Artist Traps - BAD CONTRACTS

[@AndreLuis-gw5ox]

As a Lawyer, I would say, never accept any deal without a contract, never work without a contract, never sign a contract without reading and *understanding* the contract and what a contract should have in your country, and if in doubt ask a lawyer to read your contract.

[@azananochirozoki6848]

what is a contract like how can we get a contract signed in two different countries?

[@AndreLuis-gw5ox]

@@azananochirozoki6848 well, contracts made from a distance are usually signed via email, either by digitally signing with a token or something like that, by attaching a digitalized picture of your signature in the correspondent area, or by simply stating in your official email that itnis your free will to agree and comply to the contract annexed. Such a contract would have to establish where exatcly it would be considered to be fulfilled, so that the proper jurisdiction (which laws apply and which judicial system would handle any disagreements) is well defined

[@PaintedAndTainted]

I worked on a card game that just lead to the 'ah we have to budget here's half the money we originally offered' I never do work anymore without a contract.

[@TyrellzArt]

Man, I feel like this needs to be taught in art schools and such lol

[@AndrewMaksym]

^ 200% facts

[@thatguySmitty234]

Hey man I don’t know if you’ll see this or not but I stumbled across your art tutorials recently. The easy art ones, I’ve been drawing for a while now and my progress had come to a screeching halt. I’ve been pulling my hair out trying to force myself to progress, I bought your tutorials and I don’t know if I needed somebody to just sit there and walk me through things. But I just scrapped everything I thought I knew and started with the basics again because clearly something was lacking. Within those first few hours the light bulb finally came on and I just ran with it. I’m not even finished with all of the lessons yet but I will for sure be buying more of your stuff in the future thank you so much 🙏🏽

[@TrentKaniuga]

Love this comment. Thank you! I wish more folks would take this perspective. By revisiting the fundamentals, we can unlearn our habits that keep us from growing, and build from a stronger foundation!

[@thaumana8489]

This hit close to home haha. I was quite "lucky" that my very first client was the type that took advantage of inexperienced artists who was additionally not really friendly in terms of communication. I should've known better right at the moment, when they mentioned that I was the most promising applicant who reacted to their job offer with the lowest payment expectation. Furthermore, some other artist already worked on that comic which I was hired for before me and one could see how the art style changed after every few pages, so there was no consistency at all). Anyway, my only priority back then was just to get my foot into this market with my first art job, so I thought the price should be secondary. I eventually worked on their comic project for 6 months and didn't expect that the low payment in relation to the big amount of work would affect my mind so badly. Luckily I started a commission campaign just some time after my first art job and the demand through new clients was high enough to get a new feel for the worth of my work. In comparison to my current situation my past prices were admittedly quite low but still better than the rates of the comic job I was doing in parallel. Some of my new clients from that time who also became my regulars learned about my situation and insisted that I should renegotiate with that comic writer person to determine a new price, so I took their advice to heart and talked to that client. Funnily enough the comic author became less rude than usual and tried to arouse pity since they explained why they were not able to pay me more due to their tough circumstances. I didn't fall entirely for it but I was still kinda naive enough and gave in to their last request to bring the work for the 6th month to an proper end. This deal left a bad taste and it's painful to think back, but it helped me to identify the red flags during negotiations and conversations soon enough. Apart from a fair mindset for the prices a polite and respectful attitude is a minimum requirement I ask for whenever I consider a collaboration with new clients.

[@MariaIsabel_Fufuria]

Thanks for this Trent. Just sharing my own journey here; I've been struggling for years working for clients in Upwork. Some contracts were so smelly, I bailed. Worried where I'd get my next job/gig. Some clients even used guilt tactics when I quit...and when I was a lot younger and super broke, coming from a third world country....I knew the level of skill and professionalism I put forth deserved way waaay more, I took some of those scammy contracts, cuz every penny counts...and...felt pretty crummy about myself. Like, I know I deserve to be paid more, but I just couldn't seem to get the good clients. I still work as a freelance illustrator, mostly character design work for web series stuff and take commissions...but the income so far, just hasn't been as reliable. Hoping still for the best...sacrificed a lot to pursue my artistic career, it's the only thing I truly know I will do for the rest of my life.

[@zacharyhorvath3615]

Hey man, I really appreciate you’re videos! In the last 4 years where I have seriously tried to make money off my art, I have gotten myself into many stupid situations out of desperation or trying to be nice. I’ve come to realize that such an attitude can actually dampen a potential clients confidence in my abilities by doing work for way less than its worth. I now ask for half the money up front so that I am ensured I won’t waste my time drawing a portrait of someone’s girlfriend/boyfriend for nothing lol.

