Nothing beats a creative career. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, or musician, pursuing a career in any creative field can feel amazing. You get to spend your days making things you love. And, you get paid for it. What could be better?
Of course, with a career as good as this, there’s sure to be competition. Any job you go for, you’ll be up against others who may well have more experience. It’s a dog eat dog world, and it can seem impossible to break into.
While many creatives choose to work freelance, those struggling to break into their field may opt to work under someone. A photographer might decide to work for one magazine, for example. A writer may choose a journalism gig. These are sure ways to make a dent into the hard creative career veneer.
But, they’re not without their downfalls. On an obvious level, you’ll have to put your projects to the side. Plus, you’ll put the power in someone else’s hands, which can be dangerous when it comes to creative pursuits. In some cases, you may not receive the credit deserved, or your work may be used in a way you aren’t happy with.
For the most part, this shouldn’t be an issue. But, it’s important to note that there are some bad apples. Make sure, from the off, to read your contract carefully before signing. Otherwise, you could sign away the rights to what you produce. But, if that’s not the case and you’re still not credited, consider the following steps.
Address the issue
The first thing you need to do is address the issue. This shouldn’t be a hostile or accusatory conversation. The lack of credit could be a mistake. Your boss is human, too. If this is the case, they can rectify it, and you can move on. But, if they shrug their shoulders when you mention the problem, you may need to take things further.
Check your contract
Even if you’re sure of what your contract says, now is the time to double check. If you take this further and turn out to be in the wrong, you’ll drag your creative name through the mud. Make sure your contract clearly states that you should be credited for all work. Take this straight to your boss.
Seek legal advice
No one wants to go down a legal route, but if your boss won’t budge after you provide proof, it’s past time to seek employee legal advice. Not only are they breaking your contract, but they’re also breaching copyright law.
Too often, creatives let this kind of thing slide. But, remember that you’re doing this so you can make a name for yourself. That’s not going to happen if you’re not credited. Seeking advice doesn’t mean you have to go to court. Letting your boss know what’s going on should be enough to change their attitude. If not, it’s worth taking this all the way. You work hard, and you deserve that credit.
