Which term describes the original creator of a work?

The term that best describes the original creator of a work is "originator." This term specifically refers to someone who has initiated or created a particular piece of work, whether it be artistic, literary, or in another medium. The originator is the individual or group comprising the primary source of an idea or creation, thus holding a crucial place in discussions around rights and ownership concerning intellectual property.

While "creator" might seem like an appropriate choice, it can be too broad. It generally refers to anyone who makes something, without necessarily implying the original conceptualization of that work. "Innovator" tends to denote someone who introduces new ideas or methods, which may not always align with the creation of original works. "Authorship" relates to the legal and moral claims of individuals over the use and distribution of their works but does not specify the act of creation itself.

In contexts regarding intellectual property and creative rights, identifying someone as the originator of a work is vital, as it emphasizes their role in not just creating but fundamentally bringing the work into existence.