Hi gang, I've searched the forums for a discussion about this but haven't found anything, so I'm asking the masses. In the process of promoting my upcoming exhibition I've been asked by a local art magazine for some jpgs for printing in their publication, which is great! But I'm wondering how I need to size AND protect my files in a way that they'd be able to print well but not be printed outside of their publication. Does anyone have any suggestions? This is my first go-round. Thanks.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on September 17, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Realistically, once the file leaves your posession, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from being used elsewhere. What you can do is to discourage it from being used outside of its intended use.
Here are a couple of things:
First, make sure it has a registered copyright, and make sure to put that in the file data. Also, put you contact infomation in the file as well. Assuming that you have Adobe Bridge, left click on the image and bring up file info option, and fill that in. You can also fill in the usage limitations in those boxes as well, once you know them
Your billing invoice should make it clear that it is copyrighted and that you hold the copyright.
Your contract with the party should spell out the exact terms of use. I know that contract sounds a bit harsh, but the publication rights must be explicitly written out. This covers you in two ways. Any other use, as you are concerned about, will come back to haunt them. It will also allow you to price the sale a bit better.
Even if you are doing this as a donation, make sure you get the usage spelled out in writing. For an art magazine, they may well want to put the image on its website. Be sure to ask about it, just to be clear.
A lot of this, if done with the right attitude, is pretty easy to arrange. Most editors don't want to deal with a lot of hassles and do understand the necessity of protecting their professional reputations, their product and your work.
In the end, you are at the mercy of basic human honesty.
Discussion
2 repliesHere are a couple of things:
First, make sure it has a registered copyright, and make sure to put that in the file data. Also, put you contact infomation in the file as well. Assuming that you have Adobe Bridge, left click on the image and bring up file info option, and fill that in. You can also fill in the usage limitations in those boxes as well, once you know them
Your billing invoice should make it clear that it is copyrighted and that you hold the copyright.
Your contract with the party should spell out the exact terms of use. I know that contract sounds a bit harsh, but the publication rights must be explicitly written out. This covers you in two ways. Any other use, as you are concerned about, will come back to haunt them. It will also allow you to price the sale a bit better.
Even if you are doing this as a donation, make sure you get the usage spelled out in writing. For an art magazine, they may well want to put the image on its website. Be sure to ask about it, just to be clear.
A lot of this, if done with the right attitude, is pretty easy to arrange. Most editors don't want to deal with a lot of hassles and do understand the necessity of protecting their professional reputations, their product and your work.
In the end, you are at the mercy of basic human honesty.