Image credits, copyright and takedown requests

These are the image credits for Drawing-reference.com. They explain where our reference images come from, what you can do with them, and how to ask us to add a credit or remove an image. If you spot something that shouldn’t be on the site, email info@drawing-reference.com and we’ll reply within 7 days.

Where our images come from

Reference packs. The photos in the gesture drawing tool come from reference packs we bought from their creators, and we use them under their licences. The reference pack finder shows the cover or a preview image of packs, with a link to the creator’s shop. Every pack stays the property of its creator, and we link to it where we can. If a creator wants a pack changed or removed, we do it.

Free stock photos. Some pages use photos from Unsplash and Pexels. Both licences allow free use without asking permission, and we credit the photographer where we can.

Artists who gave permission. Some artwork is used with the artist’s agreement. For example, Jim Elston allowed us to use his Huevember images, and we credit him next to them and on Pinterest.

Our own photos and screenshots. Photos we take ourselves and screenshots of our tools are ours and don’t carry a credit line.

How you can use our images

  • Practice and study. Draw, paint and sketch from the images as much as you like.
  • Your finished artwork. You may share, publish and sell artwork you make from them. Tag us on social media if you like.
  • Please don’t repost the photos as your own, sell or share them as a collection, or copy them into your own reference library or app.
  • Other people’s images. For stock photos and creator packs, the original licence applies, so check the source before you reuse anything.

Figure photos and the 18+ notice

This site is for artists aged 18 and over. The gesture drawing tool and some reference packs include figure photography with nude models, meant for artists who study anatomy and gesture. We hide nudity wherever we can, but we can’t always guarantee it. If you would rather not see nude reference, turn on Only covered models in the tool or in the reference pack finder. By using this site you accept this notice.

Ask for a credit, correction or removal

Email info@drawing-reference.com and include these four things.

  1. The link to the page where you saw the image.
  2. A link to the image, or a short description of it.
  3. Who you are and how you are connected to it (photographer, artist, model, pack creator or rights holder).
  4. What you would like us to do (add a credit, correct a credit, or remove it).

We reply within 7 days. If a rights holder tells us an image is theirs and we don’t have permission, we take it off the page first and sort out the details afterwards. If you appear in one of our photos and want it removed, tell us in the same way.

Affiliate links and ads

Some links on this site are affiliate links, for example to reference packs on Cubebrush, books or tablets on Amazon, and courses. If you buy through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are marked rel="sponsored nofollow", and sponsored packs are labeled as sponsored. We also show a few ads, including promotions for our own Art School. None of this changes which references or tools we recommend.

Image credits FAQ

Quick answers to what people ask most. Click a question to open it.

Can I use the images for my drawings and paintings?

Yes, that’s what they are for. Draw and paint from them as much as you like. For stock photos and creator packs, the original licence applies.

Can I sell artwork based on your images?

Yes. You can sell artwork you make from them. You can’t sell or redistribute the photos themselves.

Can I download and share the photos?

Please share a link to the page instead of the files. Don’t repost the photos as your own, or collect them into your own library or tool.

Why are some images credited and others not?

Photos and screenshots we make ourselves carry no credit line. We credit photographers, artists and pack creators where a licence or the person asks for it, and we add or fix a credit on request.

What if I’m in one of the photos and want it removed?

Email info@drawing-reference.com with the page link and tell us what you want. We reply within 7 days.

Do you have nude reference?

Some figure photos in the gesture drawing tool and in some packs are nude. Turn on Only covered models to hide them. This site is for visitors aged 18 and over.

More references and site pages