Copyright & Licensing
I share the creative process and, of course, the final versions of my designs on my socials and website. It’s like my business card and a way for people to get a feel for my work and style.
Using My Artwork: Personal vs. Business
If you’d like me to create an artwork for your home or as a personal gift, you’re simply paying for my time, creativity, and materials. I’m so happy to make something meaningful for you.
But if you’re planning to use the artwork for your business, like on merch, apparel, social media, or as part of your branding, that’s considered commercial use. Since the artwork helps promote or represent your brand, it has a different value and comes with a different kind of agreement: a license.
Let’s break it down!
Copyright – Who Owns the Artwork?
The simple rule is: “If you make it, you own it.”
As the artist, I automatically hold the copyright to everything I create, unless we agree in writing to transfer it.
Owning full copyright means you can reproduce, edit, and use the artwork however you like (even for resale), but it also means I, as the artist, would no longer be allowed to use the design myself, not even to show it in my portfolio or on social media.
That’s why I license my work instead of selling the rights outright. Licensing gives you the freedom to use the artwork in specific ways, while I remain the original creator and can still show it in my portfolio or on social media.
What Is a License?
A license is simply a clear agreement that gives you permission to use a design, defining how, where, and for how long you can use it. This is especially important for commercial use.
You don’t need to figure out all the licensing details on your own — I’ll walk you through it and tailor it to your needs.
License fee
If you want to use my design on products for sale, or in a business setting, the licensing is typically based on a flat fee that we agree on upfront. Everything is written up in a clear license agreement, so we’re both on the same page.
What Affects the Cost?
Several things help determine the price of a license:
Usage – What will the design be used for? Apparel, merch, packaging, your website, social media, stickers, etc.
Business Size – Are you just starting out or already running a larger brand?
Territory – Where will the design be used or sold? Just locally, online, or worldwide?
Duration – Will you use the design for a few months, a year, or forever?
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Licenses
Exclusive license: You’re the only one allowed to use the design for the agreed time and region.
Non-exclusive license: Others may also license the same design for different purposes.
Most clients are totally fine with non-exclusive licenses, but if you want exclusivity, we can absolutely set that up.
Buy out
If you want to fully own the artwork, meaning no restrictions, and I can’t use or share it anymore, that’s called a buyout or copyright transfer. This comes at a much higher fee, and we’d work out a separate agreement for that.
Still unsure about what you need? Don’t worry, you don’t need to have it all figured out right away. I’m here to guide you through the process and help you choose what fits your project best.