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B&LF_Illus.

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Business and
Legal Forms for

Illustrators
Tad Crawford
Third Edition

Allworth Press, New York

Graphic Artists Guild


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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

1990, 1998, 2004 by Tad Crawford

All rights reserved. Copyright under Berne Copyright Convention, Universal Copyright Convention, and Pan-American
Copyright Convention. No part of this book, including the forms in electronic format on the accompanying CD-ROM, may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-
copying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. Notwithstanding the foregoing, illustrators may
reproduce any form in this book without charge for the limited purpose of use in their business.

08 07 06 05 04 5 4 3 2 1

Published by Allworth Press, an imprint of Allworth Communications, Inc., 10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010.

Copublished with the Graphic Artists Guild

Cover Design: Derek Bacchus

Book Design by Douglas Design Associates, New York, NY.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Crawford, Tad, 1946


Business and legal forms for illustrators / Tad Crawford.3rd ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 1-58115-364-3 (pbk.)
1. IllustratorsLegal status, laws, etc.United States.
2. Artists contractsUnited StatesForms. I. Title.

KF390.A7C7 2004
343.73'07874164dc22
2004012384

This book is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter covered. It is
sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. If legal
advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent attorney or professional person should be sought.
While every attempt is made to provide accurate information, the author or publisher cannot be held accountable for
errors or omissions.

Printed in Canada
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Table of Contents

The Success Kit

Page 5 Contracts and Negotiation

6 Oral Contracts

6 Letter Contracts

7 Standard Provisions

10 Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

11 Using the Negotiation Checklists

How to Use the Forms

13 Form 1. Estimate

19 Form 2. Confirmation of Assignment

27 Form 3. Invoice

27 Form 3A. Basic Invoice

33 Form 4. IllustratorAgent Contract

39 Form 5. Book Publishing Contract

53 Form 6. Collaboration Contract

63 Form 7. Contract for the Sale of an Artwork

67 Form 8. Contract for Receipt and Holding of Artwork

71 Form 9. IllustratorGallery Contract with Record of Consignment and Statement of Account

81 Form 10. Illustrator's Lecture Contract

85 Form 11. Licensing Contract to Merchandise Images

89 Form 12. Release Form for Models

93 Form 13. Property Release


95 Form 14. Permission Form

99 Form 15. Nondisclosure Agreement for Submitting Ideas

103 Form 16. Copyright Transfer Form

107 Form 17. Application for Copyright Registration of an Artwork: Form VA


107 Form 18. Application for Copyright Registration of an Artwork: Short Form VA

115 Form 19. License of Rights

115 Form 20. License of Electronic Rights

123 Form 21. Contract with an Independent Contractor

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Table of Contents (Continued)

Page 128 Form 22. Trademark Application

139 Form 23. Commercial Lease

139 Form 24. Sublease

139 Form 25. Lease Assignment

155 Index

159 About the Author

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The Success Kit

A ttaining the knowledge of good business


practices and implementing their use is an
contract and the title of that individual. If it isnt
clear who will sign or if that person has no title,
important step toward success for any profes- the words Authorized Signatory can be used
sional, including the professional illustrator. The instead of a title.
forms contained in this book deal with the most If the illustrator will not be meeting with the
important business transactions that an illus- other party to sign the contract, it would be wise
trator is likely to undertake. At the back of the to have that party sign the forms first. After the
book a CD-ROM is also included to make cus- illustrator gets back the two copies of the form,
tomization easier. The fact that the forms are they can be signed and one copy returned to the
designed for use and that they favor the illus- other party. As discussed in more detail under
trator give them a unique value. letter contracts, this has the advantage of not
Understanding the business concepts behind leaving it up to the other party to decide whether
the forms is as important as using them. By to sign and thus make a binding contract.
knowing why a certain provision has been If additional provisions that wont fit on the
included and what it accomplishes, the illus- contract forms should be added, simply include
trator is able to negotiate when faced with a provision stating, This contract is subject to
someone elses business form. The illustrator the provisions of the rider attached hereto and
knows what is and is not desirable. The negotia- made a part hereof. The rider is simply another
tion checklists offer a map for the negotiation of piece of paper that has the heading, Rider to the
any form. contract between _______________________ and
All forms, whether the illustrator's or some- _____________, dated the ____ day of _________,
one elses, can be changed. Before using these 20____. The additional provisions are put on
forms, the illustrator should consider review- this sheet and both parties sign it.
ing them with his or her attorney. This pro-
vides the opportunity to learn whether local or
state laws may make it worthwhile to modify
any of the provisions. For example, would it be Contracts and Negotiation
wise to include a provision for arbitration of Most of the forms in this book are contracts. A
disputes, or are the local courts speedy and contract is an agreement that creates legally
inexpensive, making an arbitration provision enforceable obligations between two or more
unnecessary? parties. In making a contract, each party gives
The forms must be filled out, which means something of value to the other party. This
that the blanks in each form must be com- mutual giving of value is called the exchange of
pleted. Beyond this, however, the illustrator consideration. Consideration can take many
can always delete or add provisions on any forms, including the giving of money or an art-
form. Deletions or additions to a form are usu- work or the promise to create an artwork or pay
ally initialed in the margin by both parties. It is for an artwork in the future.
also good practice to have each party initial Contracts require negotiation. The forms in
each page of the contract, except the page on this book are favorable to the illustrator, so
which the parties sign. changes may be requested. This books explana-
The illustrator must ascertain that the person tion of the use of each form should help the illus-
signing the contract has authority to do so. If the trator evaluate changes either party may want to
illustrator is dealing with a company, the com- make in any of the forms. The negotiation check-
panys name should be included, as well as the lists should also clarify what changes would be
name of the individual authorized to sign the desirable in forms presented to the illustrator.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Keep in mind that negotiation need not be important to review the notes and to be familiar
adversarial. Certainly, the illustrator and the with the points to be negotiated. If the illustrator
other party may disagree on some points, but wants the other party to call, the file should be
the basic transaction is something that both kept close at hand so that there is no question as
want. This larger framework of agreement must to where the negotiations stand when the call
be kept in mind at all times when negotiating. comes. If the illustrator is unprepared to nego-
Of course, the illustrator must also know which tiate when the other party calls, the best course
points are nonnegotiable and be prepared to is to call back. Negotiation demands the fullest
walk away from a deal if satisfaction cannot be attention and complete readiness.
had on these points.
When both parties have something valuable
to offer each other, it should be possible for each Oral Contracts
side to come away from the negotiation feeling
Although all the forms in this book are written,
that they have won. Win-win negotiation
the question of oral contracts should be
requires each side to make certain the basic
addressed. There are certain contracts that must
needs of both are met so that the result is fair.
be written, such as a contract for services that
The illustrator cannot negotiate for the other
will take more than one year to perform, a con-
side, but a wise negotiation strategy must allow
tract to transfer an exclusive right of copyright
the other side to meet their vital needs within a
(an exclusive right means that no one else can do
larger context that also allows the illustrator to
what the person receiving that right of copyright
obtain what he or she must have.
can do), or, in many cases, a contract for the sale
It is a necessity to evaluate negotiating goals
of goods worth more than $500. Sowithout
and strategy before conducting any negotia-
delving into the full complexity of this subject
tions. The illustrator should write down what
certain contracts can be oral. If the illustrator is
must be achieved and what can be conceded or
faced with a breached oral contract, an attorney
modified. The illustrator should try to imagine
certainly should be consulted for advice. The
how the shape of the contract will affect the
illustrator should not give up simply because
future business relationship with the other party.
the contract was oral.
Will it probably lead to success for both sides
However, while some oral contracts are valid, a
and more business, or will it fail to achieve what
written contract is always best. Even people with
one side or the other desires?
the most scrupulous intentions do not always
When negotiating, the illustrator should keep
remember exactly what was said or whether a
written notes close at hand concerning goals and
particular point was covered. Disputes, and there-
strategy. Notes should also be kept on the nego-
fore litigation, are far more likely when a contract
tiations since many conversations may be neces-
is oral rather than written. That likelihood is
sary before final agreement is reached. At certain
another reason to make the use of written forms,
points, the illustrator should compare what the
like those in this book, an integral part of the
negotiations are achieving with the original
business practices of any illustrator.
goals. This will help evaluate whether the illus-
trator is conducting the negotiations according
to plan.
Most negotiations are done over the tele- Letter Contracts
phone. This makes the telephone a tool to be If the illustrator feels that sending a well-drafted
used wisely. The illustrator should decide when form will be daunting to the other party, the
to speak with the other party. Before calling, it is more informal approach of a letter, signed by

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THE SUCCESS KIT

both parties, may be adopted. In this case, the tion ever arises, it should be remembered that
forms in this book will serve as valuable check- any offer to enter into a contract can always be
lists for the content and negotiation of the letter revoked up until the time that the contract is
contract. The last paragraph of the letter would actually entered into.
read, If the foregoing meets with your
approval, please sign both copies of this letter
Standard Provisions
beneath the words AGREED TO to make this a
binding contract between us. At the bottom of The contracts in this book contain a number of
the letter would be the words AGREED TO standard provisions, called boilerplate by
with the name of the other party so he or she can lawyers. These provisions are important, al-
sign. Again, if the other party is a company, the though they will not seem as exciting as the pro-
company name, as well as the name of the visions that relate more directly to the illustrator
authorized signatory and that individuals title, and the artwork. Since these provisions can be
would be placed beneath the words AGREED used in almost every contract and appear in a
TO. This would appear as follows: number of the contracts in this book, an explana-
tion of each of the provisions is given here.
AGREED TO:
XYZ Corporation Amendment. Any amendment of this Agreement
By ______________________________________ must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Alice Hall, Vice President
This guarantees that any changes the parties
Two copies of this letter are sent to the other want will be made in writing. It avoids the pos-
party, who is instructed to sign both copies and sibility of one party relying on oral changes to
return one copy for the illustrator to keep. To be the agreement. Courts will rarely change a
cautious, the illustrator can send the letters written contract based on testimony that there
unsigned and ask the other party to sign and was an oral amendment to the contract.
return both copies, at which time the illustrator
will sign and return one copy to the other party. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this
This gives the other party an opportunity to Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbi-
review the final draft, but avoids a situation in tration before ________________________ in the
which the other party may choose to delay following location __________________ and
signing, thereby preventing the illustrator from shall be settled in accordance with the rules of
offering a similar contract to anyone else the American Arbitration Association. Judgment
because the first contract still may be signed. upon the arbitration award may be entered in
For example, if an investment group wanted any court having jurisdiction thereof.
to wait and see if they could license rights they Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party
were contracting to buy in an artwork, they may refuse to arbitrate when the dispute is for a
might hold the contract and only sign it after sum of less than $_______.
they knew they could sell the license. If the sale
of the license did not come through, they might Arbitration can offer a quicker and less expen-
not sign the contract and the deal would be off. sive way to settle disputes than litigation.
The illustrator can avoid this by being the final However, the illustrator would be wise to consult
signatory, by insisting that both parties meet to a local attorney and make sure that this is advis-
sign, or by stating in the letter a deadline by able in the jurisdiction where the lawsuit would
which the other party must sign. If such a situa- be likely to take place. The arbitrator could be the

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

American Arbitration Association or some work to satisfy claims they have against the
other person or group that both parties trust. gallery itself. Because a provision of this kind
The illustrator would also want the arbitration does not protect the illustrator completely, many
to take place where he or she is located. If small states have enacted special consignment laws
claims court is easy to use in the jurisdiction protecting illustrators and their work. Such a
where the illustrator would have to sue, it provision should also appear in a publishing or
might be best to have the right not to arbitrate if licensing contract, although the bankruptcy law
the disputed amount is small enough to be may impede the provision's effectiveness.
brought into small claims court. In this case, the
illustrator would put the maximum amount Complete Understanding. This Agreement con-
that can be sued for in small claims court in the stitutes the entire and complete understanding
space at the end of the paragraph. between the parties hereto, and no obligation,
undertaking, warranty, representation, or
Assignment. This Agreement shall not be covenant of any kind or nature has been made
assigned by either party hereto, provided that by either party to the other to induce the
the Illustrator shall have the right to assign making of this Agreement, except as is ex-
monies due to the Illustrator hereunder. pressly set forth herein.

By not allowing the assignment of a contract, This provision is intended to prevent either
both parties can have greater confidence that the party from later claiming that any promises or
obligations exist except those shown in the
stated transactions will be between the original
written contract. A shorter way to say this is,
parties. Of course, a company may be purchased
This Agreement constitutes the entire under-
by new owners. If the illustrator only wanted to
standing between the parties hereto.
do business with the people who owned the
company when the contract was entered into,
Cumulative Rights. All rights, remedies, obliga-
change of ownership might be stated as a
tions, undertakings, warranties, representations,
ground for termination in the contract. On the and covenants contained herein shall be cumu-
other hand, money is impersonal and there is no lative and none of them shall be in limitation of
reason why the illustrator should not be able to any other right, remedy, obligation, under-
assign the right to receive money. taking, warranty, representation, or covenant of
either party.
Bankruptcy or Insolvency. If the Gallery should
become insolvent or if a petition in bankruptcy is This means that a benefit or obligation under
filed against the Gallery or a Receiver or Trustee is one provision will not be made less because of a
appointed for any of the Gallerys assets or prop- different benefit or obligation under another
erty, or if a lien or attachment is obtained against provision.
any of the Gallerys assets, this Agreement shall
immediately terminate and the Gallery shall Death or Disability. In the event of the Illustra-
return to the Illustrator all of the Illustrators work tors death, or an incapacity of the Illustrator
that is in the Gallerys possession. making completion of the Work impossible, this
Agreement shall terminate.
This provision seeks to protect the illustrator
against creditors of the gallery who might use A provision of this kind leaves a great deal to
the illustrators work or proceeds from that be determined. Will payments already made be

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THE SUCCESS KIT

kept by the illustrator or the illustrators Indemnify and Hold Harmless. The Purchaser
estate? And who will own the work at what- agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
ever stage of completion has been reached? Illustrator from any and all claims, demands,
These issues should be resolved when the con- payments, expenses, legal fees, or other costs in
tract is negotiated. relation to obligations for materials or services
incurred by the Purchaser.
Force Majeure. If either party hereto is unable to
perform any of its obligations hereunder by This provision protects one party against
reason of fire or other casualty, strike, act or damaging actions that may have been taken by
order of a public authority, act of God, or other the other party. Often, one party will warrant
cause beyond the control of such party, then that something is true and then indemnify and
such party shall be excused from such perform- hold the other party harmless in the event that it
ance during the pendency of such cause. In the is not true. A warranty is usually accompanied
event such inability to perform shall continue by an indemnity clause. See the discussion of
longer than ____ days, either party may termi- warranties later in this section.
nate this Agreement by giving written notice to
the other party. Liquidated Damages. In the event of the failure
of XYZ Corporation to deliver by the due date,
This provision covers events beyond the con- the agreed-upon damages shall be $________ for
trol of the parties, such as a tidal wave or a war. each day after the due date until delivery takes
Certainly, the time to perform the contract place, provided the amount of damages shall
should be extended in such an event. There may not exceed $_____.
be an issue as to how long an extension should
be allowed. Also, if work has commenced and Liquidated damages are an attempt to antici-
some payments have been made, the contract pate in the contract what damages will be
should cover what happens in the event of ter- caused by a breach of the contract. Such liqui-
mination. Must the payments be returned? And dated damages must be reasonable. If they are
who owns the partially completed work? not, they will be considered a penalty and held
to be unenforceable.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be gov-
erned by the laws of the State of _____________. Modification. This Agreement cannot be
changed, modified, or discharged, in whole or in
Usually the illustrator would want the laws of part, except by an instrument in writing, signed
his or her own state to govern the agreement. by the party against whom enforcement of any
However, laws vary from state to state. A change, modification, or discharge is sought.
number of states have enacted laws favoring
illustrators, especially in the area of consign- This requires that a change in the contract
ments of art to a gallery. If the illustrators own must be written and signed by the party against
state lacks this law, it might be preferable to whom the change will be enforced. It should be
have a gallery contract governed by the law of a compared with the provision for amendments
different state that has such a consignment law. that requires any modification to be in writing
To find out if a state has such a law, refer to the and signed by both parties. At the least, how-
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts section, fol- ever, this provision explicitly avoids the claim
lowing this review of standard provisions. that an oral modification has been made of a

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

written contract. Almost invariably, courts will This means that if one party waives a right
give greater weight to a written document than under the contract, such as the right to approve
to testimony about oral agreements. the sketch on the first of a series of illustrations,
that party has not waived the right forever and
Notices and Changes of Address. All notices can demand that the other party perform at the
shall be sent to the Illustrator at the following next opportunity. So, the client would still have
address ___________________________________ the right to approve sketches for the rest of the
and to the Purchaser at the following address illustrations in the series. And if the client
____________________________________. Each party breached the contract in some other way, such as
shall be given written notification of any change not paying money due, the fact that the illustrator
of address prior to the date of said change. allowed this once would not prevent the illus-
trator from suing for such a breach in the future.
Contracts often require the giving of notice.
This provision facilitates giving notice by pro-
viding correct addresses and requiring notifica- Warranties. The Illustrator hereby warrants that
tion of any change of address. he or she is the sole creator of the Work and
owns all rights granted under this Agreement.
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the A warranty is something the other party can
parties hereto and their respective heirs, execu- rely on to be true. If the illustrator states a fact
tors, administrators, successors, and assigns. that is a basic reason for the other partys entry
into the contract, then that fact is a warranty and
This makes the contract binding on anyone must be true. For example, the illustrator might
who takes the place of one of the parties, state that he or she is the sole creator of certain
whether due to death or simply to an assign- artwork, owns the copyright therein, and has not
ment of the contract. Note that the standard pro- infringed anyone else's copyright in creating the
vision on assignment does not in fact allow work. If this were not true, the illustrator would
assignment, but that provision could always be be liable for damages caused to the other party
modified in the original contract or by a later under the indemnity clause of the contract.
written, signed amendment to the contract.

Time. Time is of the essence.

This requires both parties to perform to the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
exact time commitments they have made or be There are now Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
in breach of the contract. It is not a wise provi- across the nation. These groups provide free
sion for the illustrator to agree to, since being a assistance to illustrators below certain income
few days late in performance could cause the levels and can be a valuable source of informa-
loss of benefits under the contract. tion. If, for example, it is not clear whether a cer-
tain law to benefit illustrators (such as a gallery
Waivers. No waiver by either party of any of the consignment law) has been enacted in a state,
terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be the illustrator should be able to find out by
deemed or construed to be a waiver of such term calling the closest Volunteer Lawyers for the
or condition for the future, or of any subsequent Arts group. To find the location of that group,
breach thereof. one of the groups listed here can be contacted:

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THE SUCCESS KIT

California: California Lawyers for the Arts, Fort vision that would favor the illustrator. Each
Mason Center, Building C, Room 255, San Fran- checklist for a contract concludes with the sug-
cisco, CA 94123, (415) 775-7200; and 1641 18th gestion that the standard provisions be reviewed
Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404, (310) 998-5590. to see if any should be added to those the form
provides.
Illinois: Lawyers for the Creative Arts, 213 West Of course, the illustrator does not have to
Institute Place, Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60610, include every point on the checklist in a con-
(312) 649-4111. tract, but being aware of these points will be
helpful. After the checklists, the exact wording is
New York: Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, 1 provided for some of the more important provi-
East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, (212) 319- sions that might be added to the form. Starting
2787. with Form 1, the explanations go through each
of the forms in sequence.
At the present time a listing of all the volunteer
lawyers for the arts groups appears on the web
at www.dwij.org/matrix/vla_list.html.

A helpful handbook covering all the legal


issues that illustrators face is Legal Guide for the
Visual Artist by Tad Crawford (Allworth Press).
Another good resource is the Graphic Artists
Guild's Pricing and Ethical Guidelines (distributed
by North Light Books).
Having reviewed the basics of dealing with
business and legal forms, the next step is to
move on to the forms themselves and the nego-
tiation checklists that will make the forms most
useful.

Using the Negotiation Checklists


The negotiation checklists focus on the key
points to include in a contract. When a point is
covered in the contract, the appropriate para-
graph is indicated in the checklist. These check-
lists are also valuable to use when reviewing a
form given to the illustrator by someone else.
If the illustrator will provide the form, the
boxes can be checked to be certain all important
points are covered. If the illustrator is reviewing
someone elses form, checking the boxes will
show which points are covered and which
points may have to be added. By using the para-
graph numbers in the checklist, the other partys
provision can be quickly compared with a pro-

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B&L Illust 013-062 5/27/04 11:57 AM Page 13

Estimate FORM

F orm 1 (Estimate), Form 2 (Confirmation of


Assignment), and Form 3 (Invoice) are closely
would be signed for every job, the estimate and
invoice could be far briefer. The estimate would
related. In a perfect world, the client would merely describe the assignment, give a fee, and
describe the assignment and would then receive state that the assignment will be governed by a
the estimate from the illustrator. After agreeing confirmation of assignment that must be signed
to the specifications and terms of the estimate, by both parties before work commences. If there
both parties would sign the confirmation of were a confirmation of assignment signed by
assignment, which repeats the nearly identical both parties, the invoice would show an amount
specifications and terms. When the assignment due and state that it was being issued in con-
has been completed, the invoice would be given formity with the terms of the confirmation of
to the client. It too would conform to the specifi- assignment.
cations and terms of the estimate and the confir- In fact, the illustrator cannot be certain that a
mation of assignment. confirmation of assignment will be signed by the
As we know, illustrations are frequently sold client or, if it is signed, when it will be signed.
without proper documentation. If the client calls For that reason, and the possibility that the client
for a rush job, the illustrator wants to meet the may provide a purchase order or check with a
deadline and may skip the paperwork. If the client restrictive legend, it is wise to have the specifi-
has sent a purchase order, the illustrator may feel cations and terms on each document that the
that the purchase order is sufficient documenta- illustrator provides to the client.
tion or may be concerned about contradicting its The illustrator should resolve conflicts between
terms in the confirmation of assignment. his or her forms and those of the client immedi-
The truth is that inadequate documentation is ately. If the estimate is given, work commences,
a disservice to the client as well as to the illus- and no other forms are exchanged until the
trator. There are a number of issues that the par- invoice is sent, then the estimate will probably
ties must resolve. The client as well as the be found either to be a contract or, at least, to be
illustrator wants to know the rights being trans- evidence of an oral contract. On the other hand,
ferred. The rights must be adequate for the if the estimate conflicts with the clients pur-
clients intended use of the art. The nature of the chase order, it will be very difficult to know in
art to be done, the due dates for sketches and retrospect which terms the parties agreed to on
finishes, and the fee to be paid are important to those points where the forms differ. So, the illus-
have in writing, since a talk on the phone can trator should point out and resolve such issues
more easily be given different interpretations by without delay. Or, if the illustrator has not given
the parties. The client as well as the illustrator an estimate or confirmation of assignment, but
wants to know if there will be reimbursement disagrees with the terms of a purchase order,
for expenses, how payment will be made, what reliance on the invoice to resolve these issues
happens in the event of cancellation, and how would not be wise. It is unlikely, for example,
revisions will be handled. Some of the other pro- that an invoice alone can govern the terms of a
visions in the estimate include authorship credit, transaction simply because it is given to the
copyright notice, releases, ownership of the orig- client after the transaction has been concluded.
inal art, and arbitration. The estimate, like any of the forms in this
The estimate, confirmation of assignment, and book, could be simplified as either a form or a
invoice exist for different reasons. If the illus- letter including only the terms that the illus-
trator knew that a confirmation of assignment trator feels are most important. Form 1 seeks to

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

resolve issues that frequently arise and to pro- be reimbursed by the client and the amount of
tect the illustrator. Certainly, it is better to raise any advance to be paid against expenses. In
such issues at the outset of the assignment, Paragraph 8, give a monthly interest rate. Fill in
rather than disagree later. Such disagreements Paragraph 9 if advances on the fee are to be paid.
are far more likely to cause the loss of clients Check the boxes in Paragraphs 11 and 12 to indi-
than is a frank discussion of the terms before any cate whether copyright notice or authorship
work has been done. credit will be given in the name of the illustrator.
With slight modifications in Forms 1, 2, and 3, State in Paragraph 13 the percentages of the
the illustrator may choose to develop an esti- total fee that will be paid for cancellation at var-
mate/confirmation of assignment/invoice form. ious stages of work. In Paragraph 14, fill in a
A box would be checked to indicate for which value for the original art. In Paragraph 16,
purpose the form is to be used and it would be specify who will arbitrate disputes, where this
filled in appropriately. In this book, however, the will be done, and the maximum amount that
forms are separate, since each has a different can be sued for in small claims court. In
purpose and is intended for use at a different Paragraph 17, give the state whose laws will
time in the relationship with the client. govern the contract. The illustrator can then sign
Because the estimate, confirmation of assign- the estimate. If the client agrees to the estimate
ment, and invoice are closely related, the negoti- and it will not be possible to obtain a signed con-
ation checklists are very similar. For that reason, firmation of assignment before work begins, the
the negotiation checklist for Form 1 covers the words AGREED TO can be added and the
points that should appear in a short-form esti- client can sign the estimate.
mate and assumes that Form 2 will be signed
before work commences. If Form 1 is to be used, Negotiation Checklist
and especially if Form 1 is likely to be the only State that a confirmation of assignment form
form used, then the negotiation checklist for is to be signed before the commencement of
Form 2 must be reviewed by the illustrator. The work. (Preamble)
negotiation checklist for Form 2 should also be
used to review the purchase order or contract Describe the assignment in as much detail as
form offered by a client. possible, attaching another sheet to the con-
tract if necessary (in which case the line for
Filling in the Form subject matter would refer to the attached
The illustrator should provide his or her letter- sheet). (Paragraph 1)
head, then fill in the date, the clients name and
address, the illustrators number for the job, and Give a due date for sketches, which can be
the number of any purchase order given by the expressed as a number of days after clients
client. In Paragraph 1, the work should be approval for illustrator to start work.
described in detail. In Paragraph 2, specify how (Paragraph 2)
many days it will take to go from starting work
to sketches and from approval of sketches to fin- If the client is to provide reference materials,
ished art. In Paragraph 3, give the limitations on the due date should be expressed as a
the rights granted. In Paragraph 5, state the fee. number of days after the illustrators receipt
In Paragraph 7, specify the types of expenses to of these materials. (Paragraph 2)

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ESTIMATE

The due date for finishes should be expressed State whether the illustrator's copyright notice
as a number of days after the clients approval will appear with the art. (Paragraph 11)
of sketches. (Paragraph 2)
State whether the illustrator will receive
Limit the grant of rights and state that the name credit with the art. (Paragraph 12)
transfer of rights takes place when the illus-
trator is paid in full. (Paragraph 3) Fees for cancellation at different stages of the
assignment must be specified, plus payment
Specify whether the clients use of the art of any expenses incurred. (Paragraph 13)
will be exclusive or nonexclusive. (Para-
graph 3) State that the illustrator shall own all rights in
the work in the event of cancellation. (Para-
Reserve electronic rights to the illustrator graph 13)
unless the client negotiates and pays for spe-
Specify a time for payment of cancellation
cific electronic rights. (Paragraph 3)
fees, such as within thirty days of clients
stopping work or the delivery of finished art,
All rights not granted to the client should be whichever occurs first. (Paragraph 13)
reserved to the illustrator, including rights in
sketches and any other preliminary mate- Require the client to return the art within
rials. (Paragraph 4) thirty days after use. (Paragraph 14)

The fee must be specified, including the obli- Review the standard provisions in the intro-
gation of the client to pay sales taxes. (Para- ductory pages and compare with Para-
graph 5) graph 17.

Any expenses, including markups, that the Review the negotiation checklist for Form 2,
client will reimburse to the illustrator should especially if Form 1 is going to be used
be specified to avoid misunderstandings. without Form 2 or if the illustrator is
(Paragraph 7) reviewing a purchase order or contract pro-
vided by the client.
If expenses will be significant, provide for an
advance against expenses. (Paragraph 7)

Require payment within thirty days of


delivery of the finished art. (Paragraph 8)

Specify advances to be paid against the fee,


either on signing the contract, on approval of
sketches, or at both times. A schedule of pay-
ments is especially important for an exten-
sive job. (Paragraph 9)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

< Illustrators Letterhead >


Estimate

Client ________________________________________________________________ Date _________________________


Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Client Purchase Order Number ___________________________________________ Job Number _________________

This Estimate is based on the specifications and terms that follow. If the Client confirms that the Illustrator should pro-
ceed with the assignment based on this Estimate, it is understood that the assignment shall be subject to the terms
shown on this Estimate and that Client shall sign a Confirmation of Assignment form incorporating the same specifi-
cations and terms. If the assignment proceeds without a Confirmation of Assignment being signed by both parties,
the assignment shall be governed by the terms and conditions contained in this Estimate.

1. Description. The Illustrator shall create the Work in accordance with the following specifications:
Subject matter _____________________________________________________________________________________
Number of illustrations in color _____________________ Number of illustrations in black and white ___________
Size of illustrations ________________________________ Medium for illustrations __________________________
Other specifications ________________________________________________________________________________
2. Due Date. Sketches shall be delivered within _____ days after either the Clients authorization to commence
work or, if the Client is to provide reference, layouts, or specifications, after the Client has provided same to the
Illustrator, whichever occurs later. Finished art shall be delivered _____ days after the approval of sketches by
the Client.
3. Grant of Rights. Upon receipt of full payment, the Illustrator shall grant to the Client the following rights in
the finished art:
For use as ________________________________________________________________________________________
For the product or publication named __________________________________________________________________
In the following territory _____________________________________________________________________________
For the following time period __________________________________________________________________________
Other limitations _____________________________________________________________________________________
With respect to the usage shown above, the Client shall have exclusive nonexclusive rights.
If the finished art is for use as a contribution to a magazine, the grant of rights shall be first North American serial
rights only, unless specified to the contrary above.
This grant of rights does not include electronic rights, unless specified to the contrary here ____________________
in which event the usage restrictions shown above shall be applicable. For purposes of this agreement, electronic
rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such
media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.
4. Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted shall be reserved to the Illustrator, including but not lim-
ited to all rights in sketches, comps, or other preliminary materials.
5. Fee. Client shall pay the purchase price of $_______ for the usage rights granted. Client shall also pay sales
tax, if required.
6. Additional Usage. If Client wishes to make any additional uses of the Work, Client shall seek permission from
the Illustrator and pay an additional fee to be agreed upon.
7. Expenses. Client shall reimburse the Illustrator for the following expenses: Messenger Models Props
Travel Telephone Other ______________________________________________________. At the time of
signing the Confirmation of Assignment or the commencement of work, whichever is first, Client shall pay Illustrator
$_______ as a nonrefundable advance against expenses. If the advance exceeds expenses incurred, the credit
balance shall be used to reduce the fee payable, or, if the fee has been fully paid, shall be reimbursed to Client.

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ESTIMATE

08. Payment. Client shall pay the Illustrator within thirty (30) days of the date of Illustrators billing, which shall be
dated as of the date of delivery of the finished art. In the event that work is postponed at the request of the Client,
the Illustrator shall have the right to bill pro rata for work completed through the date of that request, while
reserving all other rights. Overdue payments shall be subject to interest charges of _____ percent monthly.
09. Advances. At the time of signing the Confirmation of Assignment or the commencement of work, whichever is
first, Client shall pay Illustrator ____ percent of the fee as an advance against the total fee. Upon approval of
sketches, Client shall pay Illustrator ____ percent of the fee as an advance against the total fee.
10. Revisions. The Illustrator shall be given the first opportunity to make any revisions requested by the Client. If the
revisions are not due to any fault on the part of the Illustrator, an additional fee shall be charged. If the Illustrator
objects to any revisions to be made by the Client, the Illustrator shall have the right to have his or her name
removed from the published Work.
11. Copyright Notice. Copyright notice in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when
it is reproduced.
12. Authorship Credit. Authorship credit in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when
it is reproduced. If the finished art is used as a contribution to a magazine or for a book, authorship credit shall
be given unless specified to the contrary in the preceding sentence.
13. Cancellation. In the event of cancellation by the Client, the following cancellation payment shall be paid by the
Client: (A) cancellation prior to the finished art being turned in: ____ percent of fee, (B) cancellation due to fin-
ished art being unsatisfactory: ______ percent of fee, and (C) cancellation for any other reason after the finished
art is turned in: ______ percent of fee. In the event of cancellation, the Client shall also pay any expenses incurred
by the Illustrator and the Illustrator shall own all rights in the Work. The billing upon cancellation shall be payable
within thirty (30) days of the Clients notification to stop work or the delivery of the finished art, whichever occurs
sooner.
14. Ownership and Return of Artwork. The ownership of original artwork, including sketches and any other mate-
rials created in the process of making the finished art, shall remain with the Illustrator. All such artwork shall be
returned to the Illustrator by bonded messenger, air freight, or registered mail within thirty days (30) of the Clients
completing its use of the artwork. Based on the specifications for the Work, a reasonable value for the original,
finished art is $___________.
15. Permissions and Releases. The Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Illustrator against any and all
claims, costs, and expenses, including attorneys fees, due to materials included in the work at the request of
the Client for which no copyright permission or privacy release was requested or uses that exceed the uses
allowed pursuant to a permission or release.
16. Arbitration. All disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration before ______________________ in the following
location _____________________________ and settled in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitra-
tion Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than $____________ shall not be subject to this arbitra-
tion provision.
17. Miscellany. If the Client authorizes the Illustrator to commence work, the terms of this Estimate Form shall be
binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives; the Estimate Form con-
stitutes the entire understanding between the parties; its terms can be modified only by an instrument in writing
signed by both parties, except that the Client may authorize expenses and revisions orally; a waiver of a breach
of any of its provisions shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other pro-
visions hereof; and the relationship between the Client and Illustrator shall be governed by the laws of the State
of _______________________.

Illustrator ____________________________________

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Confirmation of Assignment FORM

2
F orm 2, the Confirmation of Assignment, fol-
lows Form 1, the Estimate, almost exactly.
Paragraph 13, state the percentages of the total
fee that will be paid for cancellation at various
Ideally, the client will review the estimate and stages of work. In Paragraph 14, fill in a value
request whatever changes are necessary. Then, for the original art. In Paragraph 16, specify who
both client and illustrator will sign Form 2 to will arbitrate disputes, where this will be done,
make a binding contract. If Form 1 has not been and give the maximum amount that can be sued
given to the client, or if an estimate has been for in small claims court. In Paragraph 17, give
used that only gives limited information such as the state whose laws will govern the contract.
a project description and a price, then it is even Both parties should then sign the contract.
more important to use Form 2. By signing Form
2 before the commencement of the assignment,
the parties resolve many of the issues likely to Negotiation Checklist
cause disputes. Since the goal with any client is Describe the assignment in as much detail as
to create a long-term relationship, the avoidance possible, attaching another sheet to the con-
of needless disputes is a very positive step. If the tract if necessary (in which case the line for
client requests changes in Form 2, the illustrator subject matter would refer to the attached
can certainly make revisions. Nonetheless, the sheet). (Paragraph 1)
agreement between the parties will be clear,
which promotes creating the best art and a long- Give a due date for sketches, which can be
term business relationship. expressed as a number of days after clients
approval for illustrator to start work.
(Paragraph 2)
Filling in the Form
Fill in the date and the names and addresses for If the client is to provide reference materials,
the client and the illustrator. In Paragraph 1, the due date should be expressed as a
describe the assignment in detail, attaching an number of days after the illustrators receipt
additional sheet to the form if needed. Give the of these materials. (Paragraph 2)
illustrators number for the job and the number
of any purchase order given by the client. In The due date for finishes should be expressed
Paragraph 2, specify how many days it will take as a number of days after the clients
to go from starting work to sketches and from approval of sketches. (Paragraph 2)
approval of sketches to finished art. In
Paragraph 3, give the limitations on the rights Time should not be of the essence.
granted and specify whether the clients rights
are exclusive or nonexclusive. In Paragraph 5, State that illness or other delays beyond the
state the fee. In Paragraph 7, specify the types of control of the illustrator will extend the due
expenses to be reimbursed by the client and the date, but only up to a limited number of days.
amount of any advance to be paid against
expenses. In Paragraph 8, give a monthly State that the grant of rights takes place when
interest rate for late payments. Fill in Paragraph the illustrator is paid in full. (Paragraph 3)
9 if advances on the fee are to be paid. Check the
boxes in Paragraphs 11 and 12 to indicate Limit the grant of rights to the finished art, so
whether copyright notice or authorship credit that rights in sketches or other work products
will be given in the name of the illustrator. In are not transferred. (Paragraph 3)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Specify whether the clients use of the art will If the grant of electronic rights is included,
be exclusive or nonexclusive. (Paragraph 3) consider whether an additional fee should be
paid. This might take the form of a reuse fee
Limit the exclusivity to the particular use the and be a percentage, such as 25 or 50 percent,
client will make of the art, such as for a book of the initial fee. If the electronic usage is the
jacket, point-of-purchase ad, or direct-mail first and only use, of course, no reuse fee
brochure. This leaves the illustrator free to would be payable. If the electronic and non-
resell the art for other uses. (Paragraph 3) electronic uses occur at the same time, the
negotiation to set the initial fee might settle
Name the product or publication on which on an amount adequate to cover both types
the illustration will appear. (Paragraph 3) of usage. However, if one usage comes before
the other (most likely nonelectronic before
Give a geographic limitation, such as local, electronic), a reuse fee might be appropriate.
regional, the United States, or North America.
(Paragraph 3) Make any grant of electronic rights subject to
all the limitations as to type of use, language,
Limit the time period of use. (Paragraph 3) product or publication, territory, time period,
exclusivity or nonexclusivity, and other limi-
Other limitations might include the number tations. (Paragraph 3)
of uses. One-time use, for example, means
that the illustration cannot be given other Do not allow electronic usages to involve
uses. Or the use might be restricted to one abridgments, expansions, or combinations
form of a book, such as hardcover, which with other works unless specified in the con-
would mean that the illustrator would receive tract. This can be set forth under other limi-
reuse fees for subsequent use in paperback. Or tations. (Paragraph 3)
the use might be for only one printing of a
book, so a second printing would require a If possible, when electronic rights are given,
reuse fee. It might also specify the size of the limit the form of the electronic usage to
illustrations usage, such as a spot as opposed known systems such as CD-ROM, online, or
to a full page. The concept behind such limita- database.
tions is that fees are based on the type and
number of usages. (Paragraph 3) For electronic rights, seek to avoid a situation
in which the party acquiring the rights will
For contributions to magazines, the sale of make them freely available to the public (for
first North American serial rights is common. example, by allowing downloading from a
This gives the magazine the right to be the Web site), unless that is intended by the illus-
first magazine to make a one-time use of the trator. The restriction might take the form of
illustration in North America. This could be a grant of display rights only, so that the
limited to first United States serial rights. If party acquiring the rights would not allow
no agreement about rights is made for a mag- users to make digital copies.
azine contribution, the copyright law pro-
vides that the magazine has a nonexclusive All rights not granted to the client should be
right to use the illustration as many times as reserved to the illustrator, including rights in
it wishes in issues of the magazine but can sketches and any other preliminary mate-
make no other uses. (Paragraph 3) rials. (Paragraph 4)

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CONFIRMATION OF ASSIGNMENT

If the client insists on all rights or work for hire, receives the art back without changes) would
offer instead a provision stating, Illustrator not be subject to sales tax. However, the laws
shall not permit any uses of the art that com- vary widely from state to state. The illustrator
pete with or impair the use of the art by the must check the law in his or her state, since the
Client. If necessary to reassure the client, this failure to collect and pay sales tax can result in
might also state, The Illustrator shall submit substantial liability. (Paragraph 5)
any proposed uses to the Client for approval,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld. If additional usage rights are sought by the
client, additional fees should be agreed upon
Many illustrators refuse to do work for hire, and paid. (Paragraph 6)
since the client becomes the author under the
copyright law. The illustrator can point out to If it is likely that a certain type of additional
the client that work for hire devalues and can usage will be made, the amount of the reuse
damage the creative process. fee can be specified. Or the reuse fees,
including for electronic reuses, can be
In the face of a demand for all rights or work expressed as a percentage of the original fee,
for hire, advise the client that fees are based
on rights of usage. The fee for all rights or Any expenses that the client will reimburse
work for hire should be substantially higher to the illustrator should be specified to avoid
than that for limited usage. misunderstandings. (Paragraph 7)

If the work is highly specific to one client, If expenses are going to be marked up, this
selling all rights for a higher fee would be should be stated. The rationale for marking up
more acceptable than for a work likely to expenses is that the expenditure ties up the
have resale value for the illustrator. illustrators funds until he or she receives
reimbursement and makes extra paperwork
If the client demands a buyout, find out for the illustrator. If expenses are modest, how-
how the client defines this. It can mean the ever, most illustrators cover them in the fee.
purchase of all rights in the copyright, it may
be work for hire, and it may or may not If expenses will be significant, provide for an
involve purchasing the physical art as well as advance against expenses. (Paragraph 7)
the copyright.
Specify that any advance against expenses is
Do not allow the client to assign usage rights nonrefundable unless, of course, the
without the consent of the illustrator, since expenses are not incurred. (Paragraph 7)
the client may benefit from reuse fees that
more appropriately belong to the illustrator. If the client insists on a binding budget for
expenses, provide for some flexibility, such as
The fee must be specified. (Paragraph 5) a 10 percent variance, or for client's approval
of expense items that exceed the variance.
The obligation of the client to pay sales tax
should be included. Many states charge sales Require payment within thirty days of
tax on the transfer if a physical object is sold delivery of the finished art. (Paragraph 8)
to or altered by the client, while sales of
reproduction rights (where the illustrator Avoid a usurious interest rate. (Paragraph 8)

21
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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Deal with the issue of payment for work-in- State whether copyright notice in the illus-
progress that is postponed but not cancelled, trators name will be required to appear with
perhaps by pro rata billing. (Paragraph 8) the art. (Paragraph 11)

Specify advances to be paid against the fee, State whether the illustrator will receive
either on signing the contract, on approval of name credit with the art. (Paragraph 12)
sketches, or at both times. A schedule of pay-
ments is especially important for an exten- For editorial work, require authorship credit
sive job. (Paragraph 9) as the general rule. One of the values of edi-
torial work is its promotional impact, so
State that any advances against the fee are name credit is important.
nonrefundable. This is not included in
Paragraph 9 because of the interplay with the Specify that the type size for authorship
cancellation provision in Paragraph 13. credit shall be no smaller than the type
around the illustration and that the credit
Revisions can be a problem. Certainly the must be adjacent to the illustration.
illustrator should be given the first opportu-
nity to make revisions. (Paragraph 10) If authorship credit should be given but is
omitted, require payment of an additional fee.
If revisions are the fault of the illustrator, no
additional fee should be charged. However, if Fees for cancellation at different stages of the
the client changes the nature of the assign- assignment must be specified. This very
ment, additional fees must be charged for much depends on the work patterns of the
revisions. (Paragraph 10) illustrator. For example, sketches may be
very rough or they may be nearly finished
Consider limiting the amount of time the art. Cancellation fees might be 50 percent of
illustrator must spend on revisions, whether the total fee for rejection of sketches or for
or not the revisions are the illustrator's fault. unsatisfactory finished art, but 100 percent
for cancellation for any other reason once art
If the client ultimately has revisions done by has been turned in. The illustrator must also
someone else, the illustrator should reserve be reimbursed for expenses incurred.
the right to have his or her name removed (Paragraph 13)
from the art. (Paragraph 10)
State that the illustrator shall own all rights in
With respect to revisions or the assignment the work in the event of cancellation.
itself, additional charges might be specified (Paragraph 13)
for work that must be rushed and requires
unusual hours or other stresses. Specify a time for payment of cancellation
fees, such as within thirty days of clients
Any revisions or changes in the assignment stopping work or of the delivery of finished
should be documented in writing, if possible, art, whichever comes first. (Paragraph 13)
since there may be a question later as to
whether the changes were approved and Never work on speculation (a situation in
whether they came within the initial descrip- which no fees will be paid in the event of can-
tion of the project. (Paragraphs 10 and 17) cellation or a failure to use the work).

