Buying digital artwork online has never been easier. Marketplaces make it simple to download a file, print it, and enjoy it in your home. Most of the time, the process works exactly as intended—but occasionally, artwork may belong to another artist without authorization. Knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are some simple ways to confidently vet digital artwork before making a purchase.
1. Run a Quick Image Search
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to check the legitimacy of an artwork is a reverse image search.
Take a screenshot of the artwork and upload it to an image search engine, like Google Images. If the artwork belongs to a well-known artist or appears elsewhere online, it will usually show up among the first few results.
No need to spend hours scouring the web—if it doesn’t appear quickly, it’s likely original to the seller. This quick step gives you confidence that you’re purchasing a piece created by the artist you’re supporting.
2. Review the Seller’s Profile
Take a close look at the seller’s profile on the platform where the artwork is listed.
Check their About section, and see if they link to social media accounts or portfolios where they showcase their work. Look at the shop’s history—how long it’s been active, the number of sales, and customer reviews.
While a long-standing shop with thousands of sales is often a good sign, this method isn’t foolproof. Some sellers offering copyrighted artwork can remain active for years before the platform removes the listings.
3. Understand How Copyright Works Online
Copyright issues don’t always resolve immediately. Typically, the original artist must discover unauthorized use and send a cease-and-desist before a listing is taken down.
International sellers can add another layer of complexity, as legal enforcement may be slower or more difficult. Even popular shops with many sales and five-star reviews can occasionally include copyrighted work—so a quick check is always worthwhile.
As a rule, works enter the public domain 70–80 years after the artist’s death. Once in the public domain, they are free to use, reproduce, and print.
4. Public Domain and Other Options
If you want to print artwork safely, there are several options:
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Public domain images: We can print any artwork that is legally in the public domain. We can also recommend websites where you can search for and download public domain images safely.
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Your own images: We can create custom art from your personal photos or scanned artwork.
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Our curated collection: We maintain a small library of images in-house that you can choose from for giclée printing or framing projects.
This gives you multiple ways to enjoy artwork and create a meaningful display.
5. Make It a Habit When Printing
In our studio, we sometimes print artwork that customers have purchased online. Very rarely, someone may send us a screenshot of an artwork without disclosing the source.
Because of this, running a quick image search has become a standard step when preparing prints from online sources. It ensures the artwork belongs to the original creator and maintains your peace of mind.
6. Quick Rule of Thumb
Before purchasing digital artwork online:
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Take a screenshot of the image.
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Run a quick reverse image search.
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Review the seller’s profile and portfolio.
If the artwork doesn’t appear elsewhere online and the seller seems credible—or it’s from the public domain or your own image—it’s likely safe to purchase and print.
Bring Your Artwork to Life
Ready to display your downloaded or personal artwork? We create giclée prints in any size on premium papers and frame them with expert design guidance and top-quality materials.
You’re Going to Love It.