What is Creative Eye?

Creative Eye is a cooperative of independent photographers and illustrators located worldwide.  The cooperative was established with the objective of providing a means by which photographers and illustrators can change the conditions of the industry in which they work; addressing such concerns as market standards, licensing methods, rights protection and licensing fees for the reuse of their images.  As the market consolidates and concerns over the future of the industry increase, strength in number will become more critical, as will the need for artists to protect the licensing and distribution of their images.  Artists under this cooperative have chosen to stand together to compete in the market and regain control over the sale and distribution of their images. 

The concept behind the cooperative is to:

• Provide democratic control, collective representation, and cooperation to its members.
• Provide for a collective power in the marketplace, creating standards for all in the industry, including pricing standards.
• Facilitate the voice of artists, allowing for input and participation in the organizations growth and development
• Return the cooperatives surplus to its members fostering the artistsí prosperity and their level of commitment to the organization.
• Establish an organization that will place control in the artistsí hands.
• Work to maintain value for artistsí images.
• Enforce artistsí rights and copyright protection.
• Preserve artistsí independence.
• Provide for a community that fosters commitment and establishes recognition in the industry.

What Services are offered to Members?

Creative Eye is an umbrella organization under which a number of services co-exist; a stock agency, an assignment/editorial program and a purchasing program ñ which is aimed at providing better purchasing power with equipment suppliers.  Stock is the first service offered to our members under Mira.com, assignment and purchasing will follow.  A member can choose to participate in any or all services. In all cases, the artists will maintain control over their copyright and participate on a non-exclusive basis.

How does an Artist Participate?

To participate in Creative Eye, one must become a member of the cooperative.  Membership requires the purchase of single share of Common Stock, known as Membership Common Stock.  It is referred to as Membership Common Stock because it may only be owned by members.  Each member must own one and only one share.  Each member is entitled to one vote and will have one vote in all matters that come before the stockholders of Creative Eye. The Cooperative Board of Directors will present these matters to membership. 

Since ownership of Membership Common Stock is reflective of a stockholderís membership in the organization, this stock is not transferable.  However, if a member chooses to leave the Cooperative, they can sell their share of Common Stock back to Creative Eye and receive a full refund at their purchase price.  The cost of a share of Common Stock is $100.

Membership Common Stock is not entitled to receive dividends, but holders of this stock are entitled to receive patronage refunds, based upon their participation with Creative Eye.  Patronage refunds are basically a memberís share in the profits of the cooperative.  Once Creative Eye has covered expenses and its needs for operating and growing the organization, profits will be returned to the membership based upon the memberís level of participation in the cooperative. This is known as patronage and is distributed in accordance with the Bylaws of the organization. 

Membership agreements are also required to participate in Creative Eye and its services. If you are interested in participating in Creative Eye and the services it provides to its members, please click here to access information.