Checklist

This checklist is mostly for independent and entrepreneurial artists.  The biggest thing is making sure that you are able to prove that your work is your own.  Anytime you create something it immediately has a copyright.  It belongs to you. It is your work unless you are working for someone else.  For example, if you are an independent artist hired to design a clothing line for someone then your work belongs to the person who hired you.  If you create something for yourself then that work belongs to you.

Usually, an artist will sign their artwork to prove that it belongs to them.  Another way is to use the copyright symbol, ©, the year and your name or company name to establish ownership of everything that you produce.  For a small fee, you can also submit your work to the government copyright office. (https://www.copyright.gov/).

The checklist for an entrepreneurial artist is going to be the same as an entrepreneur.  You can find this in the capstone course when you are finishing the program.