This blog post contains affiliate links. (Any link with an * after it.) I use these links because the small commission I make allows me to keep creating intuitive, practical legal (and biz) resources. Plus it never changes the price you pay. I own and use both of the resources mentioned in my own email […]
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, 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.
Unsure if she is an independent contractor or employee? Click through to learn the test you’ll use to decide plus 7 examples. And grab a PDF checklist!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Nervous and scared to post your work online because you are afraid it will get copied? The short answer is the only way to protect your online content, is by not posting it. But this is unrealistic. Learn the 5 ways to protect it in this video.
How much money does your business need to be making before it’s time to become an LLC? Can you create an LLC if you aren’t financially stable? Watch this video to learn!
Does your LLC need a “real” business bank account? Or can you just get away with a personal bank account where you only keep the LLC’s money? Watch this video to learn!
When is it a good (or bad) idea to have multiple projects, brands, or businesses in the same LLC? The short version is is it’s okay when you are fine with them impacting each other. Watch the video to learn more.
Your creative business is growing and it’s time to bring on a legal expert to help you. But how do you find an attorney for your creative business? Watch this video to learn!
Are you starting a creative business? Click through to download a checklist on what legal tasks are (and aren’t) important from Day 1.
A business plan is critical for every creative business. Check out this post to grab a 1-page business plan template for your creative business, plus learn exactly how to quickly and easily fill it out.
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.
Congrats! You submitted your copyright registration application to the U.S. Copyright Office. But…then you discover that it’s going to take 2-10 months for your certificate to arrive. Do you have to wait to sell your work until you have a certificate in hand? Learn how quickly you can start selling your work in this week’s […]
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 […]
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.
Elizabeth Hahn is the designer behind Cow and Rooster Design, a firm with a hyper-local focus and personal touch. In fact, she primarily serves small local businesses within two California counties. And she tries to meet each client at their place of business so she can get a feel for their businesses before diving in. […]
In my late 20s, I worked at an environmental consulting firm. When I first started I had a boss that believed that he was the only one that could look good. He took all the credit for good ideas and passed all the blame to us. Needless to say, it was a very unhappy team […]
LegalZoom is cheaper than a lawyer, but you’ve heard good and bad stories about it. When should you run far away? When might it be okay to use it? Before you use LegalZoom make sure you check out this week’s episode of Ask Kiff. Watch the video | Listen or download an audio-only version | […]
In the past few months, I’ve been a test knitter for two different patterns. Both patterns had mistakes and confusing sections. But as of last week, both projects are blocked and finished. One designer, I’d happily test knit for again. And the other I’d politely decline if she asked me. The big reason is that […]
Your customer has just posted the perfect photo showing your product on her Instagram feed. Should you #regram it? Or ask permission first? If you want to use customer photos (or client photos) then you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Ask Kiff. Watch the video | Listen or download an audio-only version […]
Want to tame your inbox by delegating it to your virtual assistant? Would you like them to answer emails, book appointments, or respond to customer requests? Then you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of Ask Kiff. Watch the video | Listen or download an audio-only version | Read the show notes | Read […]
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. In the United States, […]
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. I can’t emphasize enough […]
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. What is a website […]
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. Karen Lynn Ingalls came […]
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.
Writing a business plan sounds like business basics, not legal. But it is because some legal projects waste your time and money if they don’t move you forward. Click through to read why and grab a FREE 1-page business plan.
Do you use reference photos or illustrations when creating your work? Do you incorporate other’s work into your own? Then make sure you tune into this week’s episode where I share how to let the U.S. Copyright Office know this when you fill out your copyright registration application.
Two weeks ago, I woke up to an ominous email in my inbox. It was from Google Search Console saying that a new website owner had been added to my account. I logged in and quickly realized that my website had been hacked. This is never the kind of thing that you want to happen. […]
Congrats you are an LLC! Now you have to act like one! In this Ask Kiff video, you’ll learn how your LLC should (and shouldn’t) sign a contract! Watch the video | Listen or download an audio-only version | Read the show notes | Read the transcript Show notes Read what else LLC’s are required […]
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 […]
I’m a legal nerd. Everywhere I turn, I see how the law applies to my (and your) creative business. My goal is to give you practical legal information that adds ease to the legalese of running your creative business. But I can’t do that if I don’t know about you. So today, I’m asking you: […]
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 […]
In Issue No. 2 of the artist’s Journal, the focus was on helping you elevate your online presence. In that Issue, I shared with you my Mad Libs templates to help you quickly and easily get both your privacy policy and terms of service up in a jiffy. While having terms of service is important, […]
Raise your hand if there’s often a disconnect between what you know and what you do? You see, I know how powerful testimonials or reviews can be. I see them on product pages and they convince me to hit the buy button. I see them on sales pages and see how powerful they are at […]
Need to get your website ducks in a row? Play Website Policy Mad Libs and quickly get policies on your website Get your Mad Libs terms of service and privacy policy templates today so that you can have them up on your website tomorrow. Best of all these templates were updated in May 2018 so […]
Want help in learning how to leverage your LinkedIn profile to find new clients? In this free workshop replay, learn how to change your mindset around LinkedIn, from a boring, stuffy social network, to a no-fluff way to connect with clients. My guest co-host Becky Mollenkamp shares three ways you can elevate your LinkedIn game […]
This blog post contains an affiliate link. (The link with a * after it.) I use these links because the small commission I make allows me to keep creating intuitive, practical legal (and biz) resources. Plus it never changes the price you pay. I own this book and am including it because I think it […]
Discover what legal tasks you have to do PRACTICAL ONLINE WORKSHOP + WORKBOOK Learn the 5 must-do legal tasks every creative business should tackle. And how these tasks will set your creative business up to achieve your big goals. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. I commonly get asked, What legal […]
Overwhelmed by that business legal checklist you downloaded? You probably don’t have to do all those legal projects right now. Click through to learn how to prioritize them and grab a worksheet that will help you sort them.
