With the utmost respect to all the nations of the world, I would like to speak to the United Nations in an open-letter as an American citizen who is at a loss with how to proceed with what I am about to say. It is through the affordance of technology that I am able to communicate this to you today and it is from the foundation of modern civilization that I structure the opportunity to speak in order to advance humanity.
As I question keystrokes and transcripts, I write on my own personal website questioning how to properly address what I am to address. To me, based on past experiences ranging from 2018-2019, questions are raised on both recording keystrokes from personal computers and transcribing of private citizen’s phone calls that I call into question any traditional form to properly disclose or file a complaint.
If that occurs, it creates pre-emptive measures that do not provide due-diligence of protection prior to filing and gives an upper-hand on those doing that. “They can get past the firewalls” and “They can look at the web history and pre-emptively know where he is going to use.” are quotes from experience in the sea of quotes in a matter of obstruction of justice and human rights violations that may be compounded into my own story and how I got here today. I reference EEOC#415-2019-08683 to unlock and open that door. This claim was to be required by law to be investigated with the parties cited in it to no resolve on my end.
I write on my personally-owned website as a last line of defense against behavior that has been allowed to continue that has personally affected myself but has wide-ranged implications. I will be talking about copyright laws, EEOCs, whistleblowing and morality of this generation (all those living) and future generations and what is a need for an about face and change of direction.
A travesty is occurring in this country that involves the United States stepping in as well as disclosure to all countries when it comes to the legacy and contributions of both our youth and ourselves as individuals.
I submitted to myself, via email, on March 1, 2022, a screenshot of the picture at the top of this blog post. A Facebook post with the statement “An Alumniati statement. Cheers to every artist ever discounted now in positions to stand up for artist’s rights. It’s the right thing to do.” The email itself contained this message that has been slightly modified for typos.
Thought long about this. Wrote before. Will write after. Testify if I must. Legacy and chances taken before entering the work place. Exploitation and if you are reading this you know my heart.
Not just this country’s legacy stolen every day, but every countries' current and future generations at a cost of this practice.
I hate saying this. I hate I wanted to change within and then possibly exploited in the process. My goal if ever to be a teacher was to prevent what I experienced and have future generations never go through that and never feel like "just" an artist or creative.
I'll sit on this until tomorrow knowing the EEOC is still in the air. I trust past practices and unite where my heart is globally as one on this one.
I internally was made to feel like I was to be an example and lesson to learn from by my demise and the cost of my life's work. It's my belief my work is already the forfeit. I protect others younger and under the age of 40. (And those above, just specializing in the area of inexperience).
-Philip Arthur Bonneau
During my second time at The Savannah College of Art & Design, I found myself rebuilding from events that go against civil liberties and protection against an United States of America private citizen that have been unresolved and have opened the door for other criminal acts towards myself, family and loved ones to occur. As part of the senior creative/marketing team of Alfred Angelo, I was there at the very end of what was a major attack on the sanctity of marriage and my career or conscious never recovered from that experience. I was never at fault to anything leading to the demise of Alfred Angelo, have always held important information regarding the final 3 years there and have secretly tried to right wrongs regarding that while protecting my own and other’s artist rights while also trying to give closure to everyone personally affected by Alfred Angelo and attacks on dreams and dresses. That has never been resolved for others and I’ve held my ground on exploitation of over-worked, never fully compensated, threatened to bare burdens of the company’s survival. As artist rights go in realms of not properly compensated by the company I own a good chunk of photographic artworks of the last 2 years while also retaining artist rights and control to creatives of 3 years of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo due to non-payment practices, slipping things under the rug and fundamental copyright laws when companies go bankrupt in chapter 7 scenarios. Events surrounding the closure call into question the re-establishment of the website under new ownership that purposely left out any of my photographic/artistic contributions alone with a message saying “We’re Back” that I publicly slammed on social media as “No, WE are not back.” Supervisor mentions talks of singled out monitoring and surveillance of myself alone that calls into question how long has this been going on and to what extent has my lifetime work been taken away and exploited one way or the other.
I could talk about contract work afterwards that lead to a discounted position afterwards of well below what I was making prior where age was even attacked there through other employees and discrimination on medical history of others and ultimately myself. My contract employer at the assigned contract location failed to protect myself against viable claims against their contract client and brought in their parent company into unemployment meetings while failing to protect against real claims of physical harm, the noted recorded keystrokes and the impediment of my civil rights by transcribing a off-site phone call I had with a law office when trying to report unlawful workplace conditions. The second company defrauded the State of GA by failing to provide proper documentation to Unemployment offices and by going under other company names than what they are known as, possibly defrauding their cliental with insurance questions also surrounding my experience. This lead to willful intention by those companies above to drive me to Chapter 13 restructuring as a way to pry off assets at the expense of my rights as an American citizen which continue to this day.