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CONFIRMATION OF ASSIGNMENT

Specify that if the illustration is not published If there is a warranty and indemnity provi-
within a certain time period, the rights shall sion, try to be covered under any publishers
revert to the illustrator. This would avoid, for liability insurance policy owned by the client
example, a situation in which a magazine and ask the client to cover the deductible.
purchases first North American serial rights
but never uses the illustration. Since the illus- If the client insists on a warranty and indem-
trator cannot make use of the illustration nity provision, seek to limit the illustrator's
until after publication, the failure to publish liability to a specified amount. For example,
would be damaging to the illustrator. liability might be limited to the amount of the
fee for the assignment.
State that the illustrator owns the finished art
and any preliminary sketches or materials. Require the client to indemnify the illustrator
(Paragraph 14) if the client wants certain materials to be
included in the illustration but does not
request that the illustrator obtain needed
If preliminary sketches are published, the fee
copyright permissions or privacy releases or
should increase to the price for finished art.
uses the illustration in a way that exceeds the
use allowed by the permissions or releases.
If physical art is to be sold, a separate price
(Paragraph 15)
should be specified.
Specify that the illustrator will receive sam-
Require the client to return the art within ples of the work as actually used, since such
thirty days after use. (Paragraph 14)
samples have value as portfolio pieces.
Specify a safe method for the return of the art. Provide for arbitration, except for amounts
(Paragraph 14) that can be sued for in small claims court.
(Paragraph 16)
Indicate a value for the art, which can serve
as a basis for damages if the client does not Review the standard provisions in the
take reasonable care of it. introductory pages and compare with Para-
graph 17.
Raise the standard of care that the client must
give the art, such as making the client strictly
liable for loss or damage to the art while it is
in the clients possession or even in transit.

Require the client to insure the art at the


value specified for it.

Try not to give a warranty and indemnity


provision in which the illustrator states the
work is not a copyright infringement and not
libelous and agrees to pay for the clients
damages and attorneys fees if this is not true
(falsity would be a breach of warranty).

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Confirmation of Assignment

AGREEMENT entered into as of the _____ day of __________, 20___, between _________________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Client), located at ___________________________________________________________,
and _____________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator),
located at ___________________________________________________________________________________________,
with respect to the creation of certain illustrations (hereinafter referred to as the Work).
WHEREAS, Illustrator is a professional illustrator of good standing;
WHEREAS, Client wishes the Illustrator to create certain Work described more fully herein; and
WHEREAS, Illustrator wishes to create such Work.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Description. The Illustrator agrees to create the Work in accordance with the following specifications:
Subject matter _____________________________________________________________________________________
Number of illustrations in color ___________________ Number of illustrations in black and white ________
Size of illustrations ______________________________ Medium for illustrations ________________________
Other specifications ________________________________________________________________________________
Client purchase order number ________________________________________ Job number ____________________
2. Due Date. The Illustrator agrees to deliver sketches within _____ days after the later of the signing of this
Agreement or, if the Client is to provide reference, layouts, or specifications, after the Client has provided same
to the Illustrator. Finished art shall be delivered _____ days after the approval of sketches by the Client.
3. Grant of Rights. Upon receipt of full payment, the Illustrator grants to the Client the following rights in the fin-
ished art:
For use as _________________________________________________________________________________________
For the product or publication named __________________________________________________________________
In the following territory ______________________________________________________________________________
For the following time period __________________________________________________________________________
Other limitations ____________________________________________________________________________________
With respect to the usage shown above, the Client shall have exclusive nonexclusive rights.
If the finished art is for use as a contribution to a magazine, the grant of rights shall be for first North American
serial rights only unless specified to the contrary above.
This grant of rights does not include electronic rights, unless specified to the contrary here _____________________
in which event the usage restrictions shown above shall be applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, electronic
rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such
media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.
4. Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted hereunder are reserved to the Illustrator, including but not
limited to all rights in sketches, comps, or other preliminary materials.
5. Fee. Client agrees to pay the purchase price of $_______ for the usage rights granted. Client agrees to pay sales
tax, if required.
6. Additional Usage. If Client wishes to make any additional uses of the Work, Client agrees to seek permission
from the Illustrator and make such payments as are agreed to between the parties at that time.
7. Expenses. Client agrees to reimburse the Illustrator for the following expenses: Messengers Models
Props Travel Telephone Other _______________________________________________________________.
At the time of signing this Agreement, Client shall pay Illustrator $_______ as a nonrefundable advance against
expenses. If the advance exceeds expenses incurred, the credit balance shall be used to reduce the fee
payable or, if the fee has been fully paid, shall be reimbursed to Client.

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CONFIRMATION OF ASSIGNMENT

08. Payment. Client agrees to pay the Illustrator within thirty (30) days of the date of Illustrators billing, which shall
be dated as of the date of delivery of the finished art. In the event that work is postponed at the request of the
Client, the Illustrator shall have the right to bill pro rata for work completed through the date of that request,
while reserving all other rights under this Agreement. Overdue payments shall be subject to interest charges
of _____ percent monthly.
09. Advances. At the time of signing this Agreement, Client shall pay Illustrator ____ percent of the fee as an
advance against the total fee. Upon approval of sketches, Client shall pay Illustrator ____ percent of the fee as
an advance against the total fee.
10. Revisions. The Illustrator shall be given the first opportunity to make any revisions requested by the Client. If
the revisions are not due to any fault on the part of the Illustrator, an additional fee shall be charged. If the
Illustrator objects to any revisions to be made by the Client, the Illustrator shall have the right to have his or her
name removed from the published Work.
11. Copyright Notice. Copyright notice in the Illustrator's name shall shall not be published with the Work.
12. Authorship Credit. Authorship credit in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work
when it is reproduced. If the finished art is used as a contribution to a magazine or for a book, authorship credit
shall be given unless specified to the contrary in the preceding sentence.
13. Cancellation. In the event of cancellation by the Client, the following cancellation payment shall be paid by the
Client: (A) cancellation prior to the finished art being turned in: ____ percent of fee, (B) cancellation due to fin-
ished art being unsatisfactory: ____ percent of fee, and (C) cancellation for any other reason after the finished
art is turned in: ____ percent of fee. In the event of cancellation, the Client shall also pay any expenses incurred
by the Illustrator and the Illustrator shall own all rights in the Work. The billing upon cancellation shall be payable within
thirty (30) days of the Clients notification to stop work or the delivery of the finished art, whichever occurs sooner.
14. Ownership and Return of Artwork. The ownership of original artwork, including sketches and any other mate-
rials created in the process of making the finished art, shall remain with the Illustrator. All such artwork shall be
returned to the Illustrator by bonded messenger, air freight, or registered mail within thirty days of the Clients
completing its use of the artwork. The parties agree that the value of the original finished art is $______.
15. Permissions and Releases. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Illustrator against any and
all claims, costs, and expenses, including attorneys fees, due to materials included in the Work at the request
of the Client for which no copyright permission or privacy release was requested or uses that exceed those
allowed pursuant to a permission or release.
16. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
______________________ in the following location __________________________ and settled in accordance with
the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any
court having jurisdiction thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than $____________ shall not be
subject to this arbitration provision.
17. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can
be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties, except that the Client may authorize
expenses or revisions orally. A waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be con-
strued as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall
be governed by the laws of the State of ___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator _________________________________ Client __________________________________


Company Name

By _____________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Invoice and FORM FORM


Basic Invoice
3 3A

F orm 3, the Invoice, is rendered to the client


when the assignment is completed. It can be
above, this would not be necessary if the illus-
trator definitely had a confirmation of assign-
handed over with the final art or after the final art ment signed by both parties. If an estimate alone
has been approved. If Form 2, the Confirmation has been supplied or the client has not signed the
of Assignment, has already been signed by the estimate or a confirmation of assignment, ambi-
client, then the invoice can be quite simple (such guity remains as to the terms, and repeating the
as Form 3A, the Basic Invoice). It need only terms (on the invoice) may be of value since pay-
supply the fee, any expenses to be reimbursed, ment based on the invoice may be viewed by a
plus any sales tax; subtract advances paid against court or arbitrator as acquiesence to its terms
either the fee or the expenses; and show a total (although this cannot be guaranteed).
due. The time for payment would be that speci- The negotiation checklist covers the terms
fied in Form 2, probably thirty days after delivery that an invoice would need to contain if a con-
of art (although the illustrator could certainly firmation of assignment has been signed by the
require payment on delivery, if the client is set up client. If a confirmation of assignment has not
to pay that quickly). The title or description of the been signed by the client, the negotiation check-
assignment would be referred to along with the list for Form 2 should also be reviewed.
clients purchase order number or the illus-
trators job number. Return of the original art
would be required. Restating the rights granted Filling in the Form
would also be wise. Use the illustrators letterhead at the top of the
Form 3 really cannot replace Form 1, the form. Give the date, the clients name and
Estimate, or Form 2, the Confirmation of address, the clients purchase order number, and
Assignment. Waiting until after an assignment is the illustrators job number. State the fee,
completed to show the terms and conditions expenses to be reimbursed, charges for revi-
that the illustrator wants to govern the assign- sions, advances (in parentheses to show that
ment is asking for trouble. If the client has not they should be subtracted to arrive at the total
already given the illustrator a form with terms due); determine the balance, add any necessary
that contradict the invoice, the client may well sales tax; and show the balance due. (This infor-
respond to the terms of the invoice by payment mation, plus a brief description of the assign-
with a check that has writing on its back that ment and the date on which the Confirmation of
contradicts the terms of the invoice. Such a situ- Assignment was signed, would complete Form
ation is filled with ambiguity and places at risk 3A, the Basic Invoice.) In Paragraph 1, describe
the business relationship. If the parties review the assignment briefly. In Paragraph 2, specify
proposed terms prior to working together, a dis- when the finished art was delivered. In
agreement can be resolved or the parties can Paragraph 3, give the limitations on the rights
agree not to work together on that particular granted and specify whether the clients rights
project. Once the work has been done, disagree- are exclusive or nonexclusive. In Paragraph 5,
ment over terms is far more difficult to resolve state the fee. In Paragraph 7, show the amount of
and is likely to leave the kind of bad feeling that any advance paid against expenses. In Paragraph
makes future ventures dubious. 8, give a monthly interest rate for late payments.
The invoice repeats almost exactly all the Fill in Paragraph 9 if advances on the fee were
terms that either the estimate or the confirmation paid. Check the boxes in Paragraphs 11 and 12 to
of assignment would have contained. As stated indicate whether copyright notice or authorship

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

credit will be given in the name of the illustrator. Require payment within thirty days of
In Paragraph 13, state the percentages of the delivery of the finished art. (Paragraph 8)
total fee payable for cancellation at various
stages of work. In Paragraph 14, fill in a value State the amount of any advances paid
for the original art. In Paragraph 16, specify who against the fee. (Paragraph 9)
will arbitrate disputes, where this will be done,
and give the maximum amount that can be sued If the client has changed the nature of the
for in small claims court. In Paragraph 17, give assignment, additional fees must be charged
the state whose laws will govern the contract. for revisions. (Paragraph 10)
Both parties should then sign the contract.
With respect to revisions or the assignment
itself, additional charges might be billed for
work that had to be rushed or required
Negotiation Checklist unusual hours or other stresses.
Describe the assignment briefly. (Paragraph 1)
State whether the illustrator's copyright notice
Give the date of delivery of finished art. will appear with the art. (Paragraph 11)
(Paragraph 2)
State whether the illustrator will receive
State that the grant of rights takes place when name credit with the art. (Paragraph 12)
the illustrator is paid in full. (Paragraph 3)
If authorship credit should be given but is
Limit the grant of rights and specify whether omitted, require payment of an additional fee.
the clients use of the art will be exclusive or
nonexclusive. (Paragraph 3) Fees for cancellation at different stages of the
assignment should be restated. (Paragraph 13)
Limit the rights granted to finished art only.
(Paragraph 3) State that the illustrator shall own all rights in
the work in the event of cancellation. (Para-
All rights not granted to the client should be graph 13)
reserved to the illustrator, including rights in
sketches and any other preliminary mate- Specify a time for payment of cancellation fees,
rials. (Paragraph 4) such as within thirty days of either the clients
stopping work or the delivery of finished art,
The fee plus any sales tax must be specified. whichever occurs first. (Paragraph 13)
(Paragraph 5)
Specify that if the illustration is not published
Detail the nature and amount of expenses within a certain time period, the rights shall
that the client must reimburse to the illus- revert to the illustrator.
trator. (Paragraph 7)
State that the illustrator owns the finished art
State the amount of any advance given and any preliminary sketches or materials.
against expenses. (Paragraph 7) (Paragraph 14)

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INVOICE AND BASIC INVOICE

If preliminary sketches are published, the fee


should increase to the price for finished art.

If physical art is to be sold, a separate price


should be specified.

Require the client to return the art within


thirty days after use. (Paragraph 14)

Specify a safe method for the return of the art.


(Paragraph 14)

Indicate a value for the art, which can serve


as a basis for damages if the client does not
take reasonable care of it.

Require the client to indemnify the illustrator


if the client provides certain materials to be
included in the illustration but does not
request that the illustrator obtain needed
copyright permissions or privacy releases or
uses the illustration in a way that exceeds the
use allowed by the permissions or releases.
(Paragraph 15)

Provide for arbitration, except for amounts


that can be sued for in small claims court.
(Paragraph 16)

Review the standard provisions in the intro-


ductory pages and compare with Paragraph
17.

Especially if the client has not signed Form 2,


the Confirmation of Assignment, review the
negotiation checklist for Form 2.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

< Illustrators Letterhead >


Invoice
Client ________________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Client Purchase Order Number ___________________________________________ Job Number ____________________

Fee............................................ $_________

Expenses.................................. $_________

Revisions................................... $_________

Advances.................................. ($_________)

Balance..................................... $_________

Sales tax................................... $_________


Balance due............................. $_____
_____

This Invoice is subject to the terms and conditions that follow.

1. Description. The Illustrator has created and delivered to Client _______________________ illustrations for the fol-
lowing project ______________________________________________________________________________________.

2. Delivery Date. The finished art was delivered on ___________, 20____.

3. Grant of Rights. Upon receipt of full payment, Illustrator shall grant to the Client the following rights in the fin-
ished art:
For use as _________________________________ For the product or publication named _____________________
In the following territory ______________________ For the following time period _____________________________
Other limitations ________________________________________________________________________ ______________
With respect to the usage shown above, the Client shall have exclusive nonexclusive rights.
If the finished art is for use as a contribution to a magazine, the grant of rights shall be first North American serial
rights only, unless specified to the contrary above.
This grant of rights does not include electronic rights, unless specified to the contrary here____________________
in which event the usage restrictions shown above shall be applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, electronic
rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such
media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.

4. Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted are reserved to the Illustrator, including but not limited
to all rights in sketches, comps, or other preliminary materials.

5. Fee. Client shall pay the purchase price of $_______ for the usage rights granted. Client shall also pay sales tax,
if required.

6. Additional Usage. If Client wishes to make any additional uses of the Work, Client shall seek permission from
the Illustrator and pay an additional fee to be agreed upon.

7. Expenses. If Illustrator incurred reimbursable expenses, a listing of such expenses is attached to this Invoice
with copies of supporting documentation. Illustrator has received $____________ as an advance against expenses.

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INVOICE AND BASIC INVOICE

08. Payment. Payment is due to the Illustrator within thirty (30) days of the date of this Invoice, which is dated as
of the date of delivery of the finished art. Overdue payments shall be subject to interest charges of ________
percent monthly.

09. Advances. Illustrator received $______ as an advance against the total fee.

10. Revisions. The Illustrator shall be given the first opportunity to make any revisions requested by the Client. If
the revisions are not due to any fault on the part of the Illustrator, an additional fee shall be charged. If the
Illustrator objects to any revisions to be made by the Client, the Illustrator shall have the right to have his or her
name removed from the published Work.

11. Copyright Notice. Copyright notice in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when
it is reproduced.

12. Authorship Credit. Authorship credit in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work
when it is reproduced. If the finished art is used as a contribution to a magazine or for a book, authorship credit
shall be given unless specified to the contrary in the preceding sentence.

13. Cancellation. In the event of cancellation by the Client, the amount charged to the Client as the fee in this
Invoice has been computed as follows based on the fee originally agreed upon: (A) cancellation prior to the
finished art being turned in: ____ percent of fee, (B) cancellation due to finished art being unsatisfactory: ____
percent of fee, and (C) cancellation for any other reason after the finished art is turned in: ____ percent of fee.
In the event of cancellation, the Client shall pay any expenses incurred by the Illustrator and the Illustrator shall
own all rights in the Work. The Invoice upon cancellation is payable within thirty (30) days of the Clients notifi-
cation to stop work or the delivery of the finished art, whichever occurs sooner.

14. Ownership and Return of Artwork. The ownership of original artwork, including sketches and any other mate-
rials created in the process of making the finished art, shall remain with the Illustrator. All such artwork shall be
returned to the Illustrator by bonded messenger, air freight, or registered mail within thirty (30) days of the
Clients completing its use of the artwork. A reasonable value for the original, finished art is $______.

15. Permissions and Releases. The Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Illustrator against any and all
claims, costs, and expenses, including attorneys fees, due to materials included in the Work at the request of
the Client for which no copyright permission or privacy release was requested or uses which exceed the uses
allowed pursuant to a permission or release.

16. Arbitration. All disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration before ______________________ in the fol-
lowing location ___________________________ and settled in accordance with the rules of the American
Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than $__________ shall not be subject to this arbitration
provision.

17. Miscellany. This Invoice shall be governed by the laws of the State of _________________.

Illustrator ________________________________

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

< Illustrators Letterhead >


Basic Invoice

Client _______________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Client Purchase Order Number __________________________________________ Job Number ____________________

Assignment Description ________________________________________________________________________________

Fee............................................ $_________

Expenses.................................. $_________

Revisions................................... $_________

Advances.................................. ($_________)

Balance..................................... $_________

Sales tax................................... $_________

Balance due............................. $__________

This Invoice is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Confirmation of Assignment dated _____________.

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IllustratorAgent Contract FORM

A n agent can be of immeasurable value to an


illustrator. Instead of seeking assignments, the
make a payout to the agent, either in a lump
sum or in installments over several years. If the
illustrator can devote full time to creative work relationship was brief and unsuccessful, then, of
and trust that the agent will provide marketing course, the agent should have no rights at termi-
impetus. The cost to the illustrator is the agents nation except to collect commissions for assign-
commission, which is usually 25 percent, but the ments obtained prior to termination.
hope is that the agent will enable the illustrator The agent would usually handle billings and
to earn more. The agent may have better con- provide accountings. The illustrator would want
tacts and be able to secure a better quality of to be able to review the books and records of the
client and more remunerative assignments. agent. Since both the illustrator and agent pro-
The agent should not be given markets in vide personal services, the contract should not
which he or she cannot effectively sell. For be assignable.
example, an agent in New York may not be able A distinction has to be made between an
to sell in Los Angeles or London. Nor should the agent obtaining assignments and obtaining a
agent be given exclusivity in markets in which book contract. The agent for an author receives a
the illustrator may want to sell or want to have commission of 1015 percent, compared to the
other agents sell. The term of the contract should 25 percent charged by an illustrators agent. If an
not be overly long, or should be subject to a right agent arranges an assignment for a book jacket
of termination on notice. While the agent may or a limited number of illustrations in a book,
promise to use best efforts, such a promise is the 25 percent commission is reasonable. But if
almost impossible to enforce. If the agent fails to the illustrator is to be the author or coauthor of a
sell, the illustrator must take over sales or find book, it might be fairer to reduce the commis-
another agent. sion to the 1015 percent range. One considera-
Promotion is an important aspect of the tion might be whether the illustrator receives a
agents work for the illustrator. The illustrator flat fee or a royalty, since receiving a royalty
will have to provide sufficient samples for the makes the illustrator more like an author.
agent to work effectively. Beyond this, direct- A good source to locate agents is the member-
mail campaigns and paid advertising in promo- ship list for the Society of Photographer and
tional directories may gain clients. The sharing Artist Representatives (SPAR), 60 East 42nd
of such promotional expenses must be agreed to Street, Suite 1166, New York, NY 10165.
between the illustrator and agent.
One sticky issue can be house accounts:
clients of the illustrator not obtained by the Filling in the Form
agent. Both the definition of house accounts and In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names
the commission paid to the agent on such and addresses of the illustrator and agent. In
accounts must be negotiated. Termination raises Paragraph 1, indicate the geographical area and
another difficult issue, since the agent may feel markets in which the agent will represent the
that commissions should continue to be paid for illustrator and whether the representation will
assignments obtained after termination from be exclusive or nonexclusive. In Paragraph 5, fill
clients originally contacted by the agent. There in the commission rates. In Paragraph 6, check
are several approaches to resolve this. The agent the party responsible for billings. In Paragraph
may be given a continuing right to commissions 7, indicate the time for payment after receipt of
for a limited time depending on how long the fees and the interest rate for late payments. In
representation lasted. Or the illustrator may Paragraph 8, indicate how promotional expenses

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

will be shared. In Paragraph 11, state when and State that any contract negotiated by the agent
for how long the agent shall have a right to com- is not binding unless signed by the illustrator.
missions after termination. In Paragraph 13, give
the names of arbitrators and the place for arbitra- If the illustrator is willing to give the agent
tion, as well as the maximum amount that can be power of attorney so the agent can sign on
sued for in small claims court. In Paragraph 17, behalf of the illustrator, the power of
fill in which states laws will govern the contract. attorney should be very specific as to what
Both parties should sign the contract and, if nec- rights the agent can exercise.
essary, fill in the Schedule of House Accounts by
listing the names and addresses of clients. Require that the agent keep confidential all
matters handled for the illustrator.

Give the illustrator the right to accept or


reject any assignment that is obtained by the
Negotiation Checklist agent. (Paragraph 2)
Limit the scope of the agents representation
by geography and types of markets, Specify the samples to be supplied to the
including coverage of electronic rights. agent by the illustrator. (Paragraph 3)
(Paragraph 1)
If the samples are valuable, agree as to their
State whether the representation is exclusive value.
or nonexclusive. (Paragraph 1) If the repre-
sentation is exclusive, the agent will have a Require the agent to insure the samples at
right to commissions on assignments the value agreed to.
obtained by other agents. Assignments
obtained by the illustrator would fall under Raise the agents responsibility for the sam-
the house account provision in Paragraph 5. ples to strict liability for any loss or damage.

If the agent uses other agents for certain mar- Provide for a short term, such as one year.
kets (for example, for foreign sales or film sales), (Paragraph 4) This interplays with the termi-
review the impact of this on commissions. nation provision. Since termination is per-
mitted on thirty days notice in Paragraph
Limit the types of art the contract covers. 11, the length of the term is of less impor-
tance in this contract.
State that sales through galleries or sales of
original art in general are not within the If the contract has a relatively long term and
scope of the agency agreement. cannot be terminated on notice at any time,
allow termination if the agent fails to gen-
Any rights not granted to the agent should erate a certain level of sales on a quarterly,
be reserved to the illustrator. (Paragraph 1) semiannual, or annual basis.

Require that the agent use best efforts to sell If the contract has a relatively long term and
the work of the illustrator. (Paragraph 2) cannot be terminated on notice at any time,
allow for termination if the specific agent
State that the agent shall keep the illustrator dies or leaves the agency.
promptly and regularly informed with
respect to negotiations and other matters, Specify the commission percentage for
and shall submit all offers to the illustrator. assignments obtained by the agent during

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ILLUSTRATORAGENT CONTRACT

the term of the contract. This is usually 25 Determine who will bill and collect from the
percent of the fee, and may be 2125 percent client. This would usually be a service pro-
higher for out-of-town assignments. vided by the agent. (Paragraph 6)

Define house accounts, probably as accounts Give the illustrator the right to collect his or
obtained by other agents prior to the con- her share directly from clients. This might
tract or obtained by the illustrator at any provide some protection against the agents
time, and specify the commission to be paid insolvency or holding of money in the event
on such accounts. A reasonable commission of a dispute. Usually, the illustrator would
might be 10 percent, especially if the agent want the agent to collect billings.
does the billing. The illustrator may not
want to pay any commission on these Require payments to be made quickly after
accounts, while the agent may want the full billings are collected. (Paragraph 7)
commission. (Paragraph 5)
Charge interest on payments that are
List house accounts by name on the Schedule overdue, but avoid a usurious interest rate.
of House Accounts. This can be supple- (Paragraph 7)
mented if house accounts are developed
after the contract is signed. (Paragraph 5) Require the agent to treat money due the
illustrator as trust funds and to hold it in an
State that the commission shall be computed account separate from the accounts for
on the billing, less any expenses incurred by funds of the agency. (Paragraph 7)
the illustrator, especially if expenses are sub-
stantial and are not reimbursed by the client. Share promotional expenses, such as direct-
(Paragraph 5) mail campaigns or paid page advertising in
directories. The agent may contribute 25 per-
State that commissions are not payable on cent or more to these expenses. (Paragraph 8)
billings that have not been collected.
(Paragraph 5) State that both parties must agree before
promotional expenses may be incurred by
Confirm that the agent will not collect a the agent. (Paragraph 8)
commission for the illustrators speaking
fees, grants, or prizes. Require the agent to pay for a specified min-
imum amount of promotional expenses, per-
Distinguish between an assignment to con- haps without any sharing on the part of the
tribute to a book and being the author or illustrator.
coauthor of a book. Agents representing
authors charge 1015 percent of proceeds If expenses incurred by the agent benefit
from the book as the commission. While the several illustrators, be certain there is a fair
dividing line may be a fine one, illustrators allocation of expenses to each illustrator.
likely to make substantial contributions to a
book should consider whether treatment as Require the agent to bear miscellaneous
an author may be appropriate in terms of marketing expenses, such as messengers or
the agents commission rate. (Paragraph 5) shipping. (Paragraph 8)

In the case of an agent for a book, consider If the agent insists that the illustrator bear cer-
letting the agency do only that particular tain expenses, require the illustrators approval
title or project. for expenses in excess of a minimum amount.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

State that the illustrator shall receive a copy of Do not give the agent any rights to commis-
the invoice given to the client. (Paragraph 9) sions from house accounts after termination.

Provide for full accountings on a regular For book contracts, it is customary for the
basis, such as every six months, if requested. agent to continue to collect royalties and
(Paragraph 9) deduct the agents commission even after ter-
mination of the agency contract. However, it
Provide the right to inspect books and would be better for the illustrator to have the
records on reasonable notice. (Paragraph 10) right to direct payment of his or her share
after such termination.
Allow for termination on thirty days notice
to the other party. (Paragraph 11) Do not allow assignment of the contract,
since both the agent and the illustrator are
State that the agreement will terminate in rendering personal services. (Paragraph 12)
the event of the agents bankruptcy or insol-
vency. (Paragraph 11) Allow the illustrator to assign payments due
under the contract. (Paragraph 12)
If termination occurs, specify for how long, if
at all, the agent will receive commissions If the agent represents illustrators who are
from assignments obtained by the illustrator competitive with one another, decide what
from clients developed by the agent during precautions might be taken against
the time the contract was in effect. (Paragraph favoritism. Whether it is advantageous or
11) For example, if the agency contract lasted disadvantageous to have an agent represent
for less than a year, the agent might have such competing talent will depend on the unique
a right for three months after termination. If circumstances of each case.
the agency contract lasted more than a year
but less than two years, the right might con- If the agent requires a warranty and indem-
tinue for six months after termination. If the nity clause under which the illustrator states
agent has a right to commissions after termi- that he or she owns the work and has the
nation for too long a period, the illustrator right to sell it, limit the liability of the illus-
may find it difficult to find another agent. trator to actual breaches resulting in a judg-
ment and try to place a ceiling on the
Instead of allowing the agent to collect com- potential liability.
missions for some period of time after termi-
nation, a fixed amount might be stated in the Provide for arbitration of disputes in excess
original contract. For example, 20 percent of of the amount that can be sued for in small
the average annual billings for the prior three claims court. (Paragraph 13)
years might be payable in three installments
over a year. The percentages and payment Compare the standard provisions in the
schedule are negotiable, but the illustrator introductory pages with Paragraphs 1417.
must avoid any agreement that would make
it difficult either to earn a living or to find The Schedule of House Accounts, which lists the
another agent. The percentage to be paid names and addresses of clients, is not shown
might increase if the agent has represented here. It is included with the tear-out forms.
the illustrator for a longer period (or decrease
for a shorter period), but should be subject to
a cap or maximum amount.

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ILLUSTRATORAGENT CONTRACT

IllustratorAgent Contract
AGREEMENT entered into as of the _______ day of ____________, 20____, between ___________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at ____________________________________________________,
and ___________________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the
Agent), located at ____________________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, the Illustrator is an established illustrator of proven talents;
WHEREAS, the Illustrator wishes to have an agent represent him or her in marketing certain rights enumerated herein;
WHEREAS, the Agent is capable of marketing the artwork produced by the Illustrator; and
WHEREAS, the Agent wishes to represent the Illustrator.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Agency. The Illustrator appoints the Agent to act as his or her representative:

(A) in the following geographical area ___________________________________________

(B) for the following markets: advertising corporate book publishing magazines
Other, specified as ____________________________________________________

(C) to be the Illustrators exclusive nonexclusive agent in the area and markets indicated.

Any rights not granted to the Agent are reserved to the Illustrator.
Electronic rights are outside the scope of this agency contract covered by this agency contract insofar as
the sale of such rights is incidental to the sale of nonelectronic rights covered by this agency contract. For pur-
poses of this Agreement, electronic rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded,
stored, and retrieved from such media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.
2. Best Efforts. The Agent agrees to use his or her best efforts in submitting the Illustrators work for the purpose
of securing assignments for the Illustrator. The Agent shall negotiate the terms of any assignment that is offered,
but the Illustrator may reject any assignment if he or she finds the terms thereof unacceptable.
3. Samples. The Illustrator shall provide the Agent with such samples of work as are from time to time necessary
for the purpose of securing assignments. These samples shall remain the property of the Illustrator and be
returned on termination of this Agreement. The Agent shall take reasonable efforts to protect the work from loss
or damage, but shall be liable for such loss or damage only if caused by the Agents negligence.
4. Term. This Agreement shall take effect as of the date first set forth above, and remain in full force and effect for
a term of one year, unless terminated as provided in Paragraph 11.
5. Commissions. The Agent shall be entitled to the following commissions: (A) on assignments obtained by the
Agent during the term of this Agreement: _____ percent of the billing, (B) on house accounts: _____ percent of
the billing (For purposes of this Agreement, house accounts are defined as accounts obtained by the Illustrator
at any time or obtained by another agent representing the Illustrator prior to the commencement of this
Agreement and are listed in the Schedule of House Accounts attached to this Agreement), and (C) for books
that the Illustrator authors or coauthors: ____ percent of the royalties or licensing proceeds paid to the Illustrator
by the publisher or its licensees.
It is understood by both parties that no commissions shall be paid on assignments rejected by the Illustrator
or for which the Illustrator fails to receive payment, regardless of the reason payment is not made. Further, no
commissions shall be payable in either (A) or (B) above for any part of the billing that is due to expenses
incurred by the Illustrator in performing the assignment, whether or not such expenses are reimbursed by the
client. In the event that a flat fee is paid by the client, it shall be reduced by the amount of expenses incurred
by the Illustrator in performing the assignment, and the Agents commission shall be payable only on the fee as
reduced for expenses.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

06. Billing. The Illustrator Agent shall be responsible for all billings.
07. Payments. The party responsible for billing shall make all payments due within ________ days of receipt of any
fees covered by this Agreement. Such payments due shall be deemed trust funds and shall not be intermin-
gled with funds belonging to the party responsible for billing and payment. Late payments shall be accompa-
nied by interest calculated at the rate of _____ percent per month thereafter.
08. Promotional Expenses. Promotional expenses, including but not limited to promotional mailings and paid
advertising, shall be mutually agreed to by the parties and paid ______ percent by the Agent and ______ per-
cent by the Illustrator. The Agent shall bear the expenses of shipping, insurance, and similar marketing
expenses.
09. Accountings. The party responsible for billing shall send copies of invoices to the other party when rendered.
If requested, that party shall also provide the other party with semiannual accountings showing all assignments
for the period, the clients names and addresses, the fees paid, expenses incurred by the Illustrator, the dates
of payment, the amounts on which the Agents commissions are to be calculated, and the sums due less those
amounts already paid.
10. Inspection of the Books and Records. The party responsible for the billing shall keep the books and records
with respect to payments due each party at his or her place of business and permit the other party to inspect
these books and records during normal business hours on the giving of reasonable notice.
11. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the
other party. If the Illustrator receives assignments after the termination date from clients originally obtained by
the Agent during the term of this Agreement, the commission specified in Paragraph 5(A) shall be payable to
the Agent under the following circumstances. If the Agent has represented the Illustrator for _____ months or
less, the Agent shall receive a commission on such assignments received by the Illustrator within _______ days
of the date of termination. This period shall increase by thirty (30) days for each additional _____ months that
the Agent has represented the Illustrator, but in no event shall such period exceed _____ days. In the event of
the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Agent, this Agreement shall also terminate. The rights and obligations
under Paragraphs 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 shall survive termination.
12. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by either of the parties hereto, except that the Illustrator
shall have the right to assign any monies due the Illustrator under this Agreement. It shall be binding on and
inure to the benefit of the successors, administrators, executors, or heirs of the Agent and Illustrator.
13. Arbitration. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration before ______________
under the rules of the American Arbitration Association in the following location __________________, except
that the parties shall have the right to go to court for claims of $_______ or less. Any award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
14. Notices. All notices shall be given to the parties at their respective addresses set forth above.
15. Independent Contractor Status. Both parties agree that the Agent is acting as an independent contractor.
This Agreement is not an employment agreement, nor does it constitute a joint venture or partnership between
the Illustrator and Agent.
16. Amendments and Merger. All amendments to this Agreement must be written. This Agreement incorporates
the entire understanding of the parties.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of ___________________ .

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

Illustrator _______________________________________ Agent _____________________________________________

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Book Publishing Contract FORM

A book contract is worth celebrating, but it is


like a celebration to mark the beginning of a long
publisher. Accountings should take place on a
regular basis and provide the illustrator with as
journey. The creation of the book may take years, much information as possible.
the life of the book may span decades. And the Because compensation to the illustrator is
book may be the source for innumerable spin- based on royalties, the computation of the roy-
offs, such as a television series, films, and even alty is crucial. First, is the royalty based on retail
the licensing of characters for merchandise. price or net price? Most publishers compute roy-
The book contract offers opportunities and alties based on retail price, which is best for
presents pitfalls. Illustrators are well advised to authors. Net price is what the publisher receives
seek expert assistance in negotiating these con- from selling the book to wholesalers and book-
tracts. Since the book contract invariably origi- stores, so net price is usually 4050 percent less
nates with the publisher, the negotiation than retail price. The percentage rates for royal-
checklist will be especially valuable. Form 5 is ties are crucial. While these rates are subject to
worth studying because it contains terms that negotiation, somewhat standard rates are given
are favorable to illustrators. in the negotiation checklist. And there is one
Form 5 might also be used when a nonprofes- important piece of information of which many
sional publisher asks an illustrator to do a book. authors are not awarethat is, royalty rates are
For example, a charity, chamber of commerce, or reduced for a number of reasons, such as sales at
even a corporation might want to contract out a higher than normal discount. These reductions
for a book of specialized interest. If neither party can have a devastating effect on royalties. The
has a standard contract to offer, Form 5 could be contract must be carefully reviewed to ascertain
adapted for use. the impact of such royalty reduction provisions.
The grant of rights gives the publisher certain The illustrator will want to have the work
rights, which the illustrator carefully seeks to copyrighted in the illustrators name. The copy-
limit with respect to medium, time period, terri- right lasts for the life of the illustrator plus
tory, and language. Beyond this, however, the another seventy years, and any publishing con-
publisher also seeks subsidiary rights, which are tract can be terminated after thirty-five to forty
simply rights of exploitation in markets not years under the termination provisions of the
encompassed by the grant of rights. If the grant copyright law. To avoid any confusion as to who
of rights covers only the publication of books, owns the copyright, the copyright notice in the
then the sale of film or audio versions would be book should be in the illustrators name.
a licensing of subsidiary rights. The illustrator will also want artistic control
The goal of the illustrator in negotiating a over the content of the book. No changes should
book contract is to give the publisher only those be allowed without the illustrators approval.
rights that the publisher is capable of success- Certainly, no advertising or unrelated content
fully exploiting. For those rights given to the should be added without the consent of the
publisher, fair compensation must be provided illustrator. The publisher will request a warranty
by the contract. Compensation usually takes the and indemnity provision from the illustrator. In
form of an advance and a royalty, so that the this provision, the illustrator states that the book
illustrator profits from greater sales of the work. contains no copyright infringements, no defam-
Advances are paid to the illustrator in install- atory material, invades no ones privacy, and is
ments, often half when the contract is signed not otherwise unlawful. If any of these war-
and half when the manuscript is turned in to the ranties proves incorrect, the illustrator agrees to

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

reimburse the publisher for any damages and royalties are discounted. In Paragraph 8, fill in
costs, including attorneys fees. Some publishers the subsidiary rights that the publisher has the
are now extending their publishers liability right to license and the division of income for
insurance to cover illustrators for these risks. In each right. In Paragraph 9, specify the amount of
the absence of such insurance, the illustrator the advance to the illustrator. Indicate in
should seek to set a dollar limit or percent-of-roy- Paragraph 10 how often the publisher will give
alty-income ceiling on his or her liability to the accountings. In Paragraph 13, show the form of
publisher. The publisher will also want the authorship credit that the illustrator will receive.
option to publish the illustrators next work and In Paragraph 14, place limits on how much the
will want to restrict the illustrator from pub- illustrator can be forced to pay for a breach of
lishing competing works. The illustrator should warranty and how much the publisher can hold
certainly try to have both these provisions in escrow to cover the illustrators indemnity
stricken from the contract, since they may impair obligation. State in Paragraph 15 which artistic
the illustrators ability to earn a livelihood. decisions will be determined by the illustrator.
If an illustrator is creating a book with an In Paragraph 17, specify how many free copies
author, many publishers will simply have both the illustrator will receive and give the discount
the illustrator and author sign a book contract at which the illustrator may purchase additional
that specifies the division of royalties. This is sat- copies. In Paragraph 24, state who will arbitrate
isfactory for the publisher, but leaves many and the place for arbitration. In Paragraph 28, fill
important issues unresolved between the illus- in which states law will govern the contract.
trator and author. They should have a collabora- Both parties should then sign the contract.
tion agreement, such as that shown in Form 6.
Negotiation Checklist
Limit the grant of exclusive rights to publish
Filling in the Form with respect to medium, area, duration, and
In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names and language, such as granting book rights in
addresses of the parties. In the first whereas the English language in the United States for
clause, briefly describe the subject of the book. In a term of ten years. Note that publishers
Paragraph 1, enter the title of the book and specify will want to expand the grant of rights and
the rights granted to the publisher with respect to exploit the book over the long life of the
form (such as hardcover, quality paperback, copyright. (Paragraph 1)
mass-market paperback), territory, language, and
term. In Paragraph 3, fill in the deadline for Consider reserving Canadian rights for sale
delivery of the manuscript as well as the approxi- to a Canadian publisher.
mate length of the book. Provide the amount of
time to do revisions if requested and, in the event Specify with respect to medium whether the
of rejection of the manuscript, specify what will grant of rights covers hardcover, quality
happen to advances that have been paid. In paperback, mass-market paperback, etc.
Paragraph 4, fill in whatever materials, such as
illustrations or an index, the illustrator is also obli- Reserve to the illustrator all rights not specif-
gated to provide and specify a contribution by the ically granted to the publisher. (Paragraph 2)
publisher toward these costs. In Paragraph 5,
specify a contribution by the publisher toward the Specify a date for delivery of the manuscript.
costs of obtaining any permissions. In Paragraph (Paragraph 3)
6, give the number of months in which the pub-
lisher must publish the book. In Paragraph 7, Do not make time of the essence with respect
specify the royalty rates and situations in which to delivery of the manuscript.

