1. Non-digital illustrations
When submitting scans of illustrations or artwork that were not created digitally, you must submit a property release as the intellectual property owner.
Non-digital illustrations include any artwork that has been scanned or photographed, such as:
Pen and ink drawings
Paintings
Watercolors
Engravings
Property releases for non-digital artwork must include a thumbnail image of the artwork on the release.
To submit non-digital illustrations:
Download and complete a property release from the Shutterstock Legal Center: Download Property Release Forms
Attach the release at the same time you upload your content, or use the Manage Releases page to upload them separately: How do I use the Manage Releases Page?
2. Digital illustrations
Digital illustrations do not require property releases.
This includes:
Illustrations created completely in raster-based programs
Rasterized designs made in vector programs
3. Copyright restrictions
Please note: You cannot submit illustrations that are based on images to which you do not own copyright, such as free images from the internet or public domain works.
For full details on release requirements, see:
Content Publishing Standards: Legal Documentation