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Securing an Emory Douglas License for Your Project
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At Artists Rights Society (ARS), we are proud to represent the copyrights of 120,000+ artists worldwide, including Emory Douglas.
Here, we’ll guide you on how to obtain an Emory Douglas license for your project. If you are interested in learning more, or exploring the option of a licensed collaboration, please get in touch. We look forward to making your vision a reality.
Left to Right: We Shall Survive Without a Doubt; Afro-American solidarity with the oppressed People of the world; Our people’s army should be built up, back covers of “The Black Panther” © 2024 Emory Douglas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Emory Douglas License: Amplifying Revolutionary Art through Modern Channels
Emory Douglas, renowned for his revolutionary art, has left an indelible mark on American culture and the global fight for justice. Born in 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in San Francisco, Douglas emerged as a pivotal figure in the visual representation of the Black Power movement. After studying commercial art at City College of San Francisco, Douglas’s life took a decisive turn when he joined the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. His role as the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party and his contributions to the Black Panther Newspaper are legendary, combining graphic design, political activism, and African American cultural expression.
Douglas used his artistic skills to craft a visual identity that would become synonymous with the Black Panther movement. His bold, provocative newspaper illustrations and posters depicted the struggles and aspirations of Black communities, galvanizing support and spreading the Party’s message of empowerment and resistance. Today, the demand for Emory Douglas art licensing is growing, offering new avenues to share his powerful imagery and message with a broader audience.
Douglas’s work for the Black Panther Newspaper, under the leadership of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Black Panther Party. His graphic design style, characterized by stark contrasts, powerful imagery, and clear messaging, communicated the urgent need for social change. Through his art, Douglas addressed issues such as police brutality, economic inequality, and systemic racism, making complex political ideas accessible and compelling to the masses.
Emory Douglas, Untitled (All Power to the People) (1969) © 2024 Emory Douglas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Why Obtain an Emory Douglas License?
Douglas’s work for the Black Panther Newspaper, under the leadership of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Black Panther Party. His graphic design style, characterized by stark contrasts, powerful imagery, and clear messaging, communicated the urgent need for social change. Through careful management of Emory Douglas’s art licensing, ARS protects the artwork’s value and integrity by ensuring that all reproductions are both authorized and of high quality. For communities and educators, licensed products offer a tangible connection to Douglas’s art, often at a more accessible price point than original works.
Emory Douglas, Illustration for “The Black Panther,” October 4, 1971 © 2024 Emory Douglas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
An important aspect of Douglas’s legacy is his commitment to youth training and education. Throughout his career, Douglas has been dedicated to mentoring young artists and activists, imparting the skills and knowledge necessary to continue the fight for social justice. By licensing his art, you can support educational programs and initiatives that align with his values, furthering his impact on future generations. These programs often focus on graphic design, printmaking, and political art, equipping young people with the tools to express themselves and advocate for their communities.
Emory Douglas, TURTLE ISLAND: North America, Indigenous Territory (2019) © 2024 Emory Douglas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Emory Douglas Collaborations Licensed by ARS
A significant aspect of licensing Emory Douglas’s art involves collaboration with ARS. We are the leading organization that manages intellectual property rights for visual artists, ensuring their work is protected and properly licensed. ARS provides robust legal support and enforcement, safeguarding artists’ rights and facilitating fair licensing agreements. We have previously facilitated numerous Emory Douglas licenses, spanning publications, art installations, and film.
PATTA x Emory Douglas: In 2021, clothing brand Patta teamed up with Emory Douglas to release a capsule collection. The collection included a t-shirt, hoodie, coach jacket, pouch wallet and sports cap all which bear Emory Douglas’s work.
Candlewick Press: Revolution in our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People, published in November 2021, discusses Emory Douglas and features his work in a collage on the cover, as well as inside the book.
The Big Cigar: Based on a 2012 Playboy article by Joshuah Bearman, the 2024 Apple TV+ drama The Big Cigar features the work of Emory Douglas alongside other Black Panthers. In the show, A Black Panther leader teams up with a Hollywood producer to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued by the FBI.
The Girls on the Bus: Emory Douglas’s work was also featured in episode 1 of the 2024 Max series The Girls on the Bus. In the series, four female journalists follow every move of a parade of flawed presidential candidates, discovering friendship, love and a scandal that has the potential to destabilize not only the presidency but the entire democracy.
How Do I Obtain an Emory Douglas License?
Emory Douglas’s work is protected by copyright, so obtaining a license is a necessary step to utilize his work in your project. Before submitting a licensing request, there are steps to take which vary slightly depending on the type of project. These steps include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare the details of your request including the image title and year of the Douglas work (or works) you would like to license.
- Consider where you will obtain a high-resolution image file. ARS does not provide images but only the copyright clearances for Douglas’s work. You will need to obtain a license for an image as well. We recommend the image bank company Art Resource.
- Prepare a layout of the project. How will the work be displayed or reproduced within the book, social media post, advertisement or product?
- If the use is for video, film, or TV, we will need information on how long the image will be on screen, as well as if the image is ‘referenced’ by the actors on screen or ‘not referenced.’
- Please note that manipulation and cropping of images is typically discouraged.
- Also keep in mind that Douglas’s credit line will need to be featured within your project.
- Permissions can take time and ARS may require additional details.
Our Licensing Executives are here to guide you through the process. Submit a request here to jump start your Emory Douglas licensed project.
The rise in art licensing for Emory Douglas’s work speaks to his enduring influence and the evolving dynamics of the contemporary art world. By embracing licensing, particularly through partnerships with organizations like ARS, Douglas not only broadens his reach but also sets a precedent for how visual artists can thrive in today’s multifaceted market. From apparel to television and beyond, the diverse applications of Douglas’s licensed works illustrates how licensing can enhance commercial success while upholding the integrity of the art.
To secure an Emory Douglas license, reach out to Artists Rights Society today!
Request to license artwork | Join our mailing list to learn more about licensing artwork
