Hi Reader! Collaborations are supposed to be fun, which is why we approach them differently than client work. With clients, we worry that they will treat us poorly. But with collaborators, we assume that everything will go smoothly. And so we don’t have the same conversations (or put the same contracts) in place before we dive in. That’s exactly what breaks most collaborations: unstated assumptions. And we only realize that we had different assumptions when something happens. When they use…
Learn the simple disconnect that causes most collaboration hiccups and the 6-sentence email script you can use to keep creativity moving.
Hi Reader! One myth that I try to dispel is that smooth working relationships are just plain luck. They are about putting the right guardrails in place, so your clients know what to expect and aren’t making assumptions about what you want/expect/need from them. Most clients aren’t bad. They just don’t know what “good” is to you. Which is why when I write contracts, I start our kickoff meeting with the question, In a perfect world, what’s the exact process someone would go through from the…
You do not need six separate documents to protect your creative business. You need a single, well-structured contract that matches your working style. Learn what it looks like and why it’s the foundation for a thriving creative business.
Most clients aren’t “bad”, they just are unaware or unsure of your boundaries. Why? Because your contract doesn’t hold up when things get messy. Learn how to write contract clauses that predetermine outcomes and protect your time, so you don’t end up renegotiating mid-project.
Hi Reader! This week, I met with a client who’s dealing with someone taking images from her e-commerce shop and using them to sell knockoff products on another site. As part of our conversation, I downloaded one of the images from her shop and noticed that she didn’t have the copyright information embedded in the metadata. And I suggested she change this ASAP. I suggested this because the removal or alteration of metadata copyright information is another available avenue for a lawsuit. And…
You finally booked the client, you blocked your calendar, and then they canceled last minute. Or they tell you they’ve changed their mind and they want their money back. Refunds and reschedules are common, but they don’t need to derail your business (or ruin your monthly revenue). Last-minute cancellations and refund requests feel unfair because […]
Hi Reader! This has been a busy week; Ozzy and I left Wyoming and are halfway south to Arizona for the winter. I got the chance to shadow some experienced pickleball referees at a tournament (where Ozzy and I also were able to cheer some of our friends on who were playing). Both Ozzy and I had our routine medical appointments. And I’m getting everything organized to host the Copy + Paste Legal Week again. It’s been a little hectic, to say the least. When things are busy like this, I am so…
Tired of chasing late payments? The problem usually starts with unclear or incomplete contract payment terms. Learn how to build payment protections into your contracts so you get paid on time and avoid awkward follow-ups.
Projects that stall can quietly erode your income, your calendar, and your creative energy. Learn how to use simple contract language to create momentum and keep clients engaged. You’ll also see how to build in consequences that prevent endless delays.
Hi Reader! About a week ago, Rebecca asked if I’d break down the Washington Supreme Court case on Old Navy and their misleading email sale promo subject lines. This case opened a bigger can of worms than it closed. But it comes into play when crafting email subject lines, especially holiday promotions. As a reminder, the CAN-SPAM Act regulates email marketing in the U.S., but several states have stricter laws that must be followed if you are emailing people who reside in those states….
To close out the year, there are 6 legal tasks you should tackle in Q4 for your creative business. Learn what they are and how to do them.
