Protect your creativity
EPISODE SUMMARY
Why do you create?
You create because you have to. Additionally, you have a story that needs to be told, an idea that needs to be shared, or a vision that needs to be brought to reality. And when you’re creating, you feel alive—you feel like yourself. That’s why it’s so important to protect your creativity, your work, and yourself.
In this episode, Mica interviews Alyce Zawacki, a lawyer who caters to creatives. First, we talk about intellectual property rights (IPR), contracts, copyright law, and much more.
Alyce explains how important it is for creatives to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to their work—and how contracts can be intimidating and overwhelming. Furthermore, she helps artists protect their work and themselves from exploitation by sharing some facts about intellectual property and contracts and how these things can help you make sure you’re getting paid for your work. Protecting your creativity is the most important thing.
About Alyce
Alyce is a supporter and protector of creatives, helping them monetize their work and manage project risks. Additionally, Alyce believes all creatives should have legal education and representation.
First, Alyce fell in love with the arts as a child, participating in theater, film production, journalism, and photography. Her drum-playing father, a DJ, constantly surrounded her with music.
Alyce has degrees in Media and Law from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and Texas Tech University School of Law. She opened her practice, Alyce Zawacki Law, PLLC, in Austin, Texas in 2018 to combine her legal experience and passion for the arts.
Undoubtededly, Alyce enjoys exploring Austin’s art scene with her husband, discovering new artists, and finding the city’s best coffee shops. Alyce volunteers for local music and legal organizations, including Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, the Texas Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section, and Austin Classical Guitar. Alyce teaches Legal Aspects of the Entertainment Industry at Austin Community College.
Episode Breakdown
- How dabbling in all different forms of art helped her as a creative lawyer.
- One thing Alyce wishes every creative knew about what lawyers do.
- The most common question Alyce’s clients ask.
- What makes for a good contract
- What photographers risk by not having a contract in place.
- Understanding the force majeure clause
- Protecting your intellectual property
