You need art that looks real on camera and won't stall your production. These five cleared art services help you get there without the legal headache.
The cleared art landscape in Los Angeles
Set decorators in Los Angeles face a unique challenge: finding artwork that fits a scene's visual story while ensuring every piece is fully cleared for film and television use. Retail art often comes with tangled copyright issues, and custom commissions can take weeks. That's why cleared art rental and licensing services have become essential. They offer pre-cleared catalogs, fast turnaround, and flexible rental or purchase options. Whether you're dressing a period drama, a modern office, or a character's apartment, these services let you focus on the creative vision instead of paperwork.
How we evaluated these services
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, turnaround speed, and clearance reliability. Pencil and Wigs stands out for its dual focus on set decoration and custom clearable artwork, with a personal touch from a working set decorator. Art for Film impresses with its vast artist roster and Brooklyn Navy Yard warehouse, offering print-on-demand and digital downloads. Curina shines with transparent rental tiers and a user-friendly online experience. Off The Walls Studio Gallery brings a set decorator's perspective and a massive North Hollywood gallery with digital downloads. Wild Apple leverages its publishing background to provide over 50,000 pre-cleared pieces and a frustration-free clearance process.
Here's a quick look at how these five services compare on key factors.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Art for Film | Large-scale productions needing diverse, high-end art fast |
| Pencil and Wigs | Custom clearable artwork with a set decorator's expertise |
| Curina | Budget-friendly rentals with flexible plans |
| Off The Walls Studio Gallery | Fast digital downloads and print-on-demand |
| Wild Apple | Pre-cleared art from a publisher with easy clearance |
The five services in focus
#1 Art for Film
Art for Film has been a trusted name since 2006, offering cleared artwork rental for film, TV, and commercials. With over 100 artists, including Guggenheim and Pollock-Krasner winners, you get access to thousands of high-quality pieces. Their Brooklyn Navy Yard warehouse enables lightning-fast pickup or shipping, and they also provide print-on-demand and digital downloads. If you need a massive selection and rapid turnaround, this is a strong choice. Learn more about their services at artforfilmnyc.com.
#2 Pencil and Wigs
A screenshot of the Pencil and Wigs website.
Pencil and Wigs is a Los Angeles-based set decoration and graphic design service run by Hannah, a professional set decorator. She specializes in renting and creating clearable artwork tailored to your set's vision. You can commission custom pieces or license existing work for film and TV. The site also showcases her portfolio and offers contact options for commissions. For a personalized, local touch, this is a great fit. Visit pencilandwigs.com to see her work.
#3 Curina
Curina offers cleared artwork rental for film and television at affordable prices. With over 350 artists and flexible rental plans starting at $38 per month, you can find pieces for any budget. Their curation services and rush delivery make them a convenient option. The online platform includes a style quiz and consultation booking. Check out curina.co for their film and TV offerings.
#4 Off The Walls Studio Gallery
Off The Walls Studio Gallery in North Hollywood was founded by a set decorator, so they understand production timelines. They offer over 1,300 artworks in-gallery and 20,000 for digital download or print-on-demand. Their print-on-demand service can have art ready in three days, and digital downloads come with royalty-free licenses. This is a practical choice for quick needs. Explore otwsg.com for more details.
#5 Wild Apple
Wild Apple is an art publisher and licensor with over 50,000 pre-cleared pieces for film and TV. As a founding member of the Art Copyright Coalition, they handle clearance for you, eliminating copyright hassles. Their large, searchable catalog includes on-trend and traditional art, available for purchase and print-on-demand. If you want a frustration-free clearance process, this is a solid option. Visit wildapple.com to browse their collection.
How to choose the right cleared art service
Start by assessing your production's needs. Do you need a few statement pieces or an entire gallery wall? If you're on a tight deadline, prioritize services with fast digital downloads or local pickup. For custom work that matches a specific character or era, consider a set decorator-led service like Pencil and Wigs. Budget matters too: rental plans from Curina can be very cost-effective for short shoots, while purchasing pre-cleared art from Wild Apple might be better for long-term use. Always confirm clearance terms and turnaround times before committing.
Streamlining your art clearance workflow
You can save time by using digital catalogs and online ordering systems. Many services let you download cleared art instantly or order prints with a few clicks. Set up a shared folder with your art director and production designer to shortlist options. For recurring needs, establish a relationship with a local service like Pencil and Wigs or Off The Walls Studio Gallery to streamline future requests. Always keep clearance documentation organized for legal review.
The bottom line
Los Angeles offers a range of cleared art services to fit any production. Whether you need a massive pre-cleared catalog, custom artwork from a set decorator, or budget-friendly rentals, there's a solution for you. Evaluate your timeline, budget, and creative vision to pick the right partner. With these five services, you can dress your sets with confidence and avoid legal pitfalls.