Artwork Submission


GoodWay Licensing is always looking for new artists for puzzle designs. If you are interested in having GoodWay Licensing present your work to puzzle manufacturers, please provide:

  1. Email links to your portfolio (website, social media, or online galleries) to artwork@goodwaylicensing.com.
  2. Include 8 to 15 low-res samples (JPEG or PDF) that best represent your work. Keep the email size under 15MB.
  3. Provide a brief artist bio and any info about yourself you want to share.
  4. Ensure you can supply high-quality images (typically 300 dpi or higher) for licensing.

We'll review your submission to match with puzzle manufacturer requests or identify potential new designs and get back with you.

Artist FAQ


How much will I earn from licensing a puzzle image?

Income from puzzle licensing varies based on several factors:

  1. Contract terms: Each deal has unique royalties or flat fees based on industry standards.
  2. Sales performance: Earnings depend on puzzle popularity, sales volume, and market longevity.
  3. Company size and market reach: These influence potential earnings.
  4. Number of licensed images: More licensed images increase potential for residual income.

While puzzle licensing rarely leads to significant wealth, it offers artists:

  • Exposure to new market segments
  • An affordable option for fans to own their artwork

GoodWay Licensing negotiates to maximize artist benefits within these parameters.

How and when will I be paid?

  1. Advances / Flat Fees
    • Advances and flat fees are paid upon submission, approval of reproducible artwork, and receipt of Tax Form W-9 if you are a US Citizen. Artist earnings are reported by GoodWay as 1099 (independent contractor) for tax purposes.
    • Advances are subtracted from the royalties earned until the royalties exceed the amount of the advance.
  2. Royalties
    • Royalties start once the puzzles are available in the market. Each licensed image has an Introduction / Market Date based on when the manufacturer plans to release the puzzle into the market.
    • Royalties are typically paid quarterly based on the manufacturer's net sales. There may be different percentages based on retail or wholesale sales.
    • Once the royalty payments are received by GoodWay they are disbursed to the artists within 10 business days of GoodWay receiving payment from manufacturers.
    • Payments are made to the artists via check.

Do I maintain copyright of my artwork?

  1. Copyright Retention
    • Artists maintain full copyright of their work.
    • The artist has freedom to license their artwork for other products.
  2. Approval Process
    • Artists give final approval on proofs before printing the puzzles.
    • This ensures accurate representation of their artwork.
    • Artists verify their copyright is noted on the puzzle box.

Will I receive free sample puzzles made from my work?

GoodWay Product Sample Policy

  1. Sample Availability
    • Varies by manufacturer, typically anywhere from 2 to 6 copies.
    • Handled on a case-by-case basis.
  2. Sample Distribution
    • Often samples are sent directly to the artist free of charge within the continental US. Otherwise, they are mailed to GoodWay.
    • If GoodWay receives the samples, they can forward them to artists, however, actual shipping costs are deducted from royalty statements.
  3. Opt-Out Option
    • When samples are sent to GoodWay instead of the artist, the artists can decline samples by notifying GoodWay in writing to avoid the shipping cost.

How are disagreements handled after the contract is signed?

GoodWay Licensing's Conflict Resolution Approach

  1. Primary Method
    • Open communication and discussion between GoodWay and artists.
  2. Philosophy
    • Most issues can be resolved amicably through reasonable dialogue.
    • Formal dispute mechanisms in contracts are a last resort.
  3. GoodWay's Commitment
    • Recognizes and respects artists' hard work.
    • Aims for mutually beneficial outcomes.
    • Prioritizes artist satisfaction.

Is my contract exclusive?

Exclusivity Agreement

  1. Puzzle Manufacturing
    • GoodWay requires exclusive representation rights for puzzle licensing during the contract period.
  2. Other Licensing
    • Artists retain freedom to license their work for non-puzzle purposes.
    • Artists can work with other agencies or license other products directly.
  3. GoodWay's Stance
    • GoodWay aims to act in the best interest of the artist at all times.

What style of art is good for puzzles?

We look for a wide selection of art in a variety of mediums in two-dimensional format. There are puzzlers for all kinds of images and we hope to have art available for all genres.

