The start of an epic owl-spired adventure at The Agile Owl

Welcome to The Agile Owl! We are ready to embark on an exciting journey in the realm of independent legal consultancy. Our mission is clear: to support creative indie businesses in the video games, art and illustration, tech startup, e-commerce, and book publishing spaces.

As someone deeply invested in the success of small businesses (I've founded and still run a few successful indie and e-commerce stores), I understand the challenges indie creators often face. Whether you are a video game founder eager to safeguard your intellectual property or a surface pattern artist negotiating licensing terms, my goal is to provide the legal support and protection you need to thrive.

Our Vision

At The Agile Owl, we believe that creativity should never be held back by legal hurdles. Our vision is to empower indie businesses with tailored legal solutions and (eventually) workshops, allowing you to focus on what you do best. Creating!

That being said, hello! My name is Melissa and my legal and artist journey began in 2013. I qualified in South Africa (2019) as a common law attorney, and now I'm currently in the process of converting my qualifications to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

During the pandemic (2020) I started my own legal consultancy business called Owlogy, providing data protection and health and safety compliance to small and medium businesses in Africa. Back then, I noticed many small business owners felt overwhelmed by legal jargon. To address this, my consultancy built workshops to simplify legal compliance matters for creative minds. We even provided a data protection workshop to the Parliament of South Africa (IT and HR departments).

Being a creative entrepreneur and an artist, I still craved the idea of starting up my own video game studio and an art studio one day. But I needed the knowledge on how such businesses were built and run. So, I decided to study courses in game design and development and agile project management. I designed and developed 5 video games, which were showcased at rAge video game expo in South Africa. From that day I was scouted to work as a junior game developer at 24BitGames (acquired by Annapurna in 2023), and then eventually became a game producer at TalentDigitalArts (a joint incorporated venture with Talent10 in 2022).

Now, during this time I also set up another business - my indie self publishing and art business. I love watercolour painting and illustrating childrens' books. Every time I went to Sandton City or Hyde Park (shopping centres in Johannesburg) with friends and family, we had to make a stop in the children section of the bookstore (Exclusive Books). Oh, what wonderful memories.

Eventually, I self published 3 bird guide and colouring books and 2 equestrian activity books. My bird books (The Birdwatchers' Colouring Field Guide™) were later endorsed by BirdLife South Africa - and now I am illustrating the 3rd volume in the series. You can find my books on Amazon or my website (Snorting Hippo Publications™).

Now armed with 3 years post-qualification legal experience (collectively 13 years) and 4 years game design and production experience - my husband, Narnia (our legally blonde chihuahua mascot), and I decided to explore the world further by emigrating to the United Kingdom. And so here is where our Agile Owl adventure begins...

Why Choose Us?

Tailored Legal Support

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to providing personalized legal assistance and education. Each creative business is different, and I take the time to understand your specific needs.

For example, I offer support in drafting contracts customized to your projects, whether you are collaborating with other creatives or hiring freelancers. Surveys show that nearly 80% of small business disputes stem from misunderstandings over contract terms. That’s why clear contracts are essential.

Expertise in Creative Industries

Having worked in creative sectors extensively, I understand the challenges indie businesses face. If you’re an indie video game studio, knowing how to navigate licensing agreements is critical. Furthermore, self-publishing authors must protect their intellectual property to prevent unauthorized use. I am here to guide you through the legal landscape.

With over 10 years of experience in legal and as a solopreneur, I firmly believe that everyone deserves the chance to share their work with the world without the worry of legal troubles.

A cozy workspace filled with art supplies

Building a Community

At The Agile Owl, we’re not just about legal services; we aim to foster a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity. Collaboration is key to success, and I’m dedicated to building connections among indie creators - no matter their industry.

Through workshops, webinars, and networking events, I create spaces for you to learn and share. For example, during a recent webinar, 75% of participants reported feeling more confident in their understanding of copyright laws afterward. This is the kind of supportive environment I wish to cultivate, where everyone can succeed.

Useful Legal Tips for Indie Creators

As we move forward together, here are some practical legal tips to help you navigate the complexities of small business law.

Understand Your Rights

Understanding your rights as a creator is essential. Whether it concerns copyrights, trademarks, or patents, knowing how to protect your work is crucial. I recommend dedicating time to educate yourself about the protections available. For instance, registering a copyright can give you legal backing in over 90 countries, making it easier to enforce your rights. But, pay close attention to which countries you are selling your products in, as the US you will need to register your copyright!

Draft Clear Contracts

Contracts form the backbone of every business relationship. Whether you are collaborating with another artist or hiring freelancers, clear, concise contracts can prevent misunderstandings later on. I assist in creating agreements that secure your interests while promoting positive working relationships.

Keep Records Organized

Organizing records is vital for any small business. From invoices to contracts, having everything in order saves you time and stress. I suggest implementing either a digital platform or a simple filing system to keep track of important documents. I've been using ClickUp for all of my project management needs, Google Drive or OneDrive to store my files securely in the cloud (with external backups), and Miro or Confluence for all of my documentation creations.

Join Us on This Adventure

As we launch The Agile Owl, I invite you to join this adventure. Whether you’re an experienced creator or just starting, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can navigate the legal landscape and ensure your creative projects flourish. I’m eager to share resources, insights, and inspiring stories from fellow indie creators as we build a vibrant community.

A vibrant art studio filled with colorful paintings

Wrapping Up

The Agile Owl is more than just a legal consultancy; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and support. I am passionate about helping indie businesses thrive in various sectors, including video games, art, tech, e-commerce, and publishing.

As we embark on this journey together, feel free to reach out with questions and share your experiences at melissa@theagileowl.com. Let’s ensure this adventure is filled with creativity, inspiration, and a little bit of legal magic.

Thank you for being an essential part of The Agile Owl community. Here’s to a future where creativity knows no limits!