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Extend the deadline in the event of the illness If the illustrator must provide additional
of the illustrator or other circumstances beyond items that require the outlay of money, such
his or her control that may cause a delay. as photographs or having an index created,
state who will pay for this. (Paragraph 4)
Provide for a margin of lateness in delivery,
such as ninety days, before the publisher can If the illustrator is to pay for such additional
terminate the agreement. (Paragraph 3) Any items, such as an index or permission fees,
extensions of the time for delivery should be have the publisher make a nonrefundable
obtained in writing. payment toward these costs. (Paragraph 4)

Give the approximate length in words of the If the illustrator is to create the index, allow for
manuscript to be delivered. (Paragraph 3) a certain amount of time in which to do this
after the illustrator has the paginated galleys.
Allow the illustrator to deliver a complete
manuscript, rather than a manuscript in If the illustrator fails to deliver any required
materials, allow for a certain period of time,
form and content satisfactory to the pub-
such as thirty days after notice from the pub-
lisher. (Paragraph 3 offers a compromise.)
lisher, in which the illustrator can provide
what is missing.
If the illustrator must deliver a manuscript
that is satisfactory to the publisher, make an
Require the publisher to publish the book
objective standard of reasonableness, such as within a certain time period, such as twelve
reasonably satisfactory. or eighteen months. (Paragraph 6)
Attach an outline or detailed description of If the publisher does not publish within the
the book to the contract so the manuscript can specified time period, give the illustrator the
be judged against the outline. (Paragraph 3) right to terminate the contract and keep all
money received. (Paragraph 6)
Require the publisher to give detailed sug-
gestions for revisions and a reasonable time Provide for royalties, which are usually
to do the revisions. (Paragraph 3) preferable to a flat fee. (Paragraph 7)

If the manuscript is rejected by the publisher, If a flat fee is offered, require a reuse fee after
determine whether advances will be kept, a certain number of books are printed so that
paid back, or paid back only if another con- the flat fee becomes more like a royalty.
tract for the book is signed with a different
publisher. (Paragraph 3) Base the computation of royalties on the sug-
gested retail price, not net price (which is
If the illustrator is submitting portions of the what the publisher receives from wholesalers
work in progress, have the publisher confirm and bookstores). (Paragraph 7)
in writing that these portions are satisfactory.
If the contract provides for a freight pass-
Specify whether the illustrator shall be through (in which a book is priced at a slightly
responsible for delivering illustrations, pho- higher price to reimburse the bookstore for
tographs, maps, tables, charts, or an index, freight costs that the publisher normally pays
and give details as to the number and nature but is not in fact paying), indicate that the
of any such additional items. (Paragraph 4) amount of the freight pass-through is to be

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

subtracted from the retail price prior to the least 15 percent of the net price. For hardcover
computation of royalties. textbooks, the royalty should escalate to 18
percent after 7,500 or 10,000 books have been
Have the royalty be a percentage of the retail sold and go even higher thereafter.
price, rather than a fixed dollar amount,
since the price of the book may increase over For textbooks that originate in paperback,
time. (Paragraph 7) the royalty should be in the range of 1015
percent of the net price.
All royalties are negotiable and the rates
offered vary from one publisher to another, Whenever escalations in royalty rates are
but what follows are general guidelines of provided in a contract, review carefully
what the illustrator may expect: which sales are counted to reach the number
of copies necessary for the royalty to escalate.
For an adult trade book in hardcover, a basic
royalty of 10 percent of the suggested retail Review with special care any provisions that
price on the first 5,000 copies sold, 12 1/2 per- reduce royalties and find out how many sales
cent on the next 5,000 copies, and 15 percent are likely to come within these provisions.
on all copies sold in excess of 10,000.
Establish that the reduced royalties will in no
For a childrens book in hardcover, a basic event be less than half or three-quarters of
royalty starting at 10 percent and escalating what the regular royalties would have been.
to 15 percent after an agreed-upon number of
copies are sold (but the practice varies widely
with respect to childrens books). Sales causing reduced royalties may include:

For a quality paperback published by the Sales at a higher than normal discount to
publisher of the hardcover edition or as a wholesalers or retailers. A normal discount
paperback original, a royalty of 6 percent of might be 40 percent, and some publishers
the retail price on the first 10,000 copies (or reduce royalties when the discount reaches 48
the first print run if it is less than 10,000 percent or more. This reduction may be
copies) with an increase to 7 1/2 percent for gradual, such as 1 percent of royalty for each
copies sold in excess of 10,000. Some pub- percent in excess of 48 percent discount, but
lishers may offer 810 percent as a royalty, the impact can be great. Moving the starting
while others may escalate their rates only point for reductions from a 48 percent discount
after the sale of 25,000 copies. to perhaps a 51 percent discount may mini-
mize the loss to a large degree, depending on
For a mass-market paperback published by the the sales structure of the particular publisher. If
publisher of the hardcover edition, a royalty of such discounts are due to purchasing large
6 percent of the retail price on the first 150,000 quantities of books, the illustrator should also
copies sold, with an increase to 8 percent there- consider requiring that different titles not be
after. A mass-market original may have a sim- cumulated together for these purposes. Such
ilar or somewhat higher royalty rate structure. cumulation has little to do with the sale of the
illustrator's books.
For professional, scientific, or technical books,
a royalty is likely to be based on the net price Sales by mail order or direct-response adver-
(which is what the publisher receives) rather tising may cause the royalty to be reduced to
than the retail price. The royalty should be at as little as half the regular royalty rate.

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Sales in Canada may cause the royalty to be Determine for each subsidiary right which
reduced to two-thirds or even half of the reg- party controls that right and what the division
ular royalty rate. of proceeds will be. (Paragraph 8). Subsidiary
rights cover many possible sources of income
Sales on small reprintings, such as 1,000 that the publisher will exploit through mar-
copies, may cause the royalty to be reduced keting to other companies. Licensing of sub-
to three-quarters of the regular rate. The sidiary rights may include abridgments, book
illustrator might allow this only if sales in the clubs, reprints by another publisher, first and
period prior to the reprinting were below a second serializations (which are magazine or
certain level and the reprinting did not take newspaper rights before and after book publi-
place until two years after first publication. cation, respectively), foreign or translation
rights, syndication, advertising, commercial
uses, films, plays, radio shows, television,
Childrens book illustrators should pay espe-
audiotapes, and other mechanical renditions.
cially close attention to royalty reductions for
sales in library bound editions outside
State that the publisher has no right to share
normal trade channels. in subsidiary rights if the publisher does not
fulfill all its obligations under the contract.
Sales for export, to reading circles, to book (Paragraph 8)
clubs, and to organizations outside regular
bookselling channels, may, if the discount Determine for each right whether the illus-
from retail price is 60 percent or greater, cause trator, agent, or publisher can best sell that right.
the royalty to be reduced to 15 percent (for
bound copies) or 18 percent (for unbound Reserve to the illustrator all rights the pub-
sheets) of what the publisher actually receives. lisher is not set up to sell.

Sales as a remainder (when excess inventory Retain a right of approval over subsidiary
is liquidated), if at a discount of 70 percent of rights to be sold by the publisher.
more, may cause the royalty to be reduced to
10 percent of what the publisher actually Reserve to the illustrator all nonpublishing
receives (or no royalty at all if the price is less rights, such as stage, audiotapes, television,
than the publishers manufacturing cost). and film. This should include commercial
rights, such as the right to make art into
posters, stationery, calendars, toys, apparel,
Limit the percentage of copies that can be
and other merchandise.
treated as sold at a discount.
For first serial sales (the sale of part of the
For royalties based on what the publisher book to a magazine before first publication of
actually receives, do not allow any reduction the book), the illustrator should receive 100
for discounts or bad debts. percent of the income. If the publisher acts as
agent, the publisher might receive 1020 per-
Finally, with respect to reduced royalties, cent. This approach would also apply to non-
promotional copies, authors copies, and publishing rights if, in fact, the publisher
copies that are destroyed are royalty free. does obtain a right to share in the proceeds.

Consider requiring that the publisher of For paperback licenses, book club licenses,
the hardcover not bring out a paperback abridgments and selections, and second seri-
version until one year after the hardcover alizations (the sale of part of the book to a
publication. magazine after first publication of the book),

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

the illustrator should seek 50 percent of the Seek assurance from the publisher that it and
first $10,000 of income, 60 percent of the next its licensees will take reasonable measures to
$10,000, and 70 percent over $20,000. prevent copying of the illustrators work.

For microfilm or computer uses, the illus- Make certain that any provision reserving or
trator should seek 50 percent of the income. reverting rights to the illustrator covers elec-
tronic rights.
If the original publication is in paperback, the
illustrator should expect 5075 percent of the Carefully scrutinize the definition of licensing
income from licensing hardcover rights. income. The illustrator should always seek to
have no reductions from such income. If the
For a paperback original, consider requiring publisher uses net income, the illustrator
that the paperback publisher wait a year must check which expenses will be deducted.
before licensing hardcover rights.
Require that the illustrator receive copies of
Allow the illustrator 120 days to seek out a any licenses negotiated by the publisher.
better offer for a paperback reprint.
Provide for the pass-through of licensing
If the publisher insists on receiving part of income received (perhaps in excess of a spec-
the proceeds from licensing electronic rights, ified minimum amount, such as $100), so that
require that the negotiation for what the illus- such income is paid to the illustrator within
trator will receive from the electronic license ten days of receipt by the publisher and is not
take place just before the electronic publica- held for payment with other royalties.
tion. This will allow a better assessment of
the value of the electronic rights. Provide for the payment of nonrefundable
advances to the illustrator, preferably paid in
If the publisher insists on having the right to full at the time of signing the contract or half
license electronic rights, the illustrator might on signing the contract and half on delivery
seek a right of approval over all such licenses. of the manuscript. (Paragraph 9)
This approval would be to ensure that
quality is maintained and that the work is not Provide that each book project is separate, so
shortened, lengthened, or combined with that money owed by the illustrator on one
other works in a detrimental way. book cannot be taken from money due to the
illustrator on another book.
If the print publisher is to do an electronic ver-
sion of a book, insist on receiving an advance Consider whether income from licensing
and royalty for the electronic version. subsidiary rights, especially first serial rights,
should be applied to unearned advances.
Insist that the print publisher doing an elec-
tronic version not change the work in any Require periodic accountings at least every six
way without the illustrators permission months, which is common for the publishing
(such as addition of a soundtrack, abridg- industry, or as frequently as every three
ment, or combination with other works). months if it can be negotiated. (Paragraph 10)

Limit electronic rights to existing formats, Specify the information to be given in the
specify which formats, and seek to make the accountings, so the illustrator can appraise
usage nonexclusive. their accuracy. Ideally, the accountings would

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

show for the period and cumulatively to date Require that copyright notice appear in the
the number of copies printed and bound, name of the illustrator. (Paragraph 13)
copies sold and returned at each royalty rate,
copies distributed free for publicity, copies Require the publisher to register the copy-
lost or destroyed, copies remaindered, and right. (Paragraph 13)
royalties due to the illustrator. (Paragraph 10)
Specify that the illustrator shall receive
Income from subsidiary rights should also be authorship credit. If there is a coauthor, indi-
accounted for on these statements, even if cate the sequence of names and, if necessary,
such income is passed through to the illus- size and placement. (Paragraph 13)
trator on receipt by the publisher. Copies of
licenses should be provided at this time, if Seek to have the publisher cover the illus-
they have not already been provided. trator under the publishers liability insur-
ance policy for copyright infringements,
If the publisher wishes to create a reserve libel, and related violations of rights. This
against returns of books, the amount of this will safeguard the illustrator against many of
reserve should be limited to a percentage of the dangers in the warranty and indemnity
royalties due in any period (such as 20 per- provisions of publishers contracts.
cent), and the reserve should not be allowed
to continue beyond a specified number of If the publisher covers the illustrator with its
accounting periods. Since sales on first publi- insurance, seek to have the publisher also
cation are most likely to be returned, the pay or at least share in the cost of any
reserve might last for three accounting deductible (which may be as high as $50,000
periods after first publication. (Paragraph 10) or $100,000) in the event of a claim.

Require that any sums owing on the state- State that the illustrator only warrants that to
ments of account be paid when the state- his or her knowledge the work does not libel
ments are given. (Paragraph 11) anyone or violate his or her rights of privacy.
(Paragraph 14)
In a very unusual case, after careful consulta-
tion with a tax adviser, the illustrator may want Limit the indemnification to final judgments
a provision that limits royalties each year and after all appeals have been taken. Avoid
causes any additional royalties to be spread for- indemnifying for alleged breaches of the
ward into the future. In general, this is unwise. warranties. (Paragraph 14)

State that the illustrator has a right to inspect Reserve the right not to pay for the pub-
the books and records of the publisher and, if lishers costs and attorneys fees if the illus-
a discrepancy of more than 5 percent is found trator selects and pays for the attorney to
to the publishers advantage, the publisher defend the action. (Paragraph 14)
shall pay the cost of the inspection.
(Paragraph 12) Do not indemnify for materials inserted at
the publishers request. (Paragraph 14)
Do not allow the publisher to place a time
limit, such as one or two years after the Require that the publisher indemnify the
mailing of the statement of account, on the illustrator for materials inserted in the book
illustrators right to inspect the books and or placed on the cover at the publishers
have errors corrected. request or choice.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Limit the amount of the illustrators indem- Obtain the right to consult regarding the pro-
nification to the lesser of a dollar amount or a motional budget, promotional campaign, or
percentage of amounts payable under the distribution of press releases and review
contract. (Paragraph 14) copies. (Paragraph 15)

Limit the right of the publisher to withhold Limit the amount of promotion the publisher
royalties on account of the lawsuit to the can require the illustrator to do.
lesser of a percentage of amounts payable
under the contract or the amount of alleged State that the illustrator shall review proofs
damages. (Paragraph 14) Alternatively, the or galleys, and give a period of time in which
illustrator might seek the right to post a to do this. (Paragraph 15)
surety bond.
Most contracts require authors to pay for
Do not agree to let sums payable under one authors alterations once the manuscript is
contract be used to pay for a breach of a war- typeset, but this should be only in excess of a
ranty under another contract. percentage of the typesetting cost (such as 15
percent), might be subject to a maximum
Retain a veto power over any settlements to be dollar amount, and should exclude printers
entered into by the publisher, since the money errors or unavoidable updating.
to pay the settlement may be the illustrators.
Require that the publisher send out a certain
If there is a joint author, determine whether number of review copies to a list of people
both illustrator and author will be liable for a supplied by the illustrator.
breach of warranty by one or the other.
Review Form 6.
Require the publisher to return the manu-
script and all accompanying materials to the
illustrator within a certain time period after
Keep artistic control over the content of the
publication and to give the illustrator page
book, including the right to do revisions if the
proofs if the illustrator requests them prior to
publisher requests them. (Paragraph 15)
publication. (Paragraph 16)
Require licensees to agree not to add anything If valuable materials, such as original art or
to the book, including advertising, without photographic transparencies, are submitted to
first obtaining the illustrators consent. the publisher, require that the publisher insure
them and be strictly liable for loss or damage.
Seek a right of consultation with respect to
the price, print run, method of printing, pub- Provide for the illustrator to receive ten or
lication date, design, paper, new printings, more free copies of the book and any subse-
and similar matters. Most publishers will quent editions in a different form, such as a
insist on having the ultimate control over quality paperback after original hardcover
these matters. (Paragraph 15) publication. (Paragraph 17)

Agree to the book's final title, which can only Allow the illustrator to purchase additional
be changed by the agreement of both parties. copies at a 40 or 50 percent discount from
retail price. (Paragraph 17)
Give the illustrator a veto power over mate-
rial that the publisher wishes to place in the Allow the illustrator to sell copies purchased
book or on the cover. by the illustrator.

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

If the illustrator wants to sell a large quantity Do not allow assignment by one party unless
of the book, ask for a discount schedule. For the other party consents to this in writing.
example, 199 copies might have a 50 percent (Paragraph 19)
discount; 100250 copies, a 55 percent dis-
count; 251499 copies, a 60 percent discount; Allow the illustrator to assign the right to
500999 copies, a 65 percent discount; and royalties without obtaining the publishers
1,000 or more copies, a 70 percent or higher consent. (Paragraph 19)
discount. If the illustrator can order prior to
the publishers print run, a high discount is In the event of infringement, state that the
even more justifiable. parties can sue jointly and, after deducting
expenses, share any recovery. If one party
Require that the publisher pay royalties on chooses not to sue, the other party can sue
copies sold to the illustrator. and, after deducting expenses, share any
recovery. (Paragraph 20)
The illustrator should have the first option to
revise the book at the publishers request. With respect to rights retained by the illus-
However, the publisher will expect to have trator, the publisher should have no right to
the right to have the revision done by sue for an infringement.
someone else if the illustrator cannot or will
not do it. (Paragraph 18) With respect to subsidiary rights in which the
illustrator receives more than 50 percent of
If the book may be outdated quickly, state income, the publishers right to sue should
that the publisher must allow a revision be limited to the percentage the publisher
within a certain time period, such as two or would receive.
three years, and that the contract will termi-
nate if the publisher refuses such a revision. Give the illustrator the right to terminate the
contract if the book remains out-of-print after
If the illustrator is to do a revision, state that a request by the illustrator that it be put back
an additional advance shall be negotiated in print. (Paragraph 21)
and paid at that time.
Define out-of-print to include when in any
If a revision is done by someone else, the cost twelve months sales are less than 750 copies
of this will come from royalties due the illus- or royalties are less than a specified amount.
trator. The cost should only come from royal-
ties payable on the revised book, not the Define out-of-print to mean that the book
prior edition or other books by the illustrator. is not available in bookstores, regardless of
whether the publisher has copies.
Specify a minimum royalty that the illus-
trator will receive, even if a revision is done Define whether a book must be out-of-print
by someone else, or cap how much the royal- in all editions or only those published by the
ties can be reduced to pay for the revision. publisher to be deemed out-of-print.

Give the illustrator the right to remove his or Give the illustrator the right to terminate if
her name from the credits if the revision is the publisher fails to give statements of
not satisfactory. account, fails to pay, or fails to publish the
book. In such cases, the illustrator would
Make the agreement binding on successors keep payments received from the publisher.
and assigns of the parties. (Paragraph 19) (Paragraph 21)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

State that the contract will automatically ter- If the illustrator has an agent, the contract
minate if the publisher goes bankrupt or may provide for payment to the agent. A
becomes insolvent. (Paragraph 21) better approach would be to make the con-
tract subject to the illustratoragent contract.
If the illustrator fails to deliver a manuscript, In any case, the illustrator should have the
the publisher will expect to receive back all right to receive direct payment of all monies
payments. (Paragraphs 3 and 21) due other than the agents commission.

If an agency clause gives the agent a right to


If the manuscript delivered in good faith is
act on behalf of the illustrator, review which
unsatisfactory to the publisher, the standard
actions the agent may take.
publishing contract will require the return of
advances, but the illustrator can negotiate to The illustrator should strike from the con-
retain them. (Paragraph 21) tract any provision that limits the creation of
competitive works, since this may impair the
If possible, avoid any requirement to repay range of work the illustrator may later create.
an advance if a book, after rejection by one If the publisher insists on such a provision,
publisher, is placed with another publisher. the illustrator should narrowly limit its scope
with respect to the same subject matter, the
Provide for the reversion of all rights to the same audiences, the same forms of book pub-
illustrator upon termination. (Paragraph 21) lication, duration, and geographic extent,
and state that such a provision would be
Whatever the ground for termination, the enforceable only when the sales of the orig-
illustrator should have the right to purchase inal book would be impaired.
all production materials at scrap value and
remaining copies at the lesser of cost or The publisher may also seek an option for the
remainder value. (Paragraph 22) illustrators next book. Ideally, this will be
stricken from the contract. If it is not stricken,
Allow the use of the illustrators name or pic- it should be an option for one work only on
ture to promote the work, but require that the terms to be agreed to (not terms identical to
promotion be in good taste. (Paragraph 23) the existing contract). The publisher must
The illustrator might seek either to supply accept or reject the work within a limited time
period, such as thirty or sixty days, based on
the biographical material or have a right of
an outline (not a complete manuscript).
approval over such material.
State that a noncompetition clause or an
If the illustrator signs the contract first, a pro- option clause will be valid only if the pub-
vision might be made to withdraw the offer if lisher is not in breach of the contract and the
the publisher does not sign within thirty or contract has not been terminated.
sixty days after receipt of the contract.
Include an arbitration clause. (Paragraph 24)
The illustrator should resist giving the pub-
lisher a security interest in the work, which Review the standard provisions in the introduc-
might entitle the publisher to seize the man- tory pages and compare with Paragraphs 2528.
uscript and related materials for money
owed to the publisher (such as unrecouped If there is a joint author, review Form 6.
advances) under the contract.

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Book Publishing Contract


AGREEMENT entered into as of the ______ day of ____________, 20___, between ______________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Publisher), located at ______________________________________________________,
and ____________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator),
located at ___________________________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, the Illustrator wishes to create a book on the subject of ______________________________ (hereinafter
referred to as the Work);
WHEREAS, the Publisher is familiar with the work of the Illustrator and wishes to publish a book by the Illustrator;
and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to have said publication performed subject to the mutual obligations, covenants, and
conditions herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Grant of Rights. The Illustrator grants, conveys, and transfers to the Publisher in that unpublished Work titled
___________________________________________________________, certain limited, exclusive rights as follows:
(A) to publish the Work in the form of a _____________________________________ book, (B) in the territory of
____________________________________________________, (C) in the________________________________ lan-
guage, and (D) for a term of ________________ years.
2. Reservation of Rights. All rights not specifically granted to the Publisher are reserved to the Illustrator,
including but not limited to electronic rights, which are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can
be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and
network servers.
3. Delivery of Manuscript. On or before the ________ day of ___________, 20____, the Illustrator shall deliver to
the Publisher a complete manuscript of approximately _______ words, which shall be reasonably satisfactory
in form and content to the Publisher and in conformity with any outline or description attached hereto and made
part hereof. The manuscript shall be delivered as double-spaced hard copy computer files (specify
format ______________).The manuscript shall include the additional materials listed in Paragraph 4 (except that
if an index is to be provided by the Illustrator, it shall be delivered to the Publisher within thirty days of
Illustrators receipt of paginated galleys). If the Illustrator fails to deliver the complete manuscript within ninety
days after receiving notice from the Publisher of failure to deliver on time, the Publisher shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement and receive back from the Illustrator all monies advanced to the Illustrator pursuant
to Paragraphs 4, 5, and 9. If the Illustrator delivers a manuscript that, after being given detailed instructions for
revisions by the Publisher and _____ days to complete such revisions, is not reasonably acceptable to the
Publisher, then monies advanced to the Illustrator pursuant to Paragraphs 4, 5, and 9 shall be retained by
the Illustrator repaid to the Publisher repaid to the Publisher only in the event the Illustrator subsequently
signs a contract with another Publisher for the Work.
4. Additional Materials. The following materials shall be provided by the Illustrator _________________________
______________________________________________________. The cost of providing these additional materials
shall be borne by the Illustrator, provided, however, that the Publisher at the time of signing this Agreement
shall give a nonrefundable payment of $_____________ to assist the Illustrator in defraying these costs, which
payment shall not be deemed an advance to the Illustrator and shall not be recouped as such.
5. Permissions. The Illustrator agrees to obtain all permissions that are necessary for the use of materials copy-
righted by others. The cost of providing these permissions shall be borne by the Illustrator, provided, however,
that the Publisher at the time of signing this Agreement shall give a nonrefundable payment of $_______ to
assist the Illustrator in defraying these costs, which payment shall not be deemed an advance to the Illustrator
and shall not be recouped as such. Permissions shall be obtained in writing and copies shall be provided to
the Publisher when the manuscript is delivered.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

06. Duty to Publish. The Publisher shall publish the Work within ____________ months of the delivery of the com-
plete manuscript. Failure to so publish shall give the Illustrator the right to terminate this Agreement ninety days
after giving written notice to the Publisher of the failure to make timely publication. In the event of such termi-
nation, the Illustrator shall have no obligation to return monies received pursuant to Paragraphs 4, 5, and 9.
07. Royalties. The Publisher shall pay the Illustrator the following royalties: ____ percent of the suggested retail
price on the first 5,000 copies sold, ____ percent of the suggested retail price on the next 5,000 copies sold,
and ____ percent of the suggested retail price on all copies sold thereafter. These royalty rates shall be dis-
counted only in the following circumstances: __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
All copies sold shall be cumulated for purposes of escalations in the royalty rates, including revised editions,
except for editions in a different form (such as a paperback reprint of a hardcover original), which shall be
cumulated separately. Copies sold shall be reduced by copies returned in the same royalty category in which
the copies were originally reported as sold.
In the event the Publisher has the right pursuant to Paragraph 1(A) to publish the Work in more than one form,
the royalty rates specified above shall apply to publication in the form of a ________________ book and the roy-
alty rates for other forms shall be specified here: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
08. Subsidiary Rights. The following subsidiary rights may be licensed by the party indicated and the proceeds
divided as specified herein:

Subsidiary Right Right to License Division of Proceeds


Illustrator Publisher Illustrator Publisher
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
If the division of proceeds for any subsidiary right changes after the sale of a certain number of copies, indi-
cate which right, the number of copies required to be sold, and the new division of proceeds: _______________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
The Publisher shall have no rights pursuant to this Paragraph 8 if Publisher is in default of any of its obligations
under this Agreement. The right to license any subsidiary right not set forth in this Paragraph is retained by the
Illustrator. Licensing income shall be divided as specified herein without any reductions for expenses.
Licensing income shall be collected by the party authorized to license the right and the appropriate per-
centage remitted by that party to the other party within ten (10) days of receipt. Copies of all licenses shall be
provided to both parties immediately upon receipt.
09. Advances. The Publisher shall, at the time of signing this Agreement, pay to the Illustrator a nonrefundable
advance of $_________, which advance shall be recouped by the Publisher from payments due to the Illustrator
pursuant to Paragraph 11 of this Agreement.
10. Accountings. Commencing as of the date of publication, the Publisher shall report every ____ months to the
Illustrator, showing for that period and cumulatively to date the number of copies printed and bound, the
number of copies sold and returned for each royalty rate, the number of copies distributed free for publicity
purposes, the number of copies remaindered, destroyed, or lost, and the royalties paid to and owed to the

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BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Illustrator. If the Publisher sets up a reserve against returns of books, the reserve may only be set up for the
four accounting periods following the first publication of the Work and shall in no event exceed 15 percent of
royalties due to the Illustrator in any period.
11. Payments. The Publisher shall pay the Illustrator all monies due Illustrator pursuant to Paragraph 10 within
thirty (30) days of the close of each accounting period.
12. Right of Inspection. The Illustrator shall, upon the giving of written notice, have the right to inspect the
Publishers books of account to verify the accountings. If errors in any such accounting are found to be to the
Illustrators disadvantage and represent more than 5 percent of the payment to the Illustrator pursuant to the
said accounting, the cost of inspection shall be paid by the Publisher.
13. Copyright and Authorship Credit. The Publisher shall, as an express condition of receiving the grant of rights
specified in Paragraph 1, take the necessary steps to register the copyright on behalf of the Illustrator and in
the Illustrators name and shall place copyright notice in the Illustrators name on all copies of the Work. The
Illustrator shall receive authorship credit as follows: ___________________________________________________.
14. Warranty and Indemnity. The Illustrator warrants and represents that he or she is the sole creator of the Work
and owns all rights granted under this Agreement, that the Work is an original creation and has not previ-
ously been published (indicate any parts that have been previously published), that the Work does not
infringe any other persons copyrights or rights of literary property, nor, to his or her knowledge, does it vio-
late the rights of privacy of, or libel, other persons. The Illustrator agrees to indemnify the Publisher against
any final judgment for damages (after all appeals have been exhausted) in any lawsuit based on an actual
breach of the foregoing warranties. In addition, the Illustrator shall pay the Publishers reasonable costs and
attorneys fees incurred in defending such a lawsuit, unless the Illustrator chooses to retain his or her own
attorney to defend such lawsuit. The Illustrator makes no warranties and shall have no obligation to indem-
nify the Publisher with respect to materials inserted in the Work at the Publishers request. Notwithstanding
any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Illustrators liability under this Paragraph exceed $________ or
________ percent of sums payable to the Illustrator under this Agreement, whichever is the lesser. In the event
a lawsuit is brought that may result in the Illustrator having breached his or her warranties under this
Paragraph, the Publisher shall have the right to withhold and place in an escrow account ______ percent of
sums payable to the Illustrator pursuant to Paragraph 11, but in no event may said withholding exceed the
damages alleged in the complaint.
15. Artistic Control. The Illustrator and Publisher shall consult with one another with respect to the title of the Work,
the price of the Work, the method and means of advertising and selling the Work, the number and destination
of free copies, the number of copies to be printed, the method of printing and other publishing processes, the
exact date of publication, the form, style, size, type, paper to be used, and like details, how long the plates or
film shall be preserved and when they shall be destroyed, and when new printings of the Work shall be made.
In the event of disagreement after consultation, the Publisher shall have final power of decision over all the fore-
going matters except the following, which shall be controlled by the Illustrator_____________________________
_____________________________________________. No changes shall be made in the complete manuscript of
the Work by persons other than the Illustrator, except for reasonable copyediting, unless the Illustrator con-
sents to such changes. Publisher shall provide the Illustrator with galleys and proofs that the Illustrator shall
review and return to the Publisher within thirty (30) days of receipt. If the cost of the Illustrators alterations
(other than for typesetting errors or unavoidable updating) exceeds _____ percent of the cost of the typog-
raphy, the Publisher shall have the right to deduct such excess from royalties due Illustrator hereunder.
16. Original Materials. Within thirty (30) days after publication, the Publisher shall return the original manuscript
and all additional materials to the Illustrator. The Publisher shall provide the Illustrator with a copy of the page
proofs, if the Illustrator requests them prior to the date of publication.
17. Free Copies. The Illustrator shall receive ____ free copies of the Work as published, after which the Illustrator
shall have the right to purchase additional copies at a ____ percent discount from the retail price.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

18. Revisions. The Illustrator agrees to revise the Work on request by the Publisher. If the Illustrator cannot revise
the Work or refuses to do so absent good cause, the Publisher shall have the right to have the Work revised
by a person competent to do so and shall charge the costs of said revision against payments due the Illustrator
under Paragraph 11 for such revised edition. In no event shall such revision costs exceed $__________.
19. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the written consent of
the other party hereto. The Illustrator, however, shall retain the right to assign payments due hereunder without
obtaining the Publishers consent. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective heirs,
administrators, successors, and assigns.
20. Infringement. In the event of an infringement of the rights granted under this Agreement to the Publisher, the
Publisher and the Illustrator shall have the right to sue jointly for the infringement and, after deducting the
expenses of bringing suit, to share equally in any recovery. If either party chooses not to join in the suit, the
other party may proceed and, after deducting all the expenses of bringing the suit, any recovery shall be
shared equally between the parties.
21. Termination. The Illustrator shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by written notice if (A) the Work
goes out-of-print and the Publisher, within ninety (90) days of receiving notice from the Illustrator that the Work
is out-of-print, does not place the Work in print again (A work shall be deemed out-of-print if the work is not
available for sale in reasonable quantities in normal trade channels.) (B) the Publisher fails to provide state-
ments of account pursuant to Paragraph 10, (C) the Publisher fails to make payments pursuant to Paragraphs
4, 5, 9, or 11, or (D) the Publisher fails to publish in a timely manner pursuant to Paragraph 6. The Publisher
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement as provided in Paragraph 3. This Agreement shall automati-
cally terminate in the event of the Publishers insolvency, bankruptcy, or assignment of assets for the benefit of
creditors. In the event of termination of the Agreement, the Publisher shall grant, convey, and transfer all rights
in the Work back to the Illustrator.
22. Production Materials and Unbound Copies. Upon any termination, the Illustrator may, within sixty days of
notification of such termination, purchase the plates, offset negatives, or computer drive tapes (if any) at their
scrap value and any remaining copies at the lesser of cost or remainder value.
23. Promotion. The Illustrator consents to the use of his or her name, portrait, or picture for promotion and adver-
tising of the Work, provided such use is dignified and consistent with the Illustrators reputation.
24. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
_____________________________ in the following location ____________________ and shall be settled in accor-
dance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
25. Notice. Where written notice is required hereunder, it may be given by use of first-class mail addressed to the
Illustrator or Publisher at the addresses given at the beginning of this Agreement and shall be deemed
received five days after mailing. Said addresses for notice may be changed by giving written notice of any new
address to the other party.
26. Modifications in Writing. All modifications of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
27. Waivers and Defaults. Any waiver of a breach or default hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver of a sub-
sequent breach or default of either the same provision or any other provision of this Agreement.
28. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of ________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator ___________________________________ Publisher ________________________________________


Company Name

By ______________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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Collaboration Contract FORM

C ollaboration presents the challenge and


reward of blending two or more creative efforts
The responsibilities of the parties must be set
out in the greatest detail possible. An outline or
into a single work. For the illustrator, this often synopsis can be attached to the agreement,
means creating the visual components of a book dividing these responsibilities and giving a
while an author writes the text. Publishers offer schedule for the work.
coauthors a publishing agreement to sign, but a The division of proceeds from sales of the
publishing agreement does not resolve the work must be resolved, especially if the division
issues likely to arise between the collaborators. is not equal or if different types of income will be
That is why a collaboration agreement, such as shared differently. The contract can provide that
Form 6, should also be entered into by the both parties must agree to any disposition of
illustrator and coauthor. Form 6 deals with an rights, but it can also specify that one party will
illustrator providing illustrations and an control certain rights. For example, the illus-
author providing text, but it could easily be trator might want to control licenses of mer-
modified for a book in which two illustrators chandising rights, such as the use of images on
each provided art or two authors each pro- apparel, ceramics, or posters, and receive all the
vided text. The negotiation checklist, in fact, is income from such licenses. The agreement
a valuable starting point to use for collabora- should state that the parties are independent of
tions on other creative projects, such as toys, each other and have not formed a partnership,
posters, or games. since a partner can legally bind the partnership
The first issue to be resolved is how the copy- even if he or she acted outside the authority of
right in the collaboration will be owned. The the partnership agreement.
copyright law provides that a joint work is a The parties must decide how to authorize and
work prepared by two or more authors with the share expenses, and what will happen if expenses
intention that their contributions be merged into are incurred but the project is either never com-
inseparable or interdependent parts of a unitary pleted or never sold. The failure to complete or sell
whole. The collaboration agreement can the work raises complicated issues as to how the
specify the intention of the parties. rights will be treated. It is likely that each party
If the copyright is owned jointly, either party would want to retain the rights in his or her por-
can license the work as long as proceeds are tion of the book and be free to publish that portion
equally shared. The collaboration agreement can by itself or as part of a longer work. Whether this
override this, providing that the parties must is fair will vary from project to project.
agree before licensing the work or indicating The agreement must determine what will
that the income will not be equally shared. If one happen if one collaborator fails to complete his
party dies, his or her heirs would inherit the or her portion of the work. Likewise, if one col-
rights in the copyright. Again, the collaboration laborator becomes disabled or dies, it is still nec-
agreement can alter this by stating that the sur- essary to complete, market, and revise the work.
viving collaborator will own the entirety of the How will this be done? Probably both artistic
work and its copyright. and financial control of the project should be
One advantage of a joint work is that the given to the active party at this point, rather than
copyright term is the life of the survivor plus involving heirs or other people who were not
seventy years. The term for the collaboration parties to the original agreement.
agreement would usually be the same as the The agreement must also deal with how each
term of the copyright. collaborator will avoid competing with the col-

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

laborative work, while not impairing either look at what has actually taken place before a
partys ability to earn a livelihood. For example, fair result can be obtained.
can one party create a similar work that might The collaboration agreement is part of a pro-
damage the market for the collaborative work? cess that will require the collaborators to contract
If not, should this be allowed after some period with yet another party who will market the work.
of time? Must the collaborators work together In the case of a book, a publisher will market
on sequels? Or can each one create his or her what the collaborators create. Not only must the
own sequels? Any agreement as to future works, collaboration agreement resolve the issues likely
whether written negatively as a noncompetition to arise between the collaborators, it must also be
clause or positively as a right to collaborate on compatible with reaching agreement with the
sequels, must be approached with the utmost publisher, who will disseminate the work to its
caution. Otherwise the illustrator may find that ultimate audience. It is therefore helpful to keep
he or she has agreed to lifelong self-censorship. in mind Form 5, the Book Publishing Contract,
If an agent is to be used, the contract should when negotiating Form 6 with a coauthor.
specify who the agent is or, at least, whether
both parties must agree to the choice of an agent.
Authorship credit should be specified in the Filling in the Form
agreement. It is important that the credits accu- In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names
rately reflect what the parties did. The credit could and addresses of the parties. In the second
be by A and B or illustrations by A and story by whereas clause, the tentative title of the work
B. As told to indicates one person telling his or should be entered. In Paragraph 1, the work
her story to another; while with suggests that should be described and the appropriate boxes
one person did some writing and the other person, checked if a schedule, outline, or synopsis is
usually a professional author, shaped and com- attached to the agreement. In Paragraph 2, the
pleted the book. It is against public policy for obligations of each party should be described. In
someone to take credit for writing a book that, in Paragraph 3, fill in the due date. In Paragraph 4,
fact, was written by someone else. fill in a date for termination if no publishing
The parties will have to give a warranty and agreement has been obtained. In Paragraph 5,
indemnity to the publisher. If this clause is fill in the first blank if the collaborators choose
breached, both parties will be liable. The collab- not to have a jointly owned copyright, and fill in
orators should determine who, in the event of a the second blank if the parties choose either not
breach, should pay the publisher: both parties or to own jointly certain proprietary rights or not to
only the party who created that portion of the work together on sequels. In Paragraph 6, pro-
work (assuming he or she has sufficient assets to vide a dollar limit for expenses for each party.
pay for damages and legal fees). Additionally, show how net proceeds will be
Arbitration may be helpful in collaboration divided for publishing and nonpublishing rights,
agreements, because certain issues do not lend filling in the final blank if certain rights are to be
themselves to determination in advance. For controlled or benefited from in a way that is an
example, should the work be completed if one exception to the general approach of the para-
party is disabled? If it is completed, how graph. Specify the name of any agent in
should the disabled partys right to share Paragraph 7 and, if there is no agent, check the
income be affected? Should the nature of the appropriate box as to whether the parties wish to
authorship credit change, especially if a third obtain one. In Paragraph 8, give the credit line and
party has been brought in to do substantial state if the size or color of the names shall ever
work? These and similar questions require a differ between the collaborators. In Paragraph 9,

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COLLABORATION CONTRACT

fill in the blank if one party is not to have artistic If the nature of the collaboration is such that
control over his or her portion of the work. In each party will have some portion of work
Paragraph 13, give the name of an arbitrator and inextricably merged with the portion created
a place for arbitration. In Paragraph 16, specify by the other party, state whether such merged
any limitations on the parties with respect to portions can or cannot be used by either party
competitive works. In Paragraph 17, state how in the event the work is not completed.
recoveries for infringements will be shared. In
Paragraph 18, indicate which states laws will If either party could create a competitive
govern the agreement. Have both parties sign. work that would damage the market for the
collaborative work, state that for a certain
period of time neither party shall create such
Negotiation Checklist a work. (See section on other provisions.)
The project should be described in as much
detail as possible. If an outline or synopsis State that the parties either have a pub-
exists, it can be attached to the contract. (Para- lishing contract or agree to seek such a con-
graph 1) tract. (Paragraph 4)

Indicate precisely and in as much detail as Indicate that any publishing contract must
possible the responsibilities of each party. be acceptable to both parties, who must each
(Paragraph 2) sign it and obey its provisions. (Paragraph 4)
Specify a due date by which to complete the If no publishing contract is obtained by a
work. (Paragraph 3)
certain date, allow either party to terminate
the contract on written notice to the other
If one party fails to complete his or her portion
party and specify that each party shall keep
of the work by the due date, consider what
the rights in the portion of the work that he
should happen and whether there should be
or she has created. (Paragraph 4)
an extension, the other party should have the
right to complete the work (or hire a third
party to complete it), or the rights in each por- Require each party to inform the other party
tion of the work should revert to the party cre- regarding any negotiations. (Paragraph 4)
ating that portion. (Paragraph 3)
State which party will control the disposi-
If the work is not completed and each party tion of the various rights, or whether the
retains the rights in his or her portion, state parties must both agree to any licensing of
that each party is free to do as he or she the work. (Paragraph 4)
pleases with that portion.
If one party negotiates all contracts and
Specify a work schedule with a sequence of licenses, give the other party a veto right and
deadlines, so that missing any deadline require both parties to sign all documents.
would have the same consequences as
missing the final due date. This may alert If there are three or more collaborators, state
one party to difficulties that are developing whether licensing, contracts, and artistic
with his or her collaborator and provide an decisions will be controlled by one party, a
opportunity to reconcile differences. majority vote, or unanimous agreement.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Permit the use of a written power of attorney and equipment) shall be owned by both par-
by one party on behalf of the other in specif- ties or by the party that obtained the mate-
ically enumerated circumstances. rial. (Paragraph 5)

Require that each collaborator receive an Specify how the expenses of the parties in
original or at least a copy of any contract or creating the project will be shared, especially
license that is entered into. (Paragraph 4) if the expenses are not shared in the same
way income is or if different types of income
Specify whether the copyright will be held are shared differently. (Paragraph 6)
jointly in the whole work, or whether each
party will retain copyright in the portion If the work is never completed, will one
that he or she has created. (Paragraph 5) party have to contribute to cover expenses
incurred by the other party? (Paragraph 3)
If the copyright is to be jointly owned, state
that this will only happen if each party com- Determine how income, including advances,
pletes his or her portion. (Paragraph 5) will be divided. (Paragraph 6)
If the copyright is jointly owned, decide Specify how advances will be paid back to a
whether each partys right in the joint copy- publisher if one party fails to complete his or
right will pass on to heirs in the event of
her portion of the work and the entire work
death or become the property of the other
cannot be completed. (Paragraph 3)
party. No provision has to be made if the
choice is to have the right be inherited.
Determine whether different types of in-
come should be divided differently. For
If the copyrights are to be separately held by
example, should the writer share in income
each party, provide for appropriate assign-
from licenses of electronic rights in the illus-
ments of rights from each party so rights in
the whole work are available for publication trations? Should the writer share in income
and licensing. from merchandising of the illustrations on
posters? (Paragraph 6)
If the work creates a trademark, characters,
situations, or other rights that might be used If one party arranges the sale of certain
later in sequels, determine whether both rights, should that party receive an extra
parties own the trademark or other rights percentage as a reward?
and whether both have the right to do
sequels. (Paragraphs 5 and 12) If one party has several capacities, such as
being the illustrator of the original work and
If both parties have a right to do sequels, con- the creator of the animation for a film ver-
sider whether this right shall be limited to a sion, should that party be free to receive pay-
certain number of years after publication (per- ment in each capacity?
haps two to four years) or should expire as of
a specific date. Specify who will receive money owed and
how and when the money will be distrib-
State whether materials created or pur- uted to the collaborators. Ideally, payment
chased in the course of developing the books should be made directly to each collaborator.
(including research, tapes, interviews, books, (Paragraph 6)

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COLLABORATION CONTRACT

Specify whether money received will be kept If one party wishes to assign money to
in a joint bank account and, if so, whether become due or any rights in the work, give
both parties must sign on that account. the other party the first option to purchase
this right by matching the best terms offered.
To avoid any conflicts if both parties have
agents, determine whether the parties will In the event of the death or disability of one
use an agent, specify the agent if known, and party prior to completing the work, decide if
require both parties to sign and obey the the other party should have the right to com-
contract with the agent. (Paragraph 7) plete the work. (Paragraph 12)

Specify authorship credit, including the In the event of death or disability of one
order, size, and color of the names, and the party, determine how revisions of the work
use of the names on promotional or adver- can be done and how such revisions will be
tising materials. (Paragraph 8) paid for. (Paragraph 12)

Determine which party will have artistic con- If one collaborator dies, decide whether the
trol of the work, or whether each party will survivor should control contractual and
control his or her own portion. (Paragraph 9) licensing decisions or whether the estate and
heirs should be involved. (Paragraph 12)
Specify the conditions under which one party
may make or authorize changes in the work In the event of death or disability, create a
of the other party. (Paragraphs 3, 9, and 12) formula for reallocating the shares of income.