Hate your to-do list? Then your first step is to decide where you are headed. And then eliminate everything that won’t help you get there. Click through to read the three swift kicks the universe gave me before I learned my lesson.
Having a bad day? Learn why you shouldn’t just create a plan but plan for curve balls. So that you can have a plan to power through the bad days.
Knowing your business values is one of the keys to reducing overwhelm and filtering out the noise. Click through to grab a checklist you can use to determine your creative business’ values.
I know that for many of us this has been a hard year. It feels like every day there’s a new injustice, someone acting badly, or actions that further marginalize and divide our country. And in times like this, it’s hard to stand up and fight every time we disagree. Because it feels like too […]
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 […]
Performing a legal check-up of your creative business isn’t fun, but it’s important. To close out the year there are 6 legal tasks you should tackle for your creative business. Join us 11/3 for an In Session mini-workshop to learn what these tasks are and how you can accomplish them. Save your seat Running a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Are you overwhelmed by all the possible legal to-dos? Not sure what your next legal step should be? Members of the artist’s Courtyard have access to our private online community, hosted via Mighty Networks. And when members first join, the question they get asked is, What’s your current biggest roadblock in your creative business? And […]
Running a regular legal check-up of your creative business sounds boring. But it is critical to building a foundation to support your big goals. And unless you turn it into a habit, then it’s hard to change your pattern of behavior. (Pssst…my favorite book about habit forming is The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg […]
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’m a big believer in DIY-ing things in your business. I do it all […]
” height=”532″ />And to get rid of some of these hats, you might consider hiring an independent contractor. Because this allows you to take specific tasks off your plate. It can get exhausting wearing all…the…hats… Are you hiring an independent contractor? Learn the three items you should collect in your digital files for each of […]
I’ve always got at least two books going, a nonfiction business-y book and a novel. And sometimes, I’m juggling several books at once. In fact, I joke that every time I move, the first people to know me are the librarians, since I’m there multiple times a week. Last month, I did a bunch of […]
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 […]
When does (and doesn’t) it make sense for your creative business to become an LLC? A free 1-hour workshop and workbook Enter your email to get instant access to a free training where you’ll learn why Mama bears are the secret to knowing when it’s time to become an LLC. You’ll also get access to […]
When does (and doesn’t) it make sense for your creative business to become an LLC? A free 1-hour workshop and workbook Enter your email to get instant access to a free training where you’ll learn why Mama bears are the secret to knowing when it’s time to become an LLC. You’ll also get access to […]
Not sure what various print on demand sites terms of service say? Learn what they say before clicking, “I accept” Enter your information and get access to a chart comparing the TOS of more than 10 print on demand sites. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. Updated April 13, […]
It’s been almost 10 years since I owned a car. Luckily, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sometimes getting places on public transit isn’t the quickest or easiest. But most days it’s not a hassle to travel via foot, bike, or public transit. But recently, I’ve been saving up to buy a car. […]
Every new year begins with promise. We tell ourselves this is the year it’s going to be different. That this year we are going to finally do it. Maybe for you, it is: eating healthy exercising bookkeeping learning a new language traveling more But unless you turn it into a habit, then it’s hard to change your […]
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 […]
the artist’s Courtyard Resource Guest Post Contract Template + Checklist Do you allow guest contributors on your website? Grab the guest post contract template and checklist. It will make sure you cover all your bases when putting together your guidelines. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to […]
Ready to create an LLC? Grab a checklist to help you jump through all the legal hoops. Enter your email to download a checklist that will walk you through the seven legal hoops required to create an LLC for your creative business. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. I […]
**January 2017 Update: This bill was introduced during the 114th Congress (2015-2017) but was never passed.** **April 2018 Update: This bill has been re-introduced during the 115th Congress as H.R. 3945 – CASE Act of 2017** Creative business owners know that it’s only a matter of time until their work is copied. Your photograph gets […]
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. You, like me, probably […]
Discover what legal tasks you have to do PRACTICAL ONLINE WORKSHOP + WORKBOOK Learn the 5 must-do legal tasks every creative business should tackle. And how these tasks will set your creative business up to achieve your big goals. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. Kate Butler and I first […]
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 […]
