Copying is a regular topic of discussion among artists. Recently, someone suggested copyright and trademarks as ways to protect clever product or workshop names that we use, and so on. I can’t give you legal advice. I’m not a lawyer. But, here are a few of my experiences and opinions: I’m not convinced that…
Category: Business & Career
How to earn money – or even a living – from your artistic talents: Selling art, teaching art, and more.
Copyright and the ‘three stroke’ rule
The popular “three stroke” rule suggests that you can copy anyone’s art as long as at least three brush strokes are different. No, that is NOT a law. In fact, even within clear copyright law, every legal case will return a different decision. My background in copyright law I’m not a lawyer, so this is…
9 Ways to Communicate a Rock-Solid Identity
Aisling’s notes: Bob Baker, author of “Unleash the Artist Within” and “Branding Yourself Online” offers some very helpful advice about creating interesting and helpful websites. This is a reprint of one of his articles. I wish that I’d read some of this years ago. 9 Ways to Communicate a Rock-Solid Identity by Bob Baker Branding…
Be friendly at shows
It’s important to be friendly when you have a booth at an art show, a crafts fair, or any art-type festival. Often, owners of new art galleries visit shows like this, to spot new talent. You may be invited to participate in an upcoming gallery show, or find a similar opportunity to “move up” to…
When a student copies
In the days of the Old Masters, apprentices and students would copy their masters’ works over & over again, until they could mimic the technique perfectly. Then, they’d develop their own styles. When a student (or someone who’s learning a new technique) copies my art exactly–or very closely–I like to think of them in that…
Copying and coincidence in art
Many artists–especially new and/or tired ones–talk about being “copied” by others. Sometimes, it’s not clear who is doing the copying, if anyone is. And, artists–even established ones–are often influenced by the same things as others, and develop startlingly similar ideas as a result. RICE’S MILAGROS DOLLS For example, awhile ago I visited Rice’s website, voo-doo-cafe.com,…
Video: 3 step formula for creative success
In the following short video, Bob Baker talks about the importance concepts of Be – Do – Have, and how it affects us as artists. 3 Step Formula for Creative Success For more about Bob Baker and his advice for artists, see Bob Baker’s Artist Empowerment Blog.
Copyright and art
This article originally appeared at this site in 2004. Someone asked me about copyright law, the Sargent images that I’ve used in my printed (reproduced) projects and products. I’m not an attorney, so this is my personal opinion. In general, works created before 1923 are in the public domain, at least in the United States….
Write About Your Art? Yes, You Can!
Have you wanted to see your own article published in Expression, The Artist, Somerset Studio, or Art Doll Quarterly? Do you dream of someday writing a successful book about the art that you love? One day, waaaay back in 2005, I had coffee with NJ writer Mary Beth McCabe Temple. She & I discussed what…
“Plan B” Teaching
Most of us went from making to teaching, pretty directly. In many ways, the best advice is that slogan, “Just do it.” But, how can you build confidence and prepare for the unexpected? Start with some “dress rehearsals” Practice teaching with less formal groups. Older Girl Scouts (high school students) are a good audience. If…