Botanical Illustrations for Commercial Use
Artwork license and copyright
As a freelance botanical illustrator, I offer both custom commissions and illustration licensing options, all designed to suit your project while protecting the integrity of original hand-painted artwork.
Licensing, in simple words, means giving someone the rights to use the artwork, and defining the restrictions of this use. There are many different ways illustration can be used commercially so here is a line up of the most common scenarios in my opinion. Also, commercially doesn’t only mean for-profit, like printed on a physical product to be sold, it also means in a business setting, like a poster or a sign at a coffee shop. There are many different variations of Agreements, that can be developed between illustrator and client, I make sure each include the specific type of License that is required for the particular project.
What Is Illustration Licensing?
Licensing gives you legal permission to use artwork for specific purposes. When you license one of my watercolor illustrations, you are not buying the copyright—instead, you are purchasing the rights to use the image under certain conditions we agree on in advance.
This ensures:
Your usage is exclusive (if needed)
The artwork is used appropriately and respectfully
I retain ownership of the original creative work
Types of Usage You Can License
You can license my botanical illustrations for a range of creative and commercial uses. Common licensing applications include:
Personal Use / Non-Commercial - copyright belongs to an illustrator, and can be further used or licensed by an illustrator only, even if the physical artwork is shipped to a client. This is the case for private commissions and works created for non-profits, charity, etc.
Commercial Use Limited / Non Exclusive License - copyright belongs to an illustrator, how the illustration is used is determined by the time limit/ time used (for example, illustration can be used only one time in an article of the magazine or for 1 month or a year) and location (international or local). Non Exclusive license means that the license for particular artwork can be sold by an illustrator multiple times to multiple clients.
Commercial Use Unlimited / Exclusive License - copyright belongs to an illustrator, but the client has very little limitations in terms of use. This means the license can not be sold to another client.
Copyright Transfer - after the transfer copyright belongs to a client. Also referred to as “the buyout of rights“.
Copyright Transfer + NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) - this is “the most” rights the one can get for the artwork they did not create: copyright belongs to a client and an illustrator can’t share any materials related to the project.
Copyright & Ownership
All original illustrations are protected under copyright law. I retain full copyright to all original artwork unless we have negotiated a copyright buyout (which is rare and priced accordingly). This means:
You can use the licensed artwork for agreed-upon purposes
You cannot resell, redistribute, or alter the work outside of the license terms
I reserve the right to showcase the work in my portfolio unless otherwise agreed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the illustration on multiple products?
Yes, but this requires an extended or multi-use license. Let me know your needs and I’ll provide a quote.
Do I get the original artwork?
Original hand-painted illustrations can be purchased separately and shipped after digital file delivery. Most licensing includes digital use only.
Can I modify the illustration?
Modifications are usually not allowed unless explicitly permitted. If you need variations, let’s discuss this during the briefing stage.
What’s the cost of licensing an existing illustration?
Fees vary based on usage scope, exclusivity, and duration. I’ll provide a custom quote after learning more about your project.
Explore & License Botanical Illustrations
Looking for existing botanical illustrations to license? I have a catalog of ready-made watercolor plants, florals, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and more—ideal for publishers and product designers.
Browse Available Artwork → Illustration Portfolio
Ready to License or Commission Artwork?
Let’s make your project bloom with beautiful, professionally painted botanical illustrations.
Contact me to discuss licensing or custom commissions.