Require each party to give a warranty and If all collaborators are deceased, provide for
indemnity to the other party, so one party the heirs or personal representatives to make
will have some protection against copyright financial and artistic decisions. (Paragraph 12)
infringements, invasions of privacy, and
similar unlawful acts on the part of the other An arbitration provision is probably wise,
party. (Paragraph 10) because it is usually quicker and less expen-
sive than a court proceeding. (Paragraph 13)
Specify that each party will obtain any
releases or licenses to use copyrighted mate- In addition to arbitration, include a mediation
rials in his or her portion of the work, and provision so that the parties will have an inde-
determine how payment will be made for pendent mediator seek to resolve disputes
such materials. (Paragraph 10) before going to arbitration. Unlike arbitration,
mediation is not binding on either party.
Do not allow assignment of the contract, since
the duties of an illustrator or author are usu- Specify the agreement's term. (Paragraph 14)
ally based on personal skills. (Paragraph 11)
State that the agreement does not create a
Consider carefully whether to allow assign- partnership or joint venture between the
ment of money due under the contract, parties. (Paragraph 15)
since a party who has no reward to look for-
ward to may lose interest in the work. If the promotional or marketing commit-
(Paragraph 11) ment of either party is important to the

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

project, specify what activities that party with those aspects of the Coauthors story
must undertake. embodied in the Work, and that all proceeds
derived by the Coauthor from the granting
Have both parties agree to allow the use of of such rights are the sole property of the
their name, portrait, or picture to promote Coauthor.
the work.
Noncompetition. The danger of such a non-
If the parties agree not to compete with the competition clause is that one party or the
work, the exact limitations must be speci- other may be barred from earning a portion
fied. (Paragraph 16; see other provisions.) of his or her livelihood.

If the work is infringed by others, determine Noncompetition. The parties agree that for a
how to bring suit, share costs, and share any period of _________ years neither party shall
recovery. (Paragraph 17) authorize the publication of any other work
in book form that directly competes with
Review the standard provisions in the intro- and would significantly diminish the market
ductory pages and compare with Paragraph for the Work. This noncompetition provision
18. shall not apply in the following circum-
stances: _______________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
Other provisions that can be added to Form 6:

Exclusivity. The exclusivity provision is


designed for the situation in which a person
tells his or her story to an author, so it is not
likely to be relevant to an illustrator.

Exclusivity. The parties hereto agree that


this Agreement is an exclusive agreement in
that neither party will enter into any other
agreements for books or for magazine arti-
cles that will diminish the value of any of the
parties respective rights in this Agreement.
The Illustrator acknowledges that the fol-
lowing activities by the Coauthor do not vio-
late the preceding sentence: ______________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
______________________________________.
Further, the Illustrator agrees that the
Coauthor is free to sell the publishing and
nonpublishing rights to his or her story if
such sales will not diminish the value of the
parties respective rights and do not deal

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COLLABORATION CONTRACT

Collaboration Contract

AGREEMENT entered into as of the _____ day of ____________, 20___, between _______________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at ______________________________________________________,
and ______________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Coauthor),
located at ____________________________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, each party is familiar with and respects the work of the other;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to collaborate on a book project tentatively titled ___________________________
_____________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Work); and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to have the creation of the Work governed by the mutual obligations, covenants, and
conditions herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Description. The Work shall be approximately ______ words on the subject of _____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________ and shall be illustrated by _____________ illustrations.
Materials other than text and illustrations include ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.

A schedule outline synopsis is attached to and made part of this Agreement.

2. Responsibilities. The Illustrator shall be responsible for creating approximately _____ illustrations to accom-
pany the text, described more fully as follows:

Subject _____________________________________________________________
Original size _________________________________________________________
Reproduction size ____________________________________________________
Medium _____________________________________________________________
Number and size of color illustrations ___________________________________
Number and size of black-and-white illustrations _________________________
Other specifications __________________________________________________

The Illustrator shall also provide the following materials: ________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________________________________.

The Coauthor shall be responsible for writing approximately ______ words to serve as the following parts of the
text: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.

The Coauthor shall also provide the following materials: _______________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________________________________.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

3. Due Date. Both Illustrator and Coauthor shall complete their portions of the Work by ___________, 20____, or
by the date for delivery of the manuscript as specified in a publishing contract entered into pursuant to
Paragraph 4. If such a publishing contract requires sketches or other materials prior to the date for delivery
of the manuscript, the party responsible for same shall provide it to the publisher. In the event either party
fails to complete his or her portion of the Work by the due date for reasons other than death or disability, the
parties may agree to an extension of the due date or agree to allow a nondefaulting party to complete the
Work as if the other party were deceased or disabled. If no agreement can be reached, the arbitrator may
award a nondefaulting party the right to complete the Work as if the other party were deceased or disabled
or may convey to each party the rights of copyright in that partys completed portion of the Work and specify
how the parties shall contribute to any expenses incurred and repay any advances.

4. Contracts and Licenses. If a contract for the Work has not already been entered into with a publisher, both
Illustrator and Coauthor agree to seek such a contract. Such publishing contract shall be entered into in the
names of and signed by both the Illustrator and the Coauthor, each of whom shall comply with and perform
all required contractual obligations. If a mutually agreeable publishing contract for initial publication of the
Work is not entered into with a Publisher by ______________, 20____, then either party may terminate this
Agreement by giving written notice to the other party prior to such time as a mutually agreeable publishing
contract for initial publication is entered into. Each party shall fully inform the other party of all negotiations for
such a publishing contract or with respect to the negotiation of any other licenses or contracts pursuant to this
Agreement. The disposition of any right, including the grant of any license, shall require written agreement
between both parties hereto. Each party shall receive a copy of any contract, license, or other document
relating to this Agreement.

5. Copyright, Trademarks, and Other Proprietary Rights. Illustrator and Coauthor agree that the Work shall be
copyrighted in both their names, and that upon completion of the Work, it is their intention that their respec-
tive contributions shall be merged into a joint work with a jointly owned copyright, unless provided to the con-
trary here:__________________________________________________________________. If either party does not
complete his or her portion of the Work, the nature of copyright ownership shall be governed by Paragraph 3.
It is further agreed that trademarks, rights in characters, titles, and similar ongoing rights shall be owned by
both parties who shall both participate in any sequels under the terms of this Agreement, unless provided to
the contrary here:____________________________________________________________. A sequel is defined as
a work closely related to the Work in that it is derived from the subject matter of the Work, is similar in style
and format to the Work, and is directed toward the same audience as that for the Work. Material of any and
all kinds developed or obtained in the course of creating the Work shall be jointly owned the property of
the party who developed or obtained it.

6. Income and Expenses. Net proceeds generated by the Work shall be divided as set forth in this Paragraph.
Net proceeds are defined as gross proceeds from the sale or license of book rights throughout the world
(including but not limited to serializations, condensations, and translations), including advances, minus rea-
sonable expenses. Such expenses shall include agents fees and the parties expenses incurred in the cre-
ation of the Work, provided that the parties expenses shall be supported by appropriate verification and shall
not exceed $_____ for the Illustrator and $_____ for the Coauthor. Each party shall provide verification for
expenses to the other party within ten days of a written request. Unless otherwise provided, the parties
expenses shall be reimbursed from first proceeds received, including but not limited to advances.

Net proceeds from the sale or license of nonelectronic publishing rights shall be divided _____ percent to the
Illustrator and _____ percent to the Coauthor.

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COLLABORATION CONTRACT

Net proceeds from the sale or license of electronic publishing rights shall be divided ____ percent to the
Illustrator and ____ percent to the Coauthor. For purposes of this Agreement, electronic rights are defined as
rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such media as computer
disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.

Net proceeds from the sale or license of nonpublishing rights in the Work (including but not limited to audio, mer-
chandising, motion picture, stage play, or television rights to the Work), whether such sale or license occurs
before or after initial publication of the Work, shall be divided _____ percent to the Illustrator and _____ percent
to the Coauthor, unless provided to the contrary here, in which case the following rights shall be treated with
respect to division of net proceeds and control or disposition as follows: ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________.

If possible, net proceeds shall be paid directly to each party in accordance with the divisions set forth in this
Paragraph. If either party is designated to collect such net proceeds, that party shall make immediate payment
to the other party of such amounts as are due hereunder.

07. Agent. If the parties have entered into an agency agreement with respect to the Work, it is with the following
agent:____________________________________. If a contract for the Work has not already been entered into
with an agent, both Illustrator and Coauthor agree to seek such a contract not to seek such a contract.
Any agency contract shall be mutually acceptable to and entered into in the names of and signed by both the
Illustrator and the Coauthor, each of whom shall comply with and perform all required contractual obligations.

08. Authorship Credit. The credit line for the Work shall be as follows wherever authorship credit is given in the
Work or in promotion, advertising, or other ancillary uses:_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________. The color and type size for such authorship
credit shall be the same for both authors unless provided to the contrary here:_____________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________.

09. Artistic Control. Each party shall have artistic control over his or her portion of the Work, unless provided to
the contrary here in which case artistic control of the entire Work shall be exercised by
______________________ ________________________. The parties shall share ideas and make work in progress
available to the other party for discussion and coordination purposes. Except as provided in Paragraphs 3 and
12, neither party shall at any time make any changes in the portion of the Work created by the other party.

10. Warranty and Indemnity. Illustrator and Coauthor each warrant and represent to the other that the respective
contributions of each to the Work are original (or that appropriate releases have been obtained and paid for)
and do not libel or otherwise violate any right of any person or entity, including but not limited to rights of copy-
right or privacy. Illustrator and Coauthor each indemnify and hold the other harmless from and against any and
all claims, actions, liability, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees and expenses,
incurred by the other as a result of the breach of such warranties, representations, and undertakings.

11. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party hereto, provided, however, that after
completion of the Work, either party may assign the right to receive money pursuant to Paragraph 6 by giving
written notice to the other party.

12. Death or Disability. In the event that either party dies or suffers a disability that will prevent completion of his
or her respective portion of the Work, or of a revision thereof or a sequel thereto, the other party shall have the

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

right to complete that portion or to hire a third party to complete that portion and shall adjust the authorship
credit to reflect the revised authorship arrangements. The deceased or disabled party shall receive payments
pursuant to Paragraph 6 pro rata to the proportion of his or her work completed or, in the case of a revision or
sequel, shall receive payments pursuant to Paragraph 6 after deduction for the cost of revising or creating the
sequel with respect to his or her portion of the Work. The active party shall have the sole power to license and
contract with respect to the Work, and approval of the personal representative, heirs, or conservator of the
deceased or disabled party shall not be required. If all parties are deceased, the respective heirs or personal
representatives shall take the place of the parties for all purposes.

13. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
__________________________________________ in the following location __________________________________
and shall be settled in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the
arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

14. Term. The term for this Agreement shall be the duration of the copyright, plus any renewals or extensions
thereof.

15. Independent Parties. The parties to this Agreement are independent of one another, and nothing contained in
this Agreement shall make a partnership or joint venture between them.

16. Competitive Works. If the parties wish to restrict future activities to avoid competition with the Work, any such
restrictions must be stated here: __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Infringement. In the event of an infringement of the Work, the Illustrator and Coauthor shall have the right to
sue jointly for the infringement and, after deducting the expenses of bringing suit, to share in any recovery as
follows: ______________________. If either party chooses not to join in the suit, the other party may proceed
and, after deducting all the expenses of bringing the suit, any recovery shall be shared between the parties as
stated in the preceding sentence.

18. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can
be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties. Each party shall do all acts and sign all
documents required to effectuate this Agreement. A waiver of any breach of any of the provisions of this
Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions
hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of _______________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator _____________________________ Coauthor ______________________________

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Contract for the Sale of an Artwork FORM

T his is a basic contract for the sale of a work of


art. A number of provisions, included in the
Specify the manner of payment, such as by
personal check, certified check, cash, credit
other provisions section, can be added to Form card, or money order.
7 to govern the relationship of the illustrator to
the work after the sale. These provisions are Specify the currency for payment. This
innovative and often approximate the moral might be necessary if the collector is foreign
rights that protect creators in other nations. or if the illustrator is selling work abroad.

Filling in the Form Agree on who arranges and pays for delivery,
if the collector cant simply take the work
In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names
when it is purchased. (Paragraph 5)
and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1,
describe the work. In Paragraph 3, fill in the
Specify a time and location for delivery.
price. In Paragraph 5, check the box to indicate
(Paragraph 5)
who will arrange for delivery, and fill in the loca-
tion and time for delivery. Fill in who will pay Agree when the risk of loss or damage to the
the expenses for the delivery. In Paragraph 6, fill work passes from the illustrator to the col-
in when the risk of loss will pass from the illus- lector. This risk usually passes on delivery, but
trator to the collector. In Paragraph 7, fill in the the time when the risk passes can be altered
date for the copyright notice. In Paragraph 8, fill by contract. If the collector buys the work but
in the state whose laws will govern the sale. leaves it with the illustrator, the risk of loss
Both parties should then sign. will not pass to the collector until the collector
could reasonably have been expected to pick
Negotiation Checklist up the work. The illustrator can avoid the
Make certain title does not pass to the pur- uncertainty of this by providing that the risk
chaser until the illustrator has been paid in of loss passes to the collector at the time of
full. (Paragraph 2) purchase, regardless of whether the work has
been delivered. (Paragraph 6)
Agree on the price and the payment of sales Agree whether the work will be insured and,
tax or any other transfer tax. (Paragraph 3)
if so, by whom. (Paragraph 6)
Agree on the payment of other charges, such Reserve all reproduction rights to the illus-
as for framing or installation. If the illustrator trator. (Paragraph 7)
must travel to install the work, agree on a fee
or reimbursement for the travel expenses. Require copyright notice in the illustrators
name for any reproductions approved by the
Agree on the time for payment. (Paragraph 4) illustrator. (Paragraph 7)

If the sale is an installment sale, obtain the Review the standard provisions in the intro-
right to a security interest in the work. (See ductory pages and compare with Para-
the discussion under other provisions.) graph 8.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Other provisions that can be added to Form 7: contractual provision requires the collector
to provide whatever documents the illus-
Installment sale. If the illustrator wants to trator may need. If large sums are involved
sell the work on an installment basis, the fol- or the collectors finances are questionable,
lowing provision could be added: these documents might be required at the
time of signing the contract of sale.
Installment Sale. The price shall be paid in
___________ installments, payable as follows: Nondestruction. The illustrator may want to
$______ on ____________, 20___; $_____ on obligate a collector to return work if the col-
______, 20___; and $______ on ______, 20___. lector no longer wants the work and intends
to dispose of it.
Security interest. If the illustrator allows the
collector to purchase the work on an install- Nondestruction. The Collector shall not
ment basis, the illustrator may want the destroy the Work or permit the Work to be
right to have a security interest in the work destroyed without first offering to return
until payment is made in full. This means ownership of the Work to the Illustrator or his
that the illustrator would have a right to the or her successors in interest.
work ahead of any of the collectors credi-
tors. Such a provision would state: Integrity and Attribution. This is the heart of
the illustrators moral rights. It gives the illus-
Security Interest. Collector grants to the trator the right to be acknowledged as the cre-
Illustrator, and the Illustrator hereby ator of his or her work, to have the work be
reserves, a security interest under the Uni- unaltered, and, if the work is altered, to
form Commercial Code in the Work and any remove the illustrators name from the work.
proceeds derived therefrom until payment is
made in full to the Illustrator. Collector Integrity and Attribution. The Collector shall
agrees to execute and deliver to the not distort, mutilate, or otherwise alter the
Illustrator, in the form requested by the Work. In the event such distortion, mutilation,
Illustrator, a financing statement and such or other alteration occurs, whether by action
other documents that the Illustrator may of the Collector or otherwise, the Illustrator
require to perfect its security interest in the shall, in addition to any other rights and reme-
Work. The Collector agrees not to transfer, dies, have the right to have his or her name
pledge, or encumber the Work until payment removed from the Work and no longer have it
has been made in full, nor to incur any attributed to him or her as its creator.
charges or obligations in connection there-
with for which the Illustrator may be liable. Right to Exhibit. The illustrator may very
well wish to borrow work that has been sold
To perfect a security interest (which means for purposes of exhibition. This provision
the formalities have been completed so the allows that. It would not be unreasonable to
illustrator can take precedence over the col- have the right to borrow the work for sixty
lectors creditors) requires the filing of days every five years.
Uniform Commercial Code Form 1 with the
secretary of state or local agency for filing Right to Exhibit. The Illustrator may borrow
such as the county clerk. Since the collector the Work for up to ________ days once every
will usually have to sign what is filed, the _____ years for exhibition at a nonprofit

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CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF AN ARTWORK

institution. The Illustrator shall give the Col-


lector written notice no later than 120 days
before the opening and shall provide satis-
factory proof of insurance and prepaid trans-
portation. All expenses of the loan to the
Illustrator shall be paid for by the Illustrator.

Restoration. The illustrator may want to


oversee any restoration to work that has
been sold. If the illustrator cannot do the
restoration, he or she may nonetheless want
the right to consult about the restoration or
even approve the restorer.

Restoration. In the event of damage to the


Work requiring restoration or repair, the
Collector shall, if practicable, offer the
Illustrator the first opportunity to restore or
repair the Work and, in any case, shall consult
with the Illustrator with respect to the
restoration or repairs.

Resale Proceeds. Following laws that exist in


many countries, California enacted an art-
resale-proceeds law. This gives an illustrator
the right to a part of the proceeds on a prof-
itable sale of his or her art by a subsequent
owner. The provision given below seeks to
create such a right by contract, but applies
only to the first collector to buy the work. To
try and bind subsequent owners would
require the first collector to agree to include
in any contract of sale a provision that the
next owner would agree to such a resale pro-
ceeds right and also agree to bind the fol-
lowing owner to comply with the provision.

Resale Proceeds. On resale or other transfer


of the Work for a price or value in excess of
that paid in Paragraph 3, the Collector
agrees to pay the Illustrator ____ percent of
the gross sale price received or, if the Work is
transferred other than by sale, to pay ____
percent of the fair market value of the Work
as of the date of transfer.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Contract for the Sale of an Artwork


AGREEMENT entered into as of the ______ day of ____________, 20___, between ____________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at ________________________________________________________
___________________________, and _______________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as
the Collector), located at _____________________________________________________________, with respect to the
sale of an artwork (hereinafter referred to as the Work).

WHEREAS, the Illustrator has created the Work and has full right, title, and interest therein;
WHEREAS, the Illustrator wishes to sell the Work; and
WHEREAS, the Collector has viewed the Work and wishes to purchase it.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual obligations, covenants, and condi-
tions hereinafter set forth, and other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Description of Work. The lllustrator describes the Work as follows:


Title _____________________________________________________
Medium __________________________________________________
Size _____________________________________________________
Framing or mounting _______________________________________
Year of creation ___________________________________________
Signed by lllustrator yes no
If the Work is part of a limited edition, indicate the method of production ____________________, the size of the
edition _________, how many multiples are signed _________, how many are unsigned ________, how many are
numbered ______, how many are unnumbered ______, how many proofs exist ______, the quantity of any prior
editions _______, and whether the master image has been cancelled or destroyed yes no.
2. Sale. The lllustrator hereby agrees to sell the Work to the Collector. Title shall pass to the Collector at such time
as full payment is received by the lllustrator pursuant to Paragraph 4 hereof.
3. Price. The Collector agrees to purchase the Work for the agreed upon price of $______________, and shall also
pay any applicable sales or transfer taxes.
4. Payment. Payment shall be made in full upon the signing of this Agreement.
5. Delivery. The lllustrator Collector shall arrange for delivery to the following location: _____________________
_______________________________ no later than ________________________, 20___. The expenses of delivery
(including, but not limited to, insurance and transportation) shall be paid by _____________.
6. Risk of Loss and Insurance. The risk of loss or damage to the Work and the provision of any insurance
to cover such loss or damage shall be the responsibility of the Collector from the time of ____________________
_____________________________________________.
7. Copyright and Reproduction. The lllustrator reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim
statutory copyright, in the Work. The Work may not be photographed, sketched, painted, or reproduced in any
manner whatsoever without the express, written consent of the lllustrator. All approved reproductions shall bear
the following copyright notice: ________(year) by _________________________(lllustrators name).
8. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can be
modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties. A waiver of any breach of any of the provisions
of this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provi-
sions hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of _________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

lllustrator ______________________________________ Collector ____________________________________________

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Contract for Receipt and Holding of Artwork FORM

8
T he illustrator frequently faces a dilemma. On
the one hand, there is a very good reason to
be evolved from Form 8. In either case, the recip-
ient should sign the form, if at all possible.
leave art with someone else. On the other hand,
this other party has not yet made any commit-
ment to the illustrator. For example, the illus- Filling in the Form
trator may want to leave a portfolio containing In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names and
original art or hard-to-replace samples with an addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1, give the
art director. Or it may simply be necessary to purpose for which the art has been delivered to
take art for framing, repairs, or review by a the other party. In Paragraph 4, check the boxes to
printer prior to undertaking a project. In all show the duration of the recipients liability and
these cases, the art is entrusted to someone else. indicate the method of return transportation. In
Once art has left the illustrators hands, it is Paragraph 5, check the box regarding insurance.
important that it be preserved and kept in good State when the art is to be returned in Paragraph
condition. Anyone holding the art as part of his 6 and, if relevant, specify the number of days and
or her regular business dealings has a duty of holding fee. In Paragraph 7, give the small claims
reasonable care. The illustrator may want to court limit on claims, and specify an arbitrator. In
raise this standard of care. Insurance may be Paragraph 8, indicate which states laws will
needed to protect the art. govern the agreement. Fill in the Schedule of
Another problem that may arise when the Artworks with the relevant information (in-
illustrators work is entrusted to someone else is cluding samples, slides, or other materials, if nec-
the risk that it may be infringed by unauthorized essary). Both parties should sign the contract.
reproductions or even sold or rented without the
illustrator receiving a fee or exercising the right
to control what is done with the art. Form 8 Negotiation Checklist
makes explicit the restrictions against any such State the purpose for leaving the artworks
use of the artworks by the party holding them. with the other party. (Paragraph 1)
The holding fee is designed to encourage that
the art not be kept for an unreasonable period of Specify that the recipient accepts the infor-
time. Of course, a holding fee may be impractical mation provided on the Schedule of Art-
in many situations (such as when the illustrator works to show that there is no dispute as to
is sending the art out for framing or is leaving it which artworks were delivered and what
with an art director who has not solicited the their values are. (Paragraph 2)
work for review). Parties entrusted with art may
not be willing to agree to a high standard of care Require immediate, written notification of
or to the insuring of the art. In such cases, the any dispute as to the listing of artworks or
value of Form 8 is that it alerts the illustrator to their values. (Paragraph 2)
the risks in giving the art to the other party.
Of course, the illustrators copyright is pro- State that if no objection is made within ten
tection against unauthorized reproductions and days, the terms shall be considered accepted
displays. Use of Form 8 alerts the other party to even if the recipient has not signed the form.
the illustrators determination to prevent such (Paragraph 2)
unauthorized activity.
If the illustrator feels Form 8 will not be Reserve ownership of the physical artworks
agreed to by the other party, a simpler form can to the illustrator. (Paragraph 3)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Reserve the copyright and all reproduction


rights to the illustrator. (Paragraph 3)

Require that the artworks be held in confi-


dence. (Paragraph 3)

State that the illustrators written permission


is required for any reproduction, display,
sale, or rental of the artworks. In essence, this
requires another contract that would deal
specifically with the relevant issues within
each arrangement and provide for fees and
appropriate limitations. (Paragraph 3)

State that the recipient shall be strictly liable


in the event of loss, theft, or damage, and
indicate the duration of this responsibility.
(Paragraph 4)

Require the return of the artworks to the illus-


trator at the recipient's expense. (Paragraph 4)

Require the recipient to pay for the trans-


portation from the illustrator to the recipient.

Specify the method of transportation. (Para-


graph 4)

Require wall-to-wall all-risks insurance be


provided by the recipient. (Paragraph 5)

Make the illustrator a named beneficiary on


any insurance policy protecting the artworks.

Provide for the payment of a holding fee to


the illustrator if the artworks are kept beyond
a certain period of time. (Paragraph 6)

Give the illustrator a security interest in the


artworks to protect against claims by creditors
of the recipient. Security interests are reviewed
under other provisions for Form 7.

Compare the standard provisions in the


introductory pages with Paragraphs 78.

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CONTRACT FOR RECEIPT AND HOLDING OF ARTWORK

Contract for Receipt and Holding of Artwork


AGREEMENT entered into as of the______ day of _________, 20____, between ________________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the lllustrator), located at ___________________________________________________, and
_____________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Recipient),
located at ____________________________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, the lllustrator is a professional illustrator of good standing;
WHEREAS, the lllustrator wishes to leave certain artworks with the Recipient for a limited period of time; and
WHEREAS, the Recipient in the course of its business receives and holds artworks.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Purpose. lllustrator hereby agrees to entrust the artworks listed on the Schedule of Artworks to the Recipient for
the purpose of __________________________________.
2. Acceptance. Recipient accepts the listing and values on the Schedule of Artworks as accurate if not objected
to in writing by return mail immediately after receipt of the artworks. If Recipient has not signed this form, any
terms on this form not objected to in writing within ten (10) days shall be deemed accepted.
3. Ownership and Copyright. Copyright and all reproduction rights in the artworks, as well as the ownership of the
physical artworks themselves, are the property of and reserved to the lllustrator. Recipient acknowledges that the
artworks shall be held in confidence and agrees not to display, copy, or modify directly or indirectly any of the art-
works submitted, nor will Recipient permit any third party to do any of the foregoing. Reproduction, display, sale,
or rental shall be allowed only upon lllustrators written permission specifying usage and fees.
4. Loss, Theft, or Damage. Recipient agrees to assume full responsibility and be strictly liable for loss, theft, or
damage to the artworks from the time of shipment by the lllustrator receipt by the Recipient until the time
of shipment by the Recipient receipt by the lllustrator. Recipient further agrees to return all of the artworks
at its own expense by the following method of transportation: _____________________________________.
Reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage to an artwork shall be in the amount of the value entered for that art-
work on the Schedule of Artworks. Both Recipient and lllustrator agree that the specified values represent the
value of the art.
5. Insurance. Recipient does does not agree to insure the artworks for all risks from the time of shipment
from the Illustrator until the time of delivery to the Illustrator for the values shown on the Schedule of Artworks.
6. Holding Fees. The artworks are to be returned to the lllustrator within _____ days after delivery to the Recipient.
Each artwork held beyond _____ days from delivery shall incur a daily holding fee of $_______, which shall be
paid to the lllustrator on a weekly basis.
7. Arbitration. Recipient and lllustrator agree to submit all disputes hereunder in excess of $_____________ to arbi-
tration before ______________ in the following location __________________ under the rules of the American
Arbitration Association. The arbitrators award shall be final, and judgment may be entered on it in any court
having jurisdiction thereof.
8. Miscellany. This Agreement contains the full understanding between the parties hereto and may only be mod-
ified by a written instrument signed by both parties. It shall be governed by the laws of the State of ________ ____.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

lllustrator _____________________________________ Recipient _______________________________________


Company Name

By _____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Schedule of Artworks

Title Medium Description Framing Value

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

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IllustratorGallery Contract with FORM


Record of Consignment and
Statement of Account
9

M any illustrators who sell their work


through galleries rely on trust instead of con-
illustrator will then sell directly to the gallerys
clients. One solution might be to have a neutral
tracts. Trust is fine when everything is going third party hold the names and contact the pur-
smoothly, but it is of little value after disputes chasers for reasons specified in the contract,
arise and neither party is truly certain which con- such as a retrospective exhibition.
tractual terms originally bound the illustrator The commission for the gallery varies in the
and gallery together. Contracts with galleries can range of 2550 percent of the retail price.
vary from a simple consignment of one piece of Reasons for a higher commission would cer-
work to an ongoing representation arrangement, tainly include higher costs to the gallery in
under which the gallery has certain rights to rep- making the sales, such as those incurred in
resent more of the illustrators work. extensive promotion and foreign travel. A
A basic rule is: Never give the gallery rights to related issue is: Who will bear the various
sell work that the gallery has no capacity to sell. expenses of exhibitions and promotion? While it
This means that the scope of the representation is a fair assumption that the gallery will usually
must be carefully scrutinized. Also, since the carry these expenses, it nonetheless bears
work will be in the possession of the gallery, the review. If the gallery pays for frames or similar
issues of damage, loss, and repairs must be items, who will own them after the exhibition?
resolved. The illustrator should not be bound for too
One danger facing the illustrator is the possi- long a period of time by a contract with a gallery.
bility that the gallery may go bankrupt. If this What was appropriate at one time may no
happens, creditors of the gallery may have a right longer serve the illustrator as he or she grows in
to seize consigned artwork. Many states have terms of both aesthetic and financial success.
enacted laws to protect the illustrator from such One way to deal with this is to provide for a
seizures. However, the illustrator must check on right of termination after a certain time period,
a state-by-state basis to determine the status of such as one or two years.
the law. One way to do this is to contact the Highly successful illustrators may receive a
nearest group of volunteer lawyers for the arts. stipend each month from the gallery. This is an
Insofar as possible, the illustrator must verify amount of money that the illustrator receives
that the gallery is stable financially. Of course, it regardless of sales. If sales are made, the
can be difficult to know what goes on behind the amounts paid as a stipend are subtracted from
scenes at an apparently successful enterprise. the amounts due to the illustrator. Problems can
But late payments to other illustrators or sup- arise when sales are not made and the gallery
pliers certainly suggest economic difficulty. In takes artworks to cover the stipend. If the gallery
any case, one might want to obtain a security ends up with too many of the illustrators
interest in the work in order to have a right to works, it is as if the illustrator has an alter ego.
the work even if the gallery does go bankrupt. The gallery may be tempted to sell its own
One other important issue is the identities of works by the illustrator ahead of works by the
the purchasers of the illustrators work. If the illustrator that are on consignment.
illustrator does not know who purchased the The illustrator may want to create a network
works and where the purchasers live, a retro- with a number of galleries, setting limitations
spective exhibition and even access to take pho- with each as to the types of work, areas, and
tographs are nearly impossible. The gallery may exclusivity. The mechanism to do this would be
resist giving these names on the theory that the a coherent series of contracts that protect the

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

illustrator, while giving the galleries the rights gallery sign it. The Record of Consignment can be
and art that they need to make representing the used each time the illustrator delivers additional
illustrator remunerative. works to the gallery. The Statement of Account
The illustrator may also deal with consultants will be filled out by the gallery when accountings
or dealers who do not have galleries. For are due (for example, every three months).
example, illustrators reps who sell to corporate
America use sales tools such as slides and port-
folios, but do not necessarily have galleries. Negotiation Checklist
Nonetheless, the same considerations apply to State that the illustrator is the creator and
contracts with such representatives as apply to owner of the consigned artworks and, if
contracts with galleries. Instead of specifying the required, warrant this to be true.
nature of the exhibition to be given, such a con-
tract might specify the efforts to be made on Determine whether the gallery should have
behalf of the illustrator, or, at least, require best an exclusive or nonexclusive right to repre-
efforts on the part of the representative. sent the illustrator. (Paragraph 1)

Whether the representation is exclusive or


nonexclusive, limit the geographical area in
Filling in the Form which the gallery will represent the illus-
In the Preamble, give the date and the names trator. (Paragraph 1)
and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1,
specify whether the agreement is exclusive or Specify the type of media that the gallery will
nonexclusive, and indicate the geographic area represent for the illustrator. (Paragraph 1)
covered, as well as which media will be repre-
sented. In Paragraph 2, give the term of the If the representation is exclusive, limit the
agreement and indicate special grounds for ter- work subject to the contract to that work pro-
mination, such as the death of a particular duced during the term of the contract, not
employee of the gallery or a change of location work created before or after the contract.
by the gallery. In Paragraph 3, indicate how long (Paragraph 1)
the illustrators solo exhibition will be and
where the exhibition will take place. Then show Require signed documentation of all artwork
how expenses will be shared and who will own consigned to the gallery. (Paragraph 1 and
any property created from these expenses. In the Record of Consignment)
Paragraph 4, give the gallerys commission rate
for its own sales as well as the commission rate Specify a reasonable term, which should not
for the illustrators sales, if applicable. In be too long unless there is also a right to ter-
Paragraph 7, fill in how often an accounting will minate the contract. (Paragraph 2)
be given and when such accountings will com-
mence. In Paragraph 10, specify how much Give a right of termination on thirty or sixty
insurance will be provided. In Paragraph 14, days notice to either party. (Paragraph 2)
give the name of an arbitrator or arbitrating
body and fill in the maximum small claims court Provide for termination in the event of the
limit so lawsuits can be brought in small claims gallerys bankruptcy or insolvency.
court for small amounts. In Paragraph 16, (Paragraph 2)
specify which states laws will govern the agree-
ment. Both parties should sign the agreement. Provide for termination if a particular person
The illustrator should also fill in the Record of dies or leaves the employment of the gallery.
Consignment and have a representative of the (Paragraph 2)

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ILLUSTRATORGALLERY CONTRACT WITH RECORD OF CONSIGNMENT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

Provide for termination in the event of a Consider having the gallery advance money
change of ownership of the gallery. to pay for the construction of expensive
pieces. These advances, which should be
Provide for termination in the event the nonrefundable, would later be recouped by
gallery moves to a new area. (Paragraph 2) the gallery from sales of the work or by
taking ownership of some of the work.
Provide for termination in the event of a
change in the form of ownership of the gallery. Consider specifying a budget for certain
important items, such as promotion, and
Provide for termination if a specified level of even detailing how the money will be spent.
sales is not achieved by the gallery over a cer-
tain time period. State who will own frames and other prop-
erty created as an expense of the exhibition.
Decide whether the death of the illustrator (Paragraph 3)
should cause a termination.
If the illustrator is to provide his or her
In the event of termination, require the mailing list to help in the promotion of the
gallery to pay the expenses of immediately exhibition, consider requiring that this list be
returning all the consigned artworks to the kept confidential and not be used for other
illustrator. (Paragraph 2) promotional purposes.

Require that the gallery keep confidential all Give the commission rate on the retail price
transactions on behalf of the illustrator. to be paid to the gallery for each piece sold.
(Paragraph 4)
Require that the gallery exercise best efforts
to sell the illustrators work. Do not agree to a net price commission,
under which the gallery agrees to pay a fixed
Specify the efforts to be exercised by the amount to the illustrator when the work is
gallery, such as providing an exhibition for a sold, since this will allow the gallery to
certain number of days during the exhibition charge higher prices and, in effect, pay a
season. (Paragraph 3) lower commission rate.

Give artistic control over the exhibition and If the gallery is selling works in different
any reproductions of the work to the illus- media, consider whether the commission
trator. (Paragraph 3) should vary from one medium to another.

State that the gallery shall pay all expenses If sales are substantial, review whether the
for the exhibition, including the cost of wall- commission rate should decrease as the
to-wall insurance. volume of sales increases.

If the gallery will not pay all the expenses of If the gallery gives a discount on certain
the exhibition, which should be enumerated sales, try to have the discount deducted from
in any case, determine how the payment of the gallerys commission rather than shared
various expenses will be divided between the between the gallery and the illustrator.
gallery and the illustrator. (Paragraph 3) (Paragraph 4)

Consider having the gallery pay for the con- If the representation is exclusive as to area or
struction of expensive pieces. types of work, decide if the illustrator must

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

pay a commission to the gallery on sales by would be nonrefundable and paid back by
the illustrator. If so, which types of sales will sales of art to the gallery if amounts due the
be covered and how much will the commis- illustrator from sales to collectors were insuf-
sion be. It should certainly be less than what ficient. (See other provisions.)
the gallery would receive from sales due to
the gallerys own efforts. (Paragraph 4) If the gallery is buying work outright, or is
paying a stipend that may result in the
If the illustrator is to pay a commission on gallery buying work, consider specifying the
certain sales by the illustrator, exclude trans- price at which the work must be sold. State
fers by gift or barter from such a requirement. that the artist shall receive a part of the resale
proceeds if the work is sold for a higher price.
If the illustrator is to pay a commission on
certain sales by the illustrator, consider Require periodic accountings by the gallery,
excluding a certain dollar amount of sales including all the information the illustrator
from this requirement. needs to know that the payment is correct
and where the art is. (Paragraph 7 and
If the gallery will sell through other galleries, Statement of Account)
resolve the issue of double commissions.
Require a final accounting upon termination
Specify the retail prices and allowable dis- of the agreement. (Paragraph 7)
counts for sales of the work. (Paragraph 5
and the Record of Consignment) Make the gallery strictly responsible for loss
or damage from the receipt of the work until
Require that the gallery pay the illustrator as it is returned to the illustrator. (Paragraph 9)
soon as possible after sale. (Paragraph 6)
If possible, have the gallery arrange ship-
Require the illustrator's consent to sales on ment from the illustrator to the gallery and
approval or credit. Sales on approval basi- make the gallery responsible for loss or
cally involve loaning the work to a collector damage during that time period.
who has agreed to purchase the work if he or
she approves of it after the loan period. This Provide that in the event of loss or damage
may also be in the form of a sale with a right that cannot be restored, the illustrator shall
to return the work during a specified period receive the same monies that would be due if
of time, in which case payment might not be the work had been sold. (Paragraph 9)
made in full until that time period had
elapsed. (Paragraph 6) Give the illustrator control over any restora-
tion of work. (Paragraph 9)
Have the gallery guarantee sales on credit.
Require the gallery to insure the work for a
Have first proceeds from sales on approval or portion of the retail price, presumably
credit paid to the illustrator. (Paragraph 6) enough to pay the illustrator in full in the
event of loss or damage. (Paragraph 10)
Consider having the gallery purchase work
outright, instead of taking it on consignment. Make the illustrator a named beneficiary of
the gallerys insurance policy with respect to
Consider asking for a stipend, an amount the illustrators work and provide proof of
paid every month regardless of sales, which this insurance to the illustrator.

