The business of being an artist involves a lot of legal procedures. You need professional legal advice if you can’t handle everything on your own. Artists should know how to stay on the right side of the law. Here are legal tips for artists:
Hire a Lawyer
Artists need the services of a lawyer for various reasons. They are often involved in signing different types of contracts. A lawyer will assist modify and review a contract. Have a lawyer on standby to call to do a quick contract review anytime. Lawyers also review insurance policies when artists are taking insurance cover for their work.
Most artists have been found in deep lawsuits because they didn’t consult a lawyer. A lawyer will explore all alternatives during litigation. Artists are always involved in social media dramas. The services of a lawyer are needed to draft a cease letter for the trolls to stop. Find a reliable and reputable lawyer you can call for advice and in case an issue arises.
Copyright
Copyright varies between countries across the world. An artist should understand copyright law. In the past, many artists have been victims of theft without being protected by copyright laws. The first step is to register with the nearest copyright office. The laws protect both visual and written works which include; photographs, paintings, essays, and sculptures.
With this kind of protection, no one can print and publish your work without permission. If it happens you are allowed to take legal action against them. While waiting for approval from the copyright office, you can have your personal web copyrights. You can add a “created by” as a watermark on top of your work, it will tell the viewers or readers that the work is protected. Know the limits for the copyright period, update your copyright if it runs out.
License Your Art
Once you have licensed your art you can represent a business and use their trademark in your work. Legal lines and exclaimers should be visibly printed on the work either on the back or on the packaging.
You must receive approval on each piece from the licensing team. A percentage of your sales will go to the corporation you are licensed with. The fee is paid in advance, meaning you have to pay based on the estimated value of your work. Make sure your work is updated on your website or library before licensing.
Contracts
Artists need contracts when doing transactions for their work. A contract has client information that includes; name, address, email, phone number, terms and conditions, date, artwork descriptions, purchase price, and two signatures.
Upon completion, an artist should make three copies of the signed contract. One for the artist, the client, and for taxes. Commission contracts are made for artists when creating public art projects or work for a business. They protect the artist by ensuring the artist is paid on time.…