What is a model release form and how do I attach it to my deviation?

A model release form is an agreement between artist and model confirming the terms under which one person can use and display photos or other artwork of another person.

It is always recommended that you acquire a signed model release form when working with models, for your safety and theirs. Having a form personalized to fit your working needs and wants is best, but if you do not have your own form, you can use DeviantArt’s model release form as a starting point.

How do I attach a model release form to my deviation?

When uploading a model release form, make sure the form’s file type is either .JPG, .PNG, or .PDF. No other file formats will be accepted. To attach your form:

  1. Visit the deviation to which you’re trying to attach a model release form, and click the pencil icon to edit the deviation.
  2. Scroll to the Advanced settings menu, find “Legal documentations” in the options, and click “Add” next to it.
  3. Under the “Model release” heading, click “Attach File” to upload your model release form.
  4. Click “Save.”

Do I need to include a model release form?

In general, model release forms are not required when submitting art to DeviantArt, but in the event a model files a complaint with DeviantArt Customer Support or you decide to try to sell a work featuring another model, you may be required to provide a model release form to prove you have the right to share or sell the art you’ve posted.

You can voluntarily attach a form to an individual deviation at any time. It will only be viewable by DeviantArt team members for the sole purpose of dispute resolution.

I’m a model and a photo of me or my likeness has been used without my permission. What can I do?

Please contact DeviantArt Customer Support or send an email to violations@deviantart.com that includes the following information:

  • The full URL of each individual work in which you claim your likeness has been published or used without permission,
  • A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use of your likeness was not authorized by you, any agent representing you, or the law,
  • An email address, physical address, or telephone number through which you can be contacted,
  • A clear statement including the phrase "under penalty of perjury" that the information in your complaint is accurate, and that you are the model depicted in the identified works, and
  • A digital signature in the form of typing out your full name.

Until all of the above information is provided, action cannot be taken, so to expedite the process, please include it in your initial outreach.

Once Customer Support has the required information, the identified works will be hidden from public view for 30 days, during which time an involved artist can provide a valid model release form signed by you. If a valid form is not provided by the artist within that time frame, the works will be deleted from the artist’s profile immediately, and it will be deleted entirely from our servers approximately 30 days later.
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