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New York City
May 2003

Tad Crawford: Publisher & Founder of Allworth Press

Have you ever wanted to make your own movie, publish an article, or exhibit your art, but not know how to start? How many times have you wished to fulfill your dreams if only you knew how to go about it? And how can you protect your rights? Fortunately, with the help of Tad Crawford, founder and publisher of Allworth Press, these aspirations can become a reality.

Crawford’s passion for writing developed as an undergraduate at Tufts while studying economics. After law school, he began to teach writing at the School of Visual Arts in 1973. He soon noticed the majority of his students, though very motivated and talented, knew little about the legalities involved or the rights they had as artists. Crawford’s goal became clear. He created a course entitled Law for the Visual Artist in 1975. It did not take long before he became known as an artist’s rights advocate.

Overcoming the lack of an appropriate textbook for his newly created course, he wrote the book Legal Guide for the Visual Artist in 1977, which has sold approximately 90,000 copies to date. Spurred by his success, Crawford took on new responsibilities and new writings also becoming General Counsel to the Graphics Artists Guild. “I spearheaded a coalition of fifty creators’ groups to try and change the copyright law in a way that would be favorable to creative people,” he says. Crawford was soon asked by arts groups to publish books of their annual art shows. As a result, Crawford formed a company and from 1982 to 1988, fulfilled the needs of members. In 1989, Crawford decided to found Allworth Press in order to provide helpful advice for creative professionals.

“I came to publishing as a career in an indirect way. I began as an attorney and taught at the School of Visual Arts and it was that combination of teaching and meeting many artists, being involved in many arts groups and then being asked to publish books that ultimately led me to publish the kind of books that I felt would be most helpful to people,” he says. He recently founded a new imprint called Helios Press that focuses on humanistic psychology and current affairs.

As a publisher, Crawford says the biggest challenges lie in the business aspect of the company, from finances to publicity, but that he is fortunate in having found a key element: the readership. Since he has gained such close relationships with art groups, he says he is grateful to already have that fellowship of supporters. His background in law gives him insight and knowledge that is extremely helpful in publishing.

Crawford considers Allworth Press an independent company and feels strongly that independent publishing companies offer great opportunities for writers since they are generally more open to new and interesting ideas.

Although Crawford has not practiced law since 1986 he does occasionally offer brief advice to those artists seeking information. However, much of this information is in print already, and artists often express their gratitude to Allworth Press for the help provided in the books.

Allworth Press aims its books towards professionals, beginning professionals, and college students. Nonetheless, high schools may want to consider the benefits offered in these “how-to” books as a way to help their students get a head start in learning about all aspects of the art field. For example, The Artist’s Complete Health and Safety Guide teaches those who work with art materials about the health and safety risks involved, including a chapter on safe use of art materials in the classroom. Technical Theatre for Non-Technical People is another example of a book with great interest for high school teachers, especially those responsible for drama classes and productions.

Tad Crawford, in creating Allworth Press, has helped to give artists the information needed to better their craft, as well as the knowledge required to further their careers. Perhaps one day he’ll even publish a book on how to become a publisher.#

 

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