creative resources

Fundbreak is a new crowdfunding platform and community for creative projects and ideas. Creative individuals and organisations can raise funds by posting a project on Fundbreak.com.au.

Creative Commons Australia (ccAustralia) is the Australian derivative project of the international Creative Commons project. CCau manages the Australian versions of the Creative Commons licences and conduct research and education activities designed to foster a creative and innovative community. Hosted at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, CCau is devoted to the promotion of Creative Commons in Australia. The website provides everything you need to know about how to find and attribute CC materials, including vodcasts and podcasts and downloadable fact sheets.

Design Victoria has partnered with IP Australia and The Australian Graphic Design Association to produce publication 'Protect your creative mark'. While this Intellectual Property (IP) guide is directed primarily towards those working the visual communication sector such as graphics designers, those in photography, animation and illustration it is an excellent tailored resource for all creative professionals. It clearly outlines the different types of IP, provides practical information, industry tips and case studies and reinforces how important IP is to developing and sustaining your business.

A guide to intellectual property for Australia's clothing and fashion design industry by IP Australia.

This publication by IP Australia provides a comprehensive outline of Intellectual Property, information on your IP rights and how to protect them. The resource reinforces the importance of incorporating an IP strategy into your business plan and outlines the key elements in order to do so.

Simpsons Solicitor's 'assist those in the creative and cultural sectors and those in need of specialist intellectual property advice.' The website provides online resources and useful links relating to their practice areas including papers, checklists and guides. The Simpsons group has also published several books and chapters are available on the website for download for personal use, including the Trademarks in Cyberspace paper.

Terri Janke and Company is an international authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights (ICIP). The Sydney based law firm specialises in supporting Indigenous art, music, film, literature, media, entertainment and business. The website includes section 'hot topics' which contains reading relating to codes of practice, protocols and reseach reports. There is also links to papers, PowerPoints and Keynote addresses Terri Janke has delivered nationally.

One of the main components of Intellectual property as outlined by IP Australia's website is 'design'. This section focuses on why it is imperative and beneficial to register a new and distinct design. The site outlines the application, registration and publication processes as well associated fees and how to maintain your design's protection once registered.

The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) website features Jennifer Wilson's paper 'The Digital Deadlock'. Jennifer is the Director of The Project Factory, and a specialist in cross-platform, multimedia strategy and development. The paper addresses the core issues that stand in the way of producers, taking full advantage of new technologies and distribution channels, and offers solutions designed to break this digital deadlock. In 2009 Jennifer presented on this paper at AFTRS and discussed relevant examples with the audience - you can also download the audio recording here.

LUMINA; published by the Australian Film, Television and Radio school (AFTRS) is a journal of screen arts and business.  It's more arts than business, but the articles make for thought-provoking reading.  It contains features, essays and interviews from high profile writers, academia and Australia's film and broadcast industry. LUMINA can be ordered at bookstores nationally.

The Centre for Screen Business, part of the AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School), has been working with film journalist Andrew Urban of Urbancinefile interviewing film and television practitioners about their business experiences. Here Cass O Connor who has 20 years’ experience in the media, telecommunications and entertainment sectors, primarily in financial and strategic advisory roles talks about 'Investing in Media' and 'Creative Business'. To watch the video go the the CBS site

Part of the AFTRS Centre for Screen Business (CBS) project which has compiled interviews with film and television practitioners. This section features Zareh Nalbandian who co-founded Australian company Animal Logic which works in design, animation and visual effects for the film, television and advertising industries. Here he speaks on 'Starting Animal Logic', 'Culture and Business' ' Big projects' and 'Planning ahead'. To watch the videos head to the CSB website linked here.

The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is Australia's professional membership body for designers and design businesses. The website includes professional development resources, such as a salary guide, industry and career information and a 'Find a designer' directory.

The Australian Design Unit (ADU) magazine is published monthly with a focus on features, business resources and bulletins for the design and creativity community. The online publication provides information and resources for creative entrepreneurs and a comprehensive 'toolkit' with sample contracts, agreements, checklists, glossaries, and the essential tools for running a design business available for download.

Delivering design related news, events, competitions, and resources, Dexigner is an online portal for designers worldwide across the spheres of products, graphic, fashion, architecture, digital and art. Dexigner also provides a design directory, database, agenda and weekly newsletter.

The Design Knowledge program is an excellent source for design resources including publications, case studies, hot topics and a series of practical and informative 'How To Kits'.