Media Release forms, Copy write infringements and "wop woooowws"
So I'd better confess right now... In my very short career as a professional artist, I may have already had a "cease use, copy write infringement, we're gonna ream you up the potangi if you don't destroy all copies, you'll wish you were dead, your career will be the Hindenburg and not in a good way..." letter!
I wont name names but I will say, the company was none too pleased with my "4 TokeMan" lovingly infused with one of my favorite kiwiana characters. To be honest, I knew I was pushing the boundaries on acceptable levels of appropriation but thought I was enough in the grey that I could get away with it. Yer ahhh... turns out thats not the case and I received a very disgruntled letter from one large food corporations Lawyers telling me just how NOT in the grey they thought I was!! Lesson is... some times it is better to seek permission before you do things and hands off any kiwianna guys, the "man" owns all that shit! But in all seriousness, careers such as Shepard Fairey's have almost been ruined because of issues around copy write. Fairey being famously sued for his Obama "Hope" poster. Sending him nearly bankrupt, on the edge of a mental breakdown and verging on the precipice of his personal life imploding. Appropriation is not for the faint of heart.
Shepard Fairey'a Hope Poster for 2008 Presidential Campaign
Print Archive - Page 8 of 17 - Obey Giant. (2018). Retrieved from https://obeygiant.com/prints/page/8/
After my near Fairey experience... I thought it prudent to brush up on all the necessary "what you should know when you decide to become an artist" schooling. And I mean ALLLLLL aspects of being an artist. I listened to TEDX talks from artists on things you should consider in your artistic practice such as accountants, having a 6 month nest egg at all times, having a charging and billing structure, media release forms, sources of supply and negotiating contracts down. The A to B's of Artistry. THERES SO MUCH!!!
So I am slowly chipping away at this list. I think thats the trick to it all.... is just continuously stepping up your game, checking your research and every day just taking a step closer to having all of your ducks in a row. Its too over whelming other wise... looking at all the shit you should be doing as an artist.. I am proud to say that I just hired an accountant!! Look at me all grown up like!