As a child I was always creating things. My supportive parents signed me up for classes at our local art gallery. I remember having visions of glue and glitter in my head as I walked with my mother to the art classroom. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the metalsmithing studio. I caught a glimpse of the torch, the anvils, the saws, and the metal. I knew I had to join this class.

The gallery’s rule was that a student must be at least twelve years old to take a metalsmithing class. And so I waited. I completed classes in ceramics, painting, and drawing, but on breaks, after a visit to the vending machine, I would find myself wondering over to the jewelry studio window wishing that I were older. The moment I turned twelve, I was signed up for my first metals class.

Although I loved jewelry making from the very beginning, I knew that this was not my career path. My passion for art led a curiosity of the legalities of creating art and, to be honest, a slight paranoia concerning my own intellectual property rights. I was intrigued by all things which combined law, art, and helping artistic and entrepreneurial people. To address these interests I decided I would become an attorney. However, my art was too important to me to lay dormant while I completed my legal education. I chose Skidmore College for my undergraduate degree because I could take metalsmithing classes without majoring in studio arts. I chose Syracuse University College of Law for a similar reason.

I believe life presents two types of opportunities: opportunities that are earned, and opportunities that are created. My final year of law school I created an opportunity to combine my passion for art and my passion for law. I wrote a book on intellectual property rights of jewelers as an independent study with my favorite professor. I submitted the book to two publishers; one publisher actually loved my concept.

After I graduated law school and my brain thawed from the dreaded Bar Examination, I entered into negotiations with the publisher. In my eyes, the publisher wanted too much control over my book. And then I had an epiphany: I did not need a publisher to publish a book and help artists.

The book I wrote in law school has transformed into my current book “Copyright for Artists.” This book contains information on U.S. intellectual property protection options and step-by-step U.S. copyright registration instructions. The book is specifically tailored to visual artists—written in plain English—and it contains many examples, frequently asked questions, charts, and links to forms. Much of the book is influenced by Etsy forum threads. I will sell my book in PDF form on Etsy as soon as it is complete.

I also write articles and speak on the topic of intellectual property rights of artists. My most recent article is in August’s Bead&Button Magazine. Click here to read the article.

The purpose of my Storque column is to address intellectual property issues. If there is a topic you want me to address, submit the idea through the Storque. Please understand that I cannot provide legal advice concerning a specific situation. If you need specific advice, consult a licensed attorney in your area. However, I can provide general legal information concerning an issues.

I’m very excited to have this opportunity to combine my passions for law and art and to help the amazing artistic and entrepreneurial community of Etsy.

This information is for educational and informational purposes only. The content should not be construed as legal advice. The author and Etsy, Inc. disclaim all responsibility for any and all losses, damages, or causes of action that may arise or be connected with the use of these materials. Please consult a licensed attorney in your area with specific legal questions or concerns.