[@armyofcats]

In my experience freelancing for the past 12 years or so, I encounter clients without contracts far more often. It's good practice to have your own standard contract and there are template ones available from places such as the Graphic Artists Guild. You don't have to be a lawyer to create a contract, and it in most cases it doesn't need to be all legalese - I refer to mine simply as a Work Agreement, and it outlines what the client and I have discussed in clear but plain terms - the main things are deliverables, usage rights, and payment/timescales. Some good advice here about being on your guard, though. Although, I'm not sure being anti-capitalist is down to being disgruntled that you didn't make enough dough... ! Keep up the good work Trent. :)

[@TrentKaniuga]

Capitalism = free market. A free market means "good quality products or services at a good price". If you don't value a free market, then you will get what is given to you and be silenced if you don't like it. This is the reality of what we're facing right now. A free market is how we get better games, better movies, better art, better stories, better food etc, at a price that people voluntarily agree to. You vote with your wallet. Without free will, there is no difference between submission and rebellion.

[@aprilmorgan18]

I don't make art for a living or anything. Just a fun hobby I like to do. But I followed the channel because I love Trent's art style. A lot of nice soft colors. Outlines are not harsh. Definitely something I want to lean into.

[@MillywiggZ]

“F*ck you, pay me.” Ancient Klingon proverb.

[@sto1vall]

Hmmm...get whatever is promised in writing and preferably signed or on their letterhead. Not to be negative but in some situations a contract may not help you that much. It says you are legally bound to a result but, 1 you still have to go to court and 2 you have to pay for a lawyer or represent yourself in a civil suit. So you may end up breaking even depending on what you're suing for in regards to time lost. Definitely get things in writing. And always value your time and work as valuable and don't be afraid to monetize that value. Unapologetically

[@gouichi5712]

Man, you're correct when you say there's no bad business person, just the 'business person' wants to make more money, that can take advantage of someone who freely gives the time, energy, and artistic juice to the art industry. Why would I agree? Because I was there, I was that kid as well, lol. Lesson learned. Wait, where's the 'Salsa dance intro'? ^^

[@SuperFlyGhost]

Speaking of contracts, glad you and EVS came to an understanding to bring the old Cyberfrog and Creed crossover stuff back. Creed = ❤️

[@arubani-7592]

Thanks for talking about this subject Trent! I don’t think I’ve seen any artists on here talking about this in such informative detail.

[@IshikaShanai]

Man, am I ever glad teachers like you exist to warn of the bs coming up ahead. Thank you!

[@ArtbyGalen]

Great video. It's one of the things I say the most. Use contracts & understand them. I got burned really bad by not understanding what "work for hire" actually means...

[@obsidanite135]

I have a friend who started work under an employer a couple years ago that didn't make them sign a formal contract. Said employer has done some really shady and questionable things to my friend since then, as well as something that ended up costing my friend a hefty amount of money. I tried to warn them that a lack of a contract is a HUGE red flag, but they said it wasn't a big deal. After a few years of worse and worse issues, they finally came around and agreed that it wasn't a good decision... *facepalms* It can be quite aggravating when people don't listen to you when you try to warn them.

[@nana_dolo]

I'm going through 3d animation school and in one class our teacher omega told us to make contracts, and he taught us how to make a good contract and make everything clear both for you as an artist and the company or person who wants to hire you. When in doubts, ask a lawyer

[@hikazeyattis3828]

Love this art, reminds me of a comfy little townie game I used to play.

[@syrusangi8743]

The intro music told me how serious this video is going to be

[@veenibik336]

I wish more people can reach this video, i keep thinking like why some people even want to work for free ? I mean even you are just a newcomer and you think working for free to a single boss will give you a good karma, you just actually make thousand of newcomer's life harder.

[@veenibik336]

Or cheap price, super low price

[@grandaddyjesus]

Thanks for these uploads, my art is ass RN but I will need this knowledge later on.

[@willtroncin7272]

"Difficult to work with = difficult to steal from." - Bill Burr

[@xanman6334]

that intro music is beautiful

[@anthony_leckie]

Thanks for the good advice!

[@elisamilan]

This is gold! Thank you for helping spreading the word and making sure artists are aware! 💛

[@alexkemp7146]

Theres a movie called The Wishmaster by Wes Craven. It's about a Djinn that grants wishes, but they all come with this horrific catch so that the Wishmaster can take the wishers souls. Its starting to sound familiar with these bad contracts.

[@r.a.silence4743]

VERY good information! Thanks as always!

