Overview: The following contract from P.S. Greetings was forwarded to us by an artist who had some objections to specific provisions in the contracts. The artist decided that instead of simply rejecting the contracts, he would change or delete certain contract provisions, and then sign the modified contract. The company accepted the changes made by the artist.

There's a moral to this story: YOU CAN NEGOTIATE! Contract workers sometimes feel they face a black-and-white choice when deciding whether to accept or reject a contract. Not true--you can always attempt to negotiate with the client, and rewrite or delete unfair provisions so that your interests are protected.

This is an example of successful contract negotiation.

Contract Highlights:

=> NON-INTENDED USE OF ARTWORK

Original statement: P.S. received "exclusive world-wide rights for greeting cards (and/or related items)..."

Artist's change: the phrase "and/or related items" was deleted.

NOTE that the artwork is being created by artist for use in greeting cards. If the client wants to use the artwork on a calendar, or coffee mug, or T-shirt, the artist deserves some additional money.

=> RIGHTS GRANTED

Original statement: P.S. receives "...all copyrights, trademark rights or other intellectual property rights."

Artist's change: The artist deleted this phrase.

NOTE that this is a good example of what one member of the Contract Watch Committee calls "a typical grab for all rights" that artists should watch out for.