I leave out most details knowing a fax machine is a wonderful invention to get things properly through at times.
As I rebuilt my life at The Savannah College of Art and Design, which I was already an Alumni of, I built myself back up by writing by hand as I did not have internet in my place of residence for over 6 months and built up from scratch a retainment of my life and where I was to go not knowing where that was but a need to survive and keep growing one way or another. I submitted to copyright under copyright pending knowing past experience of getting onto private computers was previously experienced, cited by 3rd parties and unpunished behavior that was imminent and plausible. Those attacks were on multiple computers and that copyright pending was submitted under TXu-2-173-740. As of this year I copywrote a framed work of art that outlined the history of the evolution of this book, “Curated Jellyfish: A Paradise Lost” in all their versions up to the currently published 4th edition, all with different ISBNs, and remains unfinished when known impeded on in matters that need to remain confidential but of the utmost importance. That work of art should be protected as it outlines a timeline for others to follow. A visual depiction is below that was shared on social media on February 15, 2022 when my social media was attacked and manipulated by outside sources.
After I copywrote the book, I began my studies in the Masters program at The Savannah College of Art & Design. That is clearly spelled out in the book that it was completed in, at least a first typed version draft, prior to starting my education. I posted it publicly (as I retain the copyright to the actual artwork and the pictorial framed depiction) in an attempt to finalize what has been on-going, unpunished behavior that affects every single user on every Social Media platform where digital identities and presences outlive a normal living life-span and should be met with the utmost respect and dignity as practices of assigning someone to handle your account after your death. It is my belief that existing social media platformers can be at the forefront of protecting this while calling into question the establishment of new social media with the understand of the psychological and legal responsibilities behind it. If technological practices were established prior as blanket statements of ownership of intellectual property of citizens of the world, then it should be under scrutiny any past established platforms as well as motivation of establishing new ones which would be marked from this day backwards in following that path knowing established brands lead the way on that forefront.
I worked for The Savannah College of Art & Design as a manager of one of their restaurants housed at A Scottish Rite Temple. Often working in the basement for long periods of time in solitude and over-stretched I reported incidents that may be connected to the past EEOC claim and that there were events surrounding my immediate termination from myself following protocol, filing incident reports, and speaking to internal compliance in a meeting that was overheard and discussed by others in another room when supposed to be confidential and strengthens back to the initial EEOC problems.
My concern for the events leading up to my termination was in the constant request to be transferred/removed from my position while applying for other opportunities within the school system to better my way of life and excel back into my areas of experience while continuing studies. One of the positions I applied for the SCADpro Director position which was incorporated with the SCAD Art Sales Director position. I originally applied for the SCADpro position back in May 2019 and reached out to the presidents from my personal email on Dec. 29th, 2021 discussing a concern for grouping the two while also outlining what could be major fundamental changes to the collegiate system when it comes to student/employee/alumni rights to work and where there is growth for expansion for the college, but at the forefront is the security of student’s rights to intellectual property that could be fortified and backed up by every single corporation that works with the college or any other college. I later applied, interviewed and was rejected the week of my termination for the position. I responded to the rejection email 2 days later when it was initially sent as I did not read it. I acknowledged the email on Feb. 9th, I was terminated Feb. 10th, 2022. They forced me out of the MFA program before booting me from the SCAD.edu site which I have never returned to after Feb. 11th. This was retaliation and beyond just a termination of an employee without taking into consideration my student rights as well.
I own the concept and the execution in that email and any application of that into the system is unethical, unlawful and stolen property which calls into question the creation of their newly formed “School of Business” and if any of my concepts/ideas including a quarterly student Bazaar are incorporated into it.
https://scadcareers.scad.edu/postings/29587
Director, SCAD Art Sales and SCADpro
Hello to both President (REDACTED),
I was looking to reach out to you for guidance and consideration. I know that direct e-mails are not entirely standard and that some e-mails in certain capacities goes through a string of people before heading into the right direction of contact. I hope this letter goes in the right direction of opening up communication on a question.
I am an undergrad alumni to your family’s heritage. I started off as a painting major and transferred into the graphic design program from 2001-2005. I worked my way through school full-time at the Gryphon Tea Room where your mother and sister often ate and under the supervision of (REDACTED) and your (REDACTED) My thought process for the change from being a painter to designer came about from the need for artistic expression to be universal in connections that ground us visually through every day social contacts. I value that education and that decision by even challenging myself to paint by candlelight to appreciate what came before as a way of creating something new with the understanding that originally is few and far between when it comes to ownership of what is and isn’t considered “bad art”.
I started my first position out of collage as a graphic designer with no room for advancement within the company I worked for as we partnered with Coca-Cola, Waffle House, 7-Eleven, Motorola, AT&T and Kroger to name a few. I spent 8 years of my life there until a major opportunity came along that advanced me out of solely the graphic design realm and into marketing and branding while continuing my outside photographic passions.
