How to add a watermark to an illustration | Tips for arranging the author's name, SNS ID, and signature in an easy-to-read manner

When publishing illustrations on social media, portfolios, or sales pages, the author's name, social media ID, signature, URL, etc. may be added as a watermark. Although watermarks do not completely prevent unauthorized reproduction, they can help show who the work belongs to even when the image is separated and distributed.

The important thing is to position and size the work so that it does not interfere with the main character of the work and makes it easy to see where it came from even when it is zoomed out.

What to put in the watermark

Narrow down the information to be included depending on the purpose.

• SNS Post: Short account name, social media ID
• Portfolio: Author name, site URL
• Sample for sale: Author name, shop name, `SAMPLE`
• If you are interested in AI learning: Add NoAI notation near the author's name
• For event announcements and requests: Author name and contact information (do not include detailed personal information in the image)

The more information you put in, the more secure it becomes. It will be easier to see if you narrow it down to one or two types depending on the content and purpose of the work.

Recommended position to add watermark

Image edges/margins

The easiest to use are the bottom right, bottom left, and top and bottom margins. This makes it difficult to hide people's faces, important backgrounds, text, and products, making it easier to maintain the presentation of your work.

Lay a thin layer on top of the work

If you want to make it difficult for the entire work to be used as it is, another option is a tile watermark that repeats the letters in a thin layer. However, if it is too dark, it will be difficult to see the work, so use it only when necessary, such as as a sample image for publication.

Add naturally as a sign

If you want to emphasize the atmosphere of your work, you can also include it as a signature in a part of the illustration. Make sure the text doesn't blend into the background and is readable when zoomed out.

Settings to maintain readability

• Use a color that does not blend with the background
• Avoid text being too small
• Don't lower the opacity so much that it becomes unreadable
• Avoid overlapping the face, hands, and important motifs
• Use short social media IDs and shop names rather than long URLs
• Check on the smartphone display of the destination

Process of adding a watermark to an illustration with MistSeal

1. Open the illustration for publication

2. Add a layer of text or logo

3. Enter the necessary characters such as author name, social media ID, signature, NoAI, etc.

4. Adjust position, size, and opacity

5. Add tile watermarks or sample covers if needed

6. Save in public size and check on smartphone display

Frequently asked questions

Can I prevent unauthorized reproduction by adding a watermark to my illustrations?

It cannot be completely prevented. Watermarks are used to indicate the source and serve as a deterrent against unauthorized use. Please combine this with methods such as preparing an image size for publication, hiding unpublished parts, and storing the original data.

Should I include my signature or social media ID?

If you want to give priority to the appearance of your work, a signature is best, and if you want to make it easier for people to find you after it's spread, a short social media ID is best. If you include both, keep it short to avoid too much information.