Illustration

4am Studio retains full copyright ownership of all illustrations unless a separate buyout agreement is made. Clients are granted a licence to use the illustration under the terms selected and paid for.

a. Personal Use Only (Non-Commercial, Non-Transferable)

Use:

• Home decor, gifts, personal social media, one-off framed prints, etc.

Fee:

• Hourly rate only (no additional licensing fee)

Terms:

• No resale, no commercial or promotional use.
• No resale, no commercial or promotional use.
• No printing or reproduction beyond personal use.
• Must not be used by third parties.
• Personal use does not include mass printing for giveaways, community groups, or large-scale gifting. Quantity limits apply (max 5 physical reproductions).

b. Commercial Use - Single Purpose

Use:

• For commercial use of one illustration on one format—this could be a single poster run, a product label, or a specific merch item (e.g. a mug, tote, or t-shirt).
• The licensing fee is based on the number of units you intend to produce.

Fee:

• Standard hourly illustration rate
• + Licensing fee based on quantity tier: Up to 50 / 100 / 250 / 500

Terms:

• Covers one design on one format (e.g. the illustration on a mug or a poster, not both).
• For additional formats (e.g. turning the poster into a tee), a new licence is required.
• If you want to do a second production run, you need to re-license (same tier or upgrade).
• Each product variation (e.g. mug, tote, t-shirt, different colourways) constitutes a separate use and requires separate licensing. Alterations of the artwork or application across product types require new approval.
• This license does not include exclusivity - 4am Studio may reuse, resell, or relicense the illustration to others in the future (unless you upgrade to exclusive rights).
• Modifications to the artwork (especially for new products or platforms) must be discussed with you beforehand.
• If units produced exceed the licensed tier, a retroactive upgrade fee will apply or the licence may be revoked.
• Failure to declare true usage = licence voided and services suspended.

c. Exclusive Rights (Client-Specific Use Only)

Use:

• For clients who want to be the only ones using the artwork — usually for brand identity, packaging, or a specific product. You get the rights to use the artwork in exclusive contexts agreed upon before licensing.

Fee:

• Standard hourly illustration rate
• + Licensing Fee, depending on:
• Scope of use (e.g. packaging only, or packaging + product + merch?)
• Platforms (e.g. website only, or digital + print + retail?)
• Duration (12 months, 2 years, unlimited use?)

Terms:

• Client must clearly state all intended uses of the illustration prior to purchase — including where and how the artwork will appear (e.g. packaging, signage, t-shirts, online store, etc).
• This licence covers only the uses declared and agreed upon. Additional usage (outside of what's been licensed) will require a licence upgrade.
• Exclusivity means 4am Studio will not sell or re-license the illustration to any other client during the agreed term.
• Exclusivity does not mean ownership. The client may not modify, resell, or assign the artwork to a third party unless otherwise agreed.
• If no duration is specified, exclusivity is valid for 2 years from the date of licence.
• Third-party production, adaptation, or agency use must be pre-approved.
• If intended use is not clearly disclosed in writing prior to licensing, 4am Studio reserves the right to revoke exclusivity and re-license the artwork to other clients. No retroactive exclusivity is granted.
• Breach of terms voids exclusivity immediately. If a client fails to declare intended usage or uses the artwork beyond the scope licensed:
  • 4am Studio may issue a cease and desist.
  • The exclusive rights are revoked.
  • The artwork may be made available for licensing to other clients.

d. Full Copyright Buyout

Use:

• Full transfer of rights - client owns and controls all future use and reproduction

Fee:

• Standard hourly illustration rate + buyout fee, depending on variables.

Terms:

• Client receives full copyright ownership.
• 4am Studio retains the right to showcase artwork in portfolios unless otherwise agreed.
• Price reflects total loss of ownership and future income potential.
• Breach of payment terms = ownership is not transferred.
• Ownership is contingent upon full and cleared payment. If payment is reversed or refunded for any reason, copyright reverts to 4am Studio.

Raw File Access:

• Where full copyright is purchased, the client may also receive native working files (e.g. .ai, .eps, .svg, etc.), if requested. This must be agreed upon during negotiation. Raw files are not automatically included and may increase the final buyout fee. Fonts, licensed imagery, and third-party assets will not be included unless purchased by the client or cleared for commercial transfer.
• If and once raw files are transferred, 4am Studio reserves the right to request removal or non-association of artwork if used in a context that is deceptive, unlawful, discriminatory, or in conflict with the values of 4am Studio. If raw, layered, or editable files (e.g. .ai, .eps, .svg) are requested as part of a copyright buyout, an additional transfer fee will apply. This is to reflect the full release of creative ownership, future licensing potential, and editing rights.

Buyouts are rare and negotiated case-by-case.

Use:

• Limited-run, one-off usage (often for community or internal projects)

Fee:

• Discounted hourly rate (or flat rate offer)

Terms:

• Strictly for one-time use - single post, flyer, event poster, etc.
• Cannot be reused, edited, resold, or used across multiple formats.
• No licensing or usage extensions available without upgrading to commercial use.
• Failure to make payment on discounted illustrations on time results in full payment being reinstated with late fees.
• Discounted illustration licences must be used within 6 months of delivery. After this period, the licence expires and may be subject to re-licensing.

If you want to adapt or reprint artwork for a different use (e.g. turn a print into a t-shirt design), contact 4am Studio to arrange a new licence or extension. Small upgrades are usually affordable and help protect both of us.

If usage exceeds what was agreed, additional fees may apply and immediate revocation of the licence (you'll need to stop using the artwork). Reuse without permission or license may result in legal action or copyright claims. The artwork may become available to others (where exclusivity was previously granted).