How to protect your artwork online

If you’re a part of the online creative community then you will have seen all of the disappointment & frustration going around that Meta will soon be using our public posts on Instagram & Facebook to train their new AI features. If you missed my last newsletter, we provided some tips on how to opt out of this.

Since then I’ve received a lot of messages & noticed many artists worrying about how they can protect their art online, so here are my top tips:

1. CLAIM: Add your logo, website &/or a watermark to your digital designs.
2. SIGN: Always sign & date your original artwork.
3. METADATA: Add copyright metadata to your digital designs – this can be done in Adobe programmes by going to File> File Info. Here is a quick video tutorial.
4. EXPLORE: Don’t rely on just one social media platform. We’ve been hearing good things about Cara.
5. ACID: Think about registering with ACID (Anti-Copying in Design) & using their IP databank. This can include scanned drawings, paintings, design files & even contracts so that there is a file trail & evidence if a copyright issue should arise. Even if you can’t register right now, it’s good practice to keep a folder of everything related to a piece of art.
6. DISPLAY: As a member, display the ACID logo on your website & email signature as a deterrent.
7. ACTION: Include a sentence on your website/social media/email that you will take copyright infringement very seriously. Here is mine as an example:
The Rachael Taylor brand is a registered trademark, all of the intellectual property rights in our designs & images will remain the property of Rachael Taylor. Any infringements will be taken seriously. We are a member of the ACID (Anti Copying in Design) & their Sector Council & we fully support their ongoing work.

Useful resources:

Sign the ACID charter
The essential toolkit to protect your intellectual property webinar
UK overseas intellectual property attaché network
FREE weekly creative tips from Make it in Design

Discounts:

If you have taken any Make it in Design class & are new to ACID then you can receive 20% off the first year’s subscription of ACID membership (for one year only) – contact ACID for details – [email protected]

If you are already an ACID member & are new to Make it in Design then you can receive 20% off when purchasing any available online class that we offer – email [email protected]

In my online Creative Coaching Sessions I can provide much more in-depth & tailored for you guidance on how to create a copyright strategy & fend off would be copycats. I’ve had my own legal battles, some of which have been with big brands, & won my case each time with the help of the amazing ACID team.

>> GET 40% OFF ONLINE CREATIVE COACHING HERE <<