This is the "Bible" of legal forms and information. Used early 1989 edition quite a bit. Will use this up-dated edition even more.

It's not always the most entertaining book to read (who enjoys reading about taxes?), but read through it once. Stick it on your shelf. And then whenever you need it, the book can reference you to certain government documents such as release forms, copyright forms, tax forms, consignment forms, authenticity forms, etc. There's tons of forms in the book for you to work off of when you are writing up your own agreements. Also current on laws for artists. Always keep a current edition of this book handy.

Tad Crawford does his as-usual excellent job clarifying a complex area for the working visual artist. Readers will admire his straightforward writing style and many, many practical examples.

A word of warning, though: as Tad himself says, he is not providing legal advice and, while the artist will thank Tad if he or she follows Tad's advice, it does not substitute for appropriate legal consults as needed.

This is an excellent resource to define and explain legal issues in the arts. It is a little dry in some parts but far easier to read than books written for the legal profession. I have been using this book as a textbook for a college class at an art school for graphic design students for several years.

The book covers copyright law and touches on legal business issues that pertain to all visual artists. The focus of the book is on fine artists but it is the best resource I have found for graphic designers.

Even if you have the luxury of an attorney that speicalizes in art contracts, as I do, this is a great book of forms to keep handy for quick reference. My advice is to get it with his other book: Business & Legal Forms for Fine Artists also by Tad Crawford

As the title of the book stated, "Legal guide for the VISUAL ARTIST", the book covers information that is aimed at VISUAL artists, including photographers, painters, printmakers, designers, sculptors, illustrators, textile designers, cartoonists, and craftspeople. Wow!

Wow, all right. That may be the reason some artists may have found the book full of legalese. In my humble opinion, this is a must-have for anyone that claims oneself to be one of the ones listed above. If not this book, what else?

Starting from the minute one decides to have some "interaction" with other human beings regarding the making (or selling) of one's art, this book is of big help. For instance, an artist may decide to hire a model to paint a picture, this book will guide him/her how to prepare a model release form in order to guarantee the artist benefits of the painting created, without problems such as violation of privacy in the long run. This book is also a critical line of defense for the artists in dealing with copyrights, ownership, insurance, and tax income, etc.

My guess is that if one is simply an artist, one would read through the book (or at least sections of immediate concern, for instance, a painter would not have to worry too much about sections for photographers) and scan through the whole book for information. As far as using the book on a regular basis, I believe by frequently reviewing relevant sections, as well as making use of sample forms provided in the book, any visual artist will find this book an indispensable tool for his/her art making/selling process.

Strongly recommended.

I've bought several books on this issue and am most impressed by the quality of the information here -- it's presented clearly and fully, and includes the best forms I've seen available outside of the legal field. As I'm an ex-paralegal, I find the language of the contracts undertstandable; many of my artist friends seem to think that they are still too filled with legalese, but that's contract law and sometimes necessary. That's the only reason this book gets a 4-star and not a 5-star rating.

I'm buying my own copy since I basically trashed the studio's copy -- it's helpful enough that you'll use it on an ongoing basis.

I've bought several books on this issue and am most impressed by the quality of the information here -- it's presented clearly and fully, and includes the best forms I've seen available outside of the legal field. As I'm an ex-paralegal, I find the language of the contracts undertstandable; many of my artist friends seem to think that they are still too filled with legalese, but that's contract law and sometimes necessary. That's the only reason this book gets a 4-star and not a 5-star rating.

I'm buying my own copy since I basically trashed the studio's copy -- it's helpful enough that you'll use it on an ongoing basis.