It is highly advisable to get a contract for every piece of work you do, and further contracts when you sell, give away or have exhibitions of your work.

In its most basic form, a contract (or simpler 'letter of agreement') makes it clear what each party in a deal should do. An exhibition contract, for example, would lay out who was responsible for the transport, insurance and hanging of the work, who organises the private view, where the invigilators come from and so on. It may also cover things like what happens if there is a sale, how much commission the gallery will take, and whether or not you will be informed of who buys your work. Without a contract, you leave yourself open to serious problems.

Sample contracts are available in this section on the menu on the left.  You can also check the a-n website for contracts information and samples if you are a subscriber.