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Welcome
Welcome to the Kiln Goddess' Clay Pit of Business and Legal. The business side of being creative can be dirtier than the muddiest clay pit but with a little education you can go armed with information and the experiences of artists that came before you. An informed artist is a forewarned artist to the pitfalls of selling your creations. I am in no way an expert on the business of art but I thought a nice centralized hub to find knowledge on various topics would be helpful not only to me but all you artists out there.
This is a growing lens, if you have any suggestion for an art business topic you'd like seen covered please make a suggesting in my reader's feedback found towards the bottom of the page.
General Art Business
- Ten Principles of Successful Artists
- Boiling it all down to 10 successful commandments.
- Ten Habits of Successful Artists
- A list of 10 things you can do to help your art career.
- Ten Tips for Success in the Art World
- Ten tips to keep in mind for success.
- How Not To Succeed In The Art World
- A slightly sarcastic look at how artists can ruin their careers before they ever get off the ground.
Artist Survival Books on Amazon
How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist, 5th ed.: Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul
I have an older edition of this book. It has solid info on making it as an artist using a variety of different methods. Also it has a large list of resources for artists in the back of the book.
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) 
List Price: $18.00
The Starving Artist's Survival Guide
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Amazon Price: $11.07 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $12.95
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I Am A Professional Artist: The Key to Survival And Success in the World of the Arts
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Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
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Artists on the Art of Survival: Observations on Frustration, Perspiration, and Inspiration for the Young Artist
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Amazon Price: $48.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $48.95
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Art Calender Subscription on Amazon
Art Calendar
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Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $33.00
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Know Your Rights and the Rights of Others
Copyright
- Copyright Basics
- A look into copyright and how it concerns you the artist.
- 10 Big Myths About Copyright Explained
- Busting myths about copyright and the internet.
- What is Copyright Protection?
- A nice site the cover many specific topic that might interest the artist, especially on digital and web use.
- ASMP's Copyright Application Tutorial
- Info on copyright and help using copyright application forms(look to the table of content found on this link to follow the tutorial).
Official Government Copyright Info
- U.S. Copyright Office
- The official United States Copyright Office website.
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- The official Canadian government site covering copyright.
- Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
- Copyright info provided by the Australian government
- Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Intellectual Property Unit
- Official copyright information provided by the Ireland Government
- United Kingdom Patent Office
- The official U.K. department that handles all intellectual property concerns.
- Directory of Intellectual Property Offices
- Directory of government copyright office and departments around the globe.
Trademarks
- Trademarks
- All kinds of info concerning trademark.
Books about Copyright and Trademarks on Amazon
The Copyright Guide: A Friendly Handbook for Protecting and Profiting from Copyrights
I own this one. It is a good detailed book about copyrights with out alot of legal mumbo jumbo with some sample forms that you might find helpful.
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Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
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The Trademark Guide: A Friendly Guide to Protecting and Profiting from Trademarks
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $18.95
![Staying Legal: A Guide to Copyright and Trademark Use [Box Set]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5163osATqNL._SL75_.jpg)
Staying Legal: A Guide to Copyright and Trademark Use [Box Set]
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Amazon Price: $69.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks for Dummies
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $21.99
Other Legal Issues
- Why you need releases
- Info on model releases and property releases. Why you might need to have one.
State Specific Legalities
- The California Resale Royalties Act
- A brief article for California artists only.
- Street Vending for Artists in NYC
- The legalities of artists selling on the streets of New York City.
- Sales Tax Issues in New York State
- What the NY artist needs to know about state sales tax laws.
Legal Books for the Artist on Amazon
Legal Guide for the Visual Artist
This is a great book for all artist to have a reference. Written in understandable english with no legal babble. This book covers a wide range of legal topics from copyright, contracts, taxes, and more. One of my essential books in my collections.
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Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
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Art Law in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series)
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Amazon Price: $31.00 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $31.00
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The Legal and Moral Rights of All Artists
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Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $12.95
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Business Letters for Artists
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List Price: $12.95
Seeking Legal Advice
- When To See An Art Attorney
- Advice on when it is time for an artist to seek legal advice.
