— Questions & Answers —
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions most often asked about licensing, downloading and using the scientific illustration plates of Curiosa Naturalis.
Using the plates
Can I use scientific illustrations in my book?
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Yes. A Commercial licence covers use in published books, textbooks, field guides and magazines, in print and digital editions, worldwide and without time limit. If the book will be printed in very large runs, or the illustration will also appear on merchandise, choose the Extended commercial licence instead.
Can I print a plate and hang it on my wall?
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Yes. The Personal licence lets you print a plate for display in your own home or studio. You receive a high-resolution master file that prints sharply at large sizes, so you can use your preferred local printer and paper.
Can I use an illustration in a school presentation or thesis?
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Personal study, lectures, school projects and academic theses fall under the Personal licence. If the thesis or course material is later published commercially, a Commercial licence is needed for that edition.
Can I use your illustrations on my website or social media?
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Personal, non-commercial posts are covered by the Personal licence. Using a plate on a business website, in advertising or in sponsored social content requires a Commercial licence.
Can I sell products printed with your illustrations?
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Yes, with the Extended commercial licence. It permits resale items such as posters, art prints, stationery, textiles and other merchandise, with unlimited print runs. The Personal and Commercial licences do not allow resale products.
Can I modify or crop the illustration?
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You may crop, resize, recolour or combine a plate with text and other artwork for the use your licence covers. Please do not present the modified image as your own original artwork or remove the credit where a credit line is expected.
Licences and pricing
What is the difference between the three licences?
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Personal covers private display and non-commercial use. Commercial covers publishing, editorial, packaging and marketing use up to 10,000 impressions. Extended commercial adds unlimited print runs, resale merchandise, and broadcast or motion use. The price shown on each plate is for the Personal licence; the other tiers are a multiple of it.
Do I have to credit Curiosa Naturalis?
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A credit such as "Illustration © Curiosa Naturalis" is appreciated for editorial and published use, and is expected where credits are normally printed, such as in books and magazines. It is not required for personal display.
Is the licence one-time or a subscription?
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Every licence is a one-time purchase. There is no subscription and no renewal fee; the rights you buy are perpetual for the use described.
Can I upgrade my licence later?
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Yes. Contact the atelier with your order number and the new intended use, and you will only be asked for the difference between the two licence prices.
Files, orders and commissions
What file format and resolution will I receive?
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After purchase you download the full-resolution master file, without watermark, suitable for high-quality printing. The exact pixel dimensions, format and file size are listed on every plate page before you buy.
How do I download my plate after buying?
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Right after checkout you receive a secure download link by email, and the plate also appears in your account library. Download links are time-limited for security; you can request a fresh link from your account at any time.
Why do the previews have a watermark?
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The watermark protects the artwork while you browse. The file you receive after purchase is the clean, full-resolution master with no watermark.
Do you accept custom illustration commissions?
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Yes. The atelier accepts commissions for new species plates, anatomical studies and habitat scenes for museums, publishers, researchers and brands. Describe your project on the contact page to receive a proposal.
Where is Curiosa Naturalis based?
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The atelier works from Antwerp, Belgium, and licenses plates to customers worldwide. All sales are digital, so there are no shipping costs or delays.
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