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ILLUSTRATORGALLERY CONTRACT WITH RECORD OF CONSIGNMENT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

Review which risks are covered by any insur- illustrator. A somewhat less sophisticated
ance and which risks may be excluded, such approach would be to have the gallery simply
as loss by mysterious disappearance or pay one sum as an advance against future
damage due to frequent handling. sales. Such an advance usually would be paid
upon signing the contract. If the gallery is pur-
Give the illustrator a security interest to pro- chasing art to pay back an advance or stipend,
tect the work from creditors of the gallery it will only credit the illustrator with what the
and require the gallery to execute any docu- illustrator would have received had the art
ments necessary to perfect the security been sold (not the full retail price, since the
interest. Security interests are reviewed in the gallerys commission would have been sub-
discussion of Form 7. (Paragraph 12) tracted from that). The following provision is
one approach to a contract with a stipend:
Require the gallery to post a sign stating that
the illustrators work is on consignment, Stipend. The Gallery shall pay the Illustrator
since this will protect the work from creditors the nonrefundable sums of $_____ monthly,
of the gallery. commencing with the first payment on the
signing of this Agreement and continuing
Provide for title to pass from the illustrator with payments on the first day of each
directly to any purchaser and, if that purchaser month for the term of this Agreement. All
is the gallery, only after full payment has been funds paid the Illustrator hereunder shall be
received by the illustrator. (Paragraph 12) deemed advances that are to be recouped by
the Gallery as follows: (1) by subtracting
Have the gallery agree not to encumber the such advances from sums due the Illustrator
consigned art in any way for which the illus- for sales of art under this Agreement, or (2)
trator may be liable. (Paragraph 12) in the event sums due the Illustrator do not
equal or exceed such advances, by pur-
Review the standard provisions in the intro- chasing a sufficient number of consigned art-
ductory pages and compare with Paragraphs works that sums due the Illustrator equal or
1316. exceed such advances. If the Gallery is pur-
chasing artworks hereunder, the Illustrator
Keep in mind that state laws vary greatly shall be credited for the amount that the
with respect to illustrator-gallery relation- Illustrator would have received had the work
ships, so the choice of which states law will been sold by the Gallery to an outside pur-
govern may be far more important than is the chaser at the retail price specified in the
case in most contracts. (Paragraph 16) Record of Consignment.

Other provisions that can be added to Form 7: Best Efforts. The requirement that the gallery
use its best efforts is hard to make into a legal
Stipend. The regular flow of income to the issue, since best efforts is a rather subjective
illustrator can be very important. This is term. It is really better to try and specify
what a stipend provides, whether it is paid exactly what the gallery is required to do.
on a weekly, monthly, or other periodic basis. However, there may be some value to include
Such a stipend should always be stated to be a best efforts provision such as the following:
nonrefundable. However, the stipend must
still be repaid, either by reducing sums Best Efforts. The Gallery shall use its best
payable to the illustrator from sales, or by efforts to fulfill its obligations pursuant to
having the gallery purchase work from the this Agreement.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

lllustratorGallery Contract with Record


of Consignment and Statement of Account
AGREEMENT entered into as of the ________ day of ______________, 20____, between _________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the lllustrator), located at _______________________________________________________,
and _________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Gallery), located at
_________________________________________________________.

WHEREAS, the lllustrator is a professional illustrator of good standing;

WHEREAS, the lllustrator wishes to have certain artworks represented by the Gallery; and

WHEREAS, the Gallery wishes to represent the lllustrator under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Scope of Agency. The lllustrator appoints the Gallery to act as lllustrators exclusive nonexclusive agent
in the following geographic area:_____________________________________ for the exhibition and sales of art-
works in the following media: ______________________________________________________. This agency shall
cover only artwork completed by the lllustrator while this Agreement is in force. The Gallery shall document
receipt of all works consigned hereunder by signing and returning to the lllustrator a Record of Consignment in
the form annexed to this contract as Appendix A.

2. Term and Termination. This Agreement shall have a term of ______ years and may be terminated by either party
giving sixty (60) days written notice to the other party. The Agreement shall automatically terminate with the death
of the lllustrator, the death or termination of employment of __________________________ with the Gallery, if the
Gallery moves outside of the area of ________________________________, or if the Gallery becomes bankrupt or
insolvent. On termination, all works consigned hereunder shall immediately be returned to the lllustrator at the
expense of the Gallery.

3. Exhibitions. The Gallery shall provide a solo exhibition for the lllustrator of _______ days between ______________
and _____________ in the exhibition space located at _______________, which shall be exclusively devoted to the
lllustrators exhibition for the specified time period. The lllustrator shall have artistic control over the exhibition of
his or her work and the quality of reproduction of such work for promotional or advertising purposes. The
expenses of the exhibition shall be paid for in the respective percentages shown below:

Exhibition Expenses lllustrator Gallery


Transporting work to gallery (including insurance and packing).............

Advertising...............................................................................................

Catalogs...................................................................................................

Announcements.......................................................................................

Frames......................................................................................................

Special installations..................................................................................

Photographing work.................................................................................

Party for opening......................................................................................

Shipping to purchasers............................................................................

Transporting work back to illustrator (including insurance and packing)

All other expenses arising from the exhibition........................................

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ILLUSTRATORGALLERY CONTRACT WITH RECORD OF CONSIGNMENT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

No expense that is to be shared shall be incurred by either party without the prior written consent of the other
party as to the amount of the expense. After the exhibition, the frames, photographs, negatives, and any other
tangible property created in the course of the exhibition shall be the property of ___________________________.

04. Commissions. The Gallery shall receive a commission of ______ percent of the retail price of each work sold.
In the case of discount sales, the discount shall be deducted from the Gallerys commission. If the Gallerys
agency is exclusive, then the Gallery shall receive a commission of ______ percent of the retail price for each
studio sale by the lllustrator that falls within the scope of the Gallerys exclusivity. Works done on a commis-
sioned basis by the lllustrator shall shall not be considered studio sales on which the Gallery may be
entitled to a commission.

05. Prices. The Gallery shall sell the works at the retail prices shown on the Record of Consignment, subject to the
Gallerys right to make customary trade discounts to such purchasers as museums and designers.

06. Payments. The Gallery shall pay the lllustrator all proceeds due to the lllustrator within thirty days of sale. No
sales on approval or credit shall be made without the Illustrator's written consent and, in such cases, the first
proceeds received by the Gallery shall be paid to the lllustrator until the lllustrator has been paid all pro-
ceeds due.

07. Accounting. The Gallery shall furnish the Illustrator with an accounting every ______ months in the form
attached hereto as Appendix B, the first such accounting to be given on the first day of ___________, 20____.
Each accounting shall state for each work sold during the accounting period the following information: the title
of the work, the date of sale, the sale price, the name and address of the purchaser, the amounts due the
Gallery and the lllustrator, and the location of all works consigned to the Gallery that have not been sold. An
accounting shall be provided in the event of termination of this Agreement.

08. Inspection of Books. The Gallery shall maintain accurate books and documentation with respect to all
transactions entered into for the lllustrator. On the lllustrators written request, the Gallery will permit the lllus-
trator or the lllustrator's authorized representative to examine these books and documentation during normal
business hours of the Gallery.

09. Loss or Damage. The Gallery shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all consigned artworks. The Gallery
shall be strictly liable for loss or damage to any consigned artwork from the date of delivery to the Gallery until
the work is returned to the lllustrator or delivered to a purchaser. In the event of loss or damage that cannot be
restored, the lllustrator shall receive the same amount as if the work had been sold at the retail price listed in the
Record of Consignment. If restoration is undertaken, the lllustrator shall have a veto power over the choice of
the restorer.

10. Insurance. The Gallery shall insure the work for _____ percent of the retail price shown in the Record of
Consignment.

11. Copyright. The Gallery shall take all steps necessary to ensure that the lllustrator's copyright in the consigned
works is protected, including but not limited to requiring copyright notices on all reproductions of the works
used for any purpose whatsoever.

12. Security Interest. Title to and a security interest in any works consigned or proceeds of sale under this
Agreement are reserved to the lllustrator. In the event of any default by the Gallery, the lllustrator shall have all
the rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code and the works shall not be subject to claims
by the Gallerys creditors. The Gallery agrees to execute and deliver to the lllustrator, in the form requested by
the lllustrator, a financing statement and such other documents that the lllustrator may require to perfect its secu-
rity interest in the works. In the event of the purchase of any work by a party other than the Gallery, title shall
pass directly from the lllustrator to the other party. In the event of the purchase of any work by the Gallery, title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

shall pass only upon full payment to the lllustrator of all sums due hereunder. The Gallery agrees not to pledge
or encumber any works in its possession, nor to incur any charge or obligation in connection therewith for which
the lllustrator may be liable.

13. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party hereto, provided, however, that the lllus-
trator shall have the right to assign money due him or her hereunder.

14. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
____________________________________ in the following location ________________________________________,
and the arbitration award may be entered for judgment in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, either party may refuse to arbitrate when the dispute is for a sum of less than $__________.

15. Modifications. All modifications of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. This Agree-
ment constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto.

16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of _________________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

lllustrator ________________________________ Gallery ___________________________________________


Company Name

By _______________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

APPENDIX A: Record of Consignment

This is to acknowledge receipt of the following works of art on consignment:

Title Medium Description Retail Price

1. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

2. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

3. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

4. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

5. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

6. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

7. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

8. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

9. ____________________________________ __________ __________________________________ _____________

Gallery ___________________________________________________
Company Name

By _______________________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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ILLUSTRATORGALLERY CONTRACT WITH RECORD OF CONSIGNMENT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

APPENDIX B: Statement of Account

Date: ______________, 20____

Accounting for period from _____________, 20_____, through ____________, 20_____.

The following works were sold during this period:

Date Purchaser's Name Sale Gallery's Due


Title
Sold and Address Price Commission lllustrator

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The total due you of $____________ is enclosed with this Statement of Account.

The following works remain on consignment with the gallery:

Title Location

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gallery __________________________________________________
Company Name

By _______________________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Illustrator's Lecture Contract FORM

10

M any illustrators find lecturing to be an


important source of income as well as a
Negotiation Checklist

rewarding opportunity to express their feelings How long will the illustrator have to stay at
about their art and about being an illustrator. the sponsoring institution in order to per-
High schools, colleges, museums, art societies, form the required services? (Paragraph 1)
and other institutions often invite illustrators to
lecture. Slides of the art may be used during What are the nature and extent of the ser-
these lectures and, in some cases, an exhibition vices that the illustrator will have to perform?
may be mounted during the illustrators visit. (Paragraph 1)
A contract ensures that everything goes
smoothly. For example, who should pay for What slides, original art, or other materials
slides that the illustrator has to make for that par- must the illustrator bring? (Paragraph 1)
ticular lecture? Who will pay for transportation
to and from the lecture? Who will supply mate-
Specify the work facilities that the sponsor
rials for a demonstration of technique? Will the
will provide the illustrator. (Paragraph 2)
illustrator have to give one lecture in a day or, as
the institution might prefer, many more? Will the
Specify the fee to be paid to the illustrator.
illustrator have to review portfolios of students?
(Paragraph 2)
Resolving these kinds of questions, as well as the
amount of and time to pay the fee, will make any
Give a time for payment of the fee. (Para-
lecture a more rewarding experience.
graph 2)

Filling in the Form Consider having part of the fee paid in


In the Preamble, provide the date and the names advance.
and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1, give
the dates when the illustrator will lecture, the Specify the expenses that will be paid by the
nature and extent of the services the illustrator will sponsor, including the time for payment of
perform, and the form in which the illustrator is to these expenses. (Paragraph 3)
bring examples of his or her work. In Paragraph 2,
specify the fee to be paid to the illustrator and Indicate what the sponsor may offer in place
when it will be paid during the illustrators visit. of paying expenses, such as providing
In Paragraph 3, give the amounts of expenses to be lodging, meals, or a car. (Paragraph 3)
paid (or state that none or all of these expenses are
to be paid), specify which expenses other than If illness prevents the illustrator from
travel and food and lodging are covered, and coming to lecture, state that an effort will be
show what will be provided by the sponsor, such made to find another date. (Paragraph 4)
as food or lodging. In Paragraph 5, state the
interest rate for late payments. In Paragraph 10, If the sponsor must cancel for a reason
give which states law will govern the contract. beyond its control, indicate that the expenses
Then have both parties sign the contract. In the incurred by the illustrator must be paid and
Schedule of Artworks, list the artworks to be that an attempt will be made to reschedule.
brought to the lecture and their insurance value. (Paragraph 4)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

If the sponsor cancels within forty-eight


hours of the time the illustrator is to arrive,
consider requiring that the full fee as the well
as the expenses be paid.

Provide for the payment of interest on late


payments by the sponsor. (Paragraph 5)

Retain for the illustrator all rights, including


copyrights, in any recordings of any kind that
may be made of the illustrators visit. (Para-
graph 6)

If the sponsor wishes to use a recording of


the illustrators visit, such as a video, require
that the sponsor obtain the illustrators
written permission and that, if appropriate, a
fee be negotiated for this use. (Paragraph 6)

State that the sponsor is strictly responsible


for loss or damage to any artworks from the
time they leave the illustrators studio until
they are returned there. (Paragraph 7)

Require the sponsor to insure artworks and


specify the values for insurance. (Paragraph 7)

Consider which risks may be excluded from


the insurance coverage.

Consider whether the illustrator should be


the beneficiary of the insurance coverage of
his or her works.

State who will pay the cost of packing and


shipping the works to and from the sponsor.
(Paragraph 8)

Indicate who will take the responsibility to pack


and ship the works to and from the sponsor.

Compare the standard provisions in the


introductory pages with Paragraphs 910.

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ILLUSTRATOR'S LECTURE CONTRACT

Illustrators Lecture Contract


AGREEMENT entered into as of the ________ day of ____________, 20____, between __________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at __________________________________________________, and
________________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Sponsor),
located at ___________________________________________________________________________________________.

WHEREAS, the Sponsor is familiar with and admires the work of the Illustrator;

WHEREAS, the Sponsor wishes the Illustrator to visit the Sponsor to enhance the opportunities for its students to
have contact with a working professional illustrator; and

WHEREAS, the Illustrator wishes to lecture with respect to his or her work and perform such other services as this
contract may call for.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Illustrator to Lecture. The Illustrator hereby agrees to come to the Sponsor on the following date(s):
__________________________________________________________________ and perform the following services:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
The Illustrator shall use best efforts to make his or her services as productive as possible to the Sponsor.
The Illustrator further agrees to bring examples of his or her own work in the form of ________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

2. Payment. The Sponsor agrees to pay as full compensation for the Illustrator's services rendered under
Paragraph 1 the sum of $_________. This sum shall be payable to the Illustrator on completion of the _________
day of the Illustrators residence with the Sponsor.

3. Expenses. In addition to the payments provided under Paragraph 2, the Sponsor agrees to reimburse the
Illustrator for the following expenses:

(A) Travel expenses in the amount of $________.

(B) Food and lodging expenses in the amount of $________.

(C) Other expenses listed here: ______________________________________ in the amount of $________.

The reimbursement for travel expenses shall be made fourteen (14) days prior to the earliest date specified in
Paragraph 1. The reimbursement for food, lodging, and other expenses shall be made at the date of payment
specified in Paragraph 2, unless a contrary date is specified here: _________________________________.

In addition, the Sponsor shall provide the Illustrator with the following:

(A) Tickets for travel, rental car, or other modes of transportation as follows: _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

(B) Food and lodging as follows: ____________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________________________________

(C) Other hospitality as follows: _____________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Inability to Perform. If the Illustrator is unable to appear on the dates scheduled in Paragraph 1 due to illness,
the Sponsor shall have no obligation to make any payments under Paragraphs 2 and 3, but shall attempt to
reschedule the Illustrator's appearance at a mutually acceptable future date. If the Sponsor is prevented from
having the Illustrator appear by acts of God, hurricane, flood, governmental order, or other cause beyond its
control, the Sponsor shall be responsible only for the payment of such expenses under Paragraph 3 as the

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Illustrator shall have actually incurred. The Sponsor agrees in such a case to attempt to reschedule the
Illustrators appearance at a mutually acceptable future date.

05. Late Payment. The Sponsor agrees that in the event it is late in making payment of amounts due to the Illustrator
under Paragraph 2, 3, or 8, it will pay as additional liquidated damages ______ percent in interest on the amounts
it is owing to the Illustrator, said interest to run from the date stipulated for payment in Paragraph 2, 3, or 8 until
such time as payment is made.

06. Copyrights and Recordings. Both parties agree that the lllustrator shall retain all rights, including copyrights,
in relation to recordings of any kind made of the appearance or any works shown in the course thereof. The term
recording as used herein shall include any recording made by electronic transcription, tape recording, wire
recording, film, videotape, or other similar or dissimilar methods of recording, whether now known or hereinafter
developed. No use of any such recording shall be made by the Sponsor without the written consent of the
Illustrator and, if stipulated therein, additional compensation for such use.

07. Insurance and Loss or Damage. The Sponsor agrees that it shall provide wall-to-wall insurance for the works
listed on the Schedule of Artworks for the values specified therein. The Sponsor agrees that it shall be fully
responsible and have strict liability for any loss or damage to the artwork from the time said artwork leaves the
Illustrator's residence or studio until such time as it is returned there.

08. Packing and Shipping. The Sponsor agrees that it shall fully bear any costs of packing and shipping necessary
to deliver the works specified in Paragraph 7 to the Sponsor and return them to the Illustrator's residence or
studio.

09. Modification. This contract contains the full understanding between the parties hereto and may only be mod-
ified in a written instrument signed by both parties.

10. Governing Law. This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of ___________________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator ___________________________________ Sponsor ___________________________________________


Company Name

By ________________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

Schedule of Artworks

Title Medium Size Value

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Licensing Contract to Merchandise Images FORM

11
L icensing is the granting of rights to use images
created by the illustrator on posters, calendars,
Negotiation Checklist
Carefully describe the image to be licensed.
greeting cards and stationery, apparel, wallpaper, (Paragraph 1)
mugs and other household items, or any other
innumerable applications. Needless to say, this can State whether the rights given to the licensee
be very lucrative for the illustrator. So many of the are exclusive or nonexclusive. (Paragraph 1)
products used in everyday life depend on visual
qualities to make them attractive to purchasers. Indicate the kinds of merchandise for which
These qualities may reside in the design of the
the image is being licensed. (Paragraph 1)
product itself or in the use of images on the
product. For the illustrator to enter the world of
State the area in which the licensee may sell
manufactured, mass-produced goods necessitates
the licensed products. (Paragraph 1)
appropriate business arrangements.
The best guide for illustrators on the subject
Give a term for the licensing contract. (Para-
of licensing is Licensing Art and Design by Caryn
graph 1)
Leland (Allworth Press). The potentially large
sums of money involved, as well as the possible
complexity of licensing agreements, make Reserve all copyrights in the image to the
Licensing Art and Design a valuable resource for illustrator. (Paragraph 2)
illustrators who either are licensing images or
would like to enter this market. Require that credit and copyright notice in
Form 11, the Licensing Contract to Merchan- the illustrators name appear on all licensed
dise Images, is adapted from a short-form products. (Paragraph 2)
licensing agreement that appears in Licensing
Art and Design. A long-form licensing agreement Require that credit and copyright notice in
also appears in that resource. the illustrators name appear on packaging,
advertising, displays, and all publicity.

Filling in the Form Have the right to approve packaging, adver-


In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names tising, displays, and publicity.
and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1, indi-
cate whether the rights are exclusive or nonexclu- Give the licensee the right to use the artists
sive, give the name and description of the image, name and, in an appropriate case, picture,
state what types of merchandise the image can be provided that any use must be to promote
used for, specify the geographical area for distri- the product using the image and must be
bution, and limit the term of the distribution. In dignified.
Paragraph 3, specify the advance, if any, and the
royalty percentage. State the date on which pay- Determine whether the royalty should be
ments and statements of account are to begin in based on retail price or, as is more commonly
Paragraph 4. Indicate the number of samples to the case, on net price (which is what the
be given to the illustrator in Paragraph 6. In manufacturer receives). (Paragraph 3)
Paragraph 13, specify which state's laws will
govern the contract. Give addresses for corre- If any expenses are to reduce the amount
spondence relating to the contract in Paragraph upon which royalties are calculated, these
14. Have both parties sign the contract. expenses must be specified. (Paragraph 3)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Specify the royalty percentage. (Paragraph 3) Give the illustrator the right of approval over
the quality of the reproductions in order to pro-
Require the licensee to pay an advance tect the illustrators reputation. (Paragraph 7)
against royalties to be earned. (Paragraph 3)
Require that the licensee use its best efforts to
Indicate that any advance is nonrefundable. promote the licensed products. (Paragraph 8)
(Paragraph 3)
Specify the amount of money that the licens-
Require minimum royalty payments for the ee must spend on promotion.
term of the contract, regardless of sales.
Specify the type of promotion that the
Require monthly or quarterly statements of licensee will provide.
account, accompanied by any payments that
are due. (Paragraph 4)
Reserve all rights to the illustrator that are
not expressly transferred to the licensee.
(Paragraph 9)
Specify the information to be contained in the
statement of account, such as units sold, total
If the licensees usage may create trademark
revenues received, special discounts, and the
or other rights in the product, it is important
like. (Paragraph 4)
that these rights be owned by the illustrator
after termination of the license.
Give the illustrator the right to inspect the
books and records of the licensee. (Paragraph 5) Require the licensee to indemnify the illus-
trator for any costs arising out of the use of the
If an inspection of the books and records image on the licensed products. (Paragraph 10)
uncovers an error to the disadvantage of the
illustrator, and that error is more than 5 per-
Have the licensee provide liability insurance,
cent of the amount owed the illustrator, then
with the illustrator as a named beneficiary, to
require the licensee to pay for the cost of the
protect against defects in the licensed products.
inspection and any related costs.

Provide for a certain number of samples to be Forbid assignment by the licensee, but let the
given to the illustrator by the manufacturer. illustrator assign royalties. (Paragraph 11)
(Paragraph 6)
Specify the grounds for terminating the con-
Give the illustrator the right to purchase tract, such as the bankruptcy or insolvency of
additional samples at manufacturing cost or, the licensee, failure of the licensee to obey the
at least, at no more than the price paid by terms of the contract, cessation of manufac-
wholesalers. (Paragraph 6) ture of the product, or insufficent sales of the
licensed products. (This is partially covered
Consider whether the illustrator will want the in Paragraph 4.)
right to sell the products at retail price, rather
than being restricted to using the samples and Compare the standard provisions in the
other units purchased for personal use. introductory pages with Paragraphs 1215.

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LICENSING CONTRACT TO MERCHANDISE IMAGES

Licensing Contract to Merchandise Images

AGREEMENT entered into as of the ______ day of ____________, 20____, between _____________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the lllustrator), located at ______________________________________________________
and ____________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Licensee),
located at _____________________________________________________________________________________________
with respect to the use of a certain image created by the lllustrator (hereinafter referred to as the Image) for man-
ufactured products (hereinafter referred to as the Licensed Products).

WHEREAS, the lllustrator is a professional illustrator of good standing;

WHEREAS, the lllustrator has created the Image that the lllustrator wishes to license for purposes of manufacture
and sale;

WHEREAS, the Licensee wishes to use the Image to create a certain product or products for manufacture and sale;
and

WHEREAS, both parties want to achieve the best possible quality to generate maximum sales.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Grant of Merchandising Rights. The lllustrator grants to the Licensee the exclusive nonexclusive right
to use the Image, titled ______________________________________________________________ and described as
______________________________________________________________________________, which was created
and is owned by the Illustrator, as or as part of the following type(s) of merchandise: _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
for manufacture, distribution, and sale by the Licensee in the following geographical area: ___________________
___________________________________________________________________ and for the following period of time:
_________________________________________________________________.

2. Ownership of Copyright. The lllustrator shall retain all copyrights in and to the Image. The Licensee shall iden-
tify the lllustrator as the creator of the Image on the Licensed Products and shall reproduce thereon a copyright
notice for the lllustrator that shall include the word Copyright or the symbol for copyright, the lllustrators name,
and the year of first publication.

3. Advance and Royalties. Licensee agrees to pay lllustrator a nonrefundable advance in the amount of $_________
upon signing this Agreement, which advance shall be recouped from first royalties due hereunder. Licensee fur-
ther agrees to pay lllustrator a royalty of_____________ percent (_____%) of the net sales of the Licensed Products.
Net sales as used herein shall mean sales to customers less prepaid freight and credits for lawful and cus-
tomary volume rebates, actual returns, and allowances. Royalties shall be deemed to accrue when the Licensed
Products are sold, shipped, or invoiced, whichever occurs first.

4. Payments and Statements of Account. Royalty payments shall be paid monthly on the first day of each month
commencing _________________________, 20_____, and Licensee shall with each payment furnish lllustrator with
a monthly statement of account showing the kinds and quantities of all Licensed Products sold, the prices
received therefor, and all deductions for freight, volume rebates, returns, and allowances. The lllustrator shall have
the right to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days notice if Licensee fails to make any payment required
of it and does not cure this default within said thirty (30) days, whereupon all rights granted herein shall revert
immediately to the lllustrator.

5. Inspection of Books and Records. lllustrator shall have the right to inspect Licensees books and records con-
cerning sales of the Licensed Products upon prior written notice.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

06. Samples. Licensee shall give the lllustrator _______ samples of the Licensed Products for the lllustrators per-
sonal use. The lllustrator shall have the right to purchase additional samples of the Licensed Products at the
Licensees manufacturing cost.

07. Quality of Reproductions. The lllustrator shall have the right to approve the quality of the reproduction of the
Image on the Licensed Products, and the lllustrator agrees not to withhold approval unreasonably.

08. Promotion. Licensee shall use its best efforts to promote, distribute, and sell the Licensed Products.

09. Reservation of Rights. All rights not specifically transferred by this Agreement are reserved to the lllustrator.

10. Indemnification. The Licensee shall hold the lllustrator harmless from and against any loss, expense, or
damage occasioned by any claim, demand, suit, or recovery against the lllustrator arising out of the use of the
Image for the Licensed Products.

11. Assignment. Neither party shall assign rights or obligations under this Agreement, except that the lllustrator
may assign the right to receive money due hereunder.

12. Nature of Contract. Nothing herein shall be construed to constitute the parties hereto joint venturers, nor shall
any similar relationship be deemed to exist between them.

13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
______________; Licensee consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of ____________________.

14. Addresses. All notices, demands, payments, royalty payments, and statements shall be sent to the lllustrator
at the following address ____________________________________________________________________________
and to the Licensee at the following address _________________________________________________________.

15. Modifications in Writing. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and shall
not be modified, amended, or changed in any way except by a written agreement signed by both parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

lllustrator __________________________________ Licensee _________________________________________


Company Name

By _______________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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Release Form for Models FORM

12

I llustrators often portray people in their art.


Because of this, illustrators must be aware of
in other ways. For example, the image from a
painting can be used for posters, postcards, and
individuals rights to privacy and publicity. T-shirts, all of which are clearly trade uses. Or
While the intricacies of these laws can be that image can be used in an advertisement.
reviewed in Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, this Only by having a model release can the illus-
summary will help alert the illustrator to poten- trator ensure the right to exploit the commercial
tial dangers. value of the image in the future.
The right to privacy can take a number of Form 12 allows the illustrator (and others
forms. For example, state laws and court decisions who obtain the illustrators permission) to use
forbid the use of a persons name, portrait, or pic- the models image for advertising and trade.
ture for purposes of advertising or trade. This While some states may not require written
raises the question of the definitions for the terms releases or the payment of money for a release, it
advertising and trade. Public display of an is always wise to use a written release and make
image that showed or implied something embar- at least a small payment as consideration. By the
rassing and untrue about someone would also way, Form 12 is intended for use with friends
constitute a violation of the right to privacy. And and acquaintances who pose for you, as well as
physically intruding into a private space such as a with professional models.
home or office, perhaps to take a photograph for It is also important to be aware that if the
use as a reference, could be an invasion of privacy. release is intended to cover one use, and the
The right of publicity is the right that a image is then used in a distorted and embar-
celebrity creates in his or her name, image, and rassing way for a different purpose, the release
voice. To use the celebritys image for commer- may not protect the illustrator, regardless of
cial gain violates this right of publicity. And, what it says. For example: a model signed a
while the right of privacy generally protects model release for a bookstores advertisement in
only living people, a number of states have which she was to appear in bed reading a book.
enacted laws to protect the publicity rights of This advertisement was later changed and used
celebrities even after death. These state laws by a bedsheet manufacturer known for its sala-
supplement court decisions which held that cious advertisements. The title on the book
celebrities who exploited the commercial value became pornographic and a leering old man was
of their names and images while alive had pub- placed next to the bed looking at the model. This
licity rights after death. invaded the models privacy despite her having
On the other hand, use of peoples images for signed a release.
newsworthy and editorial purposes is protected In general, a minor must have a parent or
by the First Amendment. No releases need be guardian give consent. While the illustrator
obtained for such uses, which serve the public should check the law in his or her state, the age
interest. of majority in most states is eighteen.
What should the illustrator do about all this? The illustrator should be certain to have the
The wisest course is to obtain a model release release signed during the session, since it is easy
from anyone who will be recognizable in an art- to forget if left for signing later. Also, releases
work, including people who can be recognized should be kept systematically so that each one
from parts of their body other than the face. can be related to the artwork in which its signa-
Even if showing the art in a gallery or museum tory appears. A simple numbering system can be
might not create a privacy issue, there is always used to connect the releases to the artworks.
the possibility that an image will be reproduced While a witness isnt a necessity, having one can

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

help if a question is later raised about the valid- Allow advertising and trade uses.
ity of the release.
If the illustrator is asked to use a release form Allow any other lawful use.
supplied by someone else, the illustrator must
make certain that the form protects the illus- Have the model waive any right to review
trator. The negotiation checklist will be helpful the finished artwork, including written copy
in reviewing the provided form and suggesting to accompany the artwork.
changes to strengthen the form.
Have the model recite that he or she is of
full age.
Filling in the Form
Fill in the dollar amount being paid as consider- If the model is a minor, have a parent or
ation for the release. Then fill in the name of the guardian sign the release.
model and the name of the illustrator. Have the
model and a witness sign the form. Obtain the
addresses for both the model and the witness,
and date the form. If the model is a minor, have
the parent or guardian sign. Have the witness
sign and give the addresses of the witness and
the parent or guardian as well as the date.

Negotiation Checklist
Be certain that some amount of money, even
a token amount, is actually paid as consid-
eration for the release.

Have the release given not only to the illus-


trator, but also to the illustrators estate and
anyone else the illustrator might want to
assign rights to (such as a manufacturer of
posters or T-shirts).

State that the grant is irrevocable.

Cover the use of the name as well as the


image of the person.

Include the right to use the image in all


forms, media, and manners of use.

Include the right to make distorted or


changed versions of the image as well as
composite images.

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RELEASE FORM FOR MODELS

Release Form for Models

In consideration of ___________________________________________________ Dollars ($________________), receipt


of which is acknowledged, I, ____________________________, do hereby give ________________________________,
his or her assigns, licensees, and legal representatives the irrevocable right to use my name (or any fictional name),
picture, portrait, or photograph in all forms and media and in all manners, including composite or distorted repre-
sentations, for advertising, trade, or any other lawful purposes, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the fin-
ished version(s), including written copy that may be created in connection therewith. I am of full age.* I have read
this release and am fully familiar with its contents.

Witness ___________________________________ Model ___________________________________________

Address __________________________________ Address _________________________________________

Date ___________, 20___

Consent (if applicable)

I am the parent or guardian of the minor named above and have the legal authority to execute the above release.
I approve the foregoing and waive any rights in the premises.

Witness __________________________________ Parent or Guardian _________________________________

Address __________________________________ Address _____________________________________

Date ___________, 20___

* Delete this sentence if the subject is a minor. The parent or guardian must then sign the consent.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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FORM

Property Release FORM FORM

13

P roperty does not have rights of privacy or


publicity. A public building, a horse running in a
Negotiation Checklist

field, and a bowl of fruit are all freely available


Make some payment, however small, as con-
to be portrayed in art. sideration for the release.
Nonetheless, there may be times when the
illustrator will want to obtain a release for the Be certain the release runs in favor of the
use of property belonging to others. This might illustrators assigns and estate as well as the
include personal property, such as jewelry or illustrator.
clothing, or the interiors of private buildings
(especially if admission is charged). The most State that the release is irrevocable.
important reason for the release is to have a con-
tract that details the terms of use of the property. Include the right to copyright and publish
If the illustrator is lent property to use in a the image made from the property.
commissioned work, and has any intention of
using that artwork in some way other than the Include the right to use the image in all
commission, a release should be obtained. For forms, media, and manners of use.
example, if an illustrator were hired to do a por-
trait of a pet, selling that portrait to a manufac- Permit advertising and trade uses.
turer of dog food for use as product packaging
would be a breach of an implied provision of the Allow any other lawful use.
contract. Such a use would require the owners
permission, which could be obtained by using State that the owner has full and sole
Form 13. authority to give the release.
If the owner could be identified from the prop-
erty, especially if the owner might be embar- Retain the right to make distorted or
rassed in some way by the association with the
changed versions of the image as well as
artwork, it is wise to have a property release.
composite images.
As with releases for models, property releases
should be signed at the time the property is used,
and payment, even if only a token payment,
Allow use of the owners name or a fictional
should be made to the owner of the property. name in connection with the image of the
property.

Permit color or black-and-white images, as


Filling in the Form well as any type of derivative work.
Fill in the amount being paid for use of the
property, as well as the name and address of Have the owner waive any right to review
the owner and the name of the illustrator. Then the finished artwork, including written copy
specify the property that will be used. Finally, to accompany the artwork.
have both parties sign the release, obtain a wit-
ness to each signature (if possible), and give Make certain the owner is of full age and has
the date. the capacity to give the release.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Property Release

In consideration of the sum of _________________________________________________Dollars ($______________),


receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, I, ____________________________________________________________,
located at _____________________________________________________________________, do irrevocably authorize
_______________________, his or her assigns, licensees, heirs, and legal representatives to copyright, publish, and
use in all forms and media and in all manners for advertising, trade, or any other lawful purpose, images of the fol-
lowing property that I own and have full and sole authority to license for such uses: _____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________,
regardless of whether said use is composite or distorted in character or form, whether said use is made in con-
junction with my own name or with a fictitious name, or whether said use is made in color or otherwise or other deriv-
ative works are made through any medium.

I waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished version(s), including written copy that may be
used in connection therewith.

I am of full age and have every right to contract in my own name with respect to the foregoing matters. I have read
the above authorization and release prior to its execution and I am fully cognizant of its contents.

Witness ___________________________________ Owner ______________________________________

Address ___________________________________ Date ____________, 20____

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Permission Form FORM

14

M any projects require obtaining permission


from the owners of copyrighted materials such
for purposes such as criticism, comment, news
reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for
as photographs, paintings, articles, or books. classroom use), scholarship, or research is not an
The illustrator ignores obtaining such permis- infringement of copyright. To evaluate whether
sions at great peril. Not only is it unethical to use a use is a fair use depends on four factors set forth
someone elses work without permission, it can in the law: (1) the purpose and character of the
also lead to liability for copyright infringement use, including whether such use is of a commer-
and breach of contract. cial nature or is for nonprofit educational pur-
Of course, some copyrighted works have poses, (2) the nature of the copyrighted work, (3)
entered the public domain, which means that the amount and substantiality of the portion used
they can be freely copied by anyone. Works pub- . . . and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential
lished in the United States before January 1, 1923 market for or value of the copyrighted work.
are in the public domain. Works published in the These guidelines have to be applied on a case-by-
United States between January 1, 1923 and case basis. If there is any doubt, it is best to seek
December 31, 1977 are protected by copyright permission to use the work.
for ninety-five years from the date of publica- One obstacle to obtaining permissions is
tion. Legislation passed in 1994 restores copy- locating the person who owns the rights. A good
right protection to almost all foreign works that starting point, of course, is to contact the pub-
had entered the public domain in the United lisher of the material, since the publisher may
States due to a failure to comply with copyright have the right to grant permissions. If the
formalities such as copyright notice or renewal. owners address is available, the owner can be
For works published on or after January 1, contacted directly. In some cases, permissions
1978, the term of protection is usually the life of may have to be obtained from more than one
the creator plus seventy years, so these works party. Authors' societies and agents may be
would only be in the public domain if copyright helpful in tracking down the owners of rights.
notice had been omitted or improper. This com- For an hourly fee, the Copyright Office will
plicated topic is discussed fully in Legal Guide for search its records to aid in establishing the copy-
the Visual Artist. The absence of a copyright notice right status of a work. Copyright Office Circular
on works published between January 1, 1978, and R22, How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a
February 28, 1989 (when the United States joined Work, explains more fully what the Copyright
the Berne Copyright Convention) does not neces- Office can and cannot do. Circulars and forms
sarily mean the work entered the public domain. can be ordered from the Copyright Office by
On or after March 1, 1989, copyright notice is no calling (202) 707-9100.
longer required to preserve copyright protection, Obtaining permissions can be time-con-
although such notice does confer some benefits suming, so starting early in a project is wise. A
under the copyright law. A basic rule would be to log should be kept of each request for a permis-
obtain permission for any work published on or sion. In the log, each request is given a number.
after January 1, 1978, unless the illustrator is cer- The log describes the material to be used, lists
tain the work is in the public domain. the name and address of the owner of the rights,
Fair use offers another way in which the illus- shows when the request was made and when
trator may avoid having to obtain a permission, any reply was received, indicates if a fee must be
even though the work is protected by a valid paid, and includes any special conditions
copyright. The copyright law states that copying required by the owner.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Fees may very well have to be paid for certain Negotiation Checklist
permissions. The standard book publishing State that the permission extends not only
agreement does not provide for the publisher to to the illustrator, but also to the illus-
pay these fees, although the illustrator can nego- trators successors and assigns. Certainly,
tiate for such a contribution. Also, publishers the permission must extend to the illus-
agreements usually make the illustrator liable if trators publisher.
lawsuits develop for permissions that should
have been obtained by the illustrator. In any Specify how the material will be used,
case, the illustrator should keep in mind that whether for a book, Web site, product, or
permission fees are negotiable and vary widely some other use.
in amount. For a project that will require many
permissions, advance research as to the amount Describe the material to be used carefully,
of the fees is a necessity. including a photocopy if that would help.

Filling in the Form Obtain the right to use the material in future
The form should be accompanied by a cover editions and revisions of the book, as well as
letter requesting that two copies of the form be in the present edition.
signed and one copy returned. The name and
address of the illustrator, the title of the illus- State that nonexclusive world rights in all
trators book, and the name of the illustrators languages are being granted.
publisher should be filled in. Then the nature of
the material should be specified, such as text, In an unusual situation, seek exclusivity for
photograph, illustration, or poem. The source certain uses of the material. This form does
should be described along with an exact descrip- not seek exclusivity.
tion of the material. If available, fill in the date of
publication, the publisher, and the author. Any Negotiate a fee, if requested. Whether a fee is
copyright notice or credit line to accompany the appropriate, and its amount, will depend on
material should be shown. State after other pro- whether the project is likely to earn a sub-
visions any special limitations on the rights stantial return.
granted and also indicate the amount of any fee
to be paid. If all the rights are not controlled by If a fee is paid, add a provision requiring the
the person giving the permission, then that party giving the permission to warrant that
person will have to indicate who else to contact. the material does not violate any copyright
If more than one person must approve the per- or other rights and to indemnify the illus-
mission, make certain there are enough signa- trator against any losses caused if the war-
ture lines. If the rights are owned by a ranty is incorrect.
corporation, add the company name and the
title of the authorized signatory. A stamped, self- Keep a log on all correspondence relating to
addressed envelope and a photocopy of the permission forms and be certain one copy of
material to be used might make a speedy each signed permission has been returned
response more likely. for the illustrators files.

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PERMISSION FORM

Permission Form

The Undersigned hereby grant(s) permission to ________________________________________________ (hereinafter


referred to as the Illustrator), located at _______________________________________________________________,
and to the Illustrators successors and assigns, to use the material specified in this Permission Form for the following
book, product, or use __________________________________________________________________________________,
for use by the following publisher or client ________________________________________________________________.

This permission is for the following material:

Nature of material ______________________________________________________________________________________

Source _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Exact description of material, including page numbers ______________________________________________________

If published, date of publication _________________________

Publisher _____________________________________________

Author(s) _____________________________________________

This material may be used in the Illustrators book, product, or use named above, and in any future revisions, deri-
vations, editions, or electronic versions thereof, including nonexclusive world rights in all languages.

It is understood that the grant of this permission shall in no way restrict republication of the material by the
Undersigned or others authorized by the Undersigned.

If specified here, the material shall be accompanied on publication by a copyright notice as follows ______________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
and a credit line as follows ______________________________________________________________________________.

Other provisions, if any _________________________________________________________________________________

If specified here, the requested rights are not controlled in their entirety by the Undersigned and the following
owners must be contacted ______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

One copy of this Permission Form shall be returned to the Illustrator and one copy shall be retained by the
Undersigned.

_________________________________________ ____________________________
Authorized Signatory Date

_________________________________________ ____________________________
Authorized Signatory Date

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Nondisclosure Agreement for FORM


Submitting Ideas
15

W hat can be more frustrating than having a


great idea and not being able to share it with
will not be liable for using a similar idea and will
probably place a maximum value on the idea
anyone? If the idea has commercial value, (such as a few hundred dollars). At this point,
sharing it is often the first step on the way to the illustrator has to evaluate the risk. Does the
realizing the remunerative potential of the con- company have a good reputation or is it noto-
cept. The illustrator wants to show the idea to a rious for appropriating ideas? Are there other
publisher, manufacturer, or producer. But how companies, which could be approached with the
can the idea be protected? idea, that would be willing to sign a nondisclo-
Ideas are not protected by copyright, because sure agreement? If not, taking the risk may make
copyright only protects the concrete expression more sense than never exploiting the idea at all.
of an idea. The idea to sketch the White House A number of steps, set out in the negotiation
is not copyrightable, while a sketch of the White checklist, should then be taken to try and gain
House certainly is protected by copyright. The some protection. The illustrator will have to
idea to have a television series in which each make these evaluations on a case-by-case basis.
program would have an artist teach illustration
by sketching a well-known landmark in his or Filling in the Form
her locale is not copyrightable, but each program In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names and
would be protected by copyright. Of course, addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1, describe
copyright is not the only form of legal protection. the information to be disclosed without giving away
An idea might be patentable or lead to the cre- what it is. Have both parties sign the agreement.
ation of a trademark, but such cases are less
likely and certainly require expert legal assis-
tance. How does an illustrator disclose an idea Negotiation Checklist
for an image, a format, a product, or other cre- Disclose what the information concerns
ations without risking that the listener, or poten- without giving away what is new or innova-
tial business associate, will simply steal the idea? tive. For example, an idea for a new format
This can be done by the creation of an express for a series to teach illustration might
contract, an implied contract (revealed by the interest a producer but would not give away
course of dealing between the parties), or a the particulars of the idea (i.e., using dif-
fiduciary relationship (in which one party owes ferent illustrators teaching at landmarks in
a duty of trust to the other party). Form 15, the different locales). (Paragraph 1)
Nondisclosure Agreement for Submitting
Ideas, creates an express contract between the State that the recipient is reviewing the
party disclosing the idea and the party information to decide whether to embark on
receiving it. Form 15 is adapted from a letter commercial exploitation. (Paragraph 2)
agreement in Licensing Art and Design by Caryn
Leland (Allworth Press). Require the recipient to agree not to use or
What should be done if a company refuses to transfer the information. (Paragraph 3)
sign a nondisclosure agreement or, even worse,
has its own agreement for the illustrator to sign? State that the recipient receives no rights in
Such an agreement might say that the company the information. (Paragraph 3)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Require the recipient to keep the information


confidential. (Paragraph 4)

State that the recipient acknowledges that dis-


closure of the information would cause
irreparable harm to the illustrator. (Paragraph 4)

Require good faith negotiations if the recip-


ient wishes to use the information after dis-
closure. (Paragraph 5)

Allow no use of the information unless


agreement is reached after such good faith
negotiations. (Paragraph 5)

If the illustrator wishes to disclose the infor-


mation despite the other partys refusal to
sign the illustrators nondisclosure form, the
illustrator should take a number of steps:

First, before submission, the idea should be


sent to a neutral third party (such as a notary
public or professional arts society) to be held
in confidence.