[@towerjunkieart]

Thanks for these videos, Trent.

[@Cherryhannah]

me, someone who's never even been commissioned before: interesting.

[@Storm-lc7rf]

Thank you for this, helps a lot for us signing contracts with freelancers as well!

[@ItsJJOLO]

I thought it said bad contrast but this is much more important

[@gbsartworks4963]

Just wanted to know your advice as well regarding drawing files..do you send just the hi resolution jpeg outputs or pngs..or do you also send the drawing files itself containing all the layers? do you recommend sending it as well or just keep it to yourself? or is it better to juts add an additional fee for the drawing files itself?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Thats usually defined in the contract. If they want the sketches or PSD files, they get them. But usually they just want jpegs.

[@CuriousTrotter]

Nooooo Trent where's that Salsa dance intro 😭

[@provokingperch3825]

maybe its to match the more somber subject matter haha

[@TrentKaniuga]

I locked it in the basement for a little while. It'll probably pop up again soonish.

[@galeanart7209]

It changes depending on the topic , if your feeling low just watch the salsa intro videos(?

[@Simbabweman]

I like both , this one has a really nice chill sound that makes me a bit nostalgic for some reason. Is it original or from something?

[@Painted_Owl]

Personally, I like the change. I'm arting when I "watch" these, so the exciting, loud intro often derails me for a few minutes

[@draw9768]

Thanks for the video and advice

[@DeamonSun]

Didn't know what net profit was until today. Thank you for the video.

[@kameliyaminkova7333]

Awesome video Trent! Do you need a special kind of lawyer to look at art-related contracts?

[@NeonSupernovaUPW]

Always good advice and incredible art.

[@helix238]

I just got out of school and just applying for art schools, and have no idea how to make a contract... And no idea how to spot loopholes, or how a contract gets "official" and can't be manipulated. I know those are probably stupid questions but I never really got it. If anyone could enlighten me I'd be glad.

[@Noxturne09]

Lawyer up my guy. Their whole profession is dedicated to understanding that so you don't have to.

[@tuschan60]

thank you for this, always appreciate your advice

[@heroiam4067]

Could you talk about working for a service studio vs working directly with the develpers’ studio? What are differences in pay and credits in the game etc

[@scriptyshake]

I'm planning to start freelancing during this summer, but for the summer only, since there's no school, etc... I'm 16, and I've never sold my art before, and I might get to make something for an indie game studio, and this video helped me a lot. I'm still kind of confused about some thinga though. Do I need a contract even for this, even if it's just a short 'summer job' where I'm mostly animating pixelart?

[@kiasnow1379]

Wise words. I will have to keep this in mind while i head into my future with the industry :) also commenting for the youtube algorithm.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Much appreciated.

[@ruthlamich6640]

Thanks, that helps me a lot.

[@gbsartworks4963]

Perfect topic...Hi trent just wanted to know your advice..I had a contract with a client of 50 commissioned artworks...sounds good...however..I wasnt aware that it will crucially affect my fulltime job as an architect ..So after my fulltime 9 hours of work..I have to alot an additional of lets say 4 hours a day to create artworks..which results on me sleeping around 2am to 3am in the morning always and affects my family life as well... As of now I currently delivered around 25 artworks or so...Aside from this, i miscalculated the computations per artwork and it turns the 50 artworks is just gonna cost 20 dollars per artwork..I was blinded by the 50 artworks contract since initially i think its gonna be a good amount of portfolio and exposure...do you still think this is still worth to continue? I know im partly at fault since I wasnt able to perceive the cons of it..but do you have any other advice? thanks.

[@TrentKaniuga]

In this situation, you are entirely at fault. Sorry to break the bad news, but you have to fullfill your obligation that you agreed to in the contract. Don't take a contract that you can't fullfill. Take your lumps, do the work, and remember this before you sign another deal like it. Another option is to hire an assistant to help. As long as your contract allows for it, you can do that. Or you can talk to them about it and work out a schedule that doesn't damage your health, and still gets them the quality that they expect. You'll survive this.

[@gbsartworks4963]

@@TrentKaniuga I think having an assistant as you suggested will hastily solve this. Since im already halfway finished on the 50 artworks, i think what you said to just continue and survive it is better rather than ruining my reputation as an artist or simply as a person.Thanks, greatly appreciated it.

[@joshfreeman3264]

Have you ever had to go to court? TY love your art time-lapse and knowledge :)

[@GiannisMihelakakis]

Thanks for those kind of videos. Does all of this information/advice applies to working in-house in a game studio? I dont know if its a stupid question or not . I just dont know how this topic works for in-house jobs 😅

[@TrentKaniuga]

Your employment at a studio IS a contract. And it's usually exclusive (meaning that you can't do outside work for other companies). You have to sign paperwork before your first day so you have to negotiate the terms.

