Helpful links for nude and erotic photographers

This journal is as much for me to round up a bunch of helpful links to deviantART's FAQ that I find myself frequently consulting, as it is a chance for me to make some comments about deviantART's rules, and point out some things that some of you may not have realized. Maybe you'll get as much use out of it as I intend to.

Helpful links for nude and erotic photographers on deviantART:

> What is Mature Content?

Notes: "Mature Content" on deviantART refers to artwork involving nudity, sexual themes, violence/gore, strong language, and ideologically sensitive subjects.

There are two levels of Mature Content - Moderate and Strict. Moderate places the artwork behind a warning (which anyone can click through), and Strict ensures that anyone under the age of 18 will not be able to see the artwork. But since the only speech minors are not legally permitted to view (i.e., pornography) is not allowed on the site, usage of the "Strict" tag is purely optional.

"The strict filter is completely voluntary" - CEA Team

> Is my deviation Mature Content?

Notes: This link may help you to determine whether or not your artwork needs to be tagged as Mature Content. In the case of nudity, it must be explicit (and not merely implied). Also, the "Strong Language" tag is entirely optional, since strong language is not regulated elsewhere on the site.

For a more nuanced exploration of the gray areas involved in tagging nudity (e.g., sheer clothing, provocative undergarments, fictional characters), read this journal from the CEA Team.

> You prohibit the submission of 'pornographic imagery'; what do you consider this to be?

Notes: This link should be very helpful to erotic artists in finding the line between permitted erotic content and prohibited pornographic content. Much of it is straightforward - no intercourse, masturbation, etc. - but things like erections and sex toys (even when not in use) are also restricted.

Here's my own checklist for determining whether an image is too sexy for deviantART, based on my personal interpretation of the rules:

Firstly, is the model under 18?
Is there fondling or masturbation of the genitals?
Is there any contact between oral, genital and anal regions?
Is there any penetration at all of the vagina, penis, or anus?
Are there any sexual bodily fluids?
Are there any erect penises?
Is the vagina or anus being spread manually or by artificial means?
Are there any sex toys?

If you can answer no to each and every one of those items, then the image ought to be permissible on deviantART (though likely, in the case of explicit nudity and sexually provocative poses, needing a Mature Content tag).

In shortened form, as long as 1) genital/anal regions are left alone (i.e., not touched, fondled, penetrated, or spread), 2) penises are not erect, and 3) there are no sexual fluids or sex toys in view, then you're good to go. Explicit nude [adult] models in sexually provocative poses are A-ok, but require a Mature Content tag.

> Model release forms? Do I need it? What is it?

Notes: Model release forms are NOT required for submitting artwork (I guess this would apply mainly to photography) to deviantART, however, deviantART may demand proof of model release at any time, and failure to provide it can result in the deletion of the image in question. This will most likely occur in cases where complaints are made (concerning permission for publication), nudity is involved, or prints are being sold.

Also,

> Are there restrictions on photographs of teenagers or children?

Notes: This probably goes without saying, but there are all sorts of extra restrictions on images of minors. Although deviantART's FAQ is incorrect in stating that minors may not legally be depicted nude (which SCOTUS would disagree with), the fact remains that such images are not permitted on deviantART, along with a whole score of other stuff designed to protect (and fetishize) the conceptual purity of childhood.