Anything you create is protected by the copyright laws. It doesn’t matter if its art, a design, written work, a craft design or a photograph. Its yours if you are the original creator and the creation does not contain someone else’s copyrighted works. You can write a poem, draw a flower, take a picture of your cat or whatever you choose to create – its yours from the moment of creation.
There are so many nuances of the law that at times it seem confusing and can result in myths. Some of these myths result in our creations being used illegally.
I have formed a new group on LinkedIn – Copyrights – Artist’s Rights to actively help educate and spread awareness of the copyright laws. I would love to have all of you who work with copyrighted materials, whether you create something or are a manufacturer, attorney or agent, join this group.
Have a beautiful, creative day!
Phyllis
Excellent, Phyllis! Exactly to the point. I would like to link this as a blog post today. I’ve had a weeklong flu-bug and plan to get in on the discussions. Thank you for what you are doing and starting this awareness. ~Molly
Molly – please do and with thanks!! Also, I invite others to share this post as well!
I hope you get to feeling better from the flu. Its really hitting hard this year and I’m sorry you were so sick.
Thank you for posting a reminder to all. This is such an important issue with much, much misinformation being quoted on blogs, especially crafting blogs. The ONLY way to make sure you don’t infringe is to ask first. Most artists are very, very, very giving people who would love the opportunity to cross promote. It only takes a few minutes to shoot off an email and ask persmission. If they say no, that’s their right. Respect it.