Comments on: Podcast: Play nice (artist ethics)

By: Julie Thompson

Julie Thompson — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:49:28 +0000

Excellent list, Alyson! I would add one for artists – when taking on commissions, underpromise and overdeliver. It’s better to give yourself a good buffer and and be comfortable in getting their piece to them on time – or better yet, delivered early if that does not cause a difficulty for the commissioner. Too often artists will take on a commission and take many months beyond the agreed-upon delivery – which makes you look bad and reduces your chances of being hired for future commissions.

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:07:01 +0000

PS: Assuming that the intent WAS honorable and generous.

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:06:36 +0000

Dianas: Thanks for your insights! Yes, DMB, it is also unethical to copy paintings. And, yes, it’s nice to get permission to post a pic, but don’t get freaked out if your art has been used in a kind way and gives you a link and proper credit. Not that you would, but some people have and it’s really a waste of energy. After all, your art is in one more place and the intent was honorable and generous.

By: Diana Moses Botkin

Diana Moses Botkin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:23:11 +0000

What a good list for artists’ ethics, Alyson! Below are a couple of additional thoughts that might help clarify your excellent points. Blessings, Diana Moses Botkin Enjoy recent daily paintings at my Blog http://DianaMosesBotkin.blogspot.com/ Read about my latest project ~ a Book! ………. Alyson, you wrote: “1. Don’t copy someone else’s art and try to pass it off as your own. Painting directly from photographs that were taken by someone else is not only unethical, it’s a copyright violation.” I would make that: Painting directly from photographs that were taken by someone else or another artist’s painting is not only unethical, it’s a copyright violation. You also wrote: “6. Don’t use someone else’s art or words on your Web site, blog, or in your marketing material without giving proper credit.” It would be good to remind folks to get permission first, besides giving them credit, if you’re planning to post their work.

By: Diana Wade

Diana Wade — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:10:39 +0000

Alyson… I might add one more item to your list of ethics violations for artists to avoid: If you are teaching art and one of your students attends a workshop or class taught by another artist… for heaven’s sakes…. do NOT under any circumstances scrunch up your nose, make a face or say something unflattering about the other teacher and their capabilities. That sort of thing only makes YOU look bad… and will drive your students away because they are confronted with your own professional jealousy or personal insecurities. Diana Wade Loveland, CO **