Anything submitted should be marked with


copyright and trademark notices, when
appropriate. For example, the idea may not
be copyrightable, but the written explana-
tion of the idea certainly is. The copyright
notice could be for that explanation, but
might make the recipient more hesitant to
steal the idea.

If an appointment is made, confirm it by


letter in advance and sign any log for visitors.

After any meeting, send a letter that covers


what happened at the meeting (including
any disclosure of confidential information
and any assurances that information will be
kept confidential) and, if at all possible, have
any proposal or follow-up from the recipient
be in writing.

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NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT FOR SUBMITTING IDEAS

Nondisclosure Agreement for Submitting Ideas

AGREEMENT entered into as of the _____ day of ____________, 20____, between ______________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at _______________________________________________________,
and ____________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Recipient),
located at ____________________________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, the Illustrator has developed certain valuable information, concepts, ideas, or designs, which the
Illustrator deems confidential (hereinafter referred to as the Information);
WHEREAS, the Recipient is in the business of using such Information for its projects and wishes to review the
Information;
WHEREAS, the Illustrator wishes to disclose this Information to the Recipient; and
WHEREAS, the Recipient is willing not to disclose this Information, as provided in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Disclosure. Illustrator shall disclose to the Recipient the Information, which concerns _______________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Purpose. Recipient agrees that this disclosure is only for the purpose of the Recipients evaluation to determine
its interest in the commercial exploitation of the Information.

3. Limitation on Use. Recipient agrees not to manufacture, sell, deal in, or otherwise use or appropriate the dis-
closed Information in any way whatsoever, including but not limited to adaptation, imitation, redesign, or modi-
fication. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to give Recipient any rights whatsoever in and
to the Information.

4. Confidentiality. Recipient understands and agrees that the unauthorized disclosure of the Information by the
Recipient to others would irreparably damage the Illustrator. As consideration and in return for the disclosure of
this Information, the Recipient shall keep secret and hold in confidence all such Information and treat the
Information as if it were the Recipients own proprietary property by not disclosing it to any person or entity.

5. Good Faith Negotiations. If, on the basis of the evaluation of the Information, Recipient wishes to pursue the
exploitation thereof, Recipient agrees to enter into good faith negotiations to arrive at a mutually satisfactory
agreement for these purposes. Until and unless such an agreement is entered into, this Nondisclosure
Agreement shall remain in force.

6. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respec-
tive legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator ______________________________________ Recipient ______________________________________


Company Name

By ____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Copyright Transfer Form FORM

16

T he copyright law defines a transfer of copy-


right as an assignment of a copyright or of any
over the earlier transfer. Simply put, if the same
exclusive rights are sold twice and the first
of the exclusive rights comprised in a copyright, buyer doesnt record the transfer, it is quite pos-
whether or not it is limited in time or place of sible that the second buyer who does record the
effect, but not including a nonexclusive license. transfer will be found to own the rights.
A transfer is, in some way, exclusive. The person Any document relating to a copyright,
receiving a transfer has a right to do what no one whether a transfer of an exclusive right or only a
else can do. For example, the transfer might be nonexclusive license, can be recorded with the
of the right to make copies of the work in the Copyright Office. Such recordation gives con-
form of posters for distribution in the United structive notice to the world about the facts in
States for a period of one year. While this the document recorded. Constructive notice
transfer is far less than all rights in the copyright, means that a person will be held to have knowl-
it is nonetheless exclusive within its time and edge of the document even if, in fact, he or she
place of effect. did not know about it. Recordation gives con-
Any transfer of an exclusive right must be in structive notice only if (1) the document (or sup-
writing and signed either by the owner of the porting materials) identifies the work to which it
rights being conveyed or by the owners autho- pertains so that the recorded document would
rized agent. While not necessary to make the be revealed by a reasonable search under the
assignment valid, notarization of the signature is title or registration number of the work, and (2)
prima facie proof that the assignment was signed registration has been made for the work.
by the owner or agent. Another good reason to record exclusive trans-
Form 16 can be used in a variety of situations. fers is that a nonexclusive license, whether
If the illustrator wanted to receive back rights recorded or not, can have priority over a conflicting
that had been transferred in the past, the illus- exclusive transfer. If the nonexclusive license is
trator could take an all-rights transfer. If the written and signed and was taken before the exe-
illustrator enters into a contract involving the cution of the transfer or taken in good faith before
transfer of an exclusive right, the parties may recordation of the transfer and without notice of
not want to reveal all the financial data and the transfer, it will prevail over the transfer.
other terms contained in the contract. Form 16 A fee must be paid to record documents. Once
could then be used as a short form to be exe- paid, the Register of Copyrights will record the
cuted along with the contract for the purpose of document and return a certificate of recordation.
recordation in the Copyright Office. The assign-
ment in Form 16 should conform exactly to the
assignment in the contract itself. Filling in the Form
Recordation of copyright transfers with the Give the name and address of the party giving
Copyright Office can be quite important. Any the assignment (the assignor) and the name and
transfer should be recorded within thirty days if address of the party receiving the assignment.
executed in the United States, or within sixty Specify the rights transferred. Describe the work
days if executed outside the United States. or works by title, registration number, and the
Otherwise, a later conflicting transfer, if nature of the work. Date the transfer and have
recorded first and taken in good faith without the assignor sign it. If the assignor is a corpora-
knowledge of the earlier transfer, will prevail tion, use a corporate form for the signature.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Negotiation Checklist
Be certain that consideration (something of
value, whether a promise or money) is actu-
ally given to the assignor.

Have the transfer benefit the successors in


interest of the assignee.

If the illustrator is making the transfer, limit


the rights transferred as narrowly as possible.

Describe the works as completely as pos-


sible, including title, registration number,
and the nature of the work.

Have the assignor or the authorized agent of


the assignor sign the assignment.

Notarize the assignment so that the signa-


ture will be presumed valid.

If the assignment is to the illustrator, such as


an assignment back to the illustrator of rights
previously conveyed, an all-rights provision
can be used. (See other provisions below.)

Other provisions that can be added to Form 16:

Rights transferred. When indicating the


rights transferred, the following provision
could be used if the illustrator is to receive all
rights. Obviously, the illustrator should
avoid giving such a transfer to another party.

Rights Transferred. All right, title, and


interest, including any statutory copyright
together with the right to secure renewals
and extensions of such copyright through-
out the world, for the full term of said copy-
right or statutory copyright and any renewal
or extension of same that is or may be
granted throughout the world.

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COPYRIGHT TRANSFER FORM

Copyright Transfer Form

FOR VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, _____________________________


(hereinafter referred to as the Assignor), located at _______________________________________________________,
does hereby transfer and assign to _______________________________________________________________, located
at ______________________________________________________________, his or her heirs, executors, administrators,
and assigns, the following rights: _________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________ in the copyrights
in the works described as follows:

Title Registration Nature of Work


Number

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor has executed this instrument on the _______ day of __________, 20____.

Assignor _____________________________________________________

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Application for Copyright FORM FORM


Registration of an Artwork
17 18

T o register an artwork, the illustrator must


send a completed Form VA, a nonrefundable
For published artworks, the proper deposit is
usually two complete copies of the work. For
filing fee of $30, and a nonreturnable deposit por- unpublished artworks, one complete copy
traying the artwork to be registered. These three would be sufficient. Since the purpose of regis-
items should be sent together to the Register of tering is to protect what the illustrator has cre-
Copyrights, Copyright Office, Library of Congress, ated, it is important that the materials deposited
Washington, D.C. 20559. fully show what is copyrightable.
The instructions for filling in Form VA are pro- Obviously, unique artworks cannot be sent
vided by the Copyright Office and are repro- along with the application for purposes of iden-
duced here with Form VA. A Short Form VA may tifying themselves, so the Copyright Office
be used by living photographers for work that is accepts other identifying materials. These are
new (not previously published or registered), usually photographs, photostats, slides, draw-
not work for hire, and solely owned by the pho- ings, or other two-dimensional representations
tographer. Short Form VA and its instructions of the work. The illustrator should provide as
are also reproduced here. much identifying material as is necessary to
The Copyright Office has an information show the copyrightable content of the artwork,
number(202) 707-3000and a Forms and including any copyright notice that has been
Circulars Hotline number(202) 707-9100. In used. The proper form for presenting notice of
addition, information can be obtained and forms copyright is the symbol or Copyright or
downloaded from the Copyright Office Web site Copr. followed by the illustrators name and
at www.copyright.gov/. The Web site offers many the year of first publication. Since there is some
circulars on copyright and is an excellent source disagreement about whether one-of-a-kind
of authoritative information. works can ever be published, according to the
Because of budget constraints, the Copyright definition of that term in the copyright law, the
Office will accept reproductions of form VA, year of creation can also be placed on such works.
such as the form on the CD-ROM in this book. If The preferable size for identifying materials
the illustrator wishes to make copies, however, (other than transparencies) is 8 x 10 inches, but
the copies must be clear, legible, on a good grade anything from 3 x 3 inches to 9 x 12 inches will
of white paper, and printed on a single sheet of be acceptable. Also, at least one piece of the iden-
paper so that when the sheet is turned over, the tifying material must give an exact measurement
top of page 2 is directly behind the top of page 1. of one or more dimensions of the artwork and
Also, the fees paid to the Copyright Office may give the title on its front, back, or mount.
increase, so the fee structure should be checked For a full review of registration and its require-
from time to time. ments, the illustrator can consult Copyright Office
It is wise to register any work that the illus- Circular 40, Copyright Registration for Works of the
trator feels may be infringed. Registration has a Visual Arts, and Circular 40a, Deposit Requirements
number of values, the most important of which of Claims to Copyright in Visual Arts Material.
is to establish proof that a particular artwork was A copyright registration is effective as of the
created by the artist as of a certain date. Both date that the Copyright Office receives the appli-
published and unpublished artworks can be reg- cation, fee, and deposit materials in an accept-
istered. In fact, unpublished artworks can be reg- able form, regardless of how long it takes to send
istered in groups for a single application fee. back the certificate of registration. It may take

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

120 days before the certificate of registration is


sent to the illustrator. To ensure that the
Copyright Office receives the materials, the
artist should send them by registered or certified
mail with a return receipt requested from the
post office.
An illustrator can request information as to
the status of an application. However, a fee will
be charged by the Copyright Office if such a
status report must be given within 120 days of
the submission of the application.
For a more extensive discussion of the legal
aspects of copyright, the illustrator can consult
Legal Guide for the Visual Artist.

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APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION OF AN ARTWORK

4 Form VA
Detach and read these instructions before completing this form.
Make sure all applicable spaces have been lled in before you return this form.
BASIC INFORMATION
When to Use This Form: Use Form VA for copyright registration of published Architectural Works: Copyright protection extends to the design of buildings
or unpublished works of the visual arts. This category consists of pictorial, created for the use of human beings. Architectural works created on or after
graphic, or sculptural works, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional December 1, 1990, or that on December 1, 1990, were unconstructed and
works of fine, graphic, and applied art, photographs, prints and art reproductions, embodied only in unpublished plans or drawings are eligible. Request Circular
maps, globes, charts, technical drawings, diagrams, and models. 41 for more information. Architectural works and technical drawings cannot be
registered on the same application.
What Does Copyright Protect? Copyright in a work of the visual arts protects
those pictorial, graphic, or sculptural elements that, either alone or in combination, Deposit to Accompany Application: An application for copyright registration
represent an original work of authorship. The statute declares: In no case does must be accompanied by a deposit consisting of copies representing the entire
copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, work for which registration is to be made.
procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery,
regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated, or embodied Unpublished Work: Deposit one complete copy.
in such work. Published Work: Deposit two complete copies of the best edition.
Works of Artistic Craftsmanship and Designs: Works of artistic Work First Published Outside the United States: Deposit one
craftsmanship are registrable on Form VA, but the statute makes clear that complete copy of the first foreign edition.
protection extends to their form and not to their mechanical or utilitarian
aspects. The design of a useful article is considered copyrightable only if, and Contribution to a Collective Work: Deposit one complete copy of
only to the extent that, such design incorporates pictorial, graphic, or sculptural the best edition of the collective work.
features that can be identified separately from, and are capable of existing The Copyright Notice: Before March 1, 1989, the use of copyright notice was
independently of, the utilitarian aspects of the article. mandatory on all published works, and any work first published before that date
should have carried a notice. For works first published on and after March 1,
Labels and Advertisements: Works prepared for use in connection with the sale 1989, use of the copyright notice is optional. For more information about
or advertisement of goods and services are registrable if they contain original copyright notice, see Circular 3, Copyright Notice.
work of authorship. Use Form VA if the copyrightable material in the work you
are registering is mainly pictorial or graphic; use Form TX if it consists mainly of For Further Information: To speak to an information specialist, call (202) 707-
text. NOTE: Words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans cannot 3000 (TTY: (202) 707-6737). Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.
be protected by copyright, and the same is true of standard symbols, emblems, and Order forms and other publications from the address in space 9 or call the Forms
other commonly used graphic designs that are in the public domain. When used and Publications Hotline at (202) 707-9100. Most circulars (but not forms) are
commercially, material of that sort can sometimes be protected under state laws available via fax. Call (202) 707-2600 from a touchtone phone. Access and
of unfair competition or under the federal trademark laws. For information about download circulars, forms, and other information from the Copyright Office
trademark registration, write to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, website at www.copyright.gov.
Washington, D.C. 20231.

LINE-BY-LINE INSTRUCTIONS
Please type or print using black ink. The form is used to produce the certificate.

Name of Author: The fullest form of the authors name should be


1 SPACE 1: Title
Title of This Work: Every work submitted for copyright registration
must be given a title to identify that particular work.If the copies of the
given.Unless the work was made for hire, the individual who actually created
the work is its author. In the case of a work made for hire, the statute provides
that the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is
work bear a title (or an identifying phrase that could serve as a title), considered the author.
transcribe that wording completely and exactly on the application. Indexing of the What is a Work Made for Hire? A work made for hire is defined as:
registration and future identification of the work will depend on the information (1) a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employ-
you give here. For an architectural work that has been constructed, add the date ment; or (2) a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribu-
of construction after the title; if unconstructed at this time, add not yet con- tion to a collective work, as a part of a motion picture or other audiovisual work,
structed. as a translation, as a supplementary work, as a compilation, as an instructional
Publication as a Contribution: If the work being registered is a contribution text, as a test, as answer material for a test, or as an atlas, if the parties expressly
to a periodical, serial, or collection, give the title of the contribution in the Title agree in a written instrument signed by them that the work shall be considered
of This Work space. Then, in the line headed Publication as a Contribution, a work made for hire. If you have checked Yes to indicate that the work was
give information about the collective work in which the contribution appeared. made for hire, you must give the full legal name of the employer (or other
Nature of This Work: Briefly describe the general nature or character of the person for whom the work was prepared). You may also include the name of the
pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work being registered for copyright.Examples: employee along with the name of the employer (for example: Elster Publishing
Oil Painting; Charcoal Drawing; Etching; Sculpture; Map; Photo- Co., employer for hire of John Ferguson).
graph; Scale Model; Lithographic Print; Jewelry Design; Fabric De- Anonymous or Pseudonymous Work: An authors contribution to a
sign. work is anonymous if that author is not identified on the copies or phonorecords
Previous or Alternative Titles: Complete this space if there are any additional of the work. An authors contribution to a work is pseudonymous if that author
titles for the work under which someone searching for the registration might be is identified on the copies or phonorecords under a fictitious name. If the work
likely to look, or under which a document pertaining to the work might be is anonymous you may: (1) leave the line blank; or (2) state anonymous on
recorded. the line; or (3) reveal the authors identity.If the work is pseudonymous you
may: (1) leave the line blank; or (2) give the pseudonym and identify it as such
(for example: Huntley Haverstock, pseudonym); or (3) reveal the authors
2 SPACE 2: Author(s)
General Instruction: After reading these instructions, decide who are
the authors of this work for copyright purposes. Then, unless the work
name, making clear which is the real name and which is the pseudonym (for
example: Henry Leek, whose pseudonym is Priam Farrel). However, the
citizenship or domicile of the author must be given in all cases.
is a collective work, give the requested information about every Dates of Birth and Death: If the author is dead, the statute requires that the
author who contributed any appreciable amount of copyrightable matter to this year of death be included in the application unless the work is anonymous or
version of the work. If you need further space, request Continuation Sheets. In pseudonymous. The authors birth date is optional but is useful as a form of
the case of a collective work, such as a catalog of paintings or collection of identification. Leave this space blank if the authors contribution was a work
cartoons by various authors, give information about the author of the collective made for hire.
work as a whole.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Authors Nationality or Domicile: Give the country of which the author is copyright registration can be made for the same version of a particular work.
a citizen or the country in which the author is domiciled.Nationality or domicile Same Version: If this version is substantially the same as the work covered
must be given in all cases. by a previous registration, a second registration is not generally possible unless:
Nature of Authorship: Catagories of pictorial, graphic, and sculptural (1) the work has been registered in unpublished form and a second registration
authorship are listed below. Check the box(es) that best describe(s) each authors is now being sought to cover this first published edition; or (2) someone other than
contribution to the work. the author is identified as a copyright claimant in the earlier registration, and the
3-Dimensional sculptures: fine art sculptures, toys, dolls, scale models, and author is now seeking registration in his or her own name.If either of these two
sculptural designs applied to useful articles. exceptions applies, check the appropriate box and give the earlier registration
2-Dimensional artwork: watercolor and oil paintings; pen and ink drawings; number and date. Otherwise, do not submit Form VA; instead, write the
logo illustrations; greeting cards; collages; stencils; patterns; computer graphics; Copyright Office for information about supplementary registration or recorda-
graphics appearing in screen displays; artwork appearing on posters, calendars, tion of transfers of copyright ownership.
games, commercial prints and labels, and packaging, as well as 2-dimensional Changed Version: If the work has been changed and you are now seeking
artwork applied to useful articles, and designs reproduced on textiles, lace, and registration to cover the additions or revisions, check the last box in space 5, give
other fabrics; on wallpaper, carpeting, floor tile, wrapping paper, and clothing. the earlier registration number and date, and complete both parts of space 6 in
Reproductions of works of art: reproductions of preexisting artwork made accordance with the instruction below.
by, for example, lithography, photoengraving, or etching. Previous Registration Number and Date: If more than one previous
Maps: cartographic representations of an area, such as state and county maps, registration has been made for the work, give the number and date of the latest
atlases, marine charts, relief maps, and globes. registration.
Photographs: pictorial photographic prints and slides and holograms.
Jewelry designs: 3-dimensional designs applied to rings, pendants, earrings,
necklaces, and the like.
Technical drawings: diagrams illustrating scientific or technical informa-
tion in linear form, such as architectural blueprints or mechanical drawings.
Text: textual material that accompanies pictorial, graphic, or sculptural
6 SPACE 6: Derivative Work or Compilation
General Instructions: Complete space 6 if this work is a changed
version, compilation, or derivative work, and if it incorporates one
works, such as comic strips, greeting cards, games rules, commercial prints or or more earlier works that have already been published or registered for
labels, and maps. copyright, or that have fallen into the public domain.A compilation is defined
Architectural works: designs of buildings, including the overall form as well as a work formed by the collection and assembling of preexisting materials or
as the arrangement and composition of spaces and elements of the design. of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting
work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship. A derivative work
NOTE: Any registration for the underlying architectural plans must be is a work based on one or more preexisting works. Examples of derivative
applied for on a separate Form VA, checking the box Technical drawing. works include reproductions of works of art, sculptures based on drawings,
lithographs based on paintings, maps based on previously published sources, or
any other form in which a work may be recast, transformed, or adapted.
Derivative works also include works consisting of editorial revisions, annota-
3 SPACE 3: Creation and Publication
General Instructions: Do not confuse creation with publication.
Every application for copyright registration must state the year in which
tions, or other modifications if these changes, as a whole, represent an original
work of authorship.
Preexisting Material (space 6a): Complete this space and space 6b for
creation of the work was completed. Give the date and nation of first derivative works.In this space identify the preexisting work that has been recast,
publication only if the work has been published. transformed, or adapted.Examples of preexisting material might be Grunewald
Creation: Under the statute, a work is created when it is fixed in a copy Altarpiece or 19th century quilt design. Do not complete this space for
or phonorecord for the first time. Where a work has been prepared over a period compilations.
of time, the part of the work existing in fixed form on a particular date constitutes Material Added to This Work (space 6b): Give a brief, general statement
the created work on that date.The date you give here should be the year in which of the additional new material covered by the copyright claim for which
the author completed the particular version for which registration is now being registration is sought.In the case of a derivative work, identify this new
sought, even if other versions exist or if further changes or additions are planned. material.Examples: Adaptation of design and additional artistic work; Repro-
Publication: The statute defines publication as the distribution of copies duction of painting by photolithography; Additional cartographic material;
or phonorecords of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, Compilation of photographs. If the work is a compilation, give a brief, general
or by rental, lease, or lending; a work is also published if there has been an statement describing both the material that has been compiled and the compila-
offering to distribute copies or phonorecords to a group of persons for purposes tion itself.Example: Compilation of 19th century political cartoons.
of further distribution, public performance, or public display. Give the full date
(month, day, year) when, and the country where, publication first occurred. If

7,8,9
first publication took place simultaneously in the United States and other
countries, it is sufficient to state U.S.A. SPACE 7,8,9: Fee, Correspondence,
Certification, Return Address

4 SPACE 4: Claimant(s)
Deposit Account: If you maintain a Deposit Account in
the Copyright Office, identify it in space 7a. Otherwise, leave the space blank
Name(s) and Address(es) of Copyright Claimant(s): Give the name(s) and send the fee of $30 with your application and deposit.
and address(es) of the copyright claimant(s) in this work even if the Correspondence (space 7b): This space should contain the name, address,
claimant is the same as the author. Copyright in a work belongs initially area code, telephone number, email address, and fax number (if available) of
to the author of the work (including, in the case of a work make for hire, the the person to be consulted if correspondence about this application becomes
employer or other person for whom the work was prepared). The copyright necessary.
claimant is either the author of the work or a person or organization to whom the Certification (space 8): The application cannot be accepted unless it bears
copyright initially belonging to the author has been transferred. the date and the handwritten signature of the author or other copyright
Transfer: The statute provides that, if the copyright claimant is not the claimant, or of the owner of exclusive right(s), or of the duly authorized agent
author, the application for registration must contain a brief statement of how the of the author, claimant, or owner of exclusive right(s).
claimant obtained ownership of the copyright. If any copyright claimant named Address for Return of Certificate (space 9): The address box must be
in space 4 is not an author named in space 2, give a brief statement explaining how completed legibly since the certificate will be returned in a window envelope.
the claimant(s) obtained ownership of the copyright. Examples: By written
contract; Transfer of all rights by author; Assignment; By will. Do not
PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT Required by the Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93 - 579)
attach transfer documents or other attachments or riders. The authority for requesting this information is title 17, U.S.C., secs. 409 and 410.Furnishing the
requested information is voluntary.But if the information is not furnished, it may be necessary to
delay or refuse registration and you may not be entitled to certain relief, remedies, and benefits
provided in chapters 4 and 5 of title 17, U.S.C.
The principal uses of the requested information are the establishment and maintenance of a public

5 SPACE 5: Previous Registration


General Instructions: The questions in space 5 are intended to find out
whether an earlier registration has been made for this work and, if so,
record and the examination of the application for compliance with the registration requirements of
the copyright code.
Other routine uses include public inspection and copying, preparation of public indexes, prepara-
tion of public catalogs of copyright registrations, and preparation of search reports upon request.
NOTE: No other advisory statement will be given in connection with this application.Please keep
this statement and refer to it if we communicate with you regarding this application.
whether there is any basis for a new registration.As a rule, only one basic

110
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APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION OF AN ARTWORK

Copyright Office fees are subject to change.


For current fees, check the Copyright Office 3 Form VA For a Work of the Visual Arts
UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT OFFICE
website at www.copyright.gov, write the Copy- REGISTRATION NUMBER
right Office, or call (202) 707-3000.

VA VAU
EFFECTIVE DATE OF REGISTRATION

Month Day Year

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE. IF YOU NEED MORE SPACE, USE A SEPARATE CONTINUATION SHEET.
Title of This Work NATURE OF THIS WORK See instructions

1 Previous or Alternative Titles

Publication as a Contribution If this work was published as a contribution to a periodical, serial, or collection, give information about the collective work in which the
contribution appeared. Title of Collective Work

If published in a periodical or serial give: Volume Number Issue Date On Pages

NAME OF AUTHOR

2
DATES OF BIRTH AND DEATH
Year Born Year Died
a
Was this contribution to the work a Author's Nationality or Domicile Was This Author's Contribution to the Work
work made for hire? Name of Country If the answer to either
 Yes  No
NOTE  Yes OR
{ Citizen of
Anonymous?
Pseudonymous?  Yes  No
of these questions is
Yes, see detailed
Under the law,  No Domiciled in instructions.
the author of
a work made
for hire is
Nature of Authorship Check appropriate box(es).See instructions
generally the  3-Dimensional sculpture  Map  Technical drawing
employer, not
the employee  2-Dimensional artwork  Photograph  Text
(see instruc-
tions). For any
 Reproduction of work of art  Jewelry design  Architectural work
part of this
work that was
made for hire
check Yes in Name of Author Dates of Birth and Death
the space
provided, give
the employer
b Year Born Year Died

(or other
person for
Was this contribution to the work a Author's Nationality or Domicile Was This Author's Contribution to the Work
work made for hire? Name of Country If the answer to either
whom the work Anonymous?  Yes  No
was prepared)
as Author of
that part, and
 Yes
 No
OR
{ Citizen of
Domiciled in
Pseudonymous?  Yes  No
of these questions is
Yes, see detailed
instructions.
leave the
space for dates Nature of Authorship Check appropriate box(es).See instructions
of birth and
death blank.  3-Dimensional sculpture  Map  Technical drawing
 2-Dimensional artwork  Photograph  Text
 Reproduction of work of art  Jewelry design  Architectural work

3 a
Year in Which Creation of This Work Was
Completed This information
must be given
Year in all cases.
b
Date and Nation of First Publication of This Particular Work
Complete this information
ONLY if this work
has been published.

COPYRIGHT CLAIMANT(S) Name and address must be given even if the claimant is the same as the
Month Day

APPLICATION RECEIVED
Year

Nation

4 author given in space 2.


DO NOT WRITE HERE

ONE DEPOSIT RECEIVED


OFFICE USE ONLY

See instructions
before completing TWO DEPOSITS RECEIVED
this space.
Transfer If the claimant(s) named here in space 4 is (are) different from the author(s) named in space 2, give a
brief statement of how the claimant(s) obtained ownership of the copyright. FUNDS RECEIVED

MORE ON BACK

Complete all applicable spaces (numbers 5-9) on the reverse side of this page. DO NOT WRITE HERE
See detailed instructions. Sign the form at line 8.
Page 1 of pages

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

EXAMINED BY FORM VA

CHECKED BY

FOR
 CORRESPONDENCE
Yes
COPYRIGHT
OFFICE
USE
ONLY

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE. IF YOU NEED MORE SPACE, USE A SEPARATE CONTINUATION SHEET.
PREVIOUS REGISTRATION Has registration for this work, or for an earlier version of this work, already been made in the Copyright Office?
 Yes  No If your answer is Yes, why is another registration being sought? (Check appropriate box.)
a.  This is the first published edition of a work previously registered in unpublished form.
b.  This is the first application submitted by this author as copyright claimant.
c.  This is a changed version of the work, as shown by space 6 on this application.
5
If your answer is Yes, give: Previous Registration Number Year of Registration

DERIVATIVE WORK OR COMPILATION Complete both space 6a and 6b for a derivative work; complete only 6b for a compilation.
a. Preexisting Material Identify any preexisting work or works that this work is based on or incorporates.

a 6
See instructions
before completing
this space.
b. Material Added to This Work Give a brief, general statement of the material that has been added to this work and in which copyright is claimed.

7
DEPOSIT ACCOUNT If the registration fee is to be charged to a Deposit Account established in the Copyright Office, give name and number of Account.
Name Account Number

a
CORRESPONDENCE Give name and address to which correspondence about this application should be sent. Name/Address/Apt/City/State/ZIP

b
Area code and daytime telephone number ( ) Fax number ( )

Email

CERTIFICATION* I, the undersigned, hereby certify that I am the

check only one


{  author
 other copyright claimant
8

 owner of exclusive right(s)


 authorized agent of
Name of author or other copyright claimant, or owner of exclusive right(s)
of the work identified in this application and that the statements made by me in this application are correct to the best of my knowledge.

Typed or printed name and date If this application gives a date of publication in space 3, do not sign and submit it before that date.

Date

Handwritten signature (X)

9
YOU MUST:
Certificate Name Complete all necessary spaces
Sign your application in space 8
will be
SEND ALL 3 ELEMENTS
mailed in IN THE SAME PACKAGE:
window Number/Street/Apt 1. Application form
2. Nonrefundable filing fee in check or money Fees are subject to
envelope order payable to Register of Copyrights change. For current
fees, check the
to this 3. Deposit material Copyright Office
address: City/State/ZIP MAIL TO: website at
www.copyright.gov,
Library of Congress write the Copyright
Copyright Office Office, or call
101 Independence Avenue, S.E. (202) 707-3000.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

*17 U.S.C. 506(e): Any person who knowingly makes a false representation of a material fact in the application for copyright registration provided for by section 409, or in any written statement filed in connection
with the application, shall be fined not more than $2,500.

Rev: August 200330,000 Web Rev: June 2002 E Printed on recycled paper U.S. Government Printing Office: 2003-496-605 60,029

112
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APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION OF AN ARTWORK

4 Instructions for Short Form VA


For pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
USE THIS FORM IF HOW TO COMPLETE SHORT FORM VA
1. You are the only author and copyright owner of this work, and Type or print in black ink.
2. The work was not made for hire, and
3. The work is completely new (does not contain a substantial amount Be clear and legible. (Your certificate of registration will be cop-
of material that has been previously published or registered or is in ied from your form.)
the public domain). Give only the information requested.
If any of the above does not apply, you must use standard Form VA. NOTE: You may use a continuation sheet (Form __/CON) to list
NOTE: Short Form VA is not appropriate for an anonymous author individual titles in a collection. Complete Space A and list the
who does not wish to reveal his or her identity. individual titles under Space C on the back page. Space B is not
applicable to short forms.

1 Title of This Work


You must give a title. If there is no title, state UNTITLED. If
5 Type of Authorship in This Work
Check the box or boxes that describe your authorship in the material
you are registering an unpublished collection, give the collection you are sending. For example, if you are registering illustrations but
title you want to appear in our records (for example: Jewelry by Josephine, have not written the story yet, check only the box for 2-dimensional artwork.
1995 Volume). Alternative title: If the work is known by two titles, you
also may give the second title. If the work has been published as part of a
larger work (including a periodical), give the title of that larger work in-
stead of an alternative title, in addition to the title of the contribution.
6 Signature of Author
Sign the application in black ink and check the appropriate box. The

2 Name and Address of Author and Owner


of the Copyright
person signing the application should be the author or his/her autho-
rized agent.

Give your name and mailing address. You may include your
pseudonym followed by pseud. Also, give the nation of which you are a
citizen or where you have your domicile (i.e., permanent residence).
Please give daytime phone, fax numbers, and email address, if available.
7 Person to Contact for Rights/Permissions
This space is optional. You may give the name and address of the
person or organization to contact for permission to use the work. You
may also provide phone, fax, or email information.
3 Year of Creation
Give the latest year in which you completed the work you are reg-
istering at this time. A work is created when it is fixed in a
tangible form. Examples: drawn on paper, molded in clay, stored in a
computer.
8 Certificate Will Be Mailed
This space must be completed. Your certificate of registration will be
mailed in a window envelope to this address. Also, if the Copyright Office
needs to contact you, we will write to this address.

4 Publication
If the work has been published (i.e., if copies have been distributed 9 Deposit Account
to the public), give the complete date of publication (month, day, Complete this space only if you currently maintain a deposit account
and year) and the nation where the publication first took place. in the Copyright Office.

MAIL WITH THE FORM


A $30 filing fee (Copyright Office fees are subject to change. For If you are registering: And the work is unpublished/published send:
current fees, please check the Copyright Office website at
www.copyright.gov, write the Copyright Office, or call (202) 707- 2-dimensional artwork a. And the work is unpublished, send
in a book, map, poster, one complete copy or identifying material
3000.) in the form of a check or money order (no cash) payable to or print
Register of Copyrights, and b. And the work is published, send
two copies of the best published edition
One or two copies of the work or identifying material consisting of
photographs or drawings showing the work. See table (right) for the 3-dimensional sculpture, a. And the work is unpublished, send
requirements for most works. Note: Request Circular 40a for more 2-dimensional artwork identifying material
applied to a T-shirt b. And the work is published, send
information about the requirements for other works. Copies submit-
ted become the property of the U.S. Government. identifying material
Mail everything (application form, copy or copies, and fee) in a greeting card, pattern, a. And the work is unpublished, send
one package to: commercial print or label, one complete copy or identifying material
Library of Congress fabric, wallpaper b. And the work is published, send
Copyright Office one copy of the best published edition
101 Independence Avenue, S.E. PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT Required by the Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579)
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000 The authority for requesting this information is title 17 U.S.C., secs. 409 and 410. Furnishing the
requested information is voluntary. But if the information is not furnished, it may be necessary to delay
or refuse registration and you may not be entitled to certain relief, remedies, and benefits provided in
chapters 4 and 5 of title 17 U.S.C.
QUESTIONS? Call (202) 707-3000 [TTY: (202) 707-6737] between 8:30 The principal uses of the requested information are the establishment and maintenance of a public
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. For forms and record and the examination of the application for compliance with the registration requirements of the
copyright law.
informational circulars, call (202) 707-9100 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Other routine uses include public inspection and copying, preparation of public indexes, prepara-
or download them from the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov. tion of public catalogs of copyright registrations, and preparation of search reports upon request.
Selected informational circulars but not forms are available from Fax-on- NOTE: No other advisory statement will be given in connection with this application. Please keep
this statement and refer to it if we communicate with you regarding this application.
Demand at (202) 707-2600.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Copyright Office fees are subject to change.


For current fees, check the Copyright Office 3 Short Form VA For a Work of the Visual Arts
UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT OFFICE
website at www.copyright.gov, write the Copy- REGISTRATION NUMBER
right Office, or call (202) 707-3000.

VA VAU
Effective Date of Registration

Application Received
Examined By
Deposit Received
One Two
Correspondence Fee Received
TYPE OR PRINT IN BLACK INK. DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE.
Title of This Work:
1
Alternative title or title of
larger work in which this
work was published:

Name and Address of


Author and Owner of the
Copyright:
2
Nationality or domicile: Phone ( ) Fax ( )
Phone, fax, and email: Email

Year of Creation:
3 a. Date ___________________________________ ____________ _________________ (Month, day, and
If work has been published,
Date and Nation of
Publication:
4 Month Day Year year all required)

b. Nation

3-Dimensional sculpture Photograph Map


Type of Authorship
in This Work:
Check all that this author created.
5 2-Dimensional artwork
Technical drawing
Jewelry design Text
.
Signature:

Registration cannot be
6 I certify that the statements made by me in this application are correct to the best of my knowledge.* Check one:
Author Authorized agent
completed without a signature. x
OPTIONAL

Check here if same as #2 above.


Name and Address of
Person to Contact for
Rights and Permissions:
7
Phone, fax, and email: Phone ( ) Fax ( )
Email

8
Complete this space only

Name
9 Deposit Account #______________________
if you currently hold a

Name ________________________________
Deposit Account in

Certificate
will be Number/Street/Apt
mailed in _________________________________________
the Copyright

window
envelope to
this address: _____________________________________________
City/State/ZIP
Office.

_____________________________________________
DO NOT WRITE HERE Page 1 of ______ pages

*17 U.S.C. 506(e): Any person who knowingly makes a false representation of a material fact in the application for copyright registration provided for by section 409, or in any written statement filed in connection with
the application, shall be fined not more than $2,500.

August 200330,000 Web Rev: August 2003 E Printed on recycled paper U.S. Government Printing Office: 2003-496-605/60,031

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License of Rights FORM FORM


FORM FORM
License of Electronic Rights
19 20

I f there is one striking change in the world of


illustration since Business and Legal Forms for
sons, the distinction between electronic and
nonelectronic rights is important enough to jus-
Illustrators first appeared in 1990, it is the tify two forms. Just as traditional rights have
growing importance of electronic rights (elec- come to have generally accepted definitions and
tronic works being digitized versions that can familiar divisions between creators and users as
be stored or retrieved from such media as com- to control and sharing of income, so electronic
puter disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and rights may someday find similar clarification
network servers). Illustrators have always stood and customary allocation. Today, that crystal-
to profit by not giving up all rights when lization is far from a reality. In addition, the con-
dealing with clients. This has been the reason stant evolution of new storage and delivery
that the battle over work-for-hire contracts has media for electronic works (most recently the
been fought with such ferocity in contractual Internet) means that definitions must also be
negotiations, legislative proposals, and litiga- adaptable and constantly scrutinized to ascer-
tion. The desire of users for extensive rights tain accuracy.
must constantly clash with the desire of creators An electronic work might first be a computer
to give only limited rights. As work for hire file, then transmitted as e-mail, then incorpo-
offered the most potent path for users to gain all rated into a multimedia product (along with
rights (including rights that such users had no text, video, and a soundtrack), then uploaded to
intention or ability to exercise), so electronic a site on the World Wide Web, and finally down-
rights have become the latest frontier where loaded into the computer of someone cruising in
users seek to extend their domains at the cyberspace. Such digital potential for shape-
expense of creators. shifting makes contractual restrictions both
Form 19, the License of Rights, and Form 20, more challenging to engineer and absolutely
the License of Electronic Rights, have similari- essential to negotiate. The License of Rights and
ties to other forms in this book. Both Form 2, the License of Electronic Rights are designed for
the Confirmation of Assignment, and Form 5, when a potential user approaches the illustrator
the Book Publishing Contract, effectively directly to use work that has already been dis-
license rights, but they do so for works to be tributed. That previous distribution might have
created in the future rather than for works that been in traditional media or, as is becoming ever
already exist. more likely, in electronic media.
Forms 19 and 20 seek to maximize the Because many of the concerns with both
opportunities of the illustrator for residual Forms 19 and 20 are the same as for commis-
income. To use these forms, the illustrator sioned works, the negotiation checklist refers to
must, of course, first limit the rights that he or the checklist for Form 2. One key point
she grants to the first users of work. Assuming addressed in the form is the narrow specifica-
the illustrator has retained all usage rights that tion of the nature of the usage as well as the
the initial client did not actually need, that retention of all other rights. When electronic
illustrator then becomes the potential benefi- rights are being granted, it is important if pos-
ciary of income from further sales of the work sible to try to limit the form of the final use (such
to other users. as CD-ROM) and whether consumers can make
Forms 19 and 20 are almost identical. copies (as is possible with material on the World
However, for both didactic and practical rea- Wide Web).

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Filling in the Forms Since rights are being licensed in preexisting


Fill in the date and the names and addresses for work, do not grant exclusive rights or limit
the client and the illustrator. In Paragraph 1, the exclusivity to very narrow and precisely
describe the work in detail and indicate the described uses. (Paragraph 3)
form in which it will be delivered. In Paragraph
2, give the delivery date. In Paragraph 3, specify If electronic rights are licensed, try to limit
the limitations as to which rights are granted, the form of final use (such as a particularly
including the nature of the use (magazine, named CD-ROM or site on the World Wide
book, advertising, CD-ROM, etc.), the language, Web). (Paragraph 3)
the name of the product or publication, the ter-
ritory, and the time period of use. In an unusual For electronic rights, indicate whether con-
case, the usage might be specified to be exclu- sumers or end users may only see a display
sive. Also, give an outside date for the usage to of the work or will actually have a right to
take place, after which the right will terminate. download a copy of the work. (Paragraph 3)
For Form 20, indicate whether consumers may
copy the work or whether the electronic rights Limit the time period for the use and specify
granted are for display (viewing but not a date by which all usage must be completed
copying) use only. In Paragraph 5, give the fee and all rights automatically revert to the
or the advance against a royalty and how that illustrator. (Paragraph 3)
royalty will be computed. If alteration of the
work is permitted, give guidelines for this in If royalties are to be paid, specify that all
Paragraph 7. In Paragraph 8, give a monthly rights will revert if the income stream falls
interest charge for late payments. In Paragraph below a certain level.
9, specify the reimbursement value for original
transparencies that are lost or damaged. Specify For Form 19, reserve all electronic rights to
in Paragraph 10 whether the illustrator will the illustrator. (Paragraph 4)
receive samples. Show in Paragraph 11 whether
copyright notice must appear in the illustrators For Form 20, reserve all traditional (nonelec-
name, and indicate in Paragraph 12 whether tronic) rights to the illustrator. (Paragraph 4)
authorship credit will be given. In Paragraph 14,
specify who will arbitrate disputes, where this If royalties are agreed to for Paragraph 5,
will be done, and give the maximum amount review pages 4143 with respect to the com-
that can be sued for in small claims court. In putation of royalties in the negotiation check-
Paragraph 15, give the state whose laws will list for Form 5.
govern the contract. Both parties should then
sign the contract. For electronic rights especially, negotiate the
right of the client to change the work or com-
bine the work with other works. (Paragraph 7)
Negotiation Checklist
Review the negotiation checklist for Form 2. Request samples if appropriate. (Paragraph 10)

To limit the grant of rights, carefully specify For Form 20, require the client to use the best
the type of use (by market or industry), lan- available technology to prevent infringements.
guage, name of the product or publication,
territory, and time period for the use. Review the standard provisions in the intro-
(Paragraph 3) ductory pages.

