Plain-English Summary of Your Art or Craft Agreement

What a good one includes

• A clear breakdown of payment terms, commission percentages, and the specific timelines for when you will receive your funds after a sale.
• An explicit clarification of who owns the intellectual property and copyright of the artwork, including any reproduction rights.
• A summary of who is financially responsible for loss, theft, or damage to your work while it is in transit or in the custody of the other party.
• A detailed explanation of any geographic or digital exclusivity clauses that restrict where else you can show or sell your work.
• A straightforward guide on how to safely end the agreement and retrieve your unsold physical inventory or revoke licensing rights.
• A section flagging hidden or unexpected costs, such as marketing fees, framing requirements, or shipping expenses billed back to you.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Giving away exclusive, long-term licensing or digital reproduction rights without realizing you have surrendered your future earning potential.
• Assuming the gallery or buyer has insurance covering your art during transit or exhibition without confirming the contract actually states they are liable.
• Agreeing to broad exclusivity clauses that prevent you from selling your work in neighboring regions or on your own personal website.
• Signing a contract that lacks a clear exit clause, leaving your inventory or rights locked up indefinitely with an inactive partner.

Frequently asked questions