Strength of agreement needed for commissioned art

**glutton** · November 4th, 2012, 08:37 PM

When commissioning a piece of art to use for the cover of your self-published novel, what steps should you take to ensure your right to use the art is properly documented (ie. an opportunistic artist won't be able to sue you despite agreeing to let you use their art in the future)? Is a written agreement over email enough to be 'safe'?

**Fung Koo** · November 5th, 2012, 01:24 AM

Usually some nominal transaction (exchange of at least one cent) with a proper invoice and signed agreement is required. You'll need to identify the duration of use and when/if ownership reverts to the author, if the author can resell the work if you decide you're simply leasing it, if the artist is entitled to any royalties, etc...

**glutton** · November 5th, 2012, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Fung Koo

Usually some nominal transaction (exchange of at least one cent) with a proper invoice and signed agreement is required. You'll need to identify the duration of use and when/if ownership reverts to the author, if the author can resell the work if you decide you're simply leasing it, if the artist is entitled to any royalties, etc...

Thanks for the reply.