Brent elliott is an artist who works primarily in the music industry providing cover art, merchandise designs, package art, package layout/design and logo design for clients. H has worked with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Roadrunner Records, Nuclear Blast Records, Earache Records, 5B Media, Megadeth, Trivium, Job for a Cowboy, Death Angel, Arch Enemy, Epica and many others.
He also worked on commercial storyboard illustration for Warsaw Blumenthal, contributed editorial illustration work for The Wall Street journal and Dow Jones, worked as the Penciler for the comic book series Patient zero (Image Comics) and was the co-creator and artist for the graphic novel Killing Demons.
According to White, he was approached by the band at the beginning of 2020 to create some artwork. After accepting the offer, he began working with Megadeth, but did not receive or sign any formal agreement in writing ( why would you do that dude! anw..)
Once again, in the middle of 2022, White was approached by Bob Johnsen, who manages Megadeth, to produce additional artwork for the band’s impending tour. During this interaction, White reminded Johnsen that there was still no formal agreement regarding the compensation and terms of his work. The manager replied with: “I know album release time is hectic but I have to mention that any send off, including album art, is contingent on compensation and contract. So we’re going to have to sort that out soon, no one intended to not have this papered by now’ and he ‘would bring it up the right way.'”
White asserts that when the initial single from “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” was publicized through Rolling Stone, he was not acknowledged as the creator of the artwork. He states that he reached out to Universal Music Group (UMG), pointing out that without a formal agreement or signed contract, he remained the rightful owner of the artwork and that the label was violating his copyright. Furthermore, White alleges that he did not receive any payment or a contract even after the release of “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!”.
White is bringing a case against both Megadeth and UMG under the provisions of the New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act. This act mandates that any contract work worth over $800 must have a written agreement and the worker must receive “timely and full payment.” White is alleging copyright infringement, nonpayment of wages, and is seeking an injunction from the court to prevent Megadeth and UMG from utilizing the artwork.
Megadeth and UMG have not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Goodluck dude! next time don’t do any work before you get a contract! Let’s see how it goes!
Keep it heavy! \m/
