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How to Get Permission to Use an Artist’s Work in Your Project

September 26, 2024 1:41 pm

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Left to Right: Pablo Picasso, Woman Seated with Crossed Arms (1937) © 2024 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; Anna-Eva Bergman, Untitled © 2024 Anna-Eva Bergman / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris; Alex Katz, Sharon and Vivien (detail) (2009) © 2024 Alex Katz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

Are you working on a project—be it a film, book, product, advertising campaign, performance, app, or other creative endeavor—and want to incorporate the work of a visual artist? You’re in the right place! With over 30 years of experience, ARS has successfully helped clients like you license artwork from a global network of 122,000 artists for both editorial and commercial purposes. We collaborate with a wide range of industries, including museums, auction houses, publishers, galleries, advertising agencies, and film and television production companies.

Samsung Frame TV: Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory (1931) © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society

Understanding the basics is essential. Copyright law is a form of intellectual property that protects the unique expression of ideas, empowering artists to control how their work is used. If you’re looking to reproduce an artist’s work, you’ll need permission from the copyright owner in the form of a license. If the artist is an ARS member, we streamline the process for you, providing a license that fits your project’s needs and ensuring the terms and conditions are clear and manageable. For more basics on copyright, check out Artists Rights 101.

By working with ARS, you’re not just securing a license; you’re supporting the creative community. Copyright enables artists to receive the recognition and reward they deserve while giving them a say in how their work is utilized. Partnering with ARS means you can confidently meet industry best practices, uplift your project, and create impactful collaborations that resonate with your audience.

Infringement

Using someone else’s content without permission can infringe on their copyright and lead to serious consequences. Infringement can occur in many everyday scenarios if you or your business lacks the proper licensing. To avoid potential pitfalls and maintain your project’s credibility, ensure you obtain the necessary permissions before using any artwork. Passing off an artist’s original work as your own can not only backfire but also diminish the integrity of your project. Your project deserves the time and effort you’ve invested—approach it with respect and integrity by securing the right licenses and honoring the creators behind the work.

Visual Artworks

Copyright protection covers visual artists creating in all kinds of work including:

• Paintings
• Photographs
• Sculptures
• Collages
• Murals
• Pottery
• Jewelry
• Stained glass
• Textiles
• And more!

Finding Artists for Your Project

Left to Right: Deborah Kass, Being Alive (2010) © 2024 Deborah Kass / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; Romare Bearden, Black Venus (detail) (1968) © 2024 Romare Bearden Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY; Edward Hopper, Morning Sun (detail) (1952) © 2024 Heirs of Josephine N. Hopper / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

The first step in your licensing process is to do a quick artist search on our website to make sure ARS represents the artist whose work you would like to license. As seasoned art licensing experts, we provide guidance to help you through every stage of the process, from securing permissions to finalizing your license.

Additionally, we offer personalized artist advice to enhance your project’s creative vision. Whether you need help selecting an artist whose style aligns with your project’s theme or are seeking recommendations for artists based on specific artistic movements—such as Pop Art, Text-Based Art, Feminist Art, Modernist, Figurative, or pattern-based works—our expertise ensures you find the perfect match. We can also recommend artists from your region or suggest emerging talents that might bring fresh perspectives to your project.

To further inspire your creative process, explore our past projects and follow our Instagram account, where we showcase some of the most iconic and talented artists we represent. Our goal is to support you in discovering and working with artists who will elevate your project and help you achieve your vision with a distinctive and impactful touch.

How to Submit a Licensing Request

1.       First, tell us about your project by filling out a Licensing Request Form. The more information we have from your first enquiry, the quicker the process will be.

2.       We provide a quote and let you know how long it may take to obtain permission. Some artists may also ask to see a proposed layout, proofs or samples before giving permission. Our team will let you know which artists have particular conditions for the use of their work.

3.       Next we will create a licensing agreement, negotiate with the copyright holder on your behalf, and do our best to fit your budget.

Prepare for Your Permissions Requests

In addition to knowing the artist and the artwork title(s) you would like to license, be sure to gather as much information as possible about your project. For example, if you are an author or publisher and would like to have an artist’s work published in your book, take a quick look at the information we will need below for print uses.  The more information you have the more quickly we can provide you with an accurate quote. Below are a few guides per type of use on what information you will need to submit a request to ARS.

Securing permission to use an artist’s work is a crucial step in ensuring that your project not only adheres to legal standards but also respects the creative efforts of the artists involved. By working with ARS, you gain access to a streamlined licensing process backed by decades of expertise, enabling you to elevate your project while supporting the artists who bring it to life. Whether you’re creating a film, book, advertising campaign, or any other creative endeavor, ARS is here to guide you every step of the way. Remember, respecting copyright is more than a legal obligation—it’s a commitment to ethical creativity that enhances the integrity and impact of your work.

Request to license artwork | Join our mailing list to learn more about licensing artwork