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LICENSE OF RIGHTS & LICENSE OF ELECTRONIC RIGHTS

Other provisions that can be added to Forms that the payment covers, and (H) the reason
19 and 20: for the payment, the payments currency, and
the details of any withholdings from the pay-
Statements of Account. Another problem that ment (such as for taxes, commissions, or
could be addressed by Forms 19 and 20 deals bank charges).
with book publishing, but might also apply
to other licenses. This is the widely publi- Minimum Payments. If the license is on a
cized inability of publishers to determine royalty basis, it may be desirable to require
who should receive payments that are sent to that minimum payments be made in order to
the publishers by licensees. This may seem a keep the license in effect. The provision about
bizarre problem to the author/illustrator termination in Paragraph 3 might be
who only has one or a few works to license, reworded as follows:
but for large publishing houses with hun-
dreds or thousands of licensed works, the Minimum Payments. If the Client does not
problem is of a different magnitude. Authors complete its usage under this Paragraph 3 by
and agents have complained that many pub- the following date __________________, or if
lishers simply cant keep track of income payments to be made hereunder fall to less
from licensing. The effect of this failure is that than $______ every ____ months, all rights
the publishers enrich themselves at the granted shall without further notice revert to
expense of authors. The suggested paragraph the Illustrator without prejudice to the
below requires that licensees provide certain Illustrators right to retain sums previously
information that will avoid this problem. The paid and collect additional sums due.
required information is similar to that in the
Subsidiary Rights Payment Advice Form
promulgated by the Book Industry Study
Group, Inc., in the hope that widespread adop-
tion of the form by publishers will cause
licensees to give the needed information for
proper accounting. The Book Industry Study
Group, Inc., is located at 19 West 21st Street,
Suite 905, New York, NY 10010; (646) 336-7141.

Statements of Account. The payments due


pursuant to this license shall be made by
Client to Illustrator whose receipt of same
shall be a full and valid discharge of the
Clients obligations hereunder only if accom-
panied by the following information: (A)
amount remitted, (B) check or wire transfer
number and date, as well as the bank and
account number to which funds were
deposited by wire transfer, (C) Clients name
as payor, (D) title of the work for which pay-
ment is being made, (E) author(s) of the
work, (F) the identifying number, if any, for
the work, or the ISBN, if any, (G) the period

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

License of Rights

AGREEMENT entered into as of the _____ day of ___________, 20____, between _______________________________,
(hereinafter referred to as the Client), located at ___________________________________________________________,
and ____________________________________________________________, (hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator),
located at _______________________________________________, with respect to the licensing of certain nonelectronic
rights in the Illustrators illustration(s) (hereinafter referred to as the Work).

1. Description of Work. The Client wishes to license certain nonelectronic rights in the Work that the Illustrator has
created and which is described as follows:

Title _________________________________________________________________Number of images ______________


Subject matter _______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Form in which work shall be delivered: computer file (specify format __________________________)
hard copy (size _________________) other (specified as __________________________________)

2. Delivery Date. The Illustrator agrees to deliver the Work within _____ days after the signing of this Agreement.

3. Grant of Rights. Upon receipt of full payment, Illustrator grants to the Client the following nonelectronic rights in the Work:

For use as ______________________________________________________ in the ______________________ language


For the product or publication named __________________________________________________________________
In the following territory _______________________________________________________________________________
For the following time period ___________________________________________________________________________
With respect to the usage shown above, the Client shall have nonexclusive rights unless specified to the contrary
here ________________________________________________________________________________________________
If the Work is for use as a contribution to a magazine, the grant of rights shall be for one-time North American
serial rights only, unless specified to the contrary above.
Other limitations______________________________________________________________________________________

If the Client does not complete its usage under this Paragraph 3 by the following date ________________________,
all rights granted but not exercised shall without further notice revert to the Illustrator without prejudice to the
Illustrators right to retain sums previously paid and collect additional sums due.

4. Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted hereunder are reserved to the Illustrator, including but not
limited to all rights in preliminary materials and all electronic rights. For purposes of this Agreement, electronic
rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such
media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.

5. Fee. Client agrees to pay $___________ for the usage rights granted or an advance of $______ to be recouped
against royalties computed as follows __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

6. Additional Usage. If Client wishes to make any additional uses of the Work, Client agrees to seek permission from
the Illustrator and make such payments as are agreed to between the parties at that time.

7. Alteration. Client shall not make or permit any alterations, whether by adding or removing material from the Work,
without the permission of the Illustrator. Alterations shall be deemed to include the addition of any illustrations,

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LICENSE OF RIGHTS & LICENSE OF ELECTRONIC RIGHTS

photographs, sound, text, or computerized effects, unless specified to the contrary here _______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

08. Payment. Client agrees to pay the Illustrator within thirty days of the date of Illustrators billing, which shall be
dated as of the date of delivery of the Work. Overdue payments shall be subject to interest charges of _____ per-
cent monthly.

09. Loss, Theft, or Damage. The ownership of the Work shall remain with the Illustrator. Client agrees to assume full
responsibility and be strictly liable as an insurer for loss, theft, or damage to the Work and to insure the Work fully
from the time of shipment from the Illustrator to the Client until the time of return receipt by the Illustrator. Client
further agrees to return all of the Work at its own expense by registered mail or bonded courier, which provides
proof of receipt. Reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage to any Work shall be in the following amount:
_____________________________________________________________________________________. Both Client and
Illustrator agree that these specified value(s) represent the fair and reasonable value of the Work. Client agrees
to reimburse Illustrator for these fair and reasonable values in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

10. Samples. Client shall provide Illustrator with _____ samples of the final use of the Work.

11. Copyright Notice. Copyright notice in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when
it is reproduced.

12. Credit. Credit in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when it is reproduced. If the
Work is used as a contribution to a magazine or for a book, credit shall be given unless specified to the contrary
in the preceding sentence.

13. Releases. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Illustrator against any and all claims, costs, and
expenses, including attorneys fees, due to uses for which no release was requested, uses that exceed the uses
allowed pursuant to a release, or uses based on alterations not allowed pursuant to Paragraph 7.

14. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
________________________________________ in the following location _____________________________________
and settled in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration
award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than
$____________ shall not be subject to this arbitration provision.

15. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can be
modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties, except that the Client may authorize expenses
or revisions orally. A waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a
continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall be governed
by the laws of the State of ___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator _________________________________ Client ______________________________________


Company Name

By: _________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

License of Electronic Rights

AGREEMENT entered into as of the _____ day of ___________, 20____, between _______________________________,
(hereinafter referred to as the Client), located at ___________________________________________________________,
and _____________________________________________________________, (hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator),
located at _______________________________________________, with respect to the licensing of certain electronic
rights in the Illustrators illustration(s) (hereinafter referred to as the Work).

1. Description of Work. The Client wishes to license certain electronic rights in the Work that the Illustrator has cre-
ated and which is described as follows:

Title _________________________________________________________________ Number of images ______________


Subject matter_______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
Form in which work shall be delivered: computer file (specify format __________________________)
hard copy (size _________________) other (specified as __________________________________)

2. Delivery Date. The Illustrator agrees to deliver the Work within _____ days after the signing of this Agreement.

3. Grant of Rights. Upon receipt of full payment, Illustrator grants to the Client the following electronic rights in the
Work:

For use as ______________________________________________________ in the ______________________ language


For the product or publication named __________________________________________________________________
In the following territory _______________________________________________________________________________
For the following time period ___________________________________________________________________________
For display purposes only without permission for digital copying by users of the product or publication unless
specified to the contrary here __________________________________________________________________________
With respect to the usage shown above, the Client shall have nonexclusive rights unless specified to the contrary
here ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Other limitations _____________________________________________________________________________________

If the Client does not complete its usage under this Paragraph 3 by the following date ________________________,
all rights granted but not exercised shall without further notice revert to the Illustrator without prejudice to the
Illustrators right to retain sums previously paid and collect additional sums due.

4. Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted hereunder are reserved to the Illustrator, including but not
limited to all rights in preliminary materials and all nonelectronic rights. For purposes of this Agreement, electronic
rights are defined as rights in the digitized form of works that can be encoded, stored, and retrieved from such
media as computer disks, CD-ROM, computer databases, and network servers.

5. Fee. Client agrees to pay $___________ for the usage rights granted.

6. Additional Usage. If Client wishes to make any additional uses of the Work, Client agrees to seek permission from
the Illustrator and make such payments as are agreed to between the parties at that time.

7. Alteration. Client shall not make or permit any alterations, whether by adding or removing material from the Work,
without the permission of the Illustrator. Alterations shall be deemed to include the addition of any illustrations,

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LICENSE OF RIGHTS & LICENSE OF ELECTRONIC RIGHTS

photographs, sound, text, or computerized effects, unless specified to the contrary here _______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

08. Payment. Client agrees to pay the Illustrator within thirty days of the date of Illustrators billing, which shall be
dated as of the date of delivery of the Work. Overdue payments shall be subject to interest charges of __________
percent monthly.

09. Loss, Theft, or Damage. The ownership of the Work shall remain with the Illustrator. Client agrees to assume full
responsibility and be strictly liable as an insurer for loss, theft, or damage to the Work and to insure the Work fully
from the time of shipment from the Illustrator to the Client until the time of return receipt by the Illustrator. Client
further agrees to return all of the Work at its own expense by registered mail or bonded courier, which provides
proof of receipt. Reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage to any Work shall be in the following amount:
_________________________________________________________________________________________. Both Client
and Illustrator agree that these specified value(s) represent the fair and reasonable value of the Work. Client
agrees to reimburse Illustrator for these fair and reasonable values in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

10. Samples. Client shall provide Illustrator with _____ samples of the final use of the Work.

11. Copyright Notice. Copyright notice in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when
it is reproduced.

12. Credit. Credit in the name of the Illustrator shall shall not accompany the Work when it is reproduced. If the
Work is used as a contribution to a magazine or for a book, credit shall be given unless specified to the contrary
in the preceding sentence.

13. Releases. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Illustrator against any and all claims, costs, and
expenses, including attorneys fees, due to uses for which no release was requested, uses that exceed the uses
allowed pursuant to a release, or uses based on alterations not allowed pursuant to Paragraph 7.

14. Arbitration. All disputes arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to binding arbitration before
________________________________________ in the following location _____________________________________
and settled in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration
award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than
$____________ shall not be subject to this arbitration provision.

15. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can
be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties, except that the Client may authorize
expenses or revisions orally. A waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be con-
strued as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of ___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator __________________________________ Client _____________________________________


Company Name

By ________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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Contract with an Independent Contractor FORM

21

I llustrators sometimes hire independent con-


tractors, such as a model, photographer, set
directed only as to the final result, not as to the
means and method to accomplish that result.
builder, or carpenter. Independent contractors run Some twenty factors enumerated by the IRS dic-
their own businesses and hire out on a job-by-job tate the conclusion as to whether someone is an
basis. They are not employees, which saves the employee or an independent contractor, and no
illustrator in terms of employee benefits, payroll single factor is controlling. Factors suggesting
taxes, and paperwork. By not being an employee, someone is an independent contractor would
the independent contractor does not have to have include that the person supplies his or her own
taxes withheld and is able to deduct all business equipment and facilities, that the person works
expenses directly against income. for more than one party (and perhaps employs
A contract with an independent contractor others at the same time), that the person can
serves two purposes. First, it shows the intention of choose the location to perform the work, that the
the parties to have the services performed by an person is not supervised during the assignment,
independent contractor. Second, it shows the terms that the person receives a fee or commission
on which the parties will agree to do business. rather than an hourly or weekly wage, that the
As to the first purpose of the contract: person can make a loss or a profit, and that the
showing the intention to hire an independent person can be forced to terminate the job for
contractor, not an employee, the contract can be poor performance but cannot be dismissed like
helpful if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) an employee. The illustrator should consult his
decides to argue that the independent contractor or her accountant to resolve any doubts about
was an employee. The tax law automatically someones status.
classifies as independent contractors physicians, As to the second purpose of the contract:
lawyers, general building contractors, and What services will the contractor provide and
others who follow an independent trade, busi- when will the services be performed? On what
ness, or profession, in which they offer their basis and when will payment be made by the
services to the public on a regular basis. illustrator? Will there be an advance, perhaps to
However, many people dont fall clearly into help defray expenses?
this group. Since IRS reclassification from inde- The illustrator should consult with his or her
pendent contractor to employee can have harsh insurance agent with respect to the insurance
consequences for the hiring party, including the illustrator should carry when dealing with
payment of back employment taxes, penalties, independent contractors. Certainly, the illus-
and jeopardy to qualified pension plans, the IRS trator should make sure there is adequate cov-
has promulgated guidelines for determining erage for property damage or liability arising
who is an employee. from lawsuits for injuries. The contractor should
Basically, an employee is someone who is definitely have its own liability policy as well as
under the control and direction of the employer workers compensation and any state disability
to accomplish work. The employee is not only coverage.
told what to do, but how to do it. On the other Independent contractors can perform large
hand, an independent contractor is controlled or jobs or render a days services. Form 21 is designed

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

to help illustrators deal with small independent allow for a 10 percent variation in the bid or the
contractors who are performing a limited amount costs of materials based on what actually hap-
of work. The negotiation checklist is also directed pens. This should be carefully evaluated by the
toward this situation, such as hiring a model or illustrator, but is less desirable than a firm fee.
photographer. However, some further discussion The fee and the job description should only be
is necessary to cover the issues arising when the modified by a written amendment to the con-
illustrator has a larger project to complete, such tract. If this isnt required, disputes are likely to
as a major studio renovation. result. The illustrator should, if possible,
If the illustrator were dealing with a substan- require the contractor to warrant a number of
tial renovation to the studio or other construc- facts, such as the contractor being licensed if
tion, the contract would have to be more necessary, the materials being new and of good
complex. First, its always wise to have refer- quality, the contractor being responsible for any
ences for a contractor who is new to the illus- damages arising from its work, and any con-
trator. Keep deposits small, since it can be hard struction being guaranteed for some period of
to get a deposit back if the contractor doesnt time. The contractor would agree to protect the
complete the job. There should also be clarity as illustrator (by paying losses, damages, and any
to the quality and perhaps even the brands of attorneys fees) in the event any of these war-
any materials to be used. ranties were breached.
The contractor can be asked to post a surety Keep in mind that Form 21 is designed for
bond, which guarantees full performance. day-to-day dealings with freelancers, not the
However, many small contractors may have dif- hiring of builders for major renovations.
ficulty obtaining such a bond, since the insur-
ance company may require the posting of
collateral. In any event, the illustrator might Filling in the Form
explore with his or her own insurance agent the In the Preamble, fill in the date and the names
feasibility of demanding this from the con- and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1,
tractor. A point to keep in mind is that the con- show in detail what services are to be per-
tractors failure to pay subcontractors or formed. Attach another sheet of description or a
suppliers of material can result in a lien against list of procedures, diagram, or a plan to the con-
the illustrators property for work done to that tract, if needed. In Paragraph 2, give a schedule.
property. A lien is like a mortgage on a building: In Paragraph 3, indicate the fee and expenses. In
it must be satisfied or removed before the prop- Paragraph 4, specify a time for payment. In
erty can be sold. A surety bond would avoid Paragraph 5, indicate how cancellations will be
problems with liens. handled. In Paragraph 6(E), fill in any special
A contractor should be required to give a bid. criteria that the contractor should warrant as
That bid will be the basis for the terms of the true. In Paragraph 8, fill in any insurance the
contract. The contractor may want to wait until contractor must carry. In Paragraph 11, specify
after completing the work to determine a fee. who will arbitrate, where the arbitration will
Obviously, this is unacceptable. The contractor take place, and if a local small claims court
may want to charge a fee for labor, but charge would be better than arbitration, provide an
cost plus a markup for materials. This is prob- amount under the small claims court dollar limit
ably also unacceptable, since the illustrator has a as an exclusion from arbitration. In Paragraph
budget and needs to know that budget can be 12, give the state whose laws will govern the
met. Another variation is for the contractor to contract. Have both parties sign the contract.

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CONTRACT WITH AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Negotiation Checklist Review insurance coverage with the illus-


Carefully detail the services to be performed. trators insurance agent.
If necessary, attach an additional sheet of
description, a list of procedures, or a plan or If another illustrator, a photographer, an
diagram. (Paragraph 1) author, or other creator is to create a work
protected by copyright, trademark (such as
Give a schedule for performance. (Paragraph 2) an actual trademark or perhaps a character or
other identity symbol), or other form of intel-
State the method for computing the fee. lectual property, make certain any needed
(Paragraph 3) rights of usage or ownership are obtained.
(Paragraph 7)
If the contractor is to bill for expenses, limit
which expenses may be charged. (Paragraph 3) Specify what insurance coverage the con-
tractor must have. (Paragraph 8)
Require full documentation of expenses in
the form of receipts and invoices. (Para- State that the parties are independent con-
graph 3) tractors and not employer-employee. (Para-
graph 9)
Place a maximum amount on the expenses
that can be incurred. (Paragraph 3) Do not allow assignment of rights or obliga-
tions under the contract. (Paragraph 10)
Pay an advance against expenses if the
amount of the expenses are too much for the The illustrator should check with his or her
contractor to wait to receive back at the time attorney as to whether arbitration is better
of payment for the entire job. (Paragraph 3) than suing in the local courts, and whether
small claims court might be better than arbi-
State a time for payment. (Paragraph 4) tration. (Paragraph 11)

Indicate the payment for cancellations. Allow for an oral modification of either the
(Paragraph 5) fee or expense agreement, if such oral change
is necessary to move the project forward
If expenses are billed for, consider whether quickly. (Paragraph 12)
any markup should be allowed.
Compare Paragraph 12 with the standard
Require warranties that the contractor is provisions in the introductory pages.
legally able to perform the contract, that all
services will be done in a professional
manner, that any subcontractor or employee
hired by the contractor will be professional,
that the contractor will pay all taxes for the
contractor and his or her employees, and any
other criteria for the proper performance of
the services. (Paragraph 6)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Contract with an Independent Contractor

AGREEMENT entered into as of the ___________ day of _______, 20___, between _______________________________

(hereinafter referred to as the Illustrator), located at _________________________________________________________,

and _______________________________________________________________, (hereinafter referred to as the Contractor),

located at ______________________________________________________________________________________________ .

The parties hereto agree as follows:


1. Services to be Rendered. The Contractor agrees to perform the following services for the Illustrator:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

If needed, a list of procedures, diagram, or plan for the services shall be attached to and made part of this Agreement.

2. Schedule. The Contractor shall complete the services pursuant to the following schedule: _____________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

3. Fee and Expenses. The Illustrator shall pay the Contractor as follows:
Project rate $_____
Day rate $______/day
Hourly rate $_____/hour
Other _________________________ $_____
The Illustrator shall reimburse the Contractor only for the expenses listed here: _________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Expenses shall not exceed $_____. The Contractor shall provide full documentation for any expenses to be reim-
bursed, including receipts and invoices. An advance of $_____ against expenses shall be paid to the Contractor
and recouped when payment is made pursuant to Paragraph 4.

4. Payment. Payment shall be made at the end of each day upon completion of the project within thirty (30)
days of Illustrators receipt of Contractors invoice.

5. Cancellation. In the event of cancellation, Illustrator shall pay a cancellation fee under the following circumstances
and in the amount specified: ___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

6. Warranties. The Contractor warrants as follows:


(A) Contractor is fully able to enter into and perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
(B) All services shall be performed in a professional manner.
(C) If employees or subcontractors are to be hired by Contractor, they shall be competent professionals.
(D) Contractor shall pay all necessary local, state, or federal taxes, including but not limited to withholding taxes,
workers compensation, F.I.C.A., and unemployment taxes for Contractor and its employees.

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CONTRACT WITH AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

(E) Any other criteria for performance are as follows:______________________________________________________


___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

07. Rights. If the services rendered by the Contractor result in work(s) that can be protected by copyright, trade-
mark, or other forms of intellectual property, the Client shall have the following rights of usage or ownership in
these work(s) _______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

08. Insurance. The Contractor shall maintain in force the following insurance: _______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

19. Relationship of Parties. Both parties agree that the Contractor is an independent contractor. This Agreement is
not an employment agreement, nor does it constitute a joint venture or partnership between the Illustrator and
Contractor. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to be inconsistent with this independent contractor
relationship.

10. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party
hereto.

11. Arbitration. All disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration before ________________________ in the fol-
lowing location __________________________________________ and settled in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any court having juris-
diction thereof. Disputes in which the amount at issue is less than $_______ shall not be subject to this arbitra-
tion provision.

12. Miscellany. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Its terms can be modified only
by an instrument in writing signed by both parties, except that oral authorizations of additional fees and expenses
shall be permitted if necessary to speed the progress of work. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties,
their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives. A waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of
this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same or other provisions
hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of ________________________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this as of the date first set forth above.

Illustrator ______________________________________ Contractor ________________________________________


Company Name

By _________________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title

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Trademark Application FORM

22

A trademark is a distinctive word, phrase,


symbol, design, emblem, or combination of
show the mark used in the sale or advertising of
the services).
The illustrator who believes that a certain
these that a manufacturer places on a product to product should be trademarked will want to be
identify and distinguish in the public mind that certain that any chosen trademark does not
product from the products of rival manufactur- infringe an already registered trademark in
ers. A service mark is like a trademark except commercial use. This can be accomplished by
that it identifies services instead of products. conducting a trademark search prior to filling
Trademarks (including service marks) can be out the trademark registration application. If
registered with the U. S. Patent and Trademark other names in use are too closely similar to
Office for federal protection and with the appro- that selected by the illustrator, a decision can be
priate state office for state protection, although made to select a different name. To conduct a
even an unregistered mark can have protection search, the illustrator can go to the USPTO Web
under the common law simply because the site and use TESS, the Trademark Electronic
mark is used in commerce. An illustrator who is Search System. While the trademark can be
developing a line of productsfor example, fur- filed without such a search and without the
niture, fabric designs, or artmight wish to help of an attorney or search service, the search
seek trademark protection for a distinctive logo and evaluation of the search may require such
or motto. expert assistance. In fact, the design firm would
Form 22 is the trademark (and service mark) place itself at substantial legal risk if it were to
application with the instructions issued by the make a mistake in a trademark search (for exam-
U. S. Patent and Trademark Office (the ple, by telling a client that a mark is available
USPTO). The USPTO has an excellent Web when it really is not). The safest course for the
site (www.uspto.gov) that offers forms and exten- design firm is to insist that an attorney with a
sive information, including guides titled specialty in the trademark area be retained,
About Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights, preferably by the client.
Basic Facts about Trademarks, and Fre- An important revision of the trademark law
quently Asked Questions about Trademarks. took effect on November 16, 1989. Trademarks
The trademark application can be filled in on may now be registered before use, whereas pre-
the Web site and either filed electronically using viously they could only be registered after use.
e-TEAS or printed out and sent in using The application must include a bona fide intent
PrinTEAS. The USPTO has a strong preference to use statement. Every six months an intent
that the form be filled out on the Web site. The to use statement must be filed again and addi-
application will require the following: (1) a tional fees paid, and in no event can such a pre-
filled-in application form; (2) a drawing of the registration period exceed three years.
trademark, which can be in GIF or JPEG format Trademarks can last forever if the artist keeps
if the filing is done electronically; (3) the filing using the mark to identify goods or services.
fee (currently $335); and (4) if the mark is in use, The federal trademark has a term of ten years,
one specimen of the mark for each class of but can then be renewed for additional ten-year
goods or services indicated in the application (a terms. The illustrator should note that to avoid
specimen for a mark used on goods would having the trademark registration canceled, an
show the mark on the actual goods or packag- affidavit must be filed between the fifth and
ing; a specimen for a mark for services would sixth year after the initial registration. Trade-

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TRADEMARK APPLICATION

marks can be licensed (see form 29), as long as Class 21. Household or kitchen utensils and
the illustrator giving the license ensures that the containers (not of precious metal or coated
quality of goods created by the licensee will be therewith); . . . glassware, porcelain and
of the same quality that the public associates earthenware not included in other classes.
with the trademark. Trademarks are entitled to
Class 24. Textiles and textile goods, not
protection in foreign countries under treaties
included in other classes; bed and table
executed by the United States.
covers.
It is important to understand when the sym-
bols TM, SM, and can and should be used. TM Class 25. Clothing, footwear, headgear.
(for trademark) and SM (for service mark) can Class 26. Lace and embroidery, ribbons and
be used at any time, without or prior to the braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and
issuance of registration, to inform the public of needles; artificial flowers.
the illustrators claim to trademark protection
for a mark. The symbol (for registration) Class 27. Carpets, rugs, mats and matting;
should only be used only when the mark has in linoleums and other materials for covering
fact been registered with the U. S. Patent and existing floors; wall hangings (nontextile).
Trademark Office. Failure to use the symbol Class 28. Games and playthings; gymnastic
properly for a federally registered mark may and sporting articles not included in other
diminish the right of the marks owner to collect classes; decorations for Christmas trees.
damages in the event the trademark is
infringed. Closely related to trademarks is the area of trade
While it is not mandatory to fill in the class of dress, which has special relevance for illustra-
goods or services when making the trademark tors and designers who create the look of prod-
application, some classes that would be espe- ucts for sale to consumers. Trade dress claims
cially relevant to art in commerce are: arise under section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, a
federal statute. A plaintiff must prove three ele-
Class 14. Precious metals and their alloys ments to win a trade dress claim: (1) That the
and goods in precious metals or coated features of the trade dress are primarily non-
therewith, not included in other classes; functional (i.e., that these features primarily
jewelry, precious stones; horological and identify the source of the particular goods or
chronometric instruments . . . services); (2) that the trade dress has secondary
Class 16. Paper, cardboard and goods made meaning (i.e., that the public has come to identi-
from these materials, not included in other fy the source of goods or services due to the
classes; printed matter; bookbinding mater- associations created by the trade dress); and (3)
ial; photographs; stationery; adhesives for that the competing products respective trade
stationery or household purposes; . . . dresses are confusingly similar, thus giving rise
to a likelihood of confusion among consumers
Class 20. Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; as to their sources.
goods (not included in other classes) of
wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone,
ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-
pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all
these materials, or of plastics.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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TRADEMARK APPLICATION

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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TRADEMARK APPLICATION

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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TRADEMARK APPLICATION

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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TRADEMARK APPLICATION

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

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Commercial Lease FORM FORM FORM


Sublease
Lease Assignment
23 24 25

E very business, whether small or large, must


find suitable space for its activities. For the sole
which the premises are being rented. Often the
lease will state that the premises can be used for
the specified purpose and no other use is per-
proprietor, the studio may be in the home. For a mitted. This limitation has to be observed or the
larger enterprise, the studio or office is likely to tenant will run the risk of losing the premises.
be in an office building. While some businesses The tenant therefore has to seek the widest pos-
may own their offices, most will rent space from a sible scope of use, certainly a scope sufficient to
landlord. The terms of the rental lease may benefit permit all of the intended business activities.
or harm the business. Large sums of money are Another risk in terms of legality involves
likely to be paid not only for rent, but also for secu- waste products or emissions that may not be
rity, escalators, and other charges. In addition, the legal in certain areas. Again, an attorney should
tenant is likely to spend additional money to cus- be able to give advice about whether a planned
tomize the space by building in offices, dark- activity might violate environmental protection
rooms, reception areas, and the like. Form 23 and as well as zoning laws.
the accompanying analysis of how to negotiate a The premises must lend themselves to the
lease are designed to protect the tenant from a intended use. Loading ramps and elevators
variety of troublesome issues that may arise. must be large enough to accommodate whatever
The old saw about real estate is, Location, must be moved in to set up the office (unless the
location, location. Location builds value, but tenant is willing and able to use a crane to move
the intended use of the rented premises must be large pieces of equipment in through windows)
legal if value is to accrue. For example, sole pro- and any products that need to be shipped once
prietors often work from home. In many places, business is underway. Electric service must be
zoning laws govern the uses that can be made of adequate for air conditioning, computers, and
property. It may be that an office at home vio- other machinery. It must be possible to obtain
lates zoning restrictions against commercial telephone service and high-speed Internet con-
activity. What is fine in one towna studio in an nections. If the building is commercial and the
extra room, for examplemay violate the zon- tenant intends to work on weekends and
ing in the next town. Before renting or buying a evenings, then it will necessary to ascertain
residential property with the intention of also whether the building is open and heated on
doing business there, its important to check weekends and evenings. If clients may come
with an attorney and find out whether the busi- during off hours, it is even more important to
ness activity will be legal. make sure the building is open and elevator ser-
In fact, its a good idea to retain a knowledge- vice is available.
able real estate attorney to negotiate a lease, Who will pay for bringing in electric lines,
especially if the rent is substantial and the term installing air conditioners, building any needed
is long. That attorney can also give advice as to offices, installing fixtures, painting, or making
questions of legality. For example, what if the other improvements? This will depend on the
premises are in a commercial zone, but the rental market, which dictates the relative bar-
entrepreneur wants to live and work there? This gaining strengths of the landlord and tenant.
can be illegal and raise the specter of eviction by The lease (or an attached rider) must specify
either the landlord or the local authorities. who will pay for each such improvement. It
In addition, the lease contains what is called must also specify that the landlord gives the ten-
the use clause. This specifies the purpose for ant permission to build what the tenant needs.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

A related issue is who will own structures and lease may say that the rent is $2,400 per month
equipment affixed to the premises when the for the first two years and then escalates to
lease term ends. Since the standard lease gives $3,000 per month for the next two years. But the
ownership to the landlord of anything affixed to tenant may have to pay for other increases or
the premises, the tenant must have this provi- services. It is common for leases to provide for
sion amended if anything of this nature is to be escalators based on increases in real estate taxes,
removed from the premises or sold to a new increases in inflation, or increases in indexes
incoming tenant at the end of the lease term. designed to measure labor or operating costs. In
If the tenant has to make a significant invest- fact, the standard lease will make the tenant
ment in the costs of moving into and improving responsible for all nonstructural repairs that are
the premises, the tenant will want to be able to needed. The tenant has to evaluate all of these
stay long enough to amortize this investment. charges not only for reasonableness but for the
One way to do this is to seek a long lease term, impact on what will truly be paid each month.
such as ten years. However, the landlord will There may also be charges for refuse removal,
inevitably want the rent to increase during the cleaning (if the landlord provides this), window
lease term. This leads to a dilemma for the tenant washing, water, and other services or supplies. If
who cant be certain about the needs of the busi- the landlord has installed submeters for electricity,
ness or the rental market so far into the future. this may result in paying far more to the landlord
One approach is to seek the longest possible than would have been paid to the utility company.
lease, but negotiate for a right to terminate the It may be possible to lessen the markup, obtain
lease. Another strategy would be to seek a shorter direct metering, or, at the least, factor this cost
initial term, but have options to extend the lease into considerations for the budget.
for additional terms at agreed upon rents. So, Faced with costs that may increase, the tenant
instead of asking for a ten-year lease, the tenant should try to determine what is realistically likely
might ask for a four-year lease with two options to occur. Then, as a safeguard, the tenant might
for additional extensions of three years each. ask for ceilings on the amounts that can be
Yet another tactic, and probably a wise provi- charged in the various potential cost categories.
sion to insist on in any event, is to have a right Leases are usually written documents. When-
to sublet all or part of the premises or to assign ever a written agreement exists between two par-
the lease. The lease typically forbids this, so the ties, all amendments and modifications should
tenant will have to demand such rights. Having also be in writing and signed by both parties.
the ability to sublet or assign offers another way For example, the lease will probably require one
to take a long lease while keeping the option to or two months rent as security. The tenant will
exit the premises if more space is needed, the want this rent to be kept in an interest bearing
rent becomes too high, or other circumstances account in the tenants name. But if the parties
necessitate a move. However, the right to sublet agree to use part of the security to pay the rent
or assign will be of little use if the real estate at some point, this should be documented in a
market turns down, so it should probably be a signed, written agreement.
supplement to a right to terminate or an option The tenant should also seek to avoid having
to renew. personal liability for the lease. Of course, if the
Part of the problem with making a long-term tenant is doing business as a sole proprietor, the
commitment is that the stated rent is likely not tenant, by signing the lease, will assume personal
going to be all of the rent. In other words, the liability for payments. But if the tenant is a

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

corporation, it would certainly be best not to have with a corporate assignee would be whether the
any officers or owners give personal guarantees assignee would give a personal guarantee of its
that would place their personal assets at risk. performance. In any event, both the sublease
Leases can grow to become thick sheaves of and the assignment will usually require the
paper filled with innumerable clauses of written consent of the landlord. This consent
legalese. Since the lease agreement can be such can take the form of a letter signed by both the
an important one for a business, it is ideal to tenant and the landlord. In the case of an assign-
have a knowledgeable attorney as a companion ment, the letter of consent could also clarify
when entering its maze of provisions. If an whether the original tenant would have contin-
attorney is too expensive and the lease is short- uing liability pursuant to the lease.
term and at an affordable rent, then this discus-
sion may give a clue that will help the tenant
emerge from lease negotiations with success. Filling in Form 23 (Lease)
Form 23 is an educational tool. It has been In the Preamble fill in the date and the names
drafted more favorably to the tenant than and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1
would usually be the case. Because it would be give the suite number, the approximate square
unlikely for the tenant to present a lease to the footage, and floor for the premises as well as the
landlord, form 23 shows what the tenant might address for the building. In Paragraph 2 give the
hope to obtain from the negotiations that begin number of years as well as the commencement
with a lease form presented to the tenant by the and termination dates for the lease. In Para-
landlord. graph 3 give a renewal term, if any, and indicate
Forms 24 and 25 relate to a transformation of what modifications of the lease would take
the role of the tenant. Whether to move to supe- effect for the renewal term. In Paragraph 5 indi-
rior space, lessen cash outflow, or make a profit, cate the annual rent. In Paragraph 6 specify the
the tenant may want to assign the lease or sub- number of months rent that will be given as a
let all or a portion of the premises. Form 24 is for security deposit. In Paragraph 7 indicate any
a sublease in which the tenant essentially work to be performed by the landlord and the
becomes a landlord to a subtenant. Here the ten- completion date for that work. In Paragraph 8
ant must negotiate the same issues that were specify the use that the tenant will make of the
negotiated with the landlord, but from the other premises. In Paragraph 9 give the details as to
point of view. So, for example, while a corporate alterations and installations to be done by the
tenant would resist having its officers or owners tenant and also indicate ownership and right to
give personal guarantees for a lease, when sub- remove or sell these alterations and installations
letting the same corporate tenant might demand at the termination of the term. In Paragraph 10
such personal guarantees from a corporate sub- indicate any repairs for which the tenant shall
tenant. Form 25 for the assignment of a lease is be responsible. In Paragraph 13 check the
less complicated than the sublease form. It appropriate box with respect to air condition-
essentially replaces the tenant with an assignee ing, fill in the blanks if the tenant is not paying
who becomes the new tenant and is fully for electricity or the landlord is not paying for
responsible to comply with the lease. A key water, and indicate who will be responsible for
issue in such an assignment is whether the orig- the cost of refuse removal. In Paragraph 14 state
inal tenant will remain liable to the landlord if whether or not the landlord will have a key for
the assignee fails to perform. A related issue access to the premises. In Paragraph 15 indicate

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

the amount of liability insurance the tenant will Tenant, if the landlord is unable to deliver
be expected to carry as well as any limitation in possession of the premises at the starting date
terms of the landlords liability for tenants of the lease.
losses due to fire or other casualty affecting the
Especially if the lease gives the tenant the
building. In Paragraph 18 indicate which states
right to terminate, seek the longest possible
laws shall govern the agreement. Have both
lease term. (Paragraphs 2 and 4)
parties sign and append a rider, if necessary.
Leases frequently have riders, which are attach- Specify that the lease shall become month-to-
ments to the lease. This gives the space to add month after the term expires. (Paragraph 2)
additional provisions or amplify details that If the landlord has the right to terminate the
require more space such as how construction or lease because the building is to be demolished
installations will be done. If there is such a rider, or taken by eminent domain (i.e., acquired by
it should be signed by both parties. a governmental body), consider whether
damages should be payable by the landlord
based on the remaining term of the lease.
Negotiation Checklist for Form 23
If the tenant is going to move out, consider
If the tenant is a corporation, do not agree that
any owner or officer of the corporation will whether it would be acceptable for the land-
have personal liability with respect to the lease. lord to show the space prior to the tenants
departure and, if so, for how long prior to the
Consider whether, in view of the rental mar- departure and under what circumstances.
ket, it may be possible to negotiate for a num-
ber of months rent-free at the start of the lease Seek an option to renew for a specified term,
(in part, perhaps, to allow time for construc- such as three or five years, or perhaps several
tion to be done by the tenant). options to renew, such as for three years and
then for another three years. (Paragraph 3)
In addition to rent-free months, determine
what construction must be done and whether Seek the right to terminate the lease on writ-
the landlord will do the construction or pay for ten notice to the landlord. (Paragraph 4)
all or part of the construction. (Paragraph 7) Although the bankruptcy laws will affect
Since landlords generally rent based on gross
what happens to the lease in the event of the
square footage (which may be 1520 percent tenants bankruptcy, do not agree in the lease
more than net or usable square footage), care- that the tenants bankruptcy or insolvency
fully measure the net square footage to make will be grounds for termination of the lease.
certain it is adequate. (Paragraph 1) Specify the rent and indicate when it should
Specify the location and approximate square
be paid. (Paragraph 5)
footage of the rented premises as well as the Carefully review any proposed increases in
location of the building. (Paragraph 1) rent during the term of the lease. Try to resist
adjustments for inflation. In any case, if an
Indicate the duration of the term, including
inflation index or a porters wage index is to
starting and ending dates. (Paragraph 2)
be used to increase the rent, study the partic-
Determine what will happen, including ular index to see if the result is likely to be
whether damages will be payable to the acceptable in terms of budgeting.

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

Resist being responsible for additional rent air conditioning system), this should be spec-
based on a prorated share of increases in real ified in the lease. (Paragraph 9)
estate taxes and, if such a provision is included,
If the tenant owns certain improvements pur-
make certain how it is calculated and that it
suant to the lease and might sell these to an
applies only to increases and not the entire tax.
incoming tenant, the mechanics of such a sale
Resist having any of the landlords cost treated would have to be detailed because the new
as additional rent. tenant might not take possession of the
Indicate the amount of the security deposit premises immediately and the value of what
and require that it be kept in a separate, is to be sold will depend to some extent on the
interest-bearing account. (Paragraph 6) nature of the lease negotiated by the new ten-
ant. (Paragraph 9)
Specify when the security deposit will be
returned to the tenant. (Paragraph 6) Nothing should prevent the tenant from
removing its furniture and equipment that is
If the tenant is not going to accept the premises
not affixed to the premises. (Paragraph 9)
as is, indicate what work must be per-
formed by the landlord and give a completion Make landlord responsible for repairs in gen-
date for that work. (Paragraph 7) eral and limit the responsibility of the tenant to
If the landlord is to do work, consider what the specified types of repairs only. (Paragraph 10)
consequences should be in the event that the Obtain the right to sublet all or part of the
landlord is unable to complete the work on time. premises. (Paragraph 11)
Agree to return the premises in broom-clean
Obtain the right to assign the lease. (Para-
condition and good order except for normal
graph 11)
wear and tear. (Paragraph 7)
Seek the widest possible latitude with respect If the landlord has the right to approve a sub-
to what type of businesses the tenant may lease or assignment, specify the basis on
operate in the premises. (Paragraph 8) which approval will be determined (such as
good character and sound finances) and
Consider asking that for no other purpose indicate that approval may not be withheld
be stricken from the use clause. unreasonably. (Paragraph 11)
If the use may involve residential as well as
If the tenant has paid for extensive improve-
business use, determine whether this is legal.
ments to the premises, a sublessee or assignee
If it is, the use clause might be widened to
might be charged for a fixture fee.
include the residential use.
Obtain whatever permissions are needed for If a fixture fee is to be charged, or if the lease
tenants alterations or installment of equip- is being assigned pursuant to the sale of a
ment in the lease, rather than asking for per- business, do not give the landlord the right to
mission after the lease has been signed. share in the proceeds of the fixture fee or sale
(Paragraph 9) of the business.

