Need a quick boot in the pants to move the right direction in your business practices? Check out these tips.

What? Me plan? Yes, Tarzan. You plan. You are not just an artist. You are not only an illustrator. You are the Owner of a Creative Business. First, make that paradigm shift and learn to think of yourself that way....

Who do you antitrust? On May 4, a stock house advocate warned that "the notion of raising stock prices or other points made by Mr. Holland [may violate antitrust law]." He added, "certain entities in this industry (read: stock houses) could sue for TRIPLE DAMAGES if indeed they could prove evidence of [collusion or price fixing]." Let me respond....

The Illustrators' Partnership has published a helpful guide (by Cynthia Turner) about copyright, including simple instructions for registration and pre-filled out pdf US Copyright Office registration forms. An artist only need fill in his or her personal data to complete the forms.

This paper examines the techniques being developed by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) Division of Publications for designing plan (2D) maps with a faux realistic look.

The conference planning site for the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. Includes links to past conferences.

Plain-English answers to questions about hiring independent contractors -- and the differences between contractors and employees. @ www.nolo.com

The Joint Ethics Committee- Code of Fair Practice / In 1945 a group of artists and art directors in New York City, concerned with growing abuses and misunderstandings-as well as with an increasing disregard-of uniform standards of conduct, met to consider possibilities for improvement. They realized that any efforts must have the most widespread backing and, further, that it must be a continuing, not a temporary, activity.

An overview of the do's and don't of using copyrighted images, in plain language.

A collection of links to articles covering all the basic business issues with an artistic bent. Pricing, contracts, copyright, project management, etc.

Looking for answers to leagal issues in non-leagal language? The Nolo.com web site provides answers in various areas of the law, including copyrights and creative arts law.

Site dedicated to users of Strata3D. Free models and free textures. Over 15000 images on the site. Active users forums and tips & tricks database.

by Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - Collecting monies owed is no fun. But it's your money and no one else is going to track it down for you. Here's how to get paid promptly and, when you're left with no other choice, collect effectively.

By  Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - If every instance of copyright infringement were penalized, we'd all be in court. Here's the scoop on keeping fair and clean in a digital world.

by Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - It's doubtful any contract you've used or created is as comprehensive or elegant as "The Standard Form of Agreement for Graphic Design Services," a free, downloadable contract from the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).
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The AIGA Standard Contract is modular so it can be tailored for use by small and medium sized design business. The first half is a user friendly guide to preparing the content of a project bid. The second half contains the legal modules you can add to the bid document. These should be modifiable to an art business. -ed.

By Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - The current economy is characterized by customer infidelity, where every creative firm continually faces the prospect of losing the majority of its clients. As a result, creative professionals are finding themselves in the unenviable position of having to continually market.

By Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - How many times have you found yourself in this situation? You're talking to a potential client about a project. She likes your ideas, you like her. It seems like a go. The conversation turns to compensation and comes to a screeching halt. Many creative professionals wither at this point because they're not sure if they should set a set a price or ask "What's your budget?" Most negotiation experts agree: Nothing so determines the outcome of a negotiation as who makes the opening bid.

by Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - If you want to turn a profit and create accurate bids, it pays to learn how to calculate different rates for different members of your team.

by Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - When you're solo, setting your hourly rate is a perilous dance on the thin line between profitability and competitiveness. Here are a few easy formulas and tips to calculate what's right for you and your market.

By  Eric J. Adams (creativepro.com) - Starting a business is easy. Sustaining it is hard. Here's what successful creative professionals say about what makes them stay successful.

All images have a copyright. It is owned by the creator or someone designated, through a contract , by the creator. Learn more about Copyright information here.