I’d say that 90% of the giveaways I see on Instagram aren’t legal. In fact, when I see one that is legal it stands out. So how do you make your giveaway legal? Watch this video to learn the five required steps!
Ride the rollercoaster
Are you currently trying to launch a product or service for your creative business? Then this post collection will help you do it on the legal up and up!
What is in the public domain? (2020 Update)
Works started entering the public domain again in 2019. Curious if something you want to use is covered by copyright or in the public domain? Click through to view a chart that helps you to decide where it falls.
Proposal or Contract: What’s the difference and which should you send?
Are you unsure if you should send your client a proposal or a contract? Contracts and proposals have very different purposes, by the end of this video you’ll know when you should send each.
How to increase your chances of a successful creative collaboration
Most collaborations end at some point and discussing these 7 questions before you start your collaboration will increase your chances of ending with a happy parting of ways, not a fiery crash.
This summer, discover if and when you need to care about specific legal topics
This summer, my goal is to help you discover if and when you need to care about specific legal topics. Click through to learn how to join me.
How do I keep my copyright when illustrating a children’s book?
Congrats! You’ve been approached to illustrate a book. But now you start to worry about copyrights. How do you keep them? How might you lose them? Learn the three ways you could lose them in this Ask Kiff episode.
Do I have to give clients a formal written contract?
The reason that most creatives hate contracts is that many contracts are 20-pages long and stuffed with legal jargon. But did you know that your contract doesn’t have to look like that to be valid? Watch this video to learn what is required for a contract to be valid.
Are non-compete clauses enforceable?
Almost every creative business owner will sign a contract they later regret. But how can you limit your chances of this happening? Watch this video to learn!
Do you need to find a way to add ease to the legalese?
Before law school, I was a wildlife biologist. And after nearly a decade of counting birds and rodents, I was ready for a change. But I wasn’t sure what that change was. At the time, I was showing my nature photography in galleries and I debated trying to go full time. But law school had […]
Do I need permission to add testimonials or feedback to my website?
You get a customer email with a glowing product review. Can you pop it on your sales page? Or do you need permission? Learn in this Ask Kiff episode.
Can I trademark a t-shirt design?
So you come up with an awesome phrase that would be perfect for a mug, a t-shirt, a card, or a hat. Can you run down to the Trademark Office and file a trademark for that phrase? Before you try to trademark a t-shirt design, make sure you check out this week’s episode of Ask Kiff. […]
What can I do with licensed fabric?
What can you do with licensed fabric? Is there a difference between what the legal protections are and what’s practical for your creative business? That’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this week’s episode of Ask Kiff. Watch the video | Listen or download an audio-only version | Read the show notes | Read […]
Can I copyright my patterns?
Do you need to register your copyrights? Learn why registration can mean the difference between getting something or nothing from your copycat. Get instant access to a 66-minute actionable workshop so you can understand the value of registration. Plus get access to the workshop slide deck and a best practices workbook. If you create patterns […]
When I’m naming (or renaming) my business, do I need to do a trademark search?
How do you pick a business name that won’t force a rebrand or get you in legal hot water? Watch this video to learn what a trademark search is, why it’s important, and if you can DIY it. Plus grab a FREE worksheet to help you do a trademark search.
What I learned about multiple revenue streams from my juggling niece
This summer I took July and the first week of August off. I traveled and spent time with my family. And there was plenty of laughter and tears as we said goodbye to my Papa. The past several weeks hanging out with my niece, I learned the basics of juggling. Although I still can’t juggle […]
What to check before using a free stock photo on your website or social media
Do you know that not all “free” stock photo sites are created equal? Join me for this week’s In Session and walk away knowing: the difference between Creative Commons license types why this is important what to check before using a photo reputable free stock photo sites Season 2 Episode 7 Live Broadcast Replay Season […]
Join me Friday to get answers to your legal questions!
You have lots of questions about the legal aspects of your business. Join me Friday, November 17 to get answers to all your legal questions in a comfortable, conversational environment. Save your seat and leave your question! It can be scary, not to mention expensive, to ask legal questions. Maybe you worry that your question […]
What you should use instead of a contract template for your creative biz
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
How to reduce back and forth by switching your contract format
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
How to use a Moleskine notebook to transform your client relationships
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
5 keys to dealing with difficult clients
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Are your difficult clients bugging you non-stop? This could be your real problem
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Join me Friday to get answers to your legal questions!