If the tenant wants to own any installations or Guarantee the tenants right to quiet enjoy-
equipment affixed to the premises (such as an ment of the premises. (Paragraph 12)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Make certain that tenant will be able to use If the lease provides for payment of the legal
the office seven days a week, twenty-four fees of the landlord in the event of litigation,
hours a day. (Paragraph 12) seek to have this either stricken or changed so
that the legal fees of the winning party are paid.
Review the certificate of occupancy as well as
the lease before agreeing to occupy the Indicate that any rider, which is an attach-
premises in accordance with the lease, the ment to the lease to add clauses or explain the
buildings certificate of occupancy, and all rel- details of certain aspects of the lease such as
evant laws. (Paragraph 12) those relating to construction, is made part of
the lease.
Determine who will provide and pay for util-
ities and services, such as air conditioning, Review the standard provisions in the intro-
heat, water, electricity, cleaning, window ductory pages and compare them with
cleaning, and refuse removal. (Paragraph 13) Paragraph 18.

The landlord will want the right to gain access


to the premises, especially for repairs or in the
event of an emergency. (Paragraph 14)
Filling in Form 24 (Sublease)
Decide whether the landlord and its employ- In the Preamble fill in the date and the names
ees are trustworthy enough to be given keys and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1
to the premises, which has the advantage of give the information about the lease between
avoiding a forced entry in the event of an the landlord and tenant and attach a copy of
emergency. (Paragraph 14) that lease as Exhibit A of the sublease. In
Paragraph 2 give the suite number, the approxi-
Make the landlord an additional named
mate square footage, and floor for the premises
insured for the tenants liability insurance
as well as the address for the building. If only
policy. (Paragraph 15) part of the space is to be subleased, indicate
Fix the amount of liability insurance that the which part. In Paragraph 3 give the number of
tenant must maintain at a reasonable level. years as well as the commencement and termi-
(Paragraph 15) nation dates for the lease. In Paragraph 4 indi-
cate the annual rent. In Paragraph 5 specify the
Specify that the landlord will carry casualty number of months rent that will be given as a
and fire insurance for the building. (Para- security deposit. In Paragraph 7 specify the use
graph 15) that the subtenant will make of the premises. In
Paragraph 8 indicate whether the subtenant will
Indicate what limit of liability, if any, the land-
be excused from compliance with any of the
lord is willing to accept for interruption or provisions of the lease or whether some provi-
harm to tenants business. (Paragraph 15) sions will be modified with respect to the sub-
Agree that the lease is subordinate to any tenant. For Paragraph 10, attach the landlords
mortgage or underlying lease on the building. consent as Exhibit B if that is needed. For
(Paragraph 16) Paragraph 11, if the tenant is leaving property
for the use of the subtenant, attach Exhibit C
If the lease requires waiver of the right to trial detailing that property. If the lease has been
by jury, consider whether this is acceptable. recorded, perhaps with the county clerk, indi-

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

cate where the recordation can be found in Carefully review any proposed increases in
Paragraph 14. Add any additional provisions in rent during the term of the lease and make
Paragraph 15. In Paragraph 16 indicate which certain that the sublease will at least match
states laws shall govern the agreement. Both such increases.
parties should then sign the sublease.
Indicate the amount of the security deposit
(Paragraph 5)
Negotiation Checklist for Form 24 Specify that reductions may be made to the
If the subtenant is a corporation, consider security deposit for sums owed the tenant
whether to insist that owners or officers of the before the balance is returned to the sub-
corporation will have personal liability with tenant. (Paragraph 5)
respect to the sublease. (See Other Provisions.)
Require the subtenant to return the premises
If possible, do not agree to rent-free months at
in broom-clean condition and good order
the start of the sublease or to paying for con-
except for normal wear and tear. (Paragraph 6)
struction for the subtenant.
Specify very specifically what type of busi-
Specify the location and approximate square
nesses the tenant may operate in the premises.
footage of the rented premises as well as the
location of the building. (Paragraphs 1 and 2) (Paragraph 7)

Indicate the duration of the term, including Do not allow for no other purpose to be
starting and ending dates. (Paragraph 3) stricken from the use clause.

Specify that the lease shall become month-to- Nothing should prevent the subtenant from
month after the term expires. (Paragraph 3) removing furniture and equipment that is not
affixed to the premises.
Disclaim any liability if, for some reason, the
tenant is unable to deliver possession of the Require the subtenant to occupy the premises
premises at the starting date of the sublease. in accordance with the sublease, the lease, the
buildings certificate of occupancy, and all rel-
Do not give the subtenant a right to terminate,
evant laws. (Paragraph 8)
Do not give the subtenant an option to renew.
Indicate if any of the leases provisions will
Have a right to show the space for three or six not be binding on the subtenant or have been
months prior to the end of the sublease. modified. (Paragraph 8)
State in the sublease that the subtenants State clearly that the tenant is not obligated to
bankruptcy or insolvency will be grounds for perform the landlords duties and that the
termination of the lease. subtenant must look to the landlord for such
Specify the rent and indicate when it should performance. (Paragraph 9)
be paid. (Paragraph 4) Agree to cooperate with the subtenant in
Require that rent be paid to the tenant (which requiring the landlord to meet its obligations,
allows the tenant to monitor payments), subject to a right of reimbursement from sub-
unless the tenant believes that it would be tenant for any costs or attorneys fees the ten-
safe to allow the subtenant to pay the land- ant must pay in the course of cooperating.
lord directly. (Paragraph 4) (Paragraph 9)

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

If the landlords consent must be obtained for Checklist for Form 25


the sublet, attach a copy of the consent to the In obtaining the landlords consent in a sim-
sublease as Exhibit B. (Paragraph 10) ple letter, demand that the tenant not be liable
If tenant is going to let its property be used by for the lease and that the landlord look only to
the subtenant, attach an inventory of this prop- the assignee for performance. (See Other
erty as Exhibit C and require that the property Provisions.)
be returned in good condition. (Paragraph 11)
It would be wise to specify the amount of secu-
Have the subtenant indemnify the tenant rity deposits or any other money held in
against any claims with respect to the premises escrow by the landlord for the tenant/assignor.
that arise after the effective date of the sublease.
Consideration should exchange hands and, if
Do not give the subtenant the right to subsub- the lease has extra value because of tenants
let all or part of the premises. improvements or an upturn in the rental mar-
Do not give the subtenant the right to assign ket, the consideration may be substantial.
the sublease. (Paragraph 3)
If the lease has been recorded with a govern- Require the assignee to perform as if it were
ment office, indicate how it can be located. the original tenant in the lease. (Paragraph 4)
(Paragraph 14)
Have the assignee indemnify the tenant/
Add any additional provisions that may be
assignor with respect to any claims and costs
necessary. (Paragraph 15)
that may arise from the lease after the date of
Review the standard provisions in the intro- the assignment. (Paragraph 5)
ductory pages and compare them with
Paragraph 16. Make the assignees obligations run to the
benefit of the landlord as well as the tenant.
(Paragraph 6)

Filling in Form 25 Indicate that the assignor has the right to


(Lease Assignment) assign and the premises are not encumbered
In the Preamble fill in the date and the names in any way.
and addresses of the parties. In Paragraph 1 If the landlords consent must be obtained for
give the information about the lease between
the assignment, attach a copy of the consent
the landlord and tenant and attach a copy of
to the sublease as Exhibit B. (Paragraph 8)
that lease as Exhibit A of the lease assignment.
In Paragraph 3 enter an amount, even a small If the lease has been recorded with a govern-
amount such as $10, as cash consideration. For ment office, indicate how it can be located.
Paragraph 8, attach the landlords consent as (Paragraph 9)
Exhibit B if that is needed. If the lease has been
recorded, perhaps with the county clerk, indi- Add any additional provisions that may be
cate where the recordation can be found in necessary. (Paragraph 10)
Paragraph 9. Add any additional provisions in
Paragraph 10. In Paragraph 11 indicate which Review the standard provisions in the intro-
states laws shall govern the agreement. Both ductory pages and compare them with
parties should then sign the assignment. Paragraph 11.

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

Other Provisions That Can Be Used first sue the Sublessee. In addition, the
with Forms 24 or 25 Undersigned guarantees the payment of all
Personal Guaranty. The tenant who sublets or attorneys fees and costs incurred in the
assigns is bringing in another party to help enforcement of this guaranty. This guaran-
carry the weight of tenants responsibilities pur- ty is unlimited as to amount or duration
suant to the lease. If the sublessee or assignee is and may only be modified or terminated by
a corporation, the tenant will only be able to go a written instrument signed by all parties to
after the corporate assets if the other party fails the Sublease and Guaranty. This guaranty
shall be binding and inure to the benefit of
to meet its obligations. The tenant may, there-
the parties hereto, their heirs, successors,
fore, want to have officers or owners agree to
assigns, and personal representatives.
personal liability if the corporation breaches the
lease. One or more principals could sign a guar- Assignors Obligations. In the case of an
anty, which would be attached to and made a assignment, the tenant/assignor may ask the
part of the sublease or assignment. The guaranty landlord for a release from its obligations pur-
that follows is for a sublease but could easily be suant to the lease. If the landlord gives such a
altered to be for an assignment: release, perhaps in return for some considera-
tion or because the new tenant has excellent cre-
dentials, the tenant would want this to be
Personal Guaranty. This guaranty by the included in a written instrument. This would
Undersigned is given to induce ___________ probably be the letter of consent that the land-
____________________________ (hereinafter lord would have to give to permit the assign-
referred to as the Tenant) to enter into the ment to take place. Shown here are options to
sublease dated as of the _______ day of release the tenant and also to do the opposite
______________, 20_____, between the Tenant and affirm the tenants continuing obligations.
and ____________________________ (here-
inafter referred to as the Sublessee). That
Assignors Obligations. Check the applica-
sublease would not be entered into by the
ble provision: This Agreement relieves
Tenant without this guaranty, which is
and discharges the Assignor from any con-
made part of the sublease agreement. The
tinuing liability or obligation with respect
relationship of the Undersigned to the
to the Lease after the effective date of the
Sublessee is as follows____________________
____________________________ . Undersigned lease assignment. This Agreement does
not relieve, modify, discharge, or otherwise
fully and unconditionally guarantees to
affect the obligations of the Assignor under
Tenant the full payment of all rent due and
the Lease and the direct and primary nature
other amounts payable pursuant to the
thereof.
Sublease. The Undersigned shall remain
fully bound on this guaranty regardless of
any extension, modification, waiver, release,
discharge, or substitution of any party with
respect to the Sublease. The Undersigned
waives any requirement of notice and, in
the event of default, may be sued directly
without any requirement that the Tenant

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Commercial Lease
AGREEMENT, dated the ________ day of ____________, 20 _____, between______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Tenant),
whose address is ________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ and
______________________________________________________________________________(hereinafter referred to as the
Landlord), whose address is ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHEREAS, the Tenant wishes to rent premises for office use;

WHEREAS, the Landlord has premises for rental for such office use;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Demised premises. The premises rented hereunder are Suite # ______, comprising approximately ______ square
feet, on the _____ floor of the building located at the following address _____________________________ in the city
or town of _____________ in the state of ________________.

2. Term. The term shall be for a period of ________ years (unless the term shall sooner cease and expire pursuant to
the terms of this Lease), commencing on the ____ day of ___________, 20__, and ending on the ____ day of
___________, 20__. At the expiration of the term and any renewals thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, the Lease shall
become a month to month tenancy with all other provisions of the Lease in full force and effect.

3. Option to Renew. The Tenant shall have an option to renew the lease for a period of ____ years. Such option must
be exercised in writing prior to the expiration of the term specified in Paragraph 2. During such renewal term, all
other provisions of the Lease shall remain in full force and effect except for the following modifications
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Termination. The Tenant shall retain the right to terminate this Lease at the end of any month by giving the Landlord
thirty (30) days written notice.

5. Rent. The annual rent shall be $__________, payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month
to the Landlord at Landlords address or such other address as Landlord may specify. The first months rent shall
be paid on signing this Lease.

6. Security Deposit. The security deposit shall be in the amount of ___ month(s) rent and shall be paid by check at
the time of signing this Lease. The security deposit shall be increased at such times as the monthly rent increases,
so as to maintain the security deposit at the level of ___ month(s) rent. The security deposit shall be kept in a sep-
arate interest bearing account with interest payable to the Tenant. The security deposit, after reduction for any
sums owed to Landlord, shall be returned to the Tenant within ten days of the Tenants vacating the premises.

7. Condition of Premises. Tenant has inspected the premises and accepts them in as is condition except for the
following work to be performed by Landlord ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________ and completed by ____________, 20___. At the termination of the
Lease, Tenant shall remove all its property and return possession of the premises broom clean and in good order
and condition, normal wear and tear excepted, to the Landlord.

8. Use. The Tenant shall use and occupy the premises for _____________________________ and for no other purpose.

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

09. Alterations. Tenant shall obtain Landlords written approval to make any alterations that are structural or affect
utility services, plumbing, or electric lines, except that Landlord consents to the following alterations
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________. In addition, Landlord con-
sents to the installation by the Tenant of the following equipment and fixtures ________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Landlord shall own all improvements affixed to the premises, except that the Tenant shall own the following
improvements _______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
and have the right to either remove them or sell them to a new incoming tenant. If Landlord consents to the own-
ership and sale of improvements by the Tenant, such sale shall be conducted in the following way
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________. If Landlord consents to Tenants owner-
ship and right to remove certain improvements, Tenant shall repair any damages caused by such removal.
Nothing contained herein shall prevent Tenant from removing its trade fixtures, moveable office furniture and
equipment, and other items not affixed to the premises.

10. Repairs. Repairs to the building and common areas shall be the responsibility of the Landlord. In addition, repairs
to the premises shall be the responsibility of the Landlord except for the following____________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

11. Assignment and Subletting. Tenant shall have the right to assign this Lease to an assignee of good character
and sound finances subject to obtaining the written approval of the Landlord, which approval shall not be unrea-
sonably withheld. In addition, Tenant shall have the right to sublet all or a portion of the premises on giving writ-
ten notice to the Landlord.

12. Quiet Enjoyment. Tenant may quietly and peaceably enjoy occupancy of the premises. Tenant shall have access
to the premises at all times and, if necessary, shall be given a key to enter the building. Tenant shall use and occupy
the premises in accordance with this Lease, the buildings certificate of occupancy, and all relevant laws.

13. Utilities and Services. During the heating season the Landlord at its own expense shall supply heat to the
premises at all times on business days and on Saturdays and Sundays. The Landlord shall shall not sup-
ply air conditioning for the premises at its own expense. The Tenant shall pay the electric bills for the meter for
the premises, unless another arrangement exists as follows __________________________________________________.
The Landlord shall provide and pay for water for the premises, unless another arrangement exists as follows
____________________________________________________________. Tenant shall be responsible for and pay for
having its own premises cleaned, including the securing of licensed window cleaners. Tenant Landlord
shall be responsible to pay for the removal of refuse from the premises. If Landlord is responsible to pay for such
removal, the Tenant shall comply with Landlords reasonable regulations regarding the manner, time, and loca-
tion of refuse pickups.

14. Access to Premises. Landlord and its agents shall have the right, upon reasonable notice to the Tenant, to enter
the premises to make repairs, improvements, or replacements. In the event of emergency, the Landlord and its
agents may enter the premises without notice to the Tenant. Tenant shall shall not provide the Landlord with
keys for the premises.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

15. Insurance. Tenant agrees to carry liability insurance and name Landlord as an additional named insured under
its policy and furnish to Landlord certificates showing liability coverage of not less than $_______ for the premis-
es. Such company shall give the Landlord ten (10) days notice prior to cancellation of any such policy. Failure to
obtain or keep in force such liability insurance shall allow Landlord to obtain such coverage and charge the
amount of premiums as additional rent payable by the Tenant. Landlord agrees to carry casualty and fire insur-
ance on the building, but shall not have any liability in excess of $______ with respect to the operation of the
Tenants business.

16. Subordination. This Lease is subordinate and subject to all ground or underlying leases and any mortgages that
may now or hereafter affect such leases or the building of which the premises are a part. The operation of this
provision shall be automatic and not require any further consent from Tenant. To confirm this subordination,
Tenant shall promptly execute any documentation that Landlord may request.

17. Rider. Additional terms may be contained in a Rider attached to and made part of this Lease.

18. Miscellany. This Lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal
representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can be mod-
ified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties unless specified to the contrary herein. A waiver of
a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breach-
es of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Tenant _______________________________________ Landlord _______________________________________


Company Name Company Name

By____________________________________________ By_____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title Authorized Signatory, Title

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

Sublease
AGREEMENT, dated the ________ day of ____________, 20 _____, between _____________________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the Tenant), whose address is ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ and
_________________________________________________(hereinafter referred to as the Subtenant), whose address is
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

WHEREAS, the Tenant wishes to sublet certain rental premises for office use;

WHEREAS, the Subtenant wishes to occupy such rental premises for such office use;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. The Lease. The premises are subject to a Lease dated as of the ____ day of ___________, 20___, between
_________________________ (referred to therein as the Tenant) and ___________________ (referred to therein as
the Landlord) for the premises described as _______________________ and located at ________________
_______________________________________________. A copy of the Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
made part hereof. Subtenant shall have no right to negotiate with the Landlord with respect to the Lease.

2. Demised premises. The premises rented hereunder are Suite # ______, comprising approximately ______ square
feet, on the _____ floor of the building located at the following address _____________________________ in the city
or town of _____________ in the state of ________________. If only a portion of the premises subject to the Lease
are to be sublet, the sublet portion is specified as follows ________________________________________________.

3. Term. The term shall be for a period of ________ years (unless the term shall sooner cease and expire pursuant to
the terms of this Sublease), commencing on the ____ day of ___________, 20__, and ending on the ____ day of
___________, 20__. At the expiration of the term and any renewals thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, the Sublease
shall become a month to month tenancy with all other provisions of the Sublease in full force and effect.

4. Rent. The annual rent shall be $__________, payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month
to the Tenant at Tenants address or such other address as Tenant may specify. The Subtenant shall also pay as
additional rent any other charges that the Tenant must pay to the Landlord pursuant to the lease. Subtenant shall
make payments of rent and other charges to the Tenant only and not to Landlord. The first months rent shall be
paid to the Tenant on signing this Sublease.

5. Security Deposit. The security deposit shall be in the amount of ___ month(s) rent and shall be paid by check at the
time of signing this Sublease. The security deposit shall be increased at such times as the monthly rent increases,
so as to maintain the security deposit at the level of ___ month(s) rent. The security deposit, after reduction for any
sums owed to Tenant, shall be returned to the Subtenant within ten days of the Subtenants vacating the premises.

6. Condition of Premises. Subtenant has inspected the premises and accepts them in as is condition. At the ter-
mination of the Sublease, Subtenant shall remove all its property and return possession of the premises broom
clean and in good order and condition, normal wear and tear excepted, to the Tenant.

7. Use. The Subtenant shall use and occupy the premises for _________________________ and for no other purpose.

8. Compliance. Subtenant shall use and occupy the premises in accordance with this Sublease. In addition, the
Subtenant shall obey the terms of the Lease (and any agreements to which the Lease, by its terms, is subject), the
buildings certificate of occupancy, and all relevant laws. If the Subtenant is not to be subject to certain terms of
the Lease or if any terms of the Lease are to be modified for purposes of this Sublease, the specifics are as follows
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

09. Landlords Duties. The Tenant is not obligated to perform the duties of the Landlord pursuant to the Lease. Any
failure of the Landlord to perform its duties shall be subject to the Subtenant dealing directly with the Landlord
until Landlord fulfills its obligations. Copies of any notices sent to the Landlord by the Subtenant shall also be pro-
vided to the Tenant. Tenant shall cooperate with Subtenant in the enforcement of Subtenants rights against the
Landlord, but any costs or fees incurred by the Tenant in the course of such cooperation shall be reimbursed by
the Subtenant pursuant to Paragraph 12.

10. Landlords Consent. If the Landlords consent must be obtained for this Sublease, that consent has been
obtained by the Tenant and is attached hereto as Exhibit B and made part hereof.

11. Inventory. An inventory of Tenants fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and other property to be left in the premises
is attached hereto as Exhibit C and made part hereof. Subtenant agrees to maintain these items in good condi-
tion and repair and to replace or reimburse the Tenant for any of these items that are missing or damaged at the
termination of the subtenancy.

12. Indemnification. The Subtenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Tenant from any and all claims, suits,
costs, damages, judgments, settlements, attorneys fees, court costs, or any other expenses arising with respect
to the Lease subsequent to the date of this Agreement. The Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Subtenant from any and all claims, suits, costs, damages, judgments, settlements, attorneys fees, court costs,
or any other expenses arising with respect to the Lease prior to the date of this Agreement.

13. Assignment and Subletting. Subtenant shall not have the right to assign this Lease or to sublet all or a portion
of the premises without the written approval of the Landlord.

14. Recordation. The Lease has been recorded in the office of _________________ on the ____ day of ____________,
20___, and is located at ________________________.

15. Additional provisions: ______________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________.

16. Miscellany. This Lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal
representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can be mod-
ified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties unless specified to the contrary herein. A waiver of a
breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches
of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Subtenant _______________________________________ Tenant _________________________________________


Company Name Company Name

By_______________________________________________ By_____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title Authorized Signatory, Title

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COMMERCIAL LEASE, SUBLEASE, LEASE ASSIGNMENT

Lease Assignment
AGREEMENT, dated the ________ day of ____________, 20 _____, between ______________________________
________________________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the Assignor), whose
address is _____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ and
(hereinafter referred to as the Assignee), whose address is_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________.

WHEREAS, the Assignor wishes to assign its Lease to certain rental premises for office use;

WHEREAS, the Assignee wishes to accept the Lease assignment of such rental premises for such office use;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and
other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. The Lease. The Lease assigned is dated as of the _______ day of _______________, 20___, between
_________________________ (referred to therein as the Tenant) and ___________________ (referred to therein as
the Landlord) for the premises described as ______________________________________ and located at
________________________________________________. A copy of the Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
made part hereof.

2. Assignment. The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee all the Assignors right, title, and interest in the Lease
and any security deposits held by the Landlord pursuant to the Lease.

3. Consideration. The Assignee has been paid $_____ and other good and valuable consideration for entering into
this Agreement.

4. Performance. As of the date of this Agreement the Assignee shall promptly perform all of the Tenants obligations
pursuant to the Lease, including but not limited to the payment of rent, and shall assume full responsibility as if
the Assignee had been the Tenant who entered into the Lease.

5. Indemnification. The Assignor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Assignee from any and all claims, suits,
costs, damages, judgments, settlements, attorneys fees, court costs, or any other expenses arising with respect
to the Lease subsequent to the date of this Agreement. The Assignee shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Assignor from any and all claims, suits, costs, damages, judgments, settlements, attorneys fees, court costs, or
any other expenses arising with respect to the Lease prior to the date of this Agreement.

6. Benefitted Parties. The Assignees obligations assumed under this Agreement shall be for the benefit of the
Landlord as well as the benefit of the Assignor.

7. Right to Assign. The Assignor warrants that the premises are unencumbered by any judgments, liens, execu-
tions, taxes, assessments, or other charges; that the Lease has not been modified from the version shown as
Exhibit A; and that Assignor has the right to assign the Lease.

8. Landlords Consent. If the Landlords consent must be obtained prior to assignment of the Lease, that consent
has been obtained by the Assignor and is attached hereto as Exhibit B and made part hereof.

9. Recordation. The Lease has been recorded in the office of _________________ on the ____ day of ____________,
20___, and is located at ________________________.

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

10. Additional provisions: _____________________________________________________________________________


___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

11. Miscellany. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors, assigns, and per-
sonal representatives. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Its terms can
be modified only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties unless specified to the contrary herein. A
waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of
other breaches of the same or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of ___________________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Assignee ________________________________________ Assignor _______________________________________


Company Name Company Name

By_______________________________________________ By_____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory, Title Authorized Signatory, Title

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INDEX

Index
A Assignment of rights, in copyright Childrens books, royalties for, 43
Accountings (statements of account) transfer, 104 Coauthor, book publishing contract
in agent-illustrator contract, 36 Assignment of work, changes or and, 46
in book publishing contract, 44 revisions in, 22 Collaboration contract, 5362
by gallery, 74 Attorneys fees, 45 Commercial lease, 139144, 148150
in licensing contract to Authors alterations, 46 Commissions
merchandise images, 86 Authorship credit agents, 3436
Additional materials, in book in book publishing contract, 45 gallery, 71
publishing contract, 41 in collaboration contract, 54, 57 in gallery-illustrator contract,
Additions or deletions to a form, 5 in confirmation of assignment, 22 71, 73, 74
Address, changes of, provision on, 10 in estimate, 15 Compensation. See Consideration;
Advances in licensing contract to Payments; Royalties
against expenses, 21 merchandise images, 85 Competing illustrators, agents
in book publishing contract, 39, removal of, 47 representing, 36
44, 47, 48 Competitive works. See
in collaboration contract, 56 B Noncompetition clause
in confirmation of assignment, 21 Bad debts, royalties and, 43 Complete understanding provision, 8
in estimate, 15 Bank account, in collaboration Computer uses, 44
in lecture contract, 81 contract, 57 Confidentiality
for revisions, 47, 48 Bankruptcy or insolvency in contract for receipt and
Advertising and trade uses, in agents, 36 holding of artwork, 68
model release, 90 in gallery-illustrator contract, 71, 72 in gallery-illustrator contract, 73
Agents provision on, 8 in nondisclosure agreement for
in book publishing contract, 48 of publisher, 47 submitting ideas, 100
collaboration contract and, 54, 57 Best efforts, by gallery, 75 Confirmation of assignment, 1925
contract with, 3338, 48 Book. See Book publishing contract; description in, 19
All rights, selling, 20 Copies of the book estimate and, 13, 14
Amendment, provision on, 7 Book clubs, 43, 44 invoice and, 27
Approval, sales on, 74 Book publishing contract, 3952 Consideration
Arbitration, 29 agents and, 33, 36 in copyright transfer, 104
in agent-illustrator contract, 36 collaboration contract and, 55 defined, 5
in book publishing contract, 48 for model release, 90
Books. See Out-of-print books; Sequels
in collaboration contract, 54, 57 for property release, 93
Breach of warranty, in book
in confirmation of assignment, 23 Consignment, gallery-illustrator
publishing contract, 45, 46
provision on, 78 contract with statement of
Buyout, 20
Artistic control account and record of,
in book publishing contract, 39, 46 7179
in collaboration contract, 57
C
California Lawyers for the Arts, 11 Construction expenses, in gallery-
in gallery-illustrator contract, 73
Canada, sales in, royalties and, 43 illustrator contract, 73
Assignment, confirmation of
Canadian rights, 40 Consultants, 72
See Confirmation of assignment
Cancellation Consultation, right of, in book
Assignment of contract, 8
agent-illustrator contract, 36 in confirmation of assignment, 22 publishing contract, 46
book publishing contract, 47 of lecture, 8182 Contracts
in collaboration contract, 57 Cancellation fees defined, 5
Assignment of lease, 140, 143, in confirmation of assignment, 21 letter, 67
146147, 153154 in estimate, 15 oral, 6
Assignment of licenses, in Changes in the work. See also Copies of the book
licensing contract to Revisions free, 46
merchandise images, 86 in collaboration contract, 57 purchased by illustrator, 46
Assignment of model release, 90 Changes of address, provision on, 10 Copyright
Assignment of money due Changes or amendments in the in book publishing contract, 39, 45
in agent-illustrator contract, 36 contract, provision on, 910 in collaboration contract, 53, 56
in book publishing contract, 47, 48 Changes or revisions in in contract for receipt and
in collaboration contract, 57 assignment of work, 22 holding of artwork, 68

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

nondisclosure agreement for in illustrator-agent contract, 34 Freight pass-through


submitting ideas and, 99, 100 in book publishing contract, 44 in book publishing contract, 42
permission form, 9597 in collaboration contract, 56
registration, application for, 10711 in confirmation of assignment, 20 G
transfer form, 1035 in estimate, 15 Galleries, sales through, agent-
Copyright notice in licenses, 115117 illustrator contract and, 34
in book publishing contract, 45 in permission form, 96 Gallery-illustrator contract with
in confirmation of assignment, 22 Encumbrances, in gallery- record of consignment and
in estimate, 15 illustrator contract, 75 statement of account, 7179
in licensing contract to Estimate, 1317 Galleys, review of, 46
merchandise images, 85 invoice and, 27 Geographic limitation, in
in sale contract, 63 Exclusive vs. nonexclusive rights confirmation of assignment, 20
Copyright Office, 95, 107 agent-illustrator contract, 34 Governing law, provision on, 9
Credit. See Authorship credit in collaboration contract, 58 Grant of rights
Credit, sales on, 74 in confirmation of assignment, 20 in book publishing contract, 39, 40
Cumulative rights provision, 8 copyright permission form, 96 in confirmation of assignment, 19
Currency for payment, 63 in gallery-illustrator contract, 72 in estimate, 15
in licensing contract to in invoice, 28
merchandise images, 85
D
Exhibit, right to, 6465 H
Damages, liquidated, 9
Expenses Hardcover rights, 44
Deadlines. See also due date
advances against, 21 Holding fee, in contract for receipt
in collaboration contract, 55
in agent-illustrator contract, 35 and holding of artwork, 68
Death or disability of illustrator,
binding budget for, 21 Holding of artwork. See Receipt
provision on, 89
in collaboration contract, 53, 56 and holding of artwork,
in collaboration contract, 53, 57
in confirmation of assignment, 21 contract for
in gallery-illustrator contract, 73
in estimate, 15 House accounts, 33, 35
in lecture contract, 81
in gallery-illustrator contract, 73
Delays, in confirmation of
in invoice, 28 I
assignment, 19
in lecture contract, 81 Ideas, nondisclosure agreement for
Deletions or additions to a form, 5
marking up, 21 submitting, 99101
Description of artworks, in
Extensions of time for delivery, 41 Images. See also Licensing contract to
copyright transfer, 104
Description of assignment, in merchandise images
estimate, 14 F in property release, 93
Description of project, in Failure to complete work. See also Indemnification. See Warranty and
collaboration contract, 55 cancellation; death or indemnification provision
Discount disability of the author Indemnify and hold harmless
on gallery sales, 73, 74 in collaboration contract, 55 provision, 9
to wholesalers or retailers, Fees. See also payments Index, 41
royalties and, 4243 for all rights or work for hire, 20 Infringement
Due date, 28 cancellation, 15, 21 in book publishing contract, 47
book publishing contract, 41 in estimate, 15 in collaboration contract, 58
in collaboration contract, 55 lecture, 81 Inspection of books and records
for finished art for omission of authorship in agent-illustrator contract, 36
in confirmation of assignment, 19 credit, 22 in book publishing contract, 45
in estimate, 15 for permissions, 9596 in licensing contract to
for sketches for revisions, 2122 merchandise images, 86
in confirmation of assignment, 19 specification of, 21, 28 Installation fee, in sale contract, 63
in estimate, 14 Finished art, ownership of, 22 Installment sales, 63, 64
Flat fee, in book publishing Insurance, 23
E contract, 41 in contract for receipt and
Editorial work, authorship credit Force majeure provision, 9 holding of artwork, 68
for, 22 Form VA, 10711 in gallery-illustrator contract,
Electronic rights Free copies of books, 46 7475

156
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INDEX

for valuable materials, in book Merged portions, in collaboration Permissions, 23, 29


publishing contract, 46 contract, 55 copyright, 9597
Integrity and attribution, Microfilm, 44 Power of attorney
provision on, 64 Minors, model release for, 89, 90 agents, 34
Interest on late payments Model release, 8991 in collaboration contract, 56
in agent-illustrator contract, 35 Modification of contract. See Preliminary sketches or materials, 20
in confirmation of Changes or amendments in the ownership of, 22
assignment, 21 contract publication of, 22
in lecture contract, 82 Printers errors, 46
Invoice, 13, 14, 2731 N Privacy, right to, 89
basic, 32 Name credit. See Authorship credit Privacy releases, 23
in agent-illustrator contract, 36 Negotiation, 56 Production materials
checklists for, 11 in collaboration contract, 56
J good faith, in nondisclosure in lecture contract, 81
Joint works. See Collaboration contract agreement for submitting Promotion
ideas, 100 in agent-illustrator contract, 35
L Noncompetition clause agents and, 33
Lateness, illustrators. See also Due date in book publishing contract, 48 in book publishing contract, 46, 48
in book publishing contract, 41 in collaboration contract, 5354, 58 in collaboration contract, 58
Lawyers, volunteer, 1011 Nondisclosure agreement for in licensing contract to
Lease, 139144, 148150 submitting ideas, 99101 merchandise images, 85, 86
Lecture contract, illustrators, 8184 Nonpublishing rights, in book Proofs, review of, 46
Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, 11 publishing contract, 4344 Property release, 9394
Letter contracts, 67 Notarization of copyright transfer, 104 Publication. See also Book
Liability insurance Notes, negotiation, 6 publishing contract
licensees, 86 Notices, provision on, 10 within a certain time period, 22
publishers, 23, 45 Number of uses, in confirmation of duty to publish, 41
License of Electronic Rights, 11517 assignment, 20 grant of rights for use in a, 40
License of Rights, 11517 in confirmation of assignment, 20
Licenses (licensing rights) O Publicity, right of, 89
book on, 85 Option for illustrators next book, 48 Purchase order, 13
in book publishing contract, 4344 Oral contracts, 6
in collaboration contract, 5556 Original art, sales of, agent- R
to use copyright materials, in illustrator contract and, 34 Real estate, 139154
collaboration contract, 57 Ownership of artworks Receipt and holding of artwork,
Licensing contract to merchandise in contract for receipt and contract for, 6770
images, 8588 holding of artwork, 67 Reference materials
Liquidated damages, provision on, 9 in gallery-illustrator contract, 72, 75 due date for sketches after
Loss or damage to artwork, 23 receipt of, 19
in contract for receipt and P due date for sketches and, in
holding of artwork, 68 Packing artworks, in lecture estimate, 14
in gallery-illustrator contract, 74 contract, 82 Rejection of manuscript by
in sale contract, 63 Paperback rights, 43, 44 publisher, 41
Pass-through of licensing income, 44 Releases, 23, 29
M Payments. See also Advances; in collaboration contract, 57
Magazine contributions, 20 Fees; Royalties model, 8991
Mail-order sales, royalties and, 43 in collaboration contract, 5657 for models, 8991
Manuscript in estimate, 15 Remainder sales, 43
return of, 46 in sale contract, 63 Representatives (reps), 72
unsatisfactory, 47 schedule of, 21 Reprintings, royalties and, 43
Materials. See Production time for, 21, 28 Reproductions
materials and unbound copies for work in progress that is in licensing contract to
Mediation, in collaboration postponed but not cancelled, 21 merchandise images, 86
contract, 57 Permission fees, 41 in sale contract, 63

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BUSINESS AND LEGAL FORMS FOR ILLUSTRATORS

Resale proceeds, in sale contract, 65 on approval or credit, 74 gallery-illustrator contract, 71, 72


Reservation of rights contract for, 6366 licensing contract, 85
agent-illustrator contract, 34 by illustrator, in licensing contract Theft, in contract for receipt and
in book publishing contract, 40, 43 to merchandise images, 86 holding of artwork, 68
in confirmation of assignment, 20 Sales of books, by illustrator, 46 Time is of the essence provision,
in estimate, 15 Sales tax, 21, 63 10, 19, 41
in invoice, 28 Samples Time period of use, in confirmation
in lecture contract, 82 in agent-illustrator contract, 34 of assignment, 20
in licensing contract to in licensing contract to Title of book, in book publishing
merchandise images, 86 merchandise images, 86 contract, 46
Reserve against returns of books, 44 Schedule of Artworks, 67 Trademarks
Restoration Security interest in artwork basics, 128129
in gallery-illustrator contract, 74 in contract for receipt and classes, 129
in sale contract, 65 holding of artwork, 68 form, 130138
Return of artwork, 29 in gallery-illustrator contract, 75 in collaboration contract, 56
in confirmation of assignment, gallery-illustrator contract and, 71 in licensing contract to
2223 in sale contract, 63, 64 merchandise images, 86
in contract for receipt and Security interest in a work, 48 symbols, use of, 129
holding of artwork, 68 Selling Your Graphic Design and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,
Return of artwork in estimate, 15 Illustration, 11 128
Reuse fees, 21 Sequels, in collaboration contract, 56 Transfer of copyright, 1035
in book publishing contract, 41 Serial rights, 20 Transfer tax, 63
Reversion of rights to author, in first, 4344 Transportation, in contract for
book publishing contract, 48 Shipment of artworks receipt and holding of artwork, 68
Review copies, 46 in gallery-illustrator contract, 74
Revisions, in assignment of work. in lecture contract, 82 U
See also Assignment of work, Signing the contract, 5, 7 Usage rights
changes or revisions in Sketches, 14 additional, 21
in book publishing contract, 41, Sound recordings, in lecture contract, 82 assignment of, 21
4647 Speculation, work on, 22
in collaboration contract, 57 Standard of care, 23 V
in confirmation of assignment, 2122 Standard provisions, 710 Value of artwork, 23, 29
in invoice, 28 Statement of account. See also Veto power, in book publishing
Rider, 5 Accountings contract, 45, 46
Risk of loss or damage to the work, gallery-illustrator contract with Volunteer lawyers for the arts, 1011
in sale contract, 63 record of consignment and, 7179
Royalties Stipend from gallery, 71, 74, 75 W
in book publishing contract, 3945 Subsidiary rights, in book Waivers
on copies of the book sold to publishing contract, 43, 44, 47 provision on, 10
illustrator, 46 Successors and assigns, 47 of right to review finished art,
escalations in rates, 42 in copyright transfer, 104 in property release, 93
in licensing contract to in model release, 90 in model release, 90
merchandise images, 8586 in property release, 93 Warranty and indemnification
limits on, for tax purposes, 45 provision on, 10 provision, 10
reduced, 4243 in agent-illustrator contract, 36
revisions and, 47 T in book publishing contract,
withholding of, lawsuits and, 45 Termination 3940, 45
Rush work, 22, 28 agent-illustrator contract, 34, 36 in collaboration contract, 54, 57
book publishing contract, 47, 48 confirmation of assignment and, 23
S gallery-illustrator contract, 7273 Work assignment. See Assignment
Sales of artwork. See also licensing contract to merchandise of work
gallery-illustrator contract images, 86 Work for hire, 20
with record of consignment Term of contract Work in progress, submitting
and statement of account agent-illustrator contract, 34 portions of, 41

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About the Author

Tad Crawford, president and publisher of


Allworth Press in New York City, studied
economics at Tufts University, graduated
from Columbia Law School, clerked for
New York States highest court, and repre-
sented many artists and arts organizations
when he actively practiced as an attorney.
Author or co-author of more than a dozen
books on business and the creative profes-
sions, he is the contributing editor for legal
affairs for Communication Arts magazine
and has also written articles for magazines
such as American Artist, Art in America,
Art Workers News, Family Circle, Glamour, Harpers Bazaar, Lapis, New Age Journal,
AIGA Journal, The Nation, and Self. He served as chairman of the board of the
Foundation for the Community of Artists, General Counsel for the Graphic
Artists Guild and Legislative Counsel for the Coalition of Visual Artists
Organizations. For the Coalition, he lobbied for state and federal artists rights
legislation. He has addressed most of the national arts organizations and has
served as a faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
The recipient of the Graphic Artists Guilds first Walter Hortens Memorial
Award for service to artists, he has also been a grant recipient from the
National Endowment for the Arts for his writing on behalf of artists.

Other Books by Tad Crawford:


AIGA Professional Practices in Graphic Design (Editor)
The Artist-Gallery Partnership (with Susan Mellon)
Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers
Business and Legal Forms for Crafts
Business and Legal Forms for Fine Artists
Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers (with Eva Doman Bruck)
Business and Legal Forms for Interior Designers (with Eva Doman Bruck)
Business and Legal Forms for Photographers
The Money Mentor: A Tale of Finding Financial Freedom
The Secret Life of Money: How Money Can Be Food for the Soul
Selling Your Graphic Design and Illustration (with Arie Kopelman)
Selling Your Photography (with Arie Kopelman)
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photographer
The Writers Legal Guide (with Kay Murray)

159
B&L Illust 155-160 6/8/04 2:28 PM Page 160

Allworth Press
Books is an imprint
from of Allworth

Allworth Communications, Inc.


Selected titles are
Press listed below.

The Graphic Designers and Illustrators Guide to Marketing and


Self-Promotion, Second Edition
by Maria Piscopo (paperback, 6 9, 224 pages, $19.95)

The Education of an Illustrator


edited by Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman (paperback, 634 978, 288 pages, $19.95)

Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer,


Revised Edition
by Michael Fleishman (paperback, 6 9, 272 pages, $19.95)

Licensing Art and Design, Revised Edition


by Caryn R. Leland (paperback, 6 9, 128 pages, $16.95)

Mastering 3D Animation, Second Edition


by Peter Ratner (paperback with CD-ROM, 8 978, 368 pages, $40.00)

Inside the Business of Illustration


by Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman (paperback, 6 9, 256 pages, $19.95)

Successful Syndication: A Guide for Writers and Cartoonists


by Michael Sedge (paperback, 6 9, 192 pages, $16.95)

The Artists Complete Health and Safety Guide, Third Edition


by Monona Rossol (paperback, 6 9, 416 pages, $24.95)

Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, Fourth Edition


by Tad Crawford (paperback, 812 11, 272 pages, $19.95)

The Business of Being an Artist, Third Edition


by Daniel Grant (paperback, 6 9, 352 pages, $19.95)

The Artists Quest for Inspiration, Second Edition


by Peggy Hadden (paperback, 6 9, 272 pages)

Career Solutions for Creative People: How to Balance Artistic Goals


with Career Security
by Dr. Ronda Ormont (paperback, 6 9, 320 pages, $19.95)

Please write to request our free catalog. To order by credit card, call 1-800-491-2808 or send a check
or money order to Allworth Press, 10 East 23rd Street, Suite 510, New York, NY 10010. Include $5
for shipping and handling for the first book ordered and $1 for each additional book. Ten dollars plus
$1 for each additional book if ordering from Canada. New York State residents must add sales tax.

To see our complete catalog on the World Wide Web, or to order online, you can find us at
www.allworth.com.

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