Question??

[koymonkey]

Does any one mind if I ask a stupid question or two real quick?

Would I have to obtain a local business licinese if I were to work in freelance?

You see, for a few months now I have been reading books on starting up a home based business so I can sell my polymer clay works, but, what I really want to do is illustration. I've been making clay works because it generates quick money. So now I'm getting my information mixed up. Because I was thinking of sending a portfolio of some clay ornaments that I make as well as some illustrations (seperately) to some local business'. I know I can negotiate rights for illustrations, but what about 3-D objects?

I apologize if i sound totally clueless, honestly though, I really am.

[coolray]

Hi.

I was not clear on what you have done as far as having a business. If you have a retail store in the town where you live, then you will need a city license. Also there would be a county license required. On top of that, you need to secure a tax number for your state. That would assure that you would not pay taxes on your supplies, until tax time. At least that is the way it is here. More than likely, if you are working out of your home and selling nation wide, you would need a tax number, and a county business license. But check with your local courthouse to see what they may require.

I hope that helps.

Terry

[koymonkey]

thanks coolray.
in my state, if you are a sole-proprietorship, you only need to file for a general excise tax. i haven't really started a business, or filed for anything yet, but i have been selling some clay pieces from home while i read more on how to start a business(is that wrong?).

so, if i keep selling from my home and then want to do some freelance illustrating as well, would i have to file different taxes?

[coolray]

When choosing to sell your work, you can file taxes as doing crafts, and the accountant will know how to handle your part. I am sure there is a form that you can obtain that needs to be sent in to show that you are selling crafts. At the moment I am not sure what it is.

Terry

[sancyr]

Both my husband and I have been working as artists out of our home since we graduated college... oh, about 4 years ago. All we do, and what it sounds like all you need to do, is file a Schedule C. All it does is asks you for your income and all your expenses. A business license is not required.

After a somewhat befuddling lecture regarding taxes in school, the two of us decided to head down the the nearest Tax Preparer in our case H&L block, asked some general free questions and got our answers. I highly suggest you do this, that way you can describe some of your own personal situations and get for real answers.

Not as confusing as you might think.

Sara

[sancyr]

Originally posted by koymonkey
I know I can negotiate rights for illustrations, but what about 3-D objects?

Sorry, I forgot to address this last question.

If you know how to negiotiate rights for illustration, you're already there. There is plenty of what called 3-D illustration in the market and they are treated just like traditional illustration, just in a different medium.

Lemme know if I missed the mark on your question.

Sara

[koymonkey]

i'm just confused because in know that 2-D work can be printed and reprinted. i was just wondering how 3-D work would me massed produced, especially if it is a one of a kind work.

[sancyr]

I would think that if a 3D work could be photographed, it could be mass produced as book covers, posters, billboards, etc.. In illustration, I would think that a 2D version of your work would be more desirable than the actual 3D sculpture.

As far as the sculpture itself, yes, it can be cast and reproduced. Think of Michaelango's David and all those little glow in the dark versions you can get at mall stores.

If forgery is your concern, I think the risk of forgery of a 3D work is the same for 2D work too although albeit, more difficult and involved. There have been forgeries of great master work paintings, sculpture, furniture, money, you name it. I would assume that the legal repercussions for these criminals are the same for 2D work as for 3D work. Beyond this very broad answer, I would suggest you consult a lawyer or get the moderator of this board to move this thread to the Legal Board. wink wink.

Cheers!

Sara

[IllustrationsByJohn]

That's a VERY food question about a locla bizz license. I have heard of both pro's and con's with this. You may wanna ask this question over The Ispot Art Talk forums http://www.theispot.com (a place for pro illustrators) and see what kind of responses they give you there as well.

[Alan Cross]

Myself I got my licence as I teach and also to buy my framing stuff wholesale ....
Alan