FOR ART’S SAKE!

 FOR ART’S SAKE! GIVE YOUR ART A LIFE, LET IT LIVE.

 Don’t be litigious! What is a copyright infringement and what is not, be able to discern the difference. Protecting your intellectual property rights is important, but publicity can sometimes be good or better for your career than money, below are several pointers to keep in mind about your art and the life and freedom it deserves to be enjoyed by others.


**In general, allow your art be publicized as much as possible. The more people who see it, the better your chances are for making sales. As with any other product, the higher your name recognition, the more art you tend to sell.


** The earlier you are in your career, the more inclined you should be to let other people reproduce your art at no charge assuming, of course, that they're not using it to make money. For example, if a non-profit organization asks you to provide, at no charge, a cover illustration for their brochure, you should probably give permission, and note it in your resume. If, however, a greeting card company wants to use your art on a line of cards, only give permission if they pay you.


** In certain cases where your art is being used for commercial purposes and you stand to receive a large amount of publicity or exposure, but are offered no money, consider waiving fees that you might ordinarily charge.


** When the reason for the use of your art is to draw attention to you and your accomplishments as an artist, and not to line the pockets of the parties doing the reproducing, be thankful you are admired and thought important enough be the subject of attention.


** Be supportive of the educational uses of your art, uses respecting and crediting you as the artist. It is beneficially contributing to help improve the skills, appreciation, and knowledge of others who may one day become patron of the arts or artists their selves. You and your art are valuable to the humanities and may become treasures of posterity.


** Make sure you always receive proper credit for any use of your art. Whenever possible, have the users provide contact information along with your name. This way, anyone interested in owning your art can easily get in touch with you.


** Art exhibited in an art show open to the public is meant to be seen and experienced. Viewers should be allowed to take photographs of art in a show in order to preserve their memories, to sharpen their perception and appreciation of you and your art in the show. Be understanding.