May Licensing represents a global roster of talented artists, designers, and photographers.
Our imagery is licensed worldwide for wall décor, jigsaw puzzles, stationery, giftware, and a wide range of consumer products.
May LICENSING - Art licensing built on experience, copyright clarity and talented artists.
We work with retailers etc. who need consistent, legally clean, and commercially proven artwork.
01. AI?
All artworks are created by real designers, photographers and fine-art artists.
At the moment I deliberately stay away from AI-generated imagery due to unresolved copyright and licensing risks – especially for international retail distribution
02. 30+ Years of Experience
From global warehousing and international shipping to today’s on-demand printing – I understand how the market has changed and what retailers and manufacturers need now.
03. Collections
What you see on this website is only a small selection of the 35.000+ designs we offer. Instead of browsing through thousands of images, you can tell us what you’re looking for (for example, teal florals in a large format or farm imagery for a napkin collection), and we’ll send you a tailored presentation.
04. Trusted & Personal
Direct communication, fast response times and clear licensing terms.
- About me
Earth without art is just “eh”. I help art find its place in the world.
I started my career in the art business in 1987, long before licensing became digital. Back then, art meant large print runs, full warehouses and international shipping. I experienced the industry from the inside – and I have grown with every change it went through.
I founded May Licensing to combine decades of traditional art market experience with modern licensing workflows – offering curated selections, clear usage rights and reliable partnerships worldwide.
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I began my journey at a Dutch publishing house in the south of the Netherlands, working in the international art trade. Later, I moved to Arizona, working independently and collaborating with a Spanish publisher, before continuing my career in Germany with the country’s oldest art publisher.
Over the years, I travelled extensively for the art business, visiting fairs in Paris, Las Vegas, Guangzhou, Tokyo, Bologna, Birmingham and many other places. I met retailers, publishers, artists and manufacturers from all over the world – and learned how differently art is used, sold and produced in each market.
The industry has changed dramatically. The days of Heidelberg presses, large inventories and complex logistics are gone. Today, art is licensed, managed digitally and printed locally – often directly by the retailer or manufacturer.
What has not changed is my approach. I work with real artists, not algorithms. I stay away from AI-generated imagery due to unresolved copyright issues. And I focus on selecting artwork that fits aesthetically, works commercially and is legally clean.
At the moment I stay away from AI-generated imagery due to unresolved copyright issues. And I focus on selecting artwork that fits aesthetically, works commercially and is legally clean.
- Artwork categories
Licensed artwork collections for retail, interiors and publishing
01 Consultation
A license lets you use an image or artwork in specific ways. You don’t own it, but depending on the license, you can use it for commercial projects—safely and legally. Once you find images that match your vision, we’ll agree on the terms, create a simple, clear contract, and provide all the files you need to bring your project to life. You contact me with your request. We discuss your project, products and distribution needs in a personal consultation.
02 Brief & moodboards
You share your mood boards, themes, or desired look, and we provide a curated selection of JPEGs to choose from. It’s an easy way to find the perfect images that match your vision and bring your project to life.
03 Copyright
Copyright protects original work—like images, artwork, text, or music—giving the creator exclusive rights. You cannot use someone else’s work without permission. We ask that you include a copyright sign with the artist’s or designer’s name on your products to ensure authenticity and give proper credit.
04 What you get
First, we will make an agreement between both of us to ensure everything is legally in order. Then, you will receive the files in the format you need (high-resolution files, TIFF, etc.), along with the copyright notice to be placed on the product.
Monique Van den Hurk
Founder, May Licensing
“Images are more than decoration. They create atmosphere, emotion and meaning. My work is about finding artwork that doesn’t just fit visually – but feels right for the product, the space and the people who live with it.”
- FAQ´s
Your art licensing questions, answered
Art licensing can feel complex. Here you’ll find clear answers about artwork, licensing rights, files and collaboration. If anything is missing, feel free to get in touch.
Do you create custom artwork selections?
Yes. Curation is at the core of how I work.
You don’t browse through thousands of images. Instead, you share your direction – for example a moodboard, colour palette, product category or quantity – and I create a focused selection that fits your brand and product line. This saves time and ensures visual consistency across collections.
Do you offer exclusive licenses?
Yes. Both exclusive and non-exclusive licenses are available, depending on the artwork and your market requirements. We discuss this transparently during the consultation so you know exactly how and where the artwork can be used.
In which languages do you communicate and do business?
I work internationally and communicate fluently in English, German and Dutch. This allows smooth collaboration with retailers, manufacturers and publishers across Europe and beyond, without language barriers or misunderstandings in licensing terms.
Are the artworks legally safe for international retail?
Absolutely. All artworks are licensed clearly and professionally, with usage rights suitable for international distribution. I deliberately avoid AI-generated imagery due to unresolved copyright issues and work exclusively with real artists. In addition, I cooperate with the Art Copyright Collection (ACC) to actively protect artworks against misuse and piracy.
Are the files print-ready?
Yes. You receive high-resolution, production-ready files suitable for posters, wall art, home décor products and other print applications. Most clients print locally, and the files are prepared to integrate seamlessly into professional production workflows.
Can I request a portfolio or sample selection before licensing?
Yes. Upon request, I provide curated portfolio PDFs or sample selections tailored to your project or product category. This allows you to review the artwork in context before making any licensing decisions.