I came across a posted position on the SCAD job portal looking to fill a role that raised a red flag for me. There is a director position that is linked above that requires someone to oversee both SCAD Art Sales and the SCADpro program. These positions, to me, seem entirely different from one another. One aspect of it is essential to the vitality of both the school as a connector to top businesses while the other is a focus on the growth and recognition of SCAD family works of art in places such as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
There is a branch. SCAD Art Sales direction can be and should be focused on contemporary buyers and placement of works in both private and commercial capacities. The contemporary art world seeks out up-and-coming artists in a regular capacity and is of great interest to investors to build on potential new and established talents. The vitality of that program for the artists is important to promote and build a standard of sustainability for those in the fine arts practice. I envision it as both a major online gallery but also a broker to recognition within the movie industry in particular, but also not limited to hotels, Airbnb and restaurant collaborations. The private collector practice in particular is of interest to build relationships with current museums, galleries and business that could be also in combination with other majors of interest such as interior design in particular. I am thinking pop-up galleries as well as timing things into local events and festivities.
One idea of interest I had was for a quarterly student bazaar that could be done in order for students to promote and sell their works at the end of each quarter that often gets thrown away and discarded. This gives both the students a chance for compensation/exposure, but also a chance for the city of Savannah to have a 4-times a year event that is sustainable to the commerce of both the school and the city. I imagine this is for specific areas of study as other areas such as architectural works and product design may involve copyright education and patents to the students that may or may not be available in the current curriculums provided.
SCADpro is a completely different program to tackle. To me, the position is about introducing students to top-tier companies in the hopes of not only educational purposes, but to promote and build relationships that factor into student placement and business success. I am unfamiliar with the practices and contracts that get built within that system, but I see it as an overall success to lead towards student employment after collage. Students are placed on real world application projects that go into the innovation of fresh young talent before they are even out of the school system. Those projects are tackled and implemented into multi-million dollar investments and opportunities such as the drive-thru system for Chick-Fil-A as one example. It would be interesting to see if there is investment opportunities for the students to gain from that experience or for the companies to be in a position of offering scholarships for future students into the SCAD educational programs. With the thought of students paying the tuition fee to participate within the SCADpro system, I see areas of expansion that could be had to solidify student/school relationships as well as improve the infrastructure of business/school relationships. Investing in the future goes hand-in-hand with student’s investment of time and builds loyalty to both the school and the businesses they work for with a very important teachable lesson that has taken over the United States in particular.
My concern lies in the fact that there has been cost-cutting measures throughout businesses for decades that have caused employees (especially creative professionals) to take on so much responsibility than is sustainable. Within the graphic design world in particular I have seen designers become animators, UX designers and sound designers due to the lack of education of value from upper level management. This is across the board on deadlines and expectations at the cost of branding/marketing strategies and realistic deadlines. To even tackle full-time employment has become an issue as contract work has risen the last several years. The idea is to not commit to people and not have to pay vacation/sick days at the cost of the fear of the employee being let go at any time for any reason. It is a turn and burn approach that has sacrificed so many people into lack of job security that has increased into lack of homeownership, retirement plans and healthcare.
With SCADpro specifically, I see this as a potential practice of exploitation that could be reversed to transcend work culture across the country into all aspects of SCAD alumni and friends. A company’s identity is built on the creative minds that reside in it into all levels of professionalism with patents and visual identity in particular of the utmost importance.
At the cost of saving money and meeting a bottom-line. I’ve experienced this tactic myself while working as a lead creative manager/photographer/graphic design/etc. for Alfred Angelo (a former number 1 bridal company in the world). That company went bankrupt in 2017 and my entire life and career has been derailed because of it. In Atlanta I tried to bounce back with contract work after 6-months unemployed. That contracted ended and then met another company that offered a pay range of 15-18 dollars an hour for production work. I was awarded $17 dollars an hour at an even greater cost to me at the time of 13 year’s professional experience.
I’ve been working for SCAD again since 2019 while working on my Masters in photography. I came back out of necessity of finding anything of value to strive for again and have been met with an even greater attack on the heritage of my work that can never be recouped or forgotten. I find myself in the same Scottish Rite Temple I grew up in, now with completely different perspective of going full circle and starting over. I would like to discuss with either of you in private some things I have found in the building that may be of historical significance or at the very least artistic value that I would love to personally explore and expand upon before it is possibly lost forever.
My background is in marketing/branding/strategy with a focus on photography, graphic design and an incredible interest in art history. I’ve worked for Art’s Café now for 3 years and have experienced life events that affect security and safety. I started work on a series called “Starving Artist” in my masters studies and have tried to work through better positions and a better way of life. Although my credentials may not be up to complete standards for the above position, I would like to be considered for positions outside of Art’s Café that may be more beneficial to the longevity and success of fellow artists, myself and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Thank you for time in this matter and would love to hear back from either of you.
