Buyer Beware

In "The Artist Magazine" this month are the winners for the 2014 annual art competition. The winning images are wonderful to behold and inspire artists.

At the back of the magazine is the entry form for 2015 competition.   It reads in part "I've read and understand the rules of the competition, and agree to allow The Artist's Magazine to publish, republish, and repurpose my artwork in both print and digital formats, including but not limited to magazines, promotional materials, websites, databases and as part of downloadable digital products."

This means the artist gives all of the above rights to their submission to the magazine forever. Mugs can be made, art can be put together for other purposes and websites designed etc. All the art submitted by  the artist whether it wins the contest or not can be used.

For the artist to have the privilege of  giving away these rights, the entry fee is $25.00 per image and $15.00 for students.

I think it is time for artists to say "WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?"  Will I make money from this? Are you going to pay me for using my image?

Maybe we should stop entering contests and shows where there are outrageous fees and thousands of entries, and little possibility of remuneration.
Stop supporting art magazines who do this type thing.

The old saying Buyer Beware also means Artist Beware.