- Volunteer "Lawyers for the Arts" Organizations
- A list of U.S. legal organizations available for the artist organized by state.
Documenting Your Work
Documenting and archiving your work is important. I suggest photographing all your work. Then with your most exceptional creations get some high quality photos and slides made. Someday down the road when your work is scattered to the four corners all you will have left for yourself is your pictures.Proper storing of your photos, negatives, and slides is very important. Specially made archival sleeves are made specifically for long term storage of your photographic mediums. Keep your photos and slides in a dust-free, light-free, waterproof container away from heat.
Slides and Photos
- Slide Tip Sheet: General Tips
- A very detailed article on how to prepare slides.
- Proper Care and Labeling for Slides
- How to help your slides last your lifetime.
- Tips On How To Successfully Photograph Your Own Artwork - A Last Resort
- Advice of photographing your work indoors.
Cameras and Equipment on Amazon
Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $699.99
Canon Accessory Starter Kit for Digital Rebel XT and XTi (Includes 200DG Bag, NB-2LH Battery, & 58mm Haze Filter)
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $99.99
Canon EOS Rebel G SLR Camera Kit with 35-80mm Lens
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $299.99
Your Portfolio
- Portfolio Development
- A brief discussion about what should be included in your portfolio.
- Creating a Professional Portfolio
- Some Do's and Don'ts
- Developing Your Artist Portfolio
- A variety of info about creating your portfolio.
Portfolio and Presentation Books on Amazon
PORTFOLIO ART BLACK 14 X 17
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Itoya Art Profolio Professional Polyglass 8x10in. Photo 24 Pocket Pages for 48 Views Black - Itoya PU-24-7
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Amazon Price: $28.14 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $37.00
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Itoya Archival Evolution Presentation Profolio with Twenty Four 18" x 24" Pocket Pages, 48 Views.
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Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $31.00
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Itoya Art Profolio Expo 14x17in. Art Size 12 PAGE/24 View Design Black - Itoya XP-12-14
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Amazon Price: $10.52 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Itoya Art Profolio Professional Polyglass 8.5x11in. Art 24 Pocket Pages for 48 Views Black - Itoya PU-24-8
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Artist Resume and Statement
- Get It Right The First Time
- An Introduction to Creating Your Artist Résumé
- Artist Statement Essentials
- Do's and don'ts when writing your artist statement.
Statement and Resume Help Books on Amazon
Writing the Artist Statement
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The Professional Artists' Resume, Biography, Cover Letter and Statement
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Pricing
- Pricing Your Work
- Answers to the pricing question, this is a very good method.
- Pricing Your Art: Making Fine Line Price Distinctions
- Advice about how to price your work and how to avoid art pricing pitfalls.
- Consistency in the Pricing of Artwork
- This article stresses the importance of consistent pricing and how inconsistent pricing can harm your career.
Gallery Advice
I've had my work in a variety of galleries. Some have been good experiences and some not so good tho luckily I've not had nightmare problems but I've read about plenty of bad gallery experiences.The most important thing I can tell you is to get a contract. If the gallery doesn't provide one write one up yourself. There are many resources available to help you find the right contract for your needs. I highly suggest one of Tad Crawfords' books from his 'Business and Legal Forms' series.
Another important aspect is to keep on top of your work while at a gallery. Keep track of what sold and what is still there. You don't want a gallery sitting on your work and making no sales. The gallery's job is to sell your work, if it isn't selling give the gallery a call or visit to ask why.
Gallery Concerns
- Top 10 Reasons Why Galleries Reject Artists(It's not what you think)
- 10 reasons rejection isn't personal.
- Art Opening Protocol 101
- Not sure what is expected of you at a opening of a show featuring your work? This article should relieve your fears.
- The Skinny on Online Galleries
- Things to consider before choosing an online gallery to represent your work.
Gallery Consignment
- Consigning Your Arts and Crafts
- An overview of the legal protections that the artist may be allowed by law.
- Should l Have a Contract?
- A comprehensive list of thing to consider when making or signing a contract with a gallery.