-Philip A Bonneau
My concern in particular was with the SCADpro program that is implemented at The Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated in the initial image to this blog is the possible exploitation/theft of student creative rights and property. Under the guise of real-world experience, students are giving real world projects that leads to millions of dollars in revenue for at least the companies (I am unsure and question the benefits/copyrights/trademarks/patents afforded to SCAD if any). As students are to pay for these classes specifically, it is a double-dip of student/parent/guardian pays the school for this opportunity, student creates new innovative works that changes industry, companies makes million and retains copyright/trademark/patents and students may or may not be able to put on their CV later in life with no compensation. They are being paid to be exploited before they enter the workforce and the legacy of every student/alumni involved in any SCADpro should be questions and evaluated for their contributions to society and rightfully compensated for it. This practice involves every International/National student who has/is/will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design and goes well beyond the jurisdiction of the United States of America, but collectively we are all in this in representation.
I mentioned the Chick-fil-A contribution as that was brought up in employee on-boarding. According to my termination letter there is a discrepancy on my date of employment. I signed 6/1/2019. Authorized signature dated it 6/3/2019 and head of HR stated my employment termination as being from 6/3/2019-2/10/2022 in a separate document leading the way for Chick-Fil-A to be a viable legal source to cite as I was not an employee of The Savannah College of Art and Design at the time of that disclosure according to their paperwork. As SCAD students were the inventors of the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru system, it is important to not attack businesses, but seek out to businesses on clarification of these practices implemented by the Savannah College of Art and Design, while also being leaders to changing this practice so that future generations are given due what they are owed, a chance to succeed in life and to bring respect of creatives who should not ever have to say “just” an art degree to their name.
At the forefront of Business Innovation, it is imperative to work together and build this infrastructure that prior has led to the discount of employees of all types, lack of proper compensation and lack of resources to survive day-to-day while benefiting from the neglected. There is an amazing opportunity to support this generation and future generations but the practice of SCADpro in its existing form is illegal/unethical and needs to be evaluated. No student should have to pay for a SCADpro in that condition and it is my belief that any company associated with SCADpro would be at the forefront of protecting students rights and intellectual property. This idea and practice goes well beyond the creative field and when put in the situation of trying to understand blanket intellectual ownership on platforms and known security tactics, to prevent the cutting of a tree before it is formed can be done by watering and nurturing proper care of people’s property before/after they start to form.
The heart of the matter is both the timeline of events that surround me and the greater purpose of what was discovered along the way. I look at the series I created while I was a student in the masters program,. ”Starving Artist”. The idea behind it was the exploitation I experienced and have heard from others and how to properly explain that while being unemployed and SNAP’ed into survival mode. Privacy is important to any college and so is ownership which should always fall on the students who create the work. Had I chosen to use a SCAD affiliated blog site to document My Time at SCAD, it would have been yanked from me instantly on Feb. 10th without a chance of retrieval and they would/could of used their “dusting-off” of all creative practices on my works at any time (knowing I never submit hi-res files for the online studies I participated in). Ownership of all things creative is expressed in their handbook as promotional purposes only, but calls into question when a dusted-off logo was used for the 40th in promotional/profit purposes.
I can talk about my book. I can talk about my Heroes + Villains. I can talk about fundamental work I’ve done to advance understanding of “The Divine Comedy”, psychology, mental health, spirituality, empathy, and morality. All that has been attacked.
Towards the end of my time at SCAD in my own independent studies and with my own books and handwritten I came up with 3 new solutions to the main three Sphinx riddles. I’ve written about them exploring/backing up/challenged/fortified before they all came to very plausible, real solutions that advance thinking and understanding while paying it forward to what was before and what comes from it. Were they attacked or were they fortified as being another contribution of a Starving Artist to the world?
What is that which in the morning goes upon four feet
upon two feet in the afternoon,
and in the evening upon three?
The Answer: An Average Man
There are two sisters:
One gives birth to the other,
And the other, in turn, gives birth to the first.
The Answer: The Tigris and Euphrates
What can bring back the dead;
make you cry, make you laugh, make you you
is born in an instant, yet lasts a life time?.
The Answer: A Heart
I submit to the world my heart and soul knowing my words are true and in the right place to be steered in the right direction. There is fear and there is hope in commonality and doing the right thing for others knowing I’ve been in danger all this time while others have watched over in protection in other ways. It is my belief that together on shaping things in the right direction knowing this approach is from left field.
Thank you for your time and understanding of finding it better to unite than divide the world we all live in.
Philip Arthur Bonneau. Georgia, United States of America