Creator-owned is a popular term in the world of comics and graphic novels. It refers to a work which is created by an individual or a small group of creators who maintain full control over the rights to the work and its characters. The term is often used to distinguish these works from those which are owned by large publishing companies. Synonyms for creator-owned include self-published, indie, small press, and creator-generated. These terms emphasize the grassroots nature of the works and the fact that they are typically created outside of the mainstream publishing industry. Creator-owned works are often lauded for their originality and artistic merit.