Selling originals, dos and don'ts
-
Hello guys!
I need your help! I'm about to sell a couple of my original paintings, made traditionally. What's the best practise here, how do I prevent the buyer from using my artwork in the wrong way, like putting it on products or even making copies of it and sell? I don't think this would happen with this particular client but I still want to be sure. Do I add in a contract when I sell it, stating the terms of license and rights? I will also be selling my art at a Christmas fair in December and am planning to bring originals there. I can't be writing contracts with every original sold there can I?
All advice is welcome!
Thank you!Kajsa
-
Even if you sell the orignal, the copyrights still belong to you. You don't need a contract or anything like that, as it would be illegal for anyone to do try to sell reproductions anyway. So I wouldn't be too worried about it if I were you
Especially if you're selling in person! The overwhelming majority of people just want to hang it in their living room and don't have any nefarious motives at all -
I agree with @NessIllustration I think most people at an art fair are buying for personal use, not to copy and sell but if you're worried about it you can provide a certificate of authenticity with your art, something like this:
It's a little less in-your-face than giving them a copyright notice, and has the added bonus of making your buyer feel a little more exclusive. This one looks a little fancy but you can make one in black and white and print it on copy paper to keep costs down.
-
Thank you guys! This was just what I needed to hear, now I feel at ease about it!
