Model release forms? Do I need it? What is it?

The submission of a model release form is not a strict requirement, but the deviantART staff reserves the right to demand this type of documentation at any time without prior notice.
Demands for documentation are most likely to occur when we receive complaints concerning lack of permission for publication, when nudity is involved, and if the photograph enters our shop system for sale. Other than those situations it is unlikely that you will be required to show any documentation but we strongly recommend that you make it a routine part of any photo shoot to acquire those documents and keep them on file.

In the event that you receive an official request for model release documentation an appropriate hyperlink will be included in the notification you received and you should submit your document using that link. Failure to properly respond to a Model Release form request within seven (7) days will result in the automatic removal of the associated photograph.


If you lack a standard release form of your own we have a model release form which is available in HTML and DOC format for use in conjunction with the submission of nude photography. This form is intended to obtain the model's expressed written permission for you to provide images of their nude body to the viewing public via the deviantART website. If you already use a standard release document you may submit this form instead of the official form.

For your own protection it is highly recommended that you have any model who poses for you sign a release form giving you the explicit permission to publish, share, distribute, and otherwise display the associated images. Without this documentation you are not covered from personal liability if a nude model objects to the public display of their nudity and other subjects may attempt to assert their right to privacy.

If you elect to use the official deviantART Model Release Form should be printed out as a hardcopy, signed by both you and the model, then scanned and submitted to deviantArt as instructed in the notification which you have received.

In order to submit a Model Release form follow these steps;

1. Convert the release form into a JPG, PNG or PDF file. This is easily accomplished by scanning the form and saving it as one of the appropriate file types.
2. Submit your finished work.
3. Browse to the deviation page of the newly submitted work and choose the option to Edit Deviation which is found to the left of the image thumbnail.
4. Click on the Choose Release Form button near the bottom of the page.
5. Submit the document which you had previously converted to a JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
6. Save the changes.

The document will then be logged and attached to the submission. Only the appropriate staff members will be able to view this document so you do not need to be concerned about private or personal information being revealed to the public.

Once you have properly attached a model release form to your deviation please be certain to edit your deviation description to include a statement that the document is attached and available to staff for review.