Licensing & Commissions

Most of the images on this web site are available to be licensed. Licensing a piece of existing art or an original illustration means purchasing the right to reproduce the art.

Licensing fees are determined by intended usage, complexity of the art, urgency of deadline, etc. Normally, rights granted in a licensing agreement are one-time reproduction rights. The agreement is typically limited to a specific use, and unless purchased by a separate fee, all reproduction rights, as well as the original art, are retained by the artist. Extended usage, such as for a website or permanent logo, commands a higher licensing fee.

After signing a simple licensing agreement, the buyer/client is given an image file such as a tiff or jpeg, or sometimes the original art, for reproduction purposes. Original must be returned to the artist within 30 days of printing unless purchased by a separate fee. Occasionally, a buyer will need unlimited, exclusive use of the art (such as for a corporate logo) and chooses to purchase the copyright to the work "outright". Sometimes referred to as a "buyout", this also commands a higher fee. The buyer then owns the copyright and all reproduction rights ("exclusive" rights) to the work. Ownership of the original art itself is often, but not always, included in a buyout agreement.

Commissioned art - work that is created for a specific purpose - is also priced according to usage. Reproduction rights are negotiated and transferred in the same manner as licensing existing art. A good collaboration between client and artist can result in unique and rewarding work. Artwork may be commissioned in black & white, gray tones, or full color; for reproduction (illustration, logos, promotional art) or personal use (portraits, gifts, fine art furnishings, etc). Many of the works throughout this website are commissioned art.

Durga's practices and prices for licensing and commissions are based upon the Graphic Artists' Guild's Pricing & Ethical Guidelines. If you are interested in licensing an existing piece, or commissioning an original work of art for a specific use, please contact Durga directly for pricing and information.

To learn more about copyright and reproduction rights, please click here. To learn more about licensing and illustration contracts, please click here.

Logos

Most of Durga's illustrations are designed as an element in a larger context in which all the parts must integrate harmoniously. Durga is the graphic designer of all of her children's books, as well as adult trade books, CDs, business logos, business cards, brochures, flyers, illustrated maps - and this web site.

A business logo is nothing more than a "distilled illustration" that symbolizes the intent of the client (click here to see "Illustration & Logo Samples"). Logos may be black & white or color, abstract or concrete, geometric or pictorial.

Please contact Durga directly for more information about logos or graphic design.