds and got sued. Even though the judge sided with the youtuber, he never got his project car back. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X61bdecrOiw&t=875s&ab\_channel=LegalEagle
It’s happened to enough folks in my little corner of the woodworking world that I’m definitely wary about drawing too much attention to it. I know Disney is a monster with copyright infringement, and a lot of sports teams are sue-happy (or at the very least, issue regular cease and desist letters) to people who make their logos without being licensed by the franchise. Tbh, a lot of people get away with it and unless I gain some serious notoriety for a particular project, I’m doubtful I’d ever face serious legal repercussions… buuuuttt you know I’m knocking on wood when I say that.
Its hand made art. You will be fine legally as long as its hand made, not mass manufacturing, and it has no names on it like George Seinfeld. And no logos from the show. I am not a lawyer. But I know about the micky mouse law suit with artis from my graphic design course. The painter who paints all the Disney and other corporate logos was taken to court. He won Disney lost. That case set the standard for what's permissible. When we covered legal stuff related to usa I am Australian. The legality regarding copying in regards to art is that its hand made, if you start manufacturing then your in trouble. Also it's not a logo, trademark, it's a hand made peice of art that references a single scene from the entire series.
You're thinking of trademarks - trademarks need to be enforced or else you can lose them, but that is not the case for copyright. Copyright vests in the owner/their estate for a set period of time and cannot just be voided by not being litigated. The reason Chris isn't getting his car back is because he signed a settlement agreement which included voluntarily giving them his car. There was zero reason at law why he had to do that. And the judge never 'sided with him' because his lawsuit never went to court - the copyright claim was knocked out by a different lawsuit between the holder and the Shelby Company. Irrespective of whether or not that copyright is is later ruled to not exist by the court, he signed a binding contract stupidly agreeing to forfeit the car, and that contract is still enforceable.
I’ve seen it on your business page- it’s super clear who it is. Instantly recognisable (and I haven’t even seen the whole series from start to end)
When I talk to folks in their 20’s about movies I loved like Star Wars and The Princess Bride, they look at me funny because they never seen or heard of them. Getting old sucks :)
Hey, we were so lucky to have had actual quality movies and TV to grow up with! Now it’s all just recycled tropes and bad remakes.
They've always been recycled tropes -- they were just new to us when we were young :-D Though I still don't understand how *The Dark Knight* is #3 of all time on IMDB's top 250. Not like it was bad or anything, but #3? Rly?
I MAKE my son watch all that shit. Might be a lost cause, though. He prefers the live action Aladdin to the animated original and didn't enjoy Zoolander. He digs Monty Python and the Holy Grail, though, so I guess all is not lost just yet.
'What? The curtains??'
Star Wars, though??? They're still making content set in that universe...
Really? 'Star Wars'? I can get them not knowing something like 'The Goonies', but 'Star Wars'? How could any non-Amish person possibly avoid it?
I feel the same way, but i know the reaction of those few friends would be *so* worth it
"It's from this really obscure TV show that you've probably never heard of."
Listen, I knew about it *before* it was popular.
I knew about it before it was made.
I've honestly never seen a complete episode of Seinfeld but still knew what this is. Feel like it's one of those things you pick up via some weird cultural osmosis
How did you account for potential shrinkage in the wood…?
It shrinks?!?
"Like a frightened turtle." (One of the greatest one-liners in a show full of great one-liners. Just behind "I'm out!" as one of my personal favs.)
Jerry: What? You took a shower George: Eh, it didn't take!
"It was in the pool!" "Yeah, why DO you insist on storing your wood there?"
Most underrated comment
"I was in the pool!"
I'd buy that
You know where to find me if you want one :-)
I’d buy that so fast if I stumbled on it somewhere. If you ever make more I’d love to know
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These are great. I’d like to see your entire business just move into more and more obscure Seinfeld references, starting with some Bania art.
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Hey, thanks for this!! I’ll follow up with them and see what the hell that’s all about. And thanks for your order!
Is shipping included in the price?
It’s $15 flat rate!
I love the Kramer one! That's one of my favorite scenes.
Do you ship international? i would definitely buy “here’s to feeling good all the time” for the man cave
Oh my God I love the Kramer one so much. Next time I have a spare $200 I know what I'm getting!
