How can I protect my puppets?

[defaultty7nrzv74elv]

I started a youtube series and am looking to outsource the animation of my characters, specifically the vismemes. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how I could mitigate the chance of someone stealing and using my puppets as their own.

My first idea, since I am only looking to outsource the animation of the visemes, was to create new puppets with just the mouths and copy the visemes over to a new project (with the complete puppets) once I receive the freelancer's work. I'm just thinking out loud, haven't tried this option out yet. 

I would really appreciate any advice I could get!

[alank99101739]

If they are just drawing visemes for you (mouth positions) then you can just send them the PSD/AI file for the character head and ask them to add the mouth shapes. They can show/hide the individual layers to test it. Then you copy the results into your master artwork file afterwards.

There is no real protection other than not giving them more than they need to get the job done.

[defaultty7nrzv74elv]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear enough but the visemes have already been made. I'm trying to outsource the animation of the visemes within a project (accurately matching the visemes with the audio aside from computing lip sync). I am seeing that there is no real way to protect against my puppets being stolen than to just be vigilant.

[defaultty7nrzv74elv]

Thanks for the quick response btw!

[Jacob T Fresh]

Yeah I would say you are more than likely pretty safe if you go through something like "upwork" to hire someone but if you are worried about it perhaps just sending the mouths and a simple BG head would be best. =]