Photographer Artist FAQ
This FAQ is a general guide. If your work is selected, the written licence agreement will contain the complete terms and will take precedence where there is any inconsistency.
Categories
Submissions
Who can submit work?
We welcome submissions from professional and emerging photographers, illustrators, painters,
designers and other visual artists. You do not need to live in New Zealand, although work with a
strong connection to Aotearoa New Zealand is particularly relevant to our postcard range.
What kind of work are you looking for?
We look for distinctive, high-quality images that work well in postcard format. Suitable subjects
may include New Zealand landscapes, wildlife, culture, architecture, travel destinations, humour,
illustration and contemporary art.
We are especially interested in work that is original, visually striking and likely to appeal to both
local and international customers.
How do I make a submission?
Refer to our Photographer and Artist Submission Guidelines
How many images can I submit?
You may submit up to 100 images at a time. A carefully selected group of your strongest and most commercially suitable work is more useful than a large, unedited collection.
What file specifications do you require?
Refer to our Photographer and Artist Submission Guidelines
Will every submission be accepted?
No. Submissions are assessed for image quality, originality, subject matter, production suitability,
customer demand and fit with our existing range. We may select some images from a submission
and decline others.
A declined image is not necessarily a judgement on its artistic quality; it may simply not fit our
current publishing plans.
How long does the review process take?
We aim to respond within 30 days. At busy times, assessment may take longer. Please wait until
the stated review period has passed before following up.
What happens if my work is selected?
We will contact you to discuss the proposed use and provide a written licence agreement. The agreement will identify the selected work, permitted products, licence period, territory, payment model and any exclusivity or promotional rights.
No work will be published until the relevant terms have been agreed.
Royalties and Payment
How will I be paid?
Depending on the image and intended use, we may offer one of two payment arrangements:
• A royalty calculated for each unit sold, with sales assessed and reported annually; or• A one-time licence fee covering the uses specified in the agreement.
The proposed payment arrangement will be confirmed before you grant us a licence.
How does the per-unit royalty model work?
Under this model, you receive an agreed royalty for each eligible unit sold during the reporting period. Sales of each product featuring your work are totalled annually (1 January – 31 December), and you receive a statement showing the reported units and the royalty due in January.
How does the one-time licence fee work?
A one-time licence fee is a fixed payment for the rights described in the agreement. It is not affected by the number of postcards sold.
The agreement will clearly state the permitted products, territory, licence period and other authorised uses. Any use outside that scope would require further permission and, where applicable, an additional fee.
Can I choose which payment model I prefer?
You are welcome to tell us your preference. The model offered may depend on the image, expected sales, print plans and the nature of the proposed licence. You will have the opportunity to review the offer before accepting it.
When are payments made?
For royalty arrangements, payment is made after the end of the annual reporting period (1 January – 31 December). Sales volumes are reported in January and we then pay upon receipt of your invoice for the total amount payable.
For one-time licence fees, the agreement will state when payment is due, such as on signing, delivery of the final file or publication.
Who is responsible for tax?
Artists and photographers are responsible for their own tax obligations. Depending on your circumstances, we may require an invoice or other tax information before making payment.
New Zealand contributors should advise whether they are GST-registered. Overseas contributors should obtain appropriate advice about tax requirements in their own country.
Copyright
Does a one-time fee mean I am selling my copyright?
No, unless a separate written agreement expressly states that copyright is being assigned. Our standard arrangement is a licence to use the selected work for defined purposes. You continue to own the copyright.
Will I retain ownership of my work?
Yes. You retain ownership of your original artwork and copyright unless a written contract specifically provides otherwise.
The licence gives us permission to reproduce and distribute the selected image only within the agreed scope.
Will the licence be exclusive?
The licence may be exclusive, non-exclusive or exclusive only for particular products, markets or periods. The proposed terms will be stated clearly in the agreement.
If exclusivity is requested, we will explain what it covers and how long it lasts before you make a decision.
Can I continue selling prints or licensing the image elsewhere?
Yes, just not to competing business to Post Art.
Will my name appear on the postcard or other souvenirs?
We credit the photographer or artist on the postcard, magnet or other souvenirs. The exact wording and placement may depend on the product design and available space.
Please provide the name you would like used for your credit.
Can you crop or edit my work?
Postcard production may require proportionate cropping, resizing, colour adjustment or minor layout changes. Any permitted modifications will be covered by the agreement.
We will not make substantial changes that materially alter the character of the work without discussing them with you.
Releases and Permission
Do I need permission from people shown in a photograph?
You are responsible for identifying any third-party permissions that may be required. This can include model releases, property permissions, location restrictions, trademarks and rights associated with artworks or culturally sensitive material appearing in an image.
Please tell us about any uncertainty or restriction when submitting the work.
What should I consider when submitting Māori cultural content?
Work involving Māori people, mātauranga Māori, taonga, tikanga, symbols, stories, places or other culturally significant material should be created and licensed with appropriate authority, care and context.
Please disclose any relevant permissions, consultation requirements, iwi or hapū connections, attribution expectations, or restrictions on reproduction. Selection for publication does not remove the need to respect cultural rights and responsibilities.
Can I submit an image that has already been published?
Yes, provided you still control the rights needed for the proposed licence. Please disclose previous publication, current licences and any exclusivity arrangements when submitting the image.
Can I submit work represented by an agent or gallery?
Yes. Please tell us who is authorised to negotiate and sign the licence. If another party controls some or all of the relevant rights, we will need their written approval.
Can I withdraw a submission?
You may withdraw work at any time before signing a licence agreement. If an agreement has already been signed, withdrawal and termination will be governed by its terms, including any commitments relating to existing stock.
What happens when a licence ends?
When a licence expires or is terminated, we will stop producing new stock unless the agreement allows otherwise. The agreement may permit us to sell remaining inventory for a specified period.
