I am working Tina's lesson plan now that involves using trademarked
characters - one that also teaches about trademark/copyright law.....
as well as freedom of expression. I have written to two major
companies asking for their permission to include the student sample
from their character..... and am waiting for a reply. I did hear back
from one of them that they would review the idea and get back to me
several weeks from now.
One company she already knew was totally off limits and she didn't use
any characters from that corporation.
It got me wondering.... Gosh, I grew up learning to draw these
characters, I had step -by -step books for all "D" characters.
Out of curiosity, I did a google search, and sure enough those books
are still available - showing kiddies step by step how to copy:
http://www.dickblick.com/zz716/24/
I wonder what the statement is inside these books? In home private use?
It will be interesting to hear what response I get when asked it I can
put one student sample drawing on the lesson plan.
She did send me examples that were not trademarked characters that I can use.
Believe me - you don't need to ask permission when you come up with a
valuable lesson idea. You don't have three weeks to wait for an
answer.
Just don't publish the work on the web. I did read that the big
companies were sending out "nasty" letters to fan sites with trademark
characters. Will they look the other way if they see it on an
education site? They may not understand your objectives.
Anyways... it is a cute lesson from Tina:
LIVING ON THE EDGE: "Illegal" Art
Rationale:
Kids LOVE drawing their favorite cartoon characters - This lesson
highly motivates children. But, they also need to know the real issues
facing artists who wish to promote their work. "Freedom of Expression"
allows them to create the work of art. Even licensing agreement forms
request to see an example for review - thus authorizing the creation
of the work.
Instruction:
The teacher leads the class in a brief discussion of copyright and
trademark law. Terms such as appropriation and derived art are
presented. Consequences are presented (what happens in the Real World
when and artist infringes on copyright/trademark?"
Students view "Illegal Art" web site online as well.
Through a web quest - they are directed to some real cases as well as
resources for learning more....such as Name Brand Bullies.
Once they review the resources, they decide their freedom of
expression is important, so they create this fun project learning
about colored pencil shading and extending the composition -
camouflaging the original post card into a completed composition.
Materials:
1. One postcard or notecard per child
2. Colored Pencils
3 White drawing paper 12 x 18
Procedure:
1. Student artists will decide on the placement of the postcard.
2. Using pencil, students are to continue the design around the card,
eventually filling the entire sheet of paper.
3. After sketch is complete, students use colored pencil to MATCH
EXACTLY the colors on the card. The entire card is completely colored.
Students may have to blend colors to achieve the correct color.
Seek permission if you wish to publish the work on your school site if
you are concerned.
I hope to get the complete lesson on IAD. I don't want the major corps
to take away everything that is fun for kiddies to do. Tina's kids
were really motivated to do this lesson.
