Contracts

Contracts

When working for a client or company, a contract can sometimes be created by the client to assure that they will be allowed to use the artwork created for them in their projects or company branding, that it can only be used by them and that they will own the rights to the artwork.

Written contracts regarding artwork are similarly written like an illustration brief, containing the requirements of what the expected illustration(s) should be, sizing requirements, deadline dates, ect. Although, contracts will include copyright terms and the amount of royalties (if any) the artist will receive from the clients product sales. Usually, the amount of shares the artist will get is through a percentage allowance, such as 50% of the full cost of the artwork the artist will receive from the client before the beginning of their work.

I found a template online that shows an example of a simple commission contract, showing what may usually be found on a typical contract.

Artist's Commission Agreement

This is an agreement between _________of_________(the Artist), and_________of_________(the Commissioner), by which we agree that

1. The Artist shall create the following proposed work:
   description:
   materials to be used:
2. In consideration for the Artist creating the proposed work using his/her best aesthetic skill and judgement, the Commissioner shall pay to the Artist £__________, as follows:
   
   
   £_________by cash/cheque before s/he starts to execute the work;
   
   
   £_________by cash/cheque when the artist gives the Commissioner written notice that the work is two-thirds (2/3) complete; and
   
   
   £_________by cash/cheque when the artist gives the Commissioner written notice that the work is completed.
3. The Commissioner shall arrange for the Artist to have access to the place where the proposed work is to be executed for _________days, between the__________day of _________197_, and the_________day of_________197_.
4. The Artist shall retain the copyright in the work.

Date the_________day of_________197_.

Signed:_________ (the Artist) and_________ (the Commissioner).

( Taken from http://www.artquest.org.uk/articles/view/commissioning-an-artist1 )