Hi! I’m Kiff! I believe that you can have ease in the legalese of running your creative business. Each week, I send out an email to help you confidently strengthen your business’ legal foundation by sharing my experiences and knowledge. Get tips from your friendly legal eagle… Your privacy is important to us. Learn how […]
Not sure how to keep your LLC on the up and up? Learn exactly what it takes to stay legit. Enter your information and get a checklist that walks you through the tasks you’ll need to tackle to keep your LLC legit. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. Doing […]
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 […]
the artist’s Courtyard Resource 5 Year Vision Workbook Want to know the 7 questions I use with my clients to figure out where they are headed? Download a workbook that will help you answer them. Members Only Not a member of the artist’s Courtyard? Join and get instant access to this resource and 100s of […]
What name should you give your team member? Don’t call your new team member by the wrong name! Enter your email to download a workbook that will walk you through the questions you need to answer to decide if they can be an independent contractor. Or if you’ll have to hire them as an employee. […]
Need to get your website ducks in a row? Play Website Policy Mad Libs and quickly get policies on your website Get your Mad Libs terms of service and privacy policy templates today so that you can have them up on your website tomorrow. Best of all these templates were updated in May 2018 so […]
t=”225″ /> Overwhelmed by all the legal to-dos? Click here to get a free legal tip each week in your inbox from your friendly legal eagle. San Francisco is famous for its hills. And a couple years back early one morning, I was on top of my favorite hill, Tank Hill. At the time I […]
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 Tara Gentile for a long time. As a […]
When I was in law school I was part of a group of five friends that would have dinner together almost every Monday night. We would spend the night talking about our plans for the future and where we wanted our careers to go. We had Trivial Pursuit games that would last for weeks on […]
One day you are going to open up your email to find a message from a friend/fan/client/buyer saying: “Congrats!” I just saw your work on Art Print Site. I didn’t know you were being featured over there. It looks great! “Psst!” did you know that Etsy Store Name is using your photographs? Since it’s not […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
While the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as a dumb question” we all know it’s false. There are dumb questions. But when you are new to something that has its own jargon, knowing what words to use is your first battle. And when dealing with legal stuff, that jargon is even more intimidating. I […]
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.
Do you remember being drawn into the wonder of the Wizard of Oz? I can vividly remember watching the Judy Garland version of the Wizard of Oz as a little kid. The Wicked Witch of the West and those flying monkeys terrified the crap out of me. Even sitting here writing this, thinking about them […]
Jordan Brantley and I have never met IRL, but we’ve got one of those serendipitous online friendships. We both were watching and tweeting along to one of Tara Gentile’s CreativeLive classes. I can’t remember which of us started the conversation, but we connected that day. And after a few Twitter conversations, we started exchanging emails. […]
Today, the lovely Sharon Fain is sharing her story with you. Sharon is one of the founders of Academy of Handmade, a community of makers creating sustainable businesses together. Academy of Handmade has some amazing resources on their blog to help makers build sustainable businesses. They also host an Awards Show recognizing makers who create beautiful […]
Likely one of your biggest business fears is waking up to an inbox full of emails letting you know that someone is selling a knockoff product. It’s enough to derail your entire month and send you into a rage spiral. And you’ll consider a host of ways to retaliate: shaming her online getting a lawyer […]
I don’t remember how Monica Lee and I first met, but she interviewed me for Smart Creative Women almost three years ago. Monica is one of my idols at infusing herself into her brand. And her new accessories line is a perfect example of her skill in doing this. Just looking at her products tells […]
Overwhelmed by all the legal to-dos? Click here to get a free legal tip each week in your inbox from your friendly legal eagle. With a cup of coffee in hand, you open up your laptop and sit cross-legged at the kitchen table. As the screen comes to life, your browser is open to your […]
Lisa Anderson Shaffer is one of my favorite people of all time. She’s wicked smart, talented, and has a wardrobe I constantly drool over. I’ve loved watching Lisa’s business grow by leaps and bounds the past several years. As you might know, in addition to running this blog, I also run a law firm. And […]
One afternoon you are hanging out with your family. Music is playing in the background and you are all enjoying yourselves. When a Taylor Swift song comes on your adorable daughter starts dancing and singing along. It’s just all too cute so you whip out your phone, take a short video of it, and post […]
No matter how much you wished it were different, you only have 24 hours in a day. And you are juggling at least ten different roles in those 24 hours. You’ve got to: deliver your product/service keep your customers happy find new customers do the bookkeeping feed yourself write your content answer all the never-ending […]
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 […]
