The Graphic Artists Guild and Theispot-Showcase Reach Agreement on Licensing Venture

December 17, 2001 | New York, NY

The Graphic Artists Guild (Guild) and Theispot-Showcase have reached an agreement in principle to work together in operating a licensing agency for the direct benefit of illustrators. The final details of the agreement will be worked out over the next 60 days. Under the terms of the agreement, the current Theispot-Showcase stock sub-site website will be re-branded with the Guild's name. Under the agreement, the existing Theispot-Showcase stock site will gradually transition to a revolutionary, illustrator-friendly e-commerce licensing agency.

The majority of the profits from the new agency structure will go to the Guild and be distributed to the participating illustrators. The remainder of the profits will be used to support pro-illustration activities by the organization. Participation in the licensing agency will be open to all illustrators, regardless of professional affiliation, providing their work meets the standards of the agency.

This alliance follows the Guild’s intense review of all industry licensing options currently available. Spurred by a true need for a viable stock illustration solution, as expressed by artists at the June, 2001 Illustration Conference, the Guild has concluded that working with Theispot-Showcase would best serve the interests of the illustration community. By moving forward with a site that will balance the immediate needs of buyers with the protection of artists’ intellectual property, while at the same time pouring profits back into the industry, this new venture will hopefully be a first step in the reinvention of the business of illustration.

The Theispot-Showcase has long been acknowledged as the premier illustration Internet site. Their five-plus years of experience, with well-established professional traffic and superior technical capability will ensure a swift and successful transition to the new e-commerce structure. According to the Guild’s National President, Lloyd Dangle, "The Guild heard the cry from the Illustration Community for help to sort out the competing options for illustrators to license their images. Illustrators will benefit most from a stock program that is already a well-known destination for buyers with an existing technical infrastructure, that deals honestly with working artists, and has illustration as its main focus. The Guild is proud of the exhaustive review that has led to Theispot-Showcase and we look forward to a very productive relationship that will have great benefits for us all."

The Guild, UAW Local 3030, is a national union that embraces creators at all levels of skill and expertise who create graphic art intended for presentation as originals or reproduction. For over 30 years, the Graphic Artists Guild has been a major force in gaining and maintaining the rights of creative professionals. With thousands of members in the United States and abroad, the Guild works on the behalf of more illustrators than any other advocacy organization. By working towards a solution that will benefit artists not only through sales, but also through profits and action within the organization, the Guild continues its groundbreaking work for illustrators everywhere.

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