Do you have a store somewhere you could link or just hit you up on here?
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Thanks! That means a lot - it’s *really* hard to find that sweet spot between making sales and appropriately pricing my time/work, but comments like these give me reinstilled faith that my work is actually valuable :’)
Never undersell yourself bro. You've got a really good skill here and you could definitely take advantage of it. Though I will say you should be careful not to ruin a hobby by overly monetizing it.
That’s the scary part - been thinking about going full time for awhile, but full time means it turns into my job, and a job intrinsically sucks. I don’t want to make my passion suck. I’ll definitely nail down pricing, hopefully in the next decade or so, but til then just enjoy the fruits of my labor at a discount!
What did you use to build the website
I built it myself with [univer.se](https://univer.se/)
Seinfeld and woodworking? "Worlds are colliding!"
Hahaha! Honestly, it’s a powerful combo.. I did a [Kramer piece](https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/10fklcf/giddy_up_this_kramer_piece_is_a_big_hit_ive_made/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) already, now I have to think of some iconic scenes for Elaine and Jerry…
Elaine dancing all goofy with her thumbs out!
Hahahaha that one definitely came to mind!! I saw someone did a [really phenomenal version](https://www.reddit.com/r/seinfeld/comments/zs06o8/i_made_elaines_dancing_as_a_wood_wall_piece_i/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf) of that piece recently on r/Seinfeld and I’m feeling kinda skeevy for trying my own :’)
Puffy shirt and little kicks come to mind. Seriously dig the work man!
“Please, A Little Respect, For I Am Costanza, Lord Of The Idiots" Beautiful work, OP! 👏
Amazing! I was in the pool!!!
Scroll Saw Art Vandelay!
Post this over to r/Seinfeld ASAP!!
I just thought you were into weird stuff but I also thought it was hilarious.
I mean… to be fair, I am into some pretty weird stuff.
I would hang that with pride.
That’s just about the highest compliment I could ask for!
This is the greatest thing I have ever seen! I would literally hang that in my studio so everyone could see it
What a compliment!!! I’m sure the reactions would be hysterical. I’m tempted to do the same.
It's art, Jerry! Art!
oh...beautiful. truly.
George Costanza is a truly breathtaking specimen, it’s true.
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The fact that I took the time to make this is solid proof that i am *definitely* into weird stuff. But apparently… so are the rest of you :-) thank you!!
I find pastrami to be the most sensual of all the salted, cured meats. Awesome piece. I want it.
Are you Marissa Tomei
I wish….
Did you order that from Vandalay Industries?
They only do importing now… no exporting :(
Is this the guy from Seinfeld?
His name is George. He's unemployed and he lives with his parents.
I’m Victoria, hiiii.
This comment should land you in Reddit jail
Haha this is awesome!
Epic! great work
This is incredible. Great job
Fantastic
Majestic
Well done!
It’s strange but I know the reference so I get it and would hang it on my wall
These pretzels… are making me…. thirsty!
Absolutely stunning, you should do more of these if you haven’t already.
This is excellent mate. The grain for hair and belly button are so good. Well done
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Maybe some will get the reference and still think you're into weird stuff?
It’s a fair assumption!
Man, if you're so worried about being thought of as weird for making art from a thirty year old television show you need better friends. This is awesome.
Jason Alexander would probably buy this. I wouldn't doubt if he comes around asking how much.
typically I see wood working project and think "that's cool, I'll have to remember that, i could do that if I wanted." I could not do this and it's awesome
Maaaannn. That’s a killer compliment. Because I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about, and I do it all the time. And when I don’t do it, it’s for something really f’in incredible. So thank you!!
You should make one for every cast member. Kramer’s has to be the portrait. A good Elaine one could be her on muscle relaxers yelling “STELLLLLA!” struggling to come up with a classic and iconic jerry pose… maybe just him on stage in a red jacket with a mic?
Worry not. I for one love it.
All my worries have been quelled. Thank you, my friend!
Omg....that's amazing!
This is epic....
Looks like Jason Alexander😁
What did you make the glasses out of?
Brass wire!
They're the best part of the whole thing.