Several factors contribute to making an image well-suited for a puzzle. Here are key elements that typically make a good puzzle image:

  1. Visual complexity: Images with varied details, textures, and patterns provide an engaging challenge.
  2. Color diversity: A range of colors helps differentiate sections and adds interest.
  3. Distinct areas: Clear divisions or sections in the image give puzzlers starting points and goals.
  4. Recognizable elements: Familiar objects or scenes can provide context and satisfaction as they come together.
  5. Balanced composition: A well-structured image helps maintain interest across the entire puzzle.
  6. Contrast: Variations in light and dark areas aid in piece placement.
  7. Recurring themes or motifs: Repeating elements add an extra layer of challenge.
  8. Clear focus: A central subject or theme gives the puzzle a sense of purpose.
  9. Quality and clarity: High-resolution images ensure crisp details when printed.
  10. Emotional appeal: Images that evoke feelings or memories can increase enjoyment.

Our goal at GoodWay Licensing is to narrow down the art choices for the puzzle company art directors. This makes their jobs easier. We do not place the full spectrum of each artist's work on our site. We selectively choose what we believe will be of interest for puzzle manufacturers based on the factors mentioned above.

What mediums are best for puzzle images?

  1. Good Performers
    • Oils and acrylics with dense color and minimal strokes or texture but with fine detail.
    • Watercolors tend to be quite light, but can be brightened digitally. These are gaining popularity
    • We've also used photos of layered wood and pyro art to create wonderful puzzle images.
  2. Digital Art
    • Digital art is seeing increased appreciation but must be high resolution.
    • AI-generated is welcome, but often lacks necessary resolution (16 x 20, 300 dpi).

What are GoodWay Licensing's artwork guidelines?

  1. We Prioritize
    • Original, creative work demonstrating individual craftsmanship.
    • Skillfully rendered fine art.
    • High-resolution digital art files and photography.
  2. We Cannot License
    • Non-original imagery (unless public domain).
    • Artwork incorporating:
      • Logos
      • Icons
      • Copyrighted material not owned by the artist
    • Previously published or used imagery.

What is GoodWay Licensing's artwork submission policy?

Submission Requirements

  • Recommend a minimum of 4 new images per year.
  • Not every original piece is required.

Benefits of Frequent Submissions

  • New art is featured every 90 days on the artist page.
  • Increased visibility for the artist.

Curation Process

  • Not all submitted art may be accepted.
  • Selection based on suitability for puzzle licensing purposes.

Ongoing Communication

  • Artists encouraged to share works-in-progress.
  • Informal updates (photos, JPEGs) welcome of works in process.

Art Folio FAQ


Can I recover a deleted Art Folio?

No. If you think you might need a specific Art Folio in the future, consider archiving the list instead of deleting it.

Can you rename an Art Folio?

Yes. Click the edit button on either the main index or while viewing a specific Art Folio.

How do I activate an archived Art Folio?

Click the activate button on either the archived Art Folio on the main index or while viewing the archived Art Folio.

How do I license or inquire more information about an image?

Click the submit button available on both the main index and while viewing a specific Art Folio. Please enter any additional information regarding your request and someone will be in touch shortly.

How do I share an Art Folio?

An Art Folio can be shared by clicking the share button while managing a specific one or by clicking the share button from the main Art Folio index. Both can be identified by the icon. Enter the email address of the person you wish to share this list with and an email will be sent inviting them to view your Artfolio. The recipient will only be able to view the list and will not be able to make changes.

What does copying an Art Folio do?

Clicking the copy button will create an exact copy on an Art Folio. You will be given the opportunity to give it a unique Art Folio name. This button is available from the main Art Folio index or while managing an active Art Folio.

What is a default Art Folio?

A default Art Folio will be the only Art Folio to get images added when clicking the add button next to the image name while browsing images. You can choose any Art Folio from the detail view of any image.

When you archive an Art Folio, what happens to it?

Archiving an Art Folio will move it to the Submitted and Archived section. This Art Folio can continue to be referenced, but you must reactivate it to perform any further action.