Online freelance art commissions?

[JaneD]

State of California.

I've noticed that on online art communities, artists of all ages do freelance art commissions. For example, they charge $15 for a drawing or illustration and accept the money via PayPal, VISA, etc. This drawing/illustration may be the person’s original character, or somebody else’s character (from a book, manga, cartoon, etc).

I was wondering if this was legal?

Also, do you require some sort of sales license to sell things you’ve made online? In my quite unrewarding search for answers, I’ve read somewhere that you only require a sales license if you make (or plan to make) at least $10,000 annually.

It’s silly, but I have to ask because I’m aware that you can legally sell things online through websites such as etsy.com, craigslist, and eBay. So what’s the difference between selling your stuff on websites like that and selling your stuff on your own web-domain?

Thank you very much for taking your time.

- Jane

PS: Also, would it be legal to print my original design on T-shirts (made at some local printing store) and sell them online? Or do I need some permission from someone? Poor little college kid wants to keep things legal here

Thank you!

[ariastar]

Don't sell paintings and such of licensed characters and you're fine. You can print your original designs on shirts, garbage bags, or condoms, and sell them.

[JaneD]

That's what I thought. Just wanted to make sure.

But if someone can clarify part 2 of my question:

Also, do you require some sort of sales license to sell things you’ve made online? In my quite unrewarding search for answers, I’ve read somewhere that you only require a sales license if you make (or plan to make) at least $10,000 annually.

It’s silly, but I have to ask because I’m aware that you can legally sell things online through websites such as etsy.com, craigslist, and eBay. So what’s the difference between selling your stuff on websites like that and selling your stuff on your own web-domain?

Thank you very much for taking your time.

- Jane

PS: Also, would it be legal to print my original design on T-shirts (made at some local printing store) and sell them online? Or do I need some permission from someone? Poor little college kid wants to keep things legal here

That would be great. Thank you!

[AnotherMoron]

Originally Posted by JaneD

That's what I thought. Just wanted to make sure.

But if someone can clarify part 2 of my question:


That would be great. Thank you!

Was that the 'difference between selling on a site like etsy.com and selling on your own domain' question? Because the only difference is that when you sell on your own domain you're responsible for upkeep, payment processing, design, etc, other than that there is no difference.

And yes, if you're going to be in business whether online or not, you need a business license and don't forget you have to collect state sales tax (and later send it to the state) any time you make a sale in your state.

I've been an artist for many years and have sold online for quite sometime. If you're planning on selling a lot etsy and other such sites will nickle and dime you half to death. I finally moved to my own url and sell there exclusively now. Much cheaper.