Rights usage...

[Shad]

My local library has that Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook for every year. Whether you use it for pricing or not, everyone should read through it if you want a serious career as a creative. They surely have some boilerplate stuff for what you are talking about.

It covers just about everything...it's fun to read just for the scenarios/stories of the stuff that happened to other people.

[Rock-C-Art]

My Christmas present to myself this year...

[DenisMutter]

My understanding is, that a piece of art is copyrighted at its inception. The paperwork makes it official, but the rights belong to the artist when the art is created.

Tough to prove that, but as far as was it or wasn't it, you have record of the painting's creation, and it was sold in a gallery, hence, the rights are yours.

But, it's tough to unring that bell, so I'm going to figure out if I ever need to cross this bridge & make note.

[phoondaddy]

Post the painting.

[Rock-C-Art]

Yeah I was thinking about that since it would be further security in a public forum. When I get that photo shot I will for sure post.

[Rock-C-Art]

Art in question:

http://home.earthlink.net/~ajsny/GlowforGig.jpg

[JoshPodolske]

Originally Posted by The Fresh Prints

poorman's copyright.

certify mail it to your self and never open it.
it will have the date of "copyright creation" and is authenticated and sealed by the federal post office.

i have heard this holds up fairly well in court.

I have heard the complete opposite.

It is VERY easy to Forged date stamps that the post office uses is what a lawyer told me.

If you serious, do it correctly.

[Raymond Biesinger]

Hmmm...

...everyone here has said the right thing about the folks only having the physical piece of art, but not the right for reproduction. But besides informing them of the rights that they did buy (ie. the right to display the original in their living room) I'd also be a gentleman and:

-quote them a price for the piece's reproduction rights as an album cover and accompanying promotional/merch.

-if they don't buy repro rights (or you don't want to have your art accompany their horrible music) offer to take the piece back and refund their cash. Also, make it clear that if they use the work without permission you'll invoice them and get a collection agency after their hides.

I have a feeling that right now, their getting *some* value from the investment ($300) is their priority. Giving you're a difficult/smart target, if given a choice they'd probably take their money and find other options for the cover.

Yrs.,
R.

[Rock-C-Art]

In case anyone is interested. I took Mr. Biesinger's advice and played very nice but direct and it looks as though this is going to work out well and might even lead to other work. Thanks for your advice guys.

[Justin.Ryan]

Probably stating the obvious here, but I'd make sure to take extra special care in contracts and the like in any future work with them. Although this seems like they really just don't understand how it works and weren't just out to get you, you never know what else may come up. Best of luck!