Photo↑: With each column in the series RIGHTS the Arts Union chooses an appropriate image made by one of its member artists that has no relation to the issues in the article. This time: Dace Satre Sietina, the core
Congratulations, you have graduated! A special moment (proud!), but also one full of new questions: 'what now'? The world is at your feet and so is a lot of it. You are now not only an artist, but also an entrepreneur, negotiator and your own lawyer. Don't panic. Here are six basics that will put you ahead of the game right away. With these practical tips, you as an artist will stay in control - of your work, your rights and your future.
1. Protect your work: put your name on it
It sounds simple, but is SO important. In principle, the person named as the author of a work owns the rights to it. So always put your name on your work, preferably along with the date you created it. This way you claim what is yours. Why is that so important? As the copyright owner, you alone determine what happens to your work. You decide if and how the work may be used, by whom, for what purpose, and under what conditions.
2. Make sure you set the arrangements on time.
Always keep in mind that it is important to make agreements and make sure you don't start work until they are clear. So engage in timely discussions. Verbal agreements are difficult to prove. Therefore, put in writing what you will do, when and what it will cost. This can also be a low-key e-mail in which you describe the agreements and ask for a reply with an agreement.
3. Think about your earnings
With a paid assignment, it should be clear what the fee is for. It helps to structure your quote, budget or agreements so that it is clear which work falls under the budget and to break it down into as many items as possible. Compensation for extra work, such as additional requirements, added meetings or because your client delivers the necessary information too late, is then a lot easier to get done.
As copyright holder, you alone determine what happens to your work
If no money is available, ask anyway. Exposure does not pay your rent. If no payment is possible, see if there is something else you can arrange. There may well be something in return for the use of your work. Perhaps the curator can introduce you to relevant contacts or there is a pot somewhere for material. Think creatively, and don't be afraid to ask for something in return. Also check the artist's fee guidelines.
4. Do you collaborate with other creators? Avoid hassles afterwards
You just made a wonderful installation with a classmate. Great! But who will decide on exhibiting it later? Or what happens if you get into a fight? When you create a work of art together, a common copyright arises and the work may only be used with the permission of all creators. Therefore, make agreements in time about what you will do if you can't work it out together and how you will part if that doesn't lead to a solution. This prevents the work from having to remain on the shelf. For example, agree that both may use the work or that the copyright will be transferred to the other.
5. Use of your work? Only with your permission
Does someone want to exhibit your work, put it on a flyer or put it into production? Then your permission is needed. You can give that with a license, which is an agreement about what someone may do with your work, for how long, in what place and for what fee.
6. Ask for help. Really
Sometimes it is difficult to know what your rights are or what is reasonable. The Kunstenbond is there for you. You can become a member for legal advice, help with contracts or just to spar. You don't have to figure it all out for yourself.
Welcome to the beginning of your career!
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