Dear Art Directors, I have been asked to do some art that is under NDA. Usually I enjoy having a critique group because I am still very much learning. But I know I cannot send my work to them. I know a few people who have done art for this company and have active contracts and NDA's. So would it be okay if I were to get critique from them, or should I just stick to keeping it between me and the AD?
Well look, there’s a legal answer here and a real-life answer.
Legal answer: You cannot show NDA things to anyone, even people you live with who might see it over your shoulder on your screen.
Real-life answer: Artists working on NDA properties do show people work for feedback and assistance when they need it. I get shown a ton of NDA art from other companies bc artists want feedback, or want to show it to me before it is officially cleared to be public. They only do it with people they can 1000% trust. It’s still wrong, and risky, but people do it. If you want to cover your butt, just ask the AD if you can show the piece to your very trustworthy criticism group and make sure they don’t keep a copy of it (maybe you can show it via Skype on your screen, or send it via Instagram message where you can make sure no one screen shots it before it disappears.) If the AD says yes, then you’re clear. But be very very sure anyone you show it to knows how seriously they need to respect your NDA.
—Agent KillFee
