What would I do without DACS? - Illustrator Katy Dynes on claiming Payback
DACS member and illustrator Katy Dynes spoke to us about claiming Payback over the years and the difference these royalties make to creators’ practices.
I’m Katy - I have been working as a full-time illustrator and workshop provider since 2007 and specialise in children’s books, private commissions, murals, community art trails and working with Primary School children. I have been really fortunate and work with many high-profile clients - from Publishers to Charities.
I’m currently working on a number of exciting projects for 2025 - from personalised illustrations and commissions on very old dictionary paper (my speciality) to madly preparing artwork for the Northants and Rutland Spring Open Exhibition at Lamport Hall in February.
I have been (wonderfully) claiming Payback for about 14 years now.
DACS was recommended by another Illustrator ‘in the know’ who asked “Had I heard?!...” – at the time, whilst I knew a little about licensing, contracts and my rights, I didn’t have a clue about DACS or Payback.
So…
When I first registered with Payback, I set aside an afternoon to research DACS and what Payback actually was. The results were extraordinary…here was a society prepared to ‘fight the creatives’ corner’. I discovered Payback didn’t only cover illustrated works in books, but also magazines, TV, and the secondary “uses” of images, such as photocopying- something I’d never thought about.
The DACS website is so easy to use - with clear, concise instructions, pointers and deadlines. I was staggered that whilst I had, back then, already illustrated over 15 books, and had work in some ‘quirky’ magazines - that as long as the artworks in the publications were credited with my name and they had an ISBN, I could list them and make a claim.
And…of course, once the publications were listed, I didn’t have to re-list them again the following year- I could just add any new work.
If I have any concerns at all, the Payback “super” team is always on hand to answer any queries or in my case, to always double check and reassure me that I’ve registered my claim correctly!
Like many artists, I know I’m not alone in not being paid for time spent emailing, the “quick chats”, and the “oh, would you mind just…”, and Payback royalties for me, make those ‘unpaid times’ a little more bearable and go a small way to redressing the balance of unfair pay, especially in our creative industries.
I can honestly say that DACS as a society has been a true Godsend and Payback is a HUGE part of that. I genuinely look forward to hearing from Payback at the beginning of the year - I take great pleasure in making sure that my claim is up to date and really do take stock, reflect and feel proud of my achievements (as I have discovered that Payback is one of the few places with a comprehensive list of all my published work).
I really hope that DACS is there to continue to work with and support the interests of creatives (and vice versa) - from traditionalists like me to others working in an ever-changing and evolving technology-fuelled landscape.
My advice to anyone who has yet to claim Payback - what are you waiting for?!
And… to DACS - a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU - Here’s to another 40+ years and beyond!
About Katy Dynes
I live in a little village on the Northamptonshire / Leicestershire border in the UK. After graduating with an HND in 2D Animation, I have been working as a Freelance Illustrator since 2007. My work covers a huge range of subjects including greetings and handmade cards, book illustration, cartoons, pet portraits, soft toy designing and making, murals, private commissions and teaching art workshops to primary and middle school children.
Find out more about Katy via her Instagram account or website.
About Payback
Has your work been published in a book, magazine or on TV? If so, you might be eligible for Payback royalties, in addition to other copyright royalties you may have already received. That's because Payback covers secondary uses of your images, such as photocopying. Every year we collect a share of royalties which we pay to eligible artists who've signed up to the scheme. It’s worth it - thousands of artists claiming in 2024 received a share of £5.3 million.
Read more
- Payback 2025 is open for claims – make your claim!
- How to claim for Payback
