Creator Spotlight with Author Tudor Rickards
This week, we’re pleased to introduce author Tudor Rickards. After you check out his spotlight, you can follow him on X (Twitter).
What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I enjoyed creating poems as a schoolboy and published a hand-made newsletter with a friend. I won an award for the first time at school. Later I became a trained scientist hired to invent new products for a well-known global organisation. For me the most enjoyable part of the creative process is the way in which it immerses you in a world you are helping to create.
Can you talk through your creative process? How long does it take? Does everything you produce make money?
For me, the creative process has taken place in a variety of different contexts with the intention of turning an idea into an artefact, which could be a poem, or a patented chemical product, a textbook, and later, detective stories that I self published.
One very common feature is some sort of deadline set by an employer, publisher, or by myself. Deadlines vary but an interesting recent feature is the speed at which AI-assisted products (musical) are created and published.
Most of my efforts are created only indirectly for financial considerations, such as when working for an industrial organization.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
A common misconception about creativity is that it is some rare attribute of a special sort of person. I find it better to think about creativity being an everyday activity that takes place including, everyday environments not usually associated with creativity. As I’m writing this, I can see Mike, who makes his living as a gardener at work, but who is someone I call on regularly for help with fixing anything mechanical that has defeated me.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
I became aware of copyright many years ago when I was obliged to keep a laboratory notebook of everything I did, which was then used when an idea was about to be patented.
More recently, I recognize copyright as of increasing importance and potential controversy with the emerging AI support of creative products in many walks of life.
Have you experienced copyright infringement and, if so, how has it affected you personally and financially?
I have experienced copyright infringement only indirectly. Recently, several books I bought online were obviously rather crudely produced and I suspected of being illegally made.
What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
Every creative individual is operating with unknowns. Mistakes are inevitable so developing ways of operating that minimise the cost of mistakes are very useful.
I often talk about dilemmas of creativity. These can involve being too secretive and sharing ideas or being too open. Finding network groups, and developing experience and trusting others are important learning experiences.
What is your biggest copyright-related challenge?
The most important copyright challenge I am facing at present is in the AI contribution within the creative product I am making. This applies to the production of a new edition of a technical textbook as much as it applies to creating an AI supported song.
How has AI technology impacted your works and career?
AI technology seems to be impacting on almost every facet in my creative endeavours. I suspect this is more than some kind of bubble that will burst, but is a significant step change into the future.
If you aren’t already a member of the Copyright Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form! Members gain access to monthly newsletters, educational webinars, and so much more — all for free!