[@GiannisMihelakakis]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you for your answer !! Keep up the amazing work !!

[@deodraws9726]

Did u expect that Trent would reply to That?

[@GiannisMihelakakis]

@@deodraws9726 not really but really happy he did.

[@Dumb-Comment]

Be in the perspective of that dude who called you out to get some free arts from you, then you will see how much it going on inside his mind

[@leapingllamacorn8349]

In another vid you said that some need to go to college for art. But what degree? Studio art? Graphic design? I’m really having trouble. And having an answer on what would be most useful would be great. Thank you!

[@TrentKaniuga]

You have to define what you want. There's no 1 answer. For example, if you want to be a youtube artist, or a comic book artist, you might not need to go to art school. Do your research based on what your end goal is.

[@leapingllamacorn8349]

Thank you! 🥰

[@artbyshea7585]

I like the new intro music Trent 😃

[@deodraws9726]

Hey Trent, (i hope u read this) I have a question. I've been working with a indie game studio for the last 4 months. They have not built any games yet and are currently building a 3rd person pc game. I am their only artist, I design concepts and draw iterations for the concepts and then make a final version image for the 3d modeler and I'm going to make illustrations after all the concepts have been made for them . I get paid nearly 300$ a month. Due to the pandemic I haven't met these people , only talked on the phone . I haven't singed a contract. What should i do? And How should I approach this guy about this topic of what rights i have? And after the game is released Should they pay me something extra, by extra I mean more than my usual 300$ monthly salary ? ( This is my first real job. I am still an 18 year old student. I'm scared to ask questions cuz i don't wanna loose my job )

[@TrentKaniuga]

The fact that you don't have a deal, and you don't know what to expect tells me that you will get nothing and should expect nothing. You should immediately email them and tell them that you'd like to halt all work until the agreement is in a signed contract, or at least define the terms of all of these questions that you have BEFORE you do ANY more work. Unless if you're okay with getting nothing. Then just keep doing what you're doing.

[@moustachecat5430]

What the... People work for this kind of money? Out of interest I checked out your artstation and man, it's good. Like not best I've ever seen kind of good YET but it's pretty damn good! I'm kind of shocked. How many hours weekly do you spend on it if you don't mind me asking?

[@deodraws9726]

@@moustachecat5430 can I have ur artstation? We could chat there

[@deodraws9726]

@@TrentKaniuga thanks for replying... I'll try doing what you said

[@deodraws9726]

@@moustachecat5430 hey ..... Just wanted to check if u r fine. I just reworked the tribal mage concept and made a new concept... I think you will like it this time.. can u critique it for me? I sent u this msg here cuz I think my discord isn't working correctly

[@jaylondonio1249]

Hi there man, in the contract should there be signatory person in behalf of the company? coz in the gig that I declined previously there's only the company and no person name indicated in the contract, I think the deal is smelly upon reading the terms that's why I turn down, I'm new to freelancing as an artist, it would be great if you could unlighted me in this one, I ask this question in your first live stream but questions are flooding and runs out of time, haha Thanks.

[@MRAKASAMA016]

You can make game with this cool grapfic

[@prisonerofearth]

What sort of lawyer should someone get? Someone specializing in... comic book... law?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Entertainment law, or corporate contracts.

[@thattakashi]

Just wondering, how can I keep my art from going/feeling stale?

[@JT-ks4lp]

I remember you using less than 40 layers, what happened? Im counting 130-ish layers?

[@brucenunn3268]

Great Advice.! When is the Volume to Available on Amazon.!?!? 🤷‍♂️🤔

[@TrentKaniuga]

I'm putting all of my love into every page, so it's going to take a few more months.

[@brucenunn3268]

@@TrentKaniuga Can’t wait..!! Thanks for the reply Trent. 👊😎

[@Painted_Owl]

Ik it's in right for fair use, but honestly, I've synonymized the BGM with Jobby The Hong. It was actually a little distracting hearing a "swivel here" and "elbow can extend this far" in my head every other minute 🤣

[@Dumb-Comment]

Makes you wonder why none of this is taught at school

[@TrentKaniuga]

The world is run on bad ideas.

[@victorjozek5384]

Schools giving basic lessons about politic and business management would help artists so much. But I guess plants use photosynthesis to produce oxygen out of CO2.

[@AM-ko4pi]

Good advice here. This goes for all freelance work. Make it legal, every time.

