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Art licensing fees and royalty rates explained - What are the art licensing fees and royalty rates?


Art licensing fees and royalty rates explained - What are the art licensing fees and royalty rates?

The average art licensing royalty rates vary depending on the type of art, the size of the art, and the usage rights granted. According to the Graphic Artists Guild, the average royalty rate for art licensing is 3-10% of the retail price of the art.


Here are some factors that can affect the royalty rate for art licensing:

  • The type of art: Some types of art, such as vector art or stock photography, are more commonly licensed than others. This means that there is more demand for these types of art, and you can charge a higher royalty rate.

  • The size of the art: Larger artworks typically command higher royalty rates than smaller artworks. This is because larger artworks are more versatile and can be used in a wider variety of applications.

  • The usage rights granted: The usage rights granted will also affect the royalty rate. For example, a one-time use license will typically be less expensive than an unlimited use license.

It is important to negotiate the royalty rate with the client before you start working on the project. This will help to ensure that you are both on the same page and that you are fairly compensated for your work.


Here are some tips for negotiating a royalty rate for art licensing:

  • Do your research. Before you start negotiating, it is important to do your research and to know what other artists are charging for their work. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations.

  • Be clear about your terms. When you are negotiating, be clear about the terms of the license, such as the type of art being licensed, the fees, and the rights being granted.

  • Be prepared to walk away. If you are not happy with the terms of the license, be prepared to walk away from the deal. This will show the client that you are serious about getting a fair price for your work.

By following these tips, you can negotiate a royalty rate for art licensing that is fair and that will compensate you for your work.



Here are some specific examples of royalty rates for art licensing:

  • For a one-time use license, the royalty rate could be 3-5% of the retail price of the art.

  • For an unlimited use license, the royalty rate could be 5-10% of the retail price of the art.

  • For a premium license, such as a license that allows the client to use the art in a commercial setting, the royalty rate could be 10-15% of the retail price of the art.

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual royalty rate will vary depending on the specific terms of the license.


Consider taking our Licensing Your Art Masterclass, if you'd like to break into licensing and open this revenue stream for yourself.


Thank you for reading and hope this helps!


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