The amount of information you need to know to run a business is overwhelming. Which is why each Friday, I host In Session, an educational experience designed to put the ease back in legalese for creative business owners. Every In Session, I share practical, actionable legal information that gives you what you need to start […]
Why you need shop policies—before you make your first sale
Building your e-commerce website? Then start by thinking about what happens when your first sale occurs. I’m a huge fan of reverse engineering. Starting at the end and working my way backward, step-by-step to make sure that I’ve got everything in place. I’ll admit, this planning process takes time. And planning isn’t everyone’s cup of […]
I want to invite you to join me for a virtual summer camp!
Running a creative business is a rollercoaster. You have amazing days and tough days. Last month, I was in a serious funk. The tough days seemed to keep piling up. And for a few days, I fantasized about burning everything to the ground. And after that running away to a cabin in the woods for […]
Why you need to create an affiliate manual
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Affiliate Manual Checklist Grab a checklist you can use to easily create your affiliate manual. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of legal templates and tools to add ease to the legalese of running your creative business! You’ve […]
Do you know the real reason for contracts? It might surprise you
The most common excuse I hear about contracts is: My clients will assume I don’t trust them if I give them a contract. I hear this all the time, which is why I’m grateful that Laura C George shared her story about how she learned this to be a myth. I bet you assume that the […]
How to register your trademark at the best time
Ready to register your trademark? Great news! You can get instant access to a 37-minute workshop recording that not only explains the five steps required but breaks down why this is something I think you should invest in. Get instant access! I’ve had a business crush on Lela Barker for a long time. I love her […]
How to do a legit launch (+ FREE product launch checklist)
The first time I launched a product I was so nervous. Product launches are a roller coaster of emotions. You slave away in your little corner. And finally, you create a product that you are really proud of. And then you hit publish and hope and pray that other people see the value of your hard […]
Two useful client intake emails you can try right now
There comes a point in time in your business when free just doesn’t cut it anymore. When you need to create systems and processes so that you can manage your business. And often you’ve got to make a financial investment to get the right systems and processes in place. Late in 2014, I was feeling […]
Learning the Ropes: Damon Powell
Have you ever walked into a building and it felt like you’d been there a million times before? That was how I felt when I walked into Warehouse 416 a few years back. I assumed I’d been there a few times before during Oakland Art Murmur, but it just felt like home. And for the […]
Learning the Ropes: Meighan O’Toole
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Learning the Ropes: Laura C George
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Do you need a legalese translator for your creative business?
For the past eight years, I’ve had the same black, beat-up, dog-eared dictionary on my desk. I totally admit that using a physical book rather than an online version is old school. But I find the physical aspect of pausing, flipping to the entry, and reading it so helpful. There are times that in that […]
How to do a trademark search + avoid the scary lawyer letter
Doing a trademark search helps assure you’ve got a unique name that won’t infringe on anyone else’s trademark rights. Click through for step-by-step instructions on performing a trademark search AND download your free checklist to help you complete all the steps.
Learning the Ropes: Alyson Stanfield
I first learned about Alyson Stanfield almost nine years ago via Google. I turned to Google because I was helping curate an art show. It was the first show I was taking an active role in the curation and promotion process. And I didn’t want to look like a total idiot when talking to the […]
Are you worried about selling on Handmade at Amazon?
There’s been lots of buzz lately over Handmade at Amazon. And almost every Facebook group I’m a part of has a thread about this new service. These threads cover the potential plusses and minuses, but also include a couple myths. I don’t see my role as helping you decide if something is a good or […]
How to restrict how I can use your sewing patterns, legally
I’m a huge knitter. I’ve always got a project going. In fact, right now I’m working on this cowl. I’ve got a shawl going as well, but the pattern is a bit involved and knitting one row seems to take forever, so I needed a break. I knit because it keeps my hands busy. Over […]
How to get permission to use copyrighted material
Grab the “Can I use your copyrighted materials?” email template So you can quickly and easily ask permission to use someone else’s work. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. They told us to do a Google Search and download and print any pictures we wanted to use. And that […]
Learning the Ropes: Rachel Mae Smith
I can’t believe that Rachel Mae Smith of The Crafted Life and I only met in person late this summer. We met when I had the chance to take a joint workshop from her and Lisa Anderson Shaffer. I’ve been following Rachel’s blog for ages and am a big fan of her work. And proof […]
Learning the Ropes: Brigitte Theriault
When I came up with this series, I knew that I wanted Brigitte Theriault to participate. Brigitte is a 10-year person chef veteran, but she struggles with an issue familiar to many creative service providers: the contract. For many creatives, presenting and negotiating a contract is a roller coaster of emotions. And I knew that […]
1 big mistake you are making in your blog income report
