DIY legal research has a hidden cost; too many creative entrepreneurs have been duped into paying that cost.
Picture this: A talented artist is ready to launch their business. They spend hours sifting through Google, ChatGPT chats, forums, and social media, hoping to find the answer to a legal question. After hours of searching, they feel no closer to a solution. Frustration sets in as they realize the time they’ve wasted—time they could have spent creating or growing their business.
They got off track with confusing rabbit holes, leaving them more anxious than informed.
Here are 3 steps any creative can take to stop wasting time trying to figure out legal issues on their own:
Start with Reliable Legal Resources
A new breed of law firms focuses specifically on creatives, offering reliable, accessible resources.
These tools are often free and provide concise, accurate information about complex legal topics.
For example, we offer the Creative Business Legal Roadmap, a streamlined guide that walks entrepreneurs through the foundational legal steps, from setting up a business entity to registering trademarks.
These resources cut through the noise of endless online searches.
Why reliable resources matter:
- Accuracy: Random Google searches can yield conflicting or outdated information. A trusted source ensures you get accurate and relevant advice to your situation.
- Time savings: Instead of wading through irrelevant information, you get straight to the point.
- Tailored content: Creative-specific resources address unique challenges like intellectual property protection and successfully offering creative services.
Example: A photographer once spent days figuring out how to protect her portfolio best. Then, she stumbled upon a blog post from a law firm geared toward creatives, which explained copyright registration in simple terms. In less than 10 minutes, she knew what she needed to do to protect her work—no legal jargon, no stress.
Focus on High-Impact Legal Steps
When you’re overwhelmed with legal to-dos, it’s easy to think you must handle everything simultaneously.
But the truth is, not all legal tasks are urgent.
Certain actions provide immediate value and protection. By focusing on these high-impact steps first, you can avoid spreading yourself too thin.
What are the high-impact legal steps?
- Copyright registration: Protect your creative work from unauthorized use.
- Trademark registration: Safeguard your brand and ensure it’s uniquely yours.
- Business setup: Establish a business entity (like an LLC) to separate personal and professional assets.
- Contracts: Use clear, enforceable agreements to protect your rights and set boundaries.
Why this approach works:
- Clarity: You know exactly what to prioritize, reducing decision fatigue.
- Legal protection: Focusing on the essentials protects your work and business.
- Value: Growing your business means focusing on what creates value. High-impact legal steps create tangible business value.
Example: A graphic designer launching her freelance business believed she needed to master every legal nuance before starting. After consulting a lawyer, she realized she only needed to register her trademark and create a basic client contract. Within weeks, she had a fully operational—and legally sound—business without feeling overwhelmed.
Pro tip: Don’t immediately worry about the “nice-to-have” legal tasks. You don’t need to tackle everything all at once.
Have a Lawyer in Your Pocket
Gone are the days when you needed thousands of dollars to access legal advice.
Subscription-based services like the Creators’ Legal Program make legal help affordable and accessible.
This program allows creatives to have “a lawyer in their pocket,” providing unlimited access to expert advice without the stress of hourly billing. Whether you need help with a specific contract or have a quick question about intellectual property, these services are designed to save you time and energy.
Why it’s a game-changer:
- Instant clarity: A five-minute call with a lawyer can save hours of research.
- Expert advice: Get reliable, tailored solutions instead of second-guessing online information.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you have support reduces the anxiety of facing legal challenges alone.
Example: A filmmaker was overwhelmed by a contract for a project with a new production company. Instead of trying to interpret the jargon herself, she used her legal subscription to speak with an attorney. Within a single call, she had the contract clarified, learned to negotiate terms confidently, and sealed the deal—without the stress of DIY.
How to get started:
- Explore subscription-based legal programs tailored to creatives.
- Use these services to answer recurring questions or handle more complex issues.
- Invest in expert advice upfront to avoid costly mistakes later.
Take the Next Step
Now you know what to do:
- Start with a trusted resource: Explore free legal tools tailored to creatives.
- Focus on high-impact steps: Prioritize tasks like copyright and trademark registration.
- Connect with experts: Use subscription services to access affordable legal advice.
Think about the opportunities you could pursue if you didn’t have to spend so much time on the legal side.
Visit our website for more details and resources, including our in-depth guide that takes these steps further.
The sooner you simplify your legal strategy, the more time you’ll have to focus on your creative work—and that’s what truly matters.
