The Creator
Daniela R., freelance children’s book illustrator based in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Situation
Daniela created 24 full-page illustrations for a children’s book under a license agreement that granted the publisher reproduction rights for the first edition only. Two years later, the publisher used the illustrations in merchandise (mugs, posters, T-shirts) and a mobile app, claiming the original agreement covered “all derivative uses.” When Daniela objected, the publisher’s new legal team claimed some illustrations were actually created by an in-house artist and merely “finished” by Daniela.
The Problem
The publisher’s claim that some illustrations were partially created in-house was difficult to disprove without forensic evidence of the complete creative process — from initial sketch to final artwork.
The AuthorHash Solution
Daniela had timestamped her creative process at three stages for each illustration: pencil sketch, color rough, and final artwork. The 72 certificates (3 per illustration × 24 illustrations) documented the entire creative journey, with each stage’s SHA-256 fingerprint proving that the files existed in her possession at progressively earlier dates. No in-house artist could produce matching timestamps.
The Outcome
Faced with 72 timestamped certificates documenting the complete creation process, the publisher’s legal team dropped the “in-house artist” claim within days. Daniela negotiated a retroactive licensing fee of $12,000 for the unauthorized merchandise use and retained full control of her illustrations for future editions.
"Timestamping the process, not just the final file, was the key. They couldn’t claim their artist created the sketches when I had certificates proving I had the pencil roughs months before they even signed the contract.
Key Takeaway
Timestamp the process, not just the final file. Sketch → rough → final. The chain of creation is your strongest proof.