Legal Guide for the Visual Artist (Paperback)

by Tad Crawford (Author) "This is the fourth edition of Legal Guide for the Visual Artist..." (more)
Key Phrases: alternate deposit, mutual covenants hereinafter set, moral rights laws, United States, New York, Copyright Office (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Legal Guide for the Visual Artist is essential for both the beginning artist and the seasoned art professional. It demystifies the legal issues all artists must understand to survive in the business of art. I recommend it to all artists, and use it as a text in legal classes for artists -- Timothy S. Kelley, Director of Legal Services, Lawyers for the Creative Arts

I've been in business for forty years and the book enlightened me in ways I didn't even know I was stupid. It's an incredibly well-done book. Just buy the book, don't ask questions. Just buy it. If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back -- Jay Maisel, photographer

It might not be convenient to hold this book in one hand while drawing or painting with the other. On the other hand, to do so is an excellent idea -- Arnold Roth, cartoonist

Keep this book within reach at all times. It's not only essential for an artist's self- preservation, but also a fascinating read -- Paul Davis, graphic designer and painter

Legal Guide for the Visual Artist is written in very clear language which helps to take a lot of the uncertainty and worry out of understanding business and legal issues and allows me to focus on the business of making art -- George Koch, President, National Artists Equity Association

Tad Crawford's readable guide is filled with practical legal advice for visual artists, as well as insightful discussions of ethical issues. Immediately useful are the sample agreements and forms, explained in the context of common business practices in the art world and the environment of numerous state and federal laws -- Alma Robinson, Executive Director, California Lawyers for the Arts

The challenge for any designer or artist is to learn enough about his or her rights to challenge unwarranted incursions early and call in reinforcements when necessary. This Legal Guide is the first line of defense for every designer after, of course, Allworth's stunningly focused AIGA Professional Practices in Graphic Design -- Richard Gref, Executive Director, American Institute of Graphic Arts

This fourth edition of the Legal Guide includes the cutting-edge issues in the new technologies and new media that will shape the futures of all graphic artists. This book should be on every professional artist's must-buy list, right beside the Guild's Pricing and Ethical Guidelines -- Paul Basista, Executive Director, Graphic Artists Guild

Product Description
This highly acclaimed reference book presents a comprehensive overview of the legal issues faced by anyone working in the visual arts. The narrative text is arranged into twenty-four chapters covering: copyright, contracts, censorship, moral rights, sales (by artist, gallery, or agent), taxation, estate planning, museums, collecting, and grants.

The book suggests basic strategies, gives information to help with further action, and contains many sample legal forms and contracts. This edition is a complete revision, providing not only updated legal information, but also covering the ever-increasing importance of new media and electronic rights.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 4th edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150032
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150032
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #169,060 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #44 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Museums & Collections > Business of Art
  #59 in	Books > Nonfiction > Law > Intellectual Property > Patent, Trademark & Copyright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best/Clearest Guide, Best and All-Inclusive Forms, November 9, 2000

By	Linda E. Ryan (Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews

I've bought several books on this issue and am most impressed by the quality of the information here -- it's presented clearly and fully, and includes the best forms I've seen available outside of the legal field. As I'm an ex-paralegal, I find the language of the contracts undertstandable; many of my artist friends seem to think that they are still too filled with legalese, but that's contract law and sometimes necessary. That's the only reason this book gets a 4-star and not a 5-star rating.

I'm buying my own copy since I basically trashed the studio's copy -- it's helpful enough that you'll use it on an ongoing basis.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If not this book, what else?, January 24, 2002

By	The Artist "Extremely Untalented" (USA) - See all my reviews

As the title of the book stated, "Legal guide for the VISUAL ARTIST", the book covers information that is aimed at VISUAL artists, including photographers, painters, printmakers, designers, sculptors, illustrators, textile designers, cartoonists, and craftspeople. Wow!

Wow, all right. That may be the reason some artists may have found the book full of legalese. In my humble opinion, this is a must-have for anyone that claims oneself to be one of the ones listed above. If not this book, what else?

Starting from the minute one decides to have some "interaction" with other human beings regarding the making (or selling) of one's art, this book is of big help. For instance, an artist may decide to hire a model to paint a picture, this book will guide him/her how to prepare a model release form in order to guarantee the artist benefits of the painting created, without problems such as violation of privacy in the long run. This book is also a critical line of defense for the artists in dealing with copyrights, ownership, insurance, and tax income, etc.

My guess is that if one is simply an artist, one would read through the book (or at least sections of immediate concern, for instance, a painter would not have to worry too much about sections for photographers) and scan through the whole book for information. As far as using the book on a regular basis, I believe by frequently reviewing relevant sections, as well as making use of sample forms provided in the book, any visual artist will find this book an indispensable tool for his/her art making/selling process.

Strongly recommended.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference Guide, November 22, 2004

By	a reader (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Even if you have the luxury of an attorney that speicalizes in art contracts, as I do, this is a great book of forms to keep handy for quick reference. My advice is to get it with his other book: Business & Legal Forms for Fine Artists also by Tad Crawford