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i am creating this character - http://umphytheumgum.com/
and have some WIP pics tagged here on flickr too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raggyrat/tags/umphy/
i am required to make 2 copies for book signing promo
and the folks may want to make umpny in numbers, later
has anyone advice on fees, legal etc for patterns if they want them later?
i am making them the 2 'bears' and they have paid me for this
they said patterns to be discussed later ...
i will keep them safe in my care until that time, of course !
cat xxxx
The Littlest ThistleNo idea on the legalities, but congrats!
thank you katy xxxx
Melbourne, AustraliaOh how wonderful Kat. Bet you have fun with those web feet! 
If I were you, I would be seeking professional advice.
finished umphy the umgum!
well - two of him !!!
cat xxx
THere are so many questions, here. How much of the characters are your design or did you create them straight from the book illustrations? Generally, if you are creating soft sculpture from an illustration the copyright is with the illustrator. Usually the cost of the pieces and patterns are negotiated up front. You may be able to negotiate a special deal but with most companies they buy the prototypes and pattern and that's the end of it for you. That's why it's best to have an agreement at the start of a project such as this.
Karen
KJ Lyons Design
karen, thanks for your input, i was asking for pointers for the next stage. i made these umgums from a book, and so yes, their copyright. i charged them one price for the first ones pattern making and creation, and then a lower price for the second (and any more that they then want)
we drew up our work then they changed the size so i asked for another drawing fee, and they paid it!
so i think i have been looking after myself so far !
my questions was about the next stage - if they come back to me and renegociate for buying the pattern.
ah
its so complicated making things for other people
but i find it very satisfying and love the challenge ....
cat xxxx
THis is when it gets tricky and why you should negotiate all this at the beginning. They could just take the prototypes, send them to Asia, and let them create the pattern from your pieces. Hopefully they are honorable and will include you in this process.
Karen
Little Bear GuyI was thinking the same thing Karen, I mean once they have the finished product they already have the pattern. I agree that should have been negotiated up front. Hopefully they are honourable people. If they are going to mass produce these, then it's a tough call. I mean it is your pattern although it's their idea I would want a fair price for the pattern.
Good luck
well, in an email they said just the soft toys, one for keeping at home, one for taking to book signings ...
they paid a good price for a handmade version from the uk, instead of 100 asian dolls/bears whcih they looked into ....
i really hope they are honorable
and i thank you for listening to me, its just a tiny worry ...
its amother son team and the son just came out of hosptital last night after giving him mum a kidney - she may get out on thursday and hasnt yet seen the finished umgums !
hugs
cat xxx