- Consignment Agreement
- A sample consignment agreement to use when consigning your work to a gallery.
- Contracts: Free Consignment Agreements - Sample Forms
- A general sample consignment form.
Tad Crawford Books on Amazon
Business And Legal Forms for Fine Artists (3rd Edition)
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List Price: $24.95
Business and Legal Forms for Illustrators
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Amazon Price: $23.36 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Business and Legal Forms for Photographers (with CD-ROM) (Business & Legal Forms for Photographers)
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers (3rd Edition)
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Amazon Price: $20.42 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $35.00
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Business and Legal Forms for Crafts
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $29.95
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Consignment Laws
- ARIZONA STATE CONSIGNMENT LAWS* for artists and craftspeople
- This link might be of interest to all Arizona artists thinking about consigning with galleries.
One Gallery Experience
I stopped in and inquired if they were accepting new artists. They were and I was asked if I had any example of my work to show now. I always carry a mini portfolio of 4"x 5" photos in my bag when I am out looking at galleries just in case. I pulled it out and he liked what he saw. He asked me to send him a larger portfolio of my work so he and his partner(his mother) could look them over. I sent a more complete portfolio the next day. He called by the end of the week and by the end of the next week I delivered my work(about 20 pieces ranging from thrown bowls to handbuilt boxes and oil candles).
I started selling a few pieces a week regularly and once a month would bring by more to replace the ones that sold. Soon I was his #1 seller of clay works in his gallery. He paid on time and everything went smoothly.
Then a month went by and no sales, then another...I called the gallery to see what was up. He was very sad and suggested I come and get my work as he no longer could sell functional clay work. A new gallery moved in right next door and it was exclusively functional clay and the owner was the potter himself and my prices just could not compete with his so my sales along with the sales of the other potters' had dried up.
I went and picked up my work, everything was there including a small check from a sale that had been made between the time I called and the time I made it to the gallery to get my work. It is sad to close the door on what was such a profitable gallery relationship.
Last time I went by the gallery's location it was no longer there, neither was the gallery that ran my sales in to the ground. Sometimes galleries bloom so quickly then die so suddenly. It always is in your best interest to stay in contact with galleries that your work is at.
Commissions
- Making Art On Commission: Tips For Artists
- Help to avoid a commission nightmare.
Licensing
- Licensing your images
- A brief article to help the artist to understand how licensing works.
- The Do's and Don'ts of Art Licensing
- Article on how to license your art and protect your rights at the same time. This article is written by an art licensing agent, it is good advice.
- Should You License or Assign Your Art?
- A very good look a licensing contract verbage and what terms to look out for before signing the dotted line.
Help with Licensing Books on Amazon
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines)
More than a must have book. In this book you will find advice, sample contracts, and most importantly a definitive help with pricing your work for licensing a variety of image uses. It is written for graphic designers but can be so very helpful for anyone wanting to license their work.
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $34.95
Licensing Art and Design: A Professional's Guide to Licensing and Royalty Agreements
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Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $16.95
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Licensing Art 101, Third Edition: Publishing and Licensing Your Artwork for Profit
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Merchandising Intellectual Property Rights
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $215.00
Bartering Your Artwork
- Do You Trade Or Barter? Don't Mess With The IRS
- A warning to all artists about how the the IRS views bartering.
- Bartering Art? Don't Forget the Tax Man
- More tax advice for those who barter.
Bartering
Promotion
- Promoting
- A brief explanation of different methods to consider.
Your Website
- Building Your Own Website
- A brief look at getting started building your own artist's website.
- Avoid Common Art Web Site Mistakes
- A do and don't list of making your art websites.
Website Development Books on Amazon
Effective Websites for Artists and Art Groups
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Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $19.95
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The Internet and Art: A Guidebook for Artists
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List Price: $37.80
HTML Goodies (2nd Edition)
A good book written in a light hearted easy to understand entertaining way. Passes along needed information with a smile.
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Amazon Price: $22.79 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $29.99
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Beyond HTML Goodies
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Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Teach Yourself VISUALLY HTML (Teach Yourself VISUALLY (Tech))
I am a big fan of the 'Teach Yourself VISUALLY' series of books. Lots of pictures to help you understand the concepts.
