Cougarmint's Art Assets Use FAQ

With all the fuss I learned about restrictions recently, I wanted to create this special FAQ to assuage some of the common fears abut the use of my art in your games and other works.

Note that this applies to the work I released under Creative Commons ONLY. Any work that I denote as "not for public use" does not fall under this FAQ. "Public Domain" releases are also not included as they are essentially free to use in any form (though credit is appreciated.)

Can I use your art in any game and sell it for money without paying royalties? Can I make promotional content (screen shots, advertisements, etc) of my game with your artwork in it?
Yes, of course. Just credit me and put a link back to my pack in your credits.

I want to pay you royalties/make a donation. Can I?
If you want to, but it is not necessary. Contact me so that we can work something out, please.

I'm using other resources that require encryption/DRM (closed source games) and CC-BY restricts that by default. Can I still use your work in my DRM/Closed Source game?
Yes. Just add a link back to my page so others can download it for use themselves. That way you fulfill both requirements. I know that CC-BY doesn't allow DRM, but by providing a link back to my content pack, you are skirting around that clause because you're not restricting access to the assets entirely, just to your particular copy of that pack. If that won't work, then add the link to your Read Me document, user's manual, or even website. Just as long as people have an alternate route of access, it's fine by me.

I'm working with an AAA Game Design Company and I want to use your artwork. May I?
Oh my gosh, I am honored! Just please put my name in the credits, please, with a link back to my pack (or offer the pack for free download off your site.)

I am a famous Youtuber. Can I use your art in some of my thumbnails or my green screen backdrops?
By all means. Just credit me and add a link back to the art in your description. If you stumbled on my fan art of you, then you can use that particular piece however you please. <3

Can I use your art on my Website, Blog Skin, Facebook Cover, or other online media without paying a royalty?
Yes, as long as you credit me in your design credits and place a noticeable link back to the art pack or my Deviant Art page.

Can I use your art in my Online Comic, Flash Movie, or even Animated Video? Can I use it in Videos in general?
Yes, as long as you credit me in your screen credits and place a display back to the art pack or my Deviant Art page. Please add it to your video's description. If you make money off the video, please consider a small donation or royalty. Please contact me to work something out if you decide to make royalty payments.

I am an Advertiser for (insert brand here.) Can I use your art in my ad?
Honestly, it depends on what you are advertising. In this case, please contact me so we can go over the details.

Can I otherwise use your CC-released art for Traditional Print Media? (greeting cards, posters, book cover, birthday banners, etc)
Of course! Just please add my name to the artwork, such as "by Cougarmint" in the lower right of the banner or card. Something like that, and offer a link back to the pack (or even my deviant art page) if at all possible. If it's in a graphic novel or as part of a book cover, please add me to your acknowledgements page with a link back to my page. If you make money off the media, please consider a small donation or royalty. Please contact me to work something out if you decide to make royalty payments.

Can I reskin/recolor or otherwise edit your art for my needs?
Yes. I would prefer if you release that edit under Creative Commons, but you don't have to.

Can I commission you for a piece that I plan to use for my project alone?
Yes; I charge $5 for pixel art and $10 for a planet. All I ask is that you credit me; otherwise you may copyright that custom asset to your game. The fee will be waived if you choose to release the asset under a CC license. Otherwise, we can work out agreements on royalties if you don't have the money up front to pay for the commission.