has anyone stolen your design

Glad to see everything worked out in your case. I've seen this sort of thing happen plenty of times and everytime it is just as sad. Some say watermarks distract from the artwork, they are ugly and don't work anyways. If done correctly, this will not discourage someone from purchasing your deisgn and they will understand. I require some sort of down payment now before my watermarks are lifted unless it is a repeat customer or someone who I truely know because you CAN'T trust people. My artwork was stolen by a pastor in an on-line project for his daycare. Yes, a man of God is even capable of deceit. I never persued it, just took it as a hard lesson learned. I know some artists secretly hide their names or initials in their artwork somewhere. Like Matt Groening and Homer Simpson. ; )