A poke in the i

You may have seen the above in this week’s edition of Private Eye, in the Street of Shame column, which focuses on the misdeeds of British newspapers. When “Cartoonist Idol” was launched, there was much discussion behind the scenes at the Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation (Shurely shome correction – Ed) on our members’ forum. There was […]

With big ideas, always read the small print

In the digital age it is possible for cartoonists to easily publish their work in ways that the expense of print made hard to achieve. However, many recent ease-of-use digital tools also come with legal caveats that affect the copyright, licensing and format rights attached to an individual piece of work. Apple has just launched […]

What copyright means for cartoonists

Many people buying cartoons do not know how copyright law works, and in the digital age, more that ever, it is important for cartoonists to let clients know where they stand. Copyright can seem complex but it is actually fairly straightforward. When selling a cartoon for publication, copyright law means that as long as you have signed no agreement […]

Drawing out your copyright

The Bloghorn is always interested in drawing that makes the presentation of knowledge more fun. Our friends at The Comics Grid hit both of these nails when they asked Emily Goodhand, copyright and compliance officer at the University of Reading, to review a graphic novel on a subject that can make grown cartoonists scream. Emily told […]

Creative Christmas

This features the genius of Bill Watterson’s much-loved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. It also highlights the good and bad nature of digital distribution of imagery, because strictly, this is a copyright violation. What do you think about it? Please tell us in the comments below. Spotted by Royston Robertson.

Popeye is out of copyright…

…in Europe at least. The copyright on the spinach-munching sailor passed into the public domain under European copyright law as of the 1st January. 2009 marks 70 years since the death of Popeye‘s creator, cartoonist Elzie Segar, although his creation is still covered in the US until 2024 by their longer 95 year rule. According […]

Problems in drawing – image copyright and theft

One of the problems in being able to express yourself through drawing is having your work “borrowed” or “passed off” as the product of someone else.This is an occupational hazard if you draw to make your living, but it is irritating. Actually this is theft because traditionally, full-time, commercial artists and cartoonists sell the rights […]