Are you a fan of blog income reports? I know that I am. I love the insight they give you on how other people are operating their businesses. It’s also nice to see the evolution of a business. Too many people think that it’s super easy to make passive income from your blog. And these reports […]
How to have happier clients: create policies
I love opening up my email to something like this: Kiff: I was really scared and nervous when I reached out to you. I thought that working together wasn’t going to be fun. Honestly, I was dreading it so much that reaching out to you sat on my to-do list for months. You’ve been so […]
Learning the ropes: Abby Glassenberg
Abby Glassenberg and I first connected via Twitter earlier this year. While we’ve talked on the phone a few times, we finally got to meet in person recently in San Francisco. When we chatted she told me that she was dreadfully embarrassed by the mistake she’s sharing with us. But I know lots of creative […]
The secret to happy clients: sharing insider information
Last week when I was wearing my founding partner of a law firm hat, I had a conversation with a potential client. During that session I learned more about her business, we both agreed that she needed help and that working together seemed like a natural fit. Once we agreed to work together, I started […]
Learning the ropes: Maria Brophy
If you aren’t familiar with Maria Brophy, you should be. Maria has been helping her husband, Drew Brophy, run a successful art business for more than fifteen years. She’s also a super savvy businesswoman. And is always willing to share her wealth of experience and stories with creatives. Because she knows what it takes to […]
Knowing the why helps you stick to your contract policy
About two weeks ago Abby Glassenberg and I chatted about contracts and the fabric industry. In particular she was curious why some companies have a policy that they don’t sign written contracts. Every business has the right to set policies. And this extends to how they like to deal with contracts. Yes, it’s true that the […]
Worried about asking a friend for a contract?
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
2 contracts that will secure the foundation of your creative business
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Huh?!? What that contract boilerplate means
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Create a Contract Master Workshop Get access to a master workshop designed to help you finally ditch the annoting, selfish clients. By creating a contract that you (and your clients) love. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
Keep your eyes on your own page. Or how not to unintentionally be a copycat.
I knew that in my quest to cultivate a community here, I wanted to make sure this website was appealing to those I wanted to attract. I wanted my visitors to feel like a guest and want to sit down and pull up a chair in my virtual home. That these guests were easily able […]
Is it legal to trace source imagery?
This isn’t the post I intended to write this week. My editorial calendar has a post about visual inspiration and how these can lead to unintentional copying. How you can accidentally be a copycat. But then, Design*Sponge published an article about the ethics of copying and giving credit. If you haven’t read it yet, I […]
3 ways collaborations can deal with copyrights
The beginning of a collaboration is magical. Working together fills you both with excitement. Maybe you have been admiring each others work for ages and feel lucky that you get to team up. Your initial instinct is likely to jump in and get started. But I encourage you to have a couple tough conversations with your collaboration […]
Are we creating a joint work? A tough conversation to have before your next collaboration
The start of a collaboration is magical. The two of you are bouncing ideas off each other, getting inspired, and having lots of fun. Luckily, a good chunk of the time things stay that way and the collaboration goes off without a hitch. But sometimes problems crop up. Recently I got a call from a woman […]
How do I decide if this contract is good for my business?
Understand if you should sign that contract Because you should never sign a contract you don’t understand! Enter your email to download a workbook that will help you decide if signing that contract a good idea. The workbook also outlines my contract review system and gives you a checklist to review your contract. Your privacy […]
“Don’t sign a contract you don’t understand”
Last week I got a call from a friend. The company behind the holiday show she was participating in had called her that morning. They were calling because they wanted to include her in the printed materials they would be handing out prior to the show. She asked a couple questions about what rights they […]
A model release: helping you avoid legal issues
Your look book shoot date is fast approaching. You’ve spent months planning. You’ve found and rented the perfect space. Photographers, models, and stylists are booked. Your product is prepped and made. All supporting clothing and accessories have been located. Your to-do list starts to look manageable. You begin to think you might get it all […]
Confused about fair use? This visual process makes it easier
If you’ve ever dug into copyright issues, I’m sure that you’ve heard of the term fair use. And I’m sure if you started to research it, you left that research session with a spinning head and more confused than when you began. This is because fair use is one of the most complicated copyright topics. […]
Who took this photo? How to perform a reverse image search
So you don’t get a nasty letter, you need to know who created that blog post or image so you can ask permission and give credit where credit is due. When you are trying to search backwards to find the source, these searches are called “reverse searches.” Text based reverse searches are pretty darn easy. You can […]
Can I use this photo? How not to get a nasty letter (or worse)
Figuring out ways to leverage one piece of artwork into multiple sources of income is an issue for every creative business. For visual artists, this becomes even more difficult in our right-click Internet society. The reality is that the only way to prevent your images from being posted without your permission is to not post […]
