Contracts for Artists and Creative Professionals

SPECIAL NOTE: Entrance next to Peet’s coffee on NW Couch St.

Presenter: Peter Vaughn Shaver

The discussion of art business contracts will focus on the Oregon Artwork Consignment law, collaboration agreements, licensing and sales agreements, creative services agreements, commission deals, and agent representation agreements. Many creative service providers get into legal trouble due to working with clients without proper contracts. Minimizing legal risk and customer conflicts is easier once you understand the basic terms found in these types of contracts. This workshop will focus on both understanding contracts that you are presented by others as well as creating your own agreements.

We will discuss some basic terms and steps that will enable you to avoid conflicts with clients by creating workable, plain-English contracts. Having a clear and well-written contract is essential in conveying an impression of professionalism to your customers. A well-crafted, “user friendly” agreement will protect your own legal interests, while setting a professional tone at the start of your working relationship. Contracts to be discussed will include: Employment agreements (independent contractors, employment and work-for-hire); Oregon consignment agreements, Model releases, Agency Agreements, Licensing and commission contracts. 

Note that basic copyright law will not be covered in the Contracts workshop. It is strongly suggested that attendees register for the Copyright class, or otherwise have a good understanding of copyright law as a prerequisite for the Contract class. Nearly every contract relating to the business of selling or licensing art and providing creative services will involve copyrights.

*Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management is a place where students, teachers and executives come together to share experiences, examine current business issues and develop innovative and creative thinking. Programs include an evening MBA for Professionals (in Salem and Portland, Oregon), full-time MBA for Career Change and Early Career MBA programs (in Salem, Oregon) and non-degree Executive Education programs. The Willamette University MBA is accredited by AACSB International and is committed to preparing graduates to serve business, government and not-for-profit organizations.