How to License Your Artwork or Photography

So what does it mean to license your artwork or photography? Well, licensing is granting permission for the use of your creative works. It's sort of like lending your art or photography to someone but with some clear guidelines attached. You get to decide how others can use your work – whether it's just for personal enjoyment or for commercial purposes like in advertisements or on merchandise.

Retain Control: By licensing your work, you retain control over how it's used.

Protect Your Rights: Licensing adds a legal layer of protection to your work. If someone tries to use your work outside the terms you've set, you have a solid case to defend your rights.

Build Your Brand: As you share your art or photography, a consistent licensing approach can help establish your brand and make you more visible and well known.

Generate Income: Licensing can open up new avenues for additional income generation. When others want to use your work commercially, they have to pay you.

So you may be wondering how you go about doing this…

Look for companies that align with your style and the nature of your art or photography. Look for businesses that may have a use for your work, such as publishing houses, greeting card companies, apparel brands, or even advertising agencies. 

Once you've identified your companies, it's time to find the right person to contact. Look for individuals responsible for licensing, art directors, creative directors, or marketing managers. You can often find this information on the company's website or through a little LinkedIn stalking.

Avoid sending generic, one-size-fits-all messages. Personalize your outreach for each company. Mention why you believe your art or photography would be a good fit for their brand or products. Show that you've done your research, and you genuinely want to collaborate with them.

Create a compelling portfolio showcasing your best and most relevant work. You can create an online portfolio on your website to showcase your talent. Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible and visually appealing.

When reaching out to companies, be professional but personable. Introduce yourself, briefly explain your work and its unique selling points, and express your interest in discussing licensing opportunities. Include links to your portfolio and attach a Press/Media Kit.