Model and Property Releases

If you intend on doing any illustrations of specific people or locations you may find that you need to get signed model or property releases in order for the Microstock libraries to accept your work.

What is a model release?

If there is a recognizable human face in your illustration then you will need a model release. You need a release for every submission that falls within this category. That is how the websites define when you’ll need a model release.

In addition to that if you create an illustration that includes the recognizable face of a minor (someone under the age of 18) you will need a model release that is signed by the child’s parent or guardian.

You are even required to provide a signed model release if the illustration is of yourself.

Model releases also require the signature of a witness as well as the model. Keep this in mind when you are shooting an individual and make sure there is someone else around who can sign as well.

As someone who has uploaded and had illustrations with faces approved I can say that there can be exceptions to what seems like a rule written in stone.
Often when I create artwork that has a person in it the figure is not taken from real life. Sometimes I will simply sketch out the figure or face. When this occurs there is no model involved so there is no one to get a signature on a model release from. Other times I might use a 3D program to get the position and angle of a figure or face. Again there is no model.
What do you do if the Microstock site asks for a model release after you’ve uploaded your illustration and you don’t have one sand can’t get one?
It’s no problem. In this case all you have to do is upload a jpeg of your sketch or 3D image that you used in creating your artwork. Before you upload your illustration you should always prepare any additional forms or reference images and have everything ready to go. Sometimes you might need to scan your images or sketches, sometimes you might need to export a jpeg from your 3D program and sometimes you might even have to take a screenshot of your computer screen and save it for upload as a reference for your final art.

Here is an example of a model release. This one is from iStock and is very typical of what you’ll see in terms of what is required for information that you’ll need to provide. Make sure to have your model actually read the release and sign it in front of the witness. The form can be found here.

Some Microstock websites have separate model releases for adults and minors. This is the model release from Shutterstock specifically for Minors. The form can be found here.

Property Releases

These are very similar to the model releases. It can be a lot more difficult to know when you need a property release because property applies to not just real estate but other things as well. An illustration of anything that can be associated with an identifiable person should have a property release. That includes homes, cars, pets, etc. If you are taking a photo or creating a vector image of someone’s property in the pursuit of financial gain you will need a release. The release has to be signed by the owner of the property or an authorized agent of the owner. You also have to have a witness for the signing of the form just like with the model release.

If you’re creating artwork from a photo you should have it on hand when you upload the release to the websites because sometimes you have to include your reference photo

For real estate you have to state the address of the property on the form as well.

Here is an example of a Property release. This one is for 123RF and is a great example of what you can expect to see in these forms. The form can be found here.

As you can see these forms are fairly straightforward. They are required for good reason and are meant to protect both you and the Microstock libraries. If you think you need model or property release forms then you probably do.

Sometimes it’s difficult to know when you need a property release form. If you can get one then I suggest doing so. If you can’t get a release then try to make your illustration less identifiable as someone’s property by changing things within the artwork.

Famous Buildings

There are many famous buildings and landmarks that can be used in your illustrations without worrying about a release. There are also some who will require you to have a release form. Some don’t want their property used in photos or illustrations at all.
Shutterstock has a nice list that can be found here of specific buildings and such that are either off limits or have limitations as far as how images of them are used.

In Conclusion

From the contributor and Microstock websites point of view the releases are more about protecting you and the agencies from private individuals making claims that their property was used in photos or artwork against their wishes than it is about, for example, preventing the artist from creating an illustration of Washington DC landmarks.
From the point of view of the owner of the property, the release forms are in place to protect the individual’s privacy, to prevent people from misrepresenting them or their property and to stop people from making money off of something that belongs to them.

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