PRIVACY POLICY

annesmerdon.com

Last updated: May 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Anne Smerdon (“I,” “me,” “my,” or “the Artist”), operating annesmerdon.com (the “Website”), collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information.

I am committed to handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained within it.

By using this Website, purchasing artworks or prints, enrolling in art classes, or signing up to my newsletter, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to all visitors to annesmerdon.com and anyone who:

  • Purchases an original artwork, print, canvas artwork, or other product;

  • Enquires about a commission or licensing;

  • Enrols in an art class or workshop through The Artory;

  • Subscribes to my newsletter or mailing list; or

  • Contacts me via the contact form, email, or social media.

3. What Personal Information I Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you interact with my Website or purchase from me, I may collect:

  • Your name;

  • Email address;

  • Postal or delivery address;

  • Phone number (if provided);

  • Payment information — note that I do not store credit card details directly; these are handled securely by my payment processor (see Section 6);

  • Messages or enquiries you send me; and

  • Any other information you voluntarily provide.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit my Website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

  • IP address and browser type;

  • Pages visited and time spent on the Website;

  • Referring website or search terms used to find me; and

  • Device type and operating system.

This information is collected through cookies and similar technologies and is used to improve the Website experience. See Section 8 for more on cookies.

4. Why I Collect Your Personal Information

I only collect personal information that is necessary for one or more of the following purposes:

  • Processing and fulfilling your order, including arranging shipping and handling returns;

  • Communicating with you about your purchase, commission, or enquiry;

  • Sending you newsletters, new artwork announcements, or class information — but only where you have opted in;

  • Improving the Website and understanding how visitors use it;

  • Meeting my legal obligations, including tax and business record-keeping requirements; and

  • Preventing fraud and ensuring the security of transactions.

I will not use your personal information for any purpose that is unrelated to why it was collected without first seeking your consent.

5. How I Store and Protect Your Information

I take reasonable steps to protect the personal information I hold from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Your information is stored securely using reputable third-party platforms (including my e-commerce and email service providers). While I do my best to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

I retain your personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purposes set out in this Policy, or as required by law (for example, financial records for tax purposes).

6. Sharing Your Information With Third Parties

I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes.

I may share your information with trusted third parties only to the extent necessary to deliver my services, including:

  • Courier and freight services — to fulfil delivery of your order (name and delivery address only);

  • Payment processors — such as Stripe or PayPal, who handle payment transactions securely under their own privacy policies;

  • Email marketing platforms — such as Mailchimp or similar, used to send newsletters to subscribers who have opted in;

  • Website hosting and analytics providers — such as Google Analytics, used to understand Website traffic; and

  • Professional advisors — such as accountants or legal advisors, where required.

Where I share your information with third parties, I take reasonable steps to ensure they handle it appropriately and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

I may also disclose your information where required by law, a court order, or a government or regulatory authority.

7. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information I hold about you;

  • Request correction of any personal information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date;

  • Request deletion of your personal information, subject to any legal obligations I have to retain it; and

  • Opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting me directly.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details in Section 10. I will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and no later than 30 days.

8. Cookies

My Website may use cookies — small text files stored on your device — to help the Website function correctly, remember your preferences, and understand how the site is used.

Types of cookies I may use include:

  • Essential cookies — necessary for the Website to function (e.g. shopping cart, login sessions);

  • Analytics cookies — to understand how visitors use the Website (e.g. Google Analytics); and

  • Marketing cookies — where third-party tools such as Meta Pixel are installed, to understand the effectiveness of advertising.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Website.

9. Links to Third-Party Websites

This Website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies independently.

10. Children’s Privacy

This Website is not directed at children under the age of 13. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided me with personal information, please contact me and I will take steps to remove it.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal obligations. The current version will always be published on this Website with a “Last updated” date. I encourage you to review this Policy periodically.

12. Complaints

If you have a concern about how I have handled your personal information, please contact me in the first instance using the details below. I will do my best to resolve the matter promptly.

If you are not satisfied with my response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

  • Website: oaic.gov.au

  • Phone: 1300 363 992

  • Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

13. Contact

For any privacy-related questions, access requests, or complaints, please contact Anne Smerdon via the contact page at annesmerdon.com.

© Anne Smerdon 2026. All rights reserved.