[@jeduardolopezo]

Is it common to have exclusive rights to the artwork on AAA games, even if they bring you as a contractor (or freelance) vs Indie or mid-size studios? Would the developers have any trouble selling the franchise or company and those "attached rights" to the game, thus requiring a license from you (In case of a non-exclusive license)? Thanks! :)

[@TrentKaniuga]

lol. Sorry, but no. When you work for a studio, they own EVERYTHING that you do. Sometimes they even own what you do when you go home. As a contractor, you can negotiate with small studios if you're a big enough name. But AAA game studios would laugh at the notion of paying a contractor royalties.

[@jeduardolopezo]

@@TrentKaniuga They even own my coffee maker... the crumbs from my waffles!? 😱😭 Gotcha! Thanks, Trent! ✌

[@rougheredge6705]

@@TrentKaniuga When you say that a game studio can own what you do "when you go home" or "everything you do in the future" what does that mean in real, practical terms? Like, does that mean if you go home and create your own entirely new IP from scratch they automatically own it because you worked for them, or does it just mean anything remotely related to their project?

[@Mgr1st]

Seems like audio is louder on right? Can you use mono audio on your mic? 😅

[@zacharycieszinski5465]

Where do you go to start learning more about the business side of art?

[@AngelTovar]

Hey Trent, What kind of lawyer should I look after? A contract lawyer?

[@user-by4ru5pr1g]

awesome video, I will prob hit you up on discord to get a referral on that law office xD still in school tho keep it up !

[@undeadlegion6678]

Respect for you u taught me alot👌

[@pijjj5742]

LET'S GOOO

[@zsquigly3791]

Does this only apply to freelance jobs or does this apply to everything?

[@TrentKaniuga]

It becomes more important as your career develops. But its good to get started with legally binding agreements on every job that you do. I would even have a contract for commissions.

[@DavydWood]

When it comes to freelance pricing, I wonder how you know if you are charging too much or not charging enough? Should a freelancer be open to negotiation? I guess eventually a balance is found.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Its all based on supply and demand. Never do work for less than you're comfortable selling it for. Also... if you're overbooked, raise your prices. I did a video about commissions last year that covers this topic.

[@Artofizanagi]

Companies are not sentient so they have no problem taking your art for cheap or at no cost.

[@TrentKaniuga]

It is a business. Yes. But they only get away with what you as an individual agree to.

[@skatedanMonster]

What if i'm from another country and i have a job offer from USA?, how the contract is valid if i'm not in USA?

[@TrentKaniuga]

The contract defines the nation of jurisdiction. Many times, this is why big studios do not outsource overseas.

[@skatedanMonster]

@@TrentKaniuga So, basically if i got a contract as freelancer to work remotely, i just have to pray that nothing wrong happens and the people who hire me just drop me without saying anything?

[@chickendrawsdogs3343]

Well... ...better call Saul then.

[@luiscc2884]

Nice 👌

[@FMVega]

I'm a student, an I was considering working on Fiverr... Not so much for money as I hear It's pretty Low pay, and lot's of competition... Neither of these particularly bothers me. As I'm a student... My concern is really, Is this a good way to rack up experience in idk Logo Design, animation + editing, and just all kinds of art projects I hear are on there...? But I also heard the people on there a lot are considered hacks, what are everyone's thoughts on this? are there legit people on there...? Am I going the wrong way? But I would also like to hear from Trent... I need the experience, but I wanna also be productive so no freebees you know....? Or should I be taking freebees? idk...

[@TrentKaniuga]

There are more respectable ways for an artist to make money than working on fivver in my opinion. Make something good, and learn to market it.

[@poonamshinde9597]

I have made money on fiverr as a freelancer and it really depends on the client and your negotiation skills but it's not bad website overall just that they take a lot of cut from your money.. Like for 15 $ work you'd get almost 8-10 $ to yourself if i remember correctly.

[@lintangwijaya8400]

I read contrast,,

[@mikenelson1624]

👍

[@keever8305]

uwu

[@kodetumbuh]

Wow your Carrer older than my age i only 19 year old boy

[@PsychMandril]

Cancel culture is bad for everybody? Watch Jaystation videos. If that doesn't change your mind, I don't know what will.😂

[@TrentKaniuga]

I don't know of Jaystation or the details of his case. But cancel culture is a call for "mob justice". Mob justice seldom looks at the evidence involved, and more often only creates more injustice.

[@PsychMandril]

@@TrentKaniuga he kinda lied to his audience that his girlfriend died and told them to like the video.... among other stuff.