I created a children's character but I had someone else draw it, how can I keep the rights to it?

Question

I had a graphic artist create a children's character for me based on my description to her. She did a great job and I paid her for it but now I would like to know who owns the rights or what must I do to claim the rights?

Answer 1

Make sure the contract with the artist gives you full rights to the image. Even if you goof up, you can change the image in later editions if you plan on selling the works. Just look at how many different images of the Hardy Boys there were. You should copyright all the works immediately.