A reader wrote and described a common challenge that artists face: “My biggest problem is deals and contracts, and how to close a deal with clients in a way that we both win. When I talk about contracts most of my clients get scared.” Many artists use contracts for painting commissions, and most illustrators use… Continue reading
Browsing Category Written Agreements
Should You Send Your Art Images to a Company in China?
One of my readers asked: “A company from China saw my art online and loved it! They asked me to send 3 images they can print on fabric. They promise to pay me royalties when the fabric sells. I’m not sure I trust them, but I really want to do it. How should I… Continue reading →
The Deadbeat Client: Consequences and Prevention is the Cure
Most of my illustration clients are wonderful to work with. I’m blessed in that way. However, every now and again I run into a business deal that just isn’t a virtuous match. A recent scuffle with a not-so-ethical client has inspired me to write this article to help you avoid being stiffed on payment…. Continue reading →
Basic Negotiating Tips Anyone Can Use
During a negotiation, it would be wise not to take anything personally. If you leave personalities out of it, you will be able to see opportunities more objectively. Brian Koslow From deal making to buying Gucci purses in the streets of New York, negotiating is a part of life. And yet, many of us are… Continue reading →
Artists Beware of these Red Flags in Licensing Contracts
Photo Credit: Noah Kalina “A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on” Samuel Goldwyn A friend of mine is quite famous in Europe. He signed an Exclusive contract for with a large company that licensed his art for clothing. It was a hit in Europe, and fat royalty checks were rolling in. He… Continue reading →
How to Avoid Entering into a Bad Business Deal
“In business a reputation for keeping absolutely to the letter and spirit of an agreement, even when it is unfavorable, is the most precious of assets…” Lord Chandos Often I get this question from my entrepreneurial friends: “How do you avoid getting into a bad business deal?” My smarty-pants response is “Don’t sign deals with… Continue reading →
How to Price a Wall Mural – Developing a Price Sheet and Proposal
In this article I’m going to do something that some of my friends warn me not to because they are so darn practical: I’m going to tell all. Oh My God, I’m sharing with the entire world our pricing structure for wall murals. (Subject to increase by 10% every year…) Why would I do something… Continue reading →
How to Never get Ripped Off AGAIN – For Freelancers
“Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” Woody Allen Being “ripped off”. I really don’t like the negative sound of those words. But I’m compelled to write about it because it’s a topic that comes up again and again. Yesterday an artist was in my office and she said that she’s been… Continue reading →
Should you Sign an Exclusive Agreement – What to Consider
“It is one thing to license one design or collection with a company to see how it goes. It’s like going on a blind date – you see what happens. But it is quite another to tie your wagon to a company for 2-3 years.” Artist Tara Reed Before signing any document that has the word… Continue reading →
An Entrepreneurs Challenge – Doing Business with Friends
Sometimes it’s a challenge doing business with people close to you. There are two issue to deal with: 1. You may feel obligated to give them a cheap deal, which means you lose money and time, so you put them off and procrastinate getting their project going. But this is a mistake to feel this way,… Continue reading →
The Art of the Deal – Feel the Fear and Make the Deal Anyway
“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.” Sven Goren Eriksson Have you ever turned down a great opportunity because you were scared that you’d be taken advantage of? Or you were afraid that you would agree to something that you later would regret? There’s a fun term that I read in WATERSHIP… Continue reading →
Filing Copyrights, Firing Clients and Avoiding Shysters
“Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones, either.” Albert Einstein. Licensing your artwork or photographs is a great way to earn money. In this article I’ll address two common issues with regards to licensing, based on an e-mail from Dennis Panzik, a successful artist that is finding… Continue reading →