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Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $24.99
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Other Online Opportunities
- Selling Art Online
- Reviews of some of the hottest and not so hot spots to sell your work online.
- 9 Reasons Why Every Artist
- Ever thought about starting a blog but haven't? Here is an article that will start you thinking again.
Juried Shows
- Slides and the Jury Process
- Advice for getting good slides to get into juried shows.
Outdoor Shows
- Choosing the Right Art and Craft Show
- Advice to artists and craft people about choosing the kind of show to best sell your work.
- Outdoor Show Survival
- Tips on what to bring with you to make an outdoor show more comfortable and successful.
- Tips to Maxamize Your Sales at the Show!
- A variety of tips on preparing for the show and what to do at the show to avoid pitfalls and problems.
- My First Art Fair
- One artist experience on her first outdoor art show.
- I Was an Outdoor Art Festival Artist
- A look into the twilight-zoney world of outdoor shows.
- Overheard At Shows
- Some humorous thing overheard at outdoor art shows.
- Arts & crafts fairs & shows
- A small group discussing shows they have done with photos of their booths.
Outdoor Festival Needs on Amazon
10 x 20 White Party Tent Gazebo Canopy with Sidewalls
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Amazon Price: $104.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $209.99
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TUSCANY Tall Chair w/ Side Table, Storage Side Bag, Storage Bottom Net and Cup Holder -The Cadillac of Director Chairs-The Make-Up Artist's Chair- 3-Years Warranty-Logos Available..
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Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $119.99
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Total Trolley - Combination Furniture Dolly Stepladder Cart and Hand Truck RED
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Grants
- Applying For Grants: General Tips
- Basic tips and advice.
- The Etiquette of Getting Grants
- Help for the artist wanting a grant.
Grant Writing on Amazon
The Everything Grant Writing Book: Create the Perfect Proposal to Raise the Funds You Need (Everything Series)
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Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $14.95
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The Zen of Proposal Writing: An Expert's Stress-Free Path to Winning Proposals
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
List Price: $13.00
Insurance
- Liability Insurance Basics
- A brief article about the artist's need for liability insurance.
Shipping
Here is a lens I wrote on how to ship your fragile ware so it makes it to its destination in one piece.Customers satisfaction is very important and broken items rarely makes a customer happy.-
Shipping Pottery for Intact Delivery
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So you want to make sure your pottery arrives at its destination intact, safe, and in one piece. Buyers of my pottery compliment me on my packing and I have never had a broken pot yet so to help other potters forgo the heart break of hearing their he...
Shipping Providers
Artist in Crisis
- Emergency Support Organizations
- An explanation and a list of places to go for help.
Art Business Forums
- The Art Business Center
- Three helpful discussions hosted by WetCanvas covering art business, legal, and Internet sales.
- ArtScuttlebutt Discussion Forum
- Discussions on a great many topics. Look in the Professional section for topics on legal and business subjects.
- Art Fair SourceBook Forums
- A discussion for all artists but has a prime focuses on at fairs and shows.
Freebies for You
- Artists' Assets - A Guide to Artist Resources
- Here is a free downloadable PDF of a resource book provided by Artist Trust. It is written mainly for artist located in the Pacific Northwest but there is plenty of info in there for all.
Suggestions and Feedback
I welcome your feedback. Would you like something added? Know a good link or book? Did I manage to misspell something? Did you find a dead link? Let me know, afterall this Kiln Goddess isn't all knowing ;-)
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Reply
- makingamark makingamark Feb 26, 2009 @ 11:28 am
- Rated - a very useful lens for all artists. The one thing that struck me was you had about six lenses in one!
You might be interested in joining my resources for artists group.
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Reply
- daoine daoine Mar 3, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
- Wow, you've got a ton of information here :-) Excellent resource.
Great Art Business Stuff on CafePress
"Fair Use" T-Shirt (Ash Grey)
Price: 19.99
Copyright Symbol Yellow T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
All rights reserved White T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
Buy Art Black T-Shirt
Price: 20.99
