Learn about contracts, copyright, tech, taxes + more with art attorney Sarah Conley Odenkirk of ArtConverge. Sessions can be pursued in-person (in Champaign, Illinois) or online, and can be taken individually or as a series.
The initial topics are:
- Contracts (March 5): In this practical, artist-centered seminar, you will learn the essential building blocks of contracts for artists, designers, and creative content creators. In this session, we’ll cover how to spot red flags, negotiate key terms, and protect your work while still saying “yes” to opportunities. Topics include scopes of work, getting paid, timelines and approvals, managing intellectual property, termination, and what to do when a contract is not working. You will leave with a clear checklist of topics to consider before signing, and language to request when terms need to change.
- Intellectual Property (April 2): This session introduces artists and creative professionals to the core principles of intellectual property law as they apply to visual art, design, writing, photography, film, and digital media. We will cover the basics of copyright, including: what is protected, when rights arise, and what ownership really means. Participants will learn how licensing works in practice, from limited-use licenses to broader commercial arrangements, and how licensing choices affect income, control, and future opportunities. Examples will emphasize practical, real-world scenarios artists routinely face, and help attendees understand how to protect their work while still engaging in collaboration, exhibition, and distribution.
- Emerging Technology (April 30): This session provides artists and creative professionals with a clear, accessible introduction to the technologies most significantly shaping contemporary creative practice. Topics may include artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital fabrication, blockchain and NFTs, immersive and spatial media, and new platform economies. Rather than focusing on hype, this session emphasizes practical implications: how these tools can expand creative possibilities, how they affect authorship and ownership, and the legal, ethical, and environmental considerations artists should understand before adopting them. Attendees will gain a framework for critically and strategically evaluating new technologies, aligning innovation with artistic intent and long-term sustainability.
- Taxes and Financial Planning (May 7): This introductory, plain-language seminar breaks down the fundamentals of U.S. tax obligations for artists, designers, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Topics include self-employment taxes, estimated quarterly payments, deductions, and write-offs specific to creative practices; studio and home-office considerations; income from grants, commissions, sales, and licensing; and how to approach taxes when income is irregular. The session will also address common misconceptions, record-keeping best practices, and when to seek professional help. The goal is not to turn creatives into accountants, but to provide clarity, confidence, and practical tools to avoid costly surprises and support long-term financial sustainability.
IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION is only $49 per session or $155 for a series pass (that’s a 20% savings!). In-person participants can join at 44 E. Main Street in downtown Champaign, IL. You will receive printed materials to take with you, including helpful checklists and tips. Before each session, there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to network with other participants. Space for in-person participation is extremely limited, so don’t wait to sign up!
ONLINE PARTICIPATION is only $39 per session or $132 for a series pass (that’s a 15% savings!). Online participation will be held via Zoom, and written materials will be emailed to you as PDFs. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in post-presentation discussions.
Use EARLY10 to receive an additional 10% discount if you register before January 17th. When purchasing your tickets, if you want to buy a Series Pass, select the date for the first Session, then scroll down to choose either the In-person Series Pass or Online Series Pass option. You will receive an email detailing all the included Sessions.