Licensing & Usage Rights Primer
When you commission an illustration, you pay a creative development fee and you also buy a limited license to use it – you are not buying ownership of the illustration itself. This ensures that you only pay for what you need without buying the artwork outright. This is called a licensing agreement.
When an artist creates artwork, regardless of whether it was commissioned, they automatically own the copyright to that image. This means the artist controls the reproduction of that artwork and can then license that work to others to reproduce for a specific amount of time.
A license can be exclusive, meaning no one else can use it for the duration of the license in a particular sector, industry, or country. For example, if an artist draws a Santa character for a big retailer, and that retailer wants to ensure none of their competitors will be able to use the same image – they opt for exclusive use.
Or, it can be non-exclusive, meaning that other brands can also license the artwork from the artist at any time. For example, an artist may draw a Santa character for a retailer to use on a gift bag, and then license it to a stationery company for their holiday party supplies line.
The artist always owns the illustration and it cannot be altered or changed without a written agreement. If a client wishes to buy and own an illustration, this is possible and copyright can be transferred for a fee.
What factors determine the usage fee? Scroll down:
Factors That Determine Usage Fees
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LOCATIONS: Where will it be seen?
List all of the cities, countries, continents it will be seen in whether global or local:
For example:
Europe
USA
Canada
Worldwide -
TIME: Duration of Usage
How long do you intend to use the illustrations?
• 6 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• In perpetuity
• Do you want to buy them outright instead? -
WHERE: Where will it be used?
On what media will the illustrations be used and seen?
List all that apply:
TV
Billboards
Newspaper / Magazines
Website
Collateral
Social Media
On products
Need a Quote?
We just need to answer a few more questions first before we can determine that.
On this page, you will find a list of questions and considerations for you to answer to kick-off the process.
Kindly note that I do not do any work under "work for hire" terms.
Respecting the Artwork: A Note on Re-Posting or Printing
All artwork featured on this website and my social media channels is the copyrighted intellectual property of Christina Gliha Art & Design Inc., unless otherwise stated.
I deeply appreciate everyone who connects with my work and wants to share it—your support means the world. That said, I want to clarify the difference between sharing out of admiration and using my artwork commercially, as this distinction is often misunderstood.
Personal Sharing Is Welcome
If you love a piece and want to share it on your personal social media (with credit), that’s great and totally fine. I ask that you please:
Tag me as the artist
Do not crop my artwork, or my signature or watermark out
Do not alter the image (e.g., adding filters, text overlays, AI animation)
Do not mention your product or services (even something as seemingly small as your opening hours is not ok)
Commercial Use Requires Licensing
Using my artwork to promote your business, product, service, or brand—whether through Instagram posts, websites, packaging, or ads—is considered commercial use and is not permitted without a formal license.
This includes:
Featuring my artwork in your business posts or branded content
Using my illustrations as part of your product line, packaging, or website
Selling physical products with my art (even framed prints)
Using my artwork in ads, promotions, brand storytelling or any associated text about your brand or products – this includes the captions on Instagram or any call outs
In short, anything that uses my artwork to point someone to your business is commercial use.
If you’re interested in collaborating or licensing a piece for commercial use, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out via my contact form or email me directly to start that conversation.
To Manufacturers & Resellers
Unauthorized reproduction, sale, or distribution of my work—including but not limited to framed prints, canvases, posters, or other merchandise—violates copyright law and will be pursued accordingly. Legal takedowns will be issued, and platforms will be contacted directly to remove infringing listings.
Why This Matters
I’ve poured years of practice and passion into developing this body of work. It’s not just “content”—it’s original intellectual property protected under international copyright law.
When you license artwork fairly, you:
Respect the creator's rights
Ensure proper usage aligned with the artist’s vision
Support independent creatives
Protect yourself from litigation and embarrassing public call-outs
Thank you for understanding and honoring that.
With appreciation,
Christina Gliha