Copyright Law for Visual Artists & Makers

A brief overview of copyright law for visual artists, using examples of artwork I created that were inspired by the Japanese Mottainai design concepts of Sashiko and Boro.

*This video does not constitute legal advice, so please hire a decent attorney if you need one.

Thanks for watching, commenting, sharing, and subscribing!

Peace in,
Loi

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[Ellaloveslofi]

Wow!! You have answered every little thought I have had about copyright!! It is now so clear to me and I can't thank you enough!! I have tried to get an understanding of this concept and done some research, but even if I found a little clarity I was left with unanswered questions. This video should be the first stop in every artists journey to understanding copyright because it will save them tons of time!! It is all here!! Thank you, thank you!!!

[jairousparker]

Thank you very much for explaining and clarifying copyright as an attorney and artist. Thank you for sharing your artform as well.

[SorrensSorrow]

Love your take on Sashiko and Boro. Both pieces really spoke to me. Excellent work!

[LittleWillie]

Found you in a search on Boro and Sashiko. Couldn't understand how it was related, but am always interested in copyright issues. Thoroughly enjoyed your video and am glad I found your channel. You have a new subscriber. Really like your work.

[pablo_parra_]

Thank you very much for the video, it clarified many things about the difference between our work and ideas. Now I understand better why it can be so competitive. All the best :)

[jamiahokoye]

I want to sell my own t-shirts online. I am aware due to copyright infringement I can't use photos or album covers of celebrities.However, if i custom draw modified images such as caricature or water colours of artists or album covers such as Prince or Michael Jackson, would that be okay to sell?

[davidm.c.]

Hi! first of all thank you very much for this video. I have a question Can a person copyright the silhouette of an animal?

[matthewriegner]

What are your thoughts as a lawyer on the using of public art or graffiti as backdrops for advertising products or photo shoots. This seems to be one that has popped up a lot this past year of 2018.

[mytekkenstory]

Can i ask an art from the artist then after i paid it im the only one to use it? Exclusive for just for me?

[themakeit]

Could I hand paint a famous cartoon character, for example, Spiderman, and use it for personal use only to hang in my own home or give a painting or drawing I made using that character? What that be infringing? I would not sell them. Only for personal use or give as a gift.

[judilynn]

Good info! I feel you should further explain "derivitive" work, tho. (I know what it is, but a lot of people don't.)

[mozmolloy]

Hi Loi, are you currently living and practicing in Jamaica? a friend of mine and i were presented with access to the Chinese market from a manufacturing standpoint ( we would have the shirts printed there and the logo affixed either in Jamaica or let the manufacturer affix the artwork logo there as well... i have heard that China is notorius for copyright infringement but as far as you know, do you know the names of any reputable manufactures there and do you think that, despite the loss we might have from unwanted duplication, it might be better to have everything done there from a cost perspective? I know this is me asking for some guidance, not opinion, so thanks in advance!

[elizabethelliott]

Have created a coloring book for a non-profit organization to copy. Do i need a copyright?

[laramitchell]

Houston we have a problem! I love it. Thank you for a great video

[MusicFilmArtLover]

I the idea of borow. I recently cut my leather jacket and used a piece to cover old word headphones. It came out very good. I like to repurpose things. I like the idea of making my own paper too! I just subscribed to your channel and will look for the how to make paper video. Questions:- does the term borow only relate to painting? For your paints did you make the paper, but it into strips, paint it then put lines on it? Just curious. I'm interested in making a flat panel from old paper I made and putting on top of a canvas for a more 3D effect of making images from my paper. You inspired me to try. Thanks for sharing.

[LadyWisdomSpeaksAcademy]

Thank you for the information. You have a new subscriber!

[myozbubble]

Hello! I notice that folks are creating doodles and calling them Zendoodles, which is a trademark name. But, can a simple doodle be copyrighted? In fact, I see one of these doodles used in your of your pieces you showed here. I know that the combination of doodles would constitute a creation they own. However, I'm questioned if a simple doodle can be considered under terms of a copyright.

[southeastmixup]

I would love those on some african/high fashion mixed clothes

[kittysune]

Thanks for this video. I have six characters I would like to copyright but they are from the same story. Do I have to copyright each of them separately? Also what would I copyright them under visual arts?