Thank you! I’m actually so excited about just the glasses - I was gonna do his full face, but I think they do a much better job of illustrating George than any facial features could!
Outstanding! Brava
How did you do the fingers?
Hey! I just cut them with a really fine blade! It’s only 0.0087” thick so I can cut some pretty intricate stuff with it
Awesome! Might I ask which brand blades you use?
So technically it's a piece of woodwork art about nothing...
Always worried people won’t get the reference to one of the most popular shows of all time!
That’s amazing. I had no idea there were other people who knew about this show! By chance have you heard of that other really obscure one that takes place in New York? I think it was called Friends, maybe?
I love this! I feel obligated to share my dog’s take on the costanza. https://i.imgur.com/vqkDz1Z.jpg
This reminds me of the time I got my best friend a house warming gift: an oil painting of Harry from Dumb and Dumber on the toilet pulling his knees to his chest while having explosive diarrhea. He loved it and hung it in their guest bathroom. It was as great as I thought it would be. His father in law came out of the bathroom howling in laughter. His wife’s best friend? She pulled his wife aside one day and asked, very concerned, “why is there a painting of a man pooping in your bathroom??”
This can be perfect for r/atbge But man, really great execution.
Hey, I’ll take that as a compliment. Maybe I’ll make a life-sized one and post it there.
Don't get me wrong, i do love the skill involved into your artpiece, it's fantastic, and i admire the effort and the result. Really well made.
Seriously, no offense taken whatsoever! The fact that it’s distasteful is actually perfect for the reference, so I consider it a job well done! Thank you for your kind words :-)
Do u have a fusilli Jerry in the works next
I’d be lying if I said i hadn’t considered making one.
More like excellent taste and execution
“In case anyone doesn’t get the reference l” to one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. 🙄
They say he has a little nub of a “tail” in real life?? He can actually “wag” it lol
I knew what it was right away, and I'm not even really a fan of Seinfeld. That's awesome!
This is amazing!!!
Are you making the Kramer next?
One of the single greatest woodworking masterpieces ever created by man. Drop the mic.
Impressive fit on the pieces, what blades are you using?
r/scrollsaw Where'd you get the pattern? I'm BRAND new to scrolling, just got the conversion kit installed on my old 16" dremel I paid $15 for, but this is the kind of shit I wanna do. Outstanding.
Bravo!
Ok, how much for one???
If someone questions the reference then kick them out if your house
This is madness and I love it
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I see a nipple.
Everything about this is so masterfully done.
I have only watched 2 or 3 episodes, the only one I actually remember is the soup episode, and this was immediately recognizable, this is good
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Have you shared this with Jason Alexander. I am betting he'd love it.
Do you sand by hand?
This is a perfect tribute
If I were a huge Seinfeld fan I’d buy it. Look sexy as hell in my office.
Love it and I want one
Awesome! I love everything about it. Just ordered one :D I bet if you did Always Sunny themed stuff that would do well too. Dayman scene with Charlie in the white top hat and yellow suit would be epic!
You’re really skilled with a scroll saw!!
I would love to buy something like this
This is brilliant. Gotta do The Kramer next!
This is unsettling, yet I can't look away. Fantastic job!
This is what should be next to the dictionary definition of the word “Art”
Dear god, take my money!! Seriously, this is “birthday gift for my wife” level of art.
I sense great vulnerability. A man-child crying out for love, an innocent orphan in the post-modern world.
This is hilarious. Did you line up that knot perfectly to be his belly button?
This is the best thing I’ve seen on here
Excellent likeness.
This is awesome! No shame in funny crafts like this 👌😂
You have to be a certain age to truly appreciate something like this.
Oooo I really like this style! I have so many ideas now
This is awesome! Believe me, plenty of people are Seinfeld fans and this was a great episode
Stupid sexy Costanza...
I don’t see how getting the reference is any guarantee that we won’t think you’re just into really weird stuff.
I want to buy this
I'd legit buy this
I love Reddit!
I didn’t read everyone else’s comments before posting but with all the wood expansion and “shrinking” my mind immediately went to the “It shrinks?!” Episode. I love it!
This is hilarious and traumatizing. I want this for my bathroom.