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Illustration Licensing Agreement Template

Most illustrators should license their work, not sell it outright. A licensing agreement lets the client use an illustration for a defined purpose (a book cover, a packaging run, a campaign) while you keep the copyright and can charge again for wider use. This template spells out the licensed use, media, territory, term, and exclusivity, what a full buyout would cost instead, credit lines, sketches and revisions, and a ban on using your work to train AI models.

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Illustration Licensing Agreement Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 24, 2026

Commission

The Sender will create the illustration(s) described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, starting with sketches for the Client's approval, then final artwork delivered by October 24, 2026 in the agreed formats.

License Granted

On full payment, the Client receives a license to reproduce the final artwork only for the use, media, territory, and term stated in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, and on an exclusive basis only if stated there. All other rights, including copyright, remain with the Sender.

Any other use, including merchandise, new editions, or advertising not listed, requires a written extension and an additional fee. A full copyright buyout is available at a separately quoted price.

Credit & Integrity

Where practical, the Sender will be credited as the illustrator. The Client will not alter the artwork beyond resizing and cropping without the Sender's approval. The Client will not use the artwork to train or fine-tune any AI model, or to generate imitations of the Sender's style.

Payment Terms

The total fee for this engagement is $2,400.00.

A deposit of $720.00 is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt. Late payments may accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee, and work may be paused until outstanding balances are settled.

Revisions

This engagement includes 2 rounds of revisions on the agreed deliverables. Additional revision rounds, or changes that materially expand the scope described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, will be quoted separately and require written approval before work begins.

Revision requests should be consolidated and submitted together where possible, to keep the project on schedule.

Kill Fee

If the Client cancels after sketches are approved, the Sender keeps the deposit plus 50% of the remaining fee, and no license is granted for unfinished work.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or financial information shared during this engagement, and to use it only for the purpose of completing the work described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

This obligation survives the completion or termination of this agreement and continues for 2 years afterward.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

Should illustrators sell copyright or license it?

Usually license. You get paid again when the use grows. This template grants a defined license and keeps copyright with you, with a buyout priced separately if the client insists.

What is a kill fee?

What the client owes if they cancel mid-project. This template sets it at the deposit plus 50% of the rest once sketches are approved.

Can I stop a client from training AI on my illustrations?

Yes, contractually. The Credit & Integrity clause bans using your artwork to train AI or imitate your style.

Is this Illustration Licensing Agreement legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

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