Trying to understand how copyright works for your creative business? Then this post collection will help you understand what copyright is and how it can help you.
**June 16, 2020 Update: The CASE Act passed and you can now file a claim with the U.S. Copyright Office Copyright Claims Board here.** Creative business owners know that it’s only a matter of time until their work is copied. Your photograph gets posted on a free stock site Your illustration ends up on Zazzle […]
Every platform has its success stories. But most artists on any platform aren’t rolling in the dough. And in fact, many of these platforms are basically requiring artists to do spec work. And artists do it hoping they will be one of the few that leverage the platform to fame and fortune. The terms and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I met Kate Koeppel during my Makeshift Society residency shortly after I launched this site. I loved how she was super stylish, but also a little nerdy. And her line of wood dividers is a perfect reflection of those elements of her personality. Allowing you to get hyper-organized and a little nerdy, without sacrificing style. […]
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 […]
They told us to do a Google Search and download and print any pictures we wanted to use. And that it was okay because they were online so they were safe to use. I start rolling my eyes into the phone. And my usual rant starts forming in my mouth. Luckily my mom has heard […]
You are super proud of the work you did for a new design client. A couple months after you wrap up, you pop over to their website. You have a new project in the pipeline and so you want to take screenshots of your work in action for your portfolio. When you land on their […]
