How Can I Convert An Editorial Only Illustration to a Commercial?

[manuelherrera]

The legal says I can get written consent from the artist, but how do I contact them to do this?

[Jill_C · Accepted solution]

The regulations are quite clear as shown on this page. There is no way for you to contact the Contributor and negotiate a different license.  

https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms#editorialUse

• May only be used in relation to events or topics which are newsworthy or of public interest, typically in newspaper or magazine articles, news blogs, or similar media.
• May not be used for commercial purposes such as advertisements, promotions, endorsements, advertorials, commercial blogs, merchandise, etc. - even if you have obtained an Extended license - without obtaining prior written consent from the copyright owner of the asset, and additional permissions as necessary.
• May not be modified, except for minor adjustments for technical quality or slight cropping or resizing, while maintaining the editorial context and integrity of the original.
• All uses must include the credit line shown on the site and contained in the IPTC credit line field of the file, for example “Agency Name/Contributor Name – stock.adobe.com”.

[Test Screen Name]

No, and this isn't a small technical/legal issue to overcome. A picture is "editorial only", not because of a random decision, but because it contains elements that are (or might be) subject to IP law: copyright, trademarks etc. This could be logos, products, artworks, buildings, cars, shoes, clothes, anything made by humans. A new grant of license could not overcome the IP law, and using such an image in a commercial way could lead to lawsuits.

[Test Screen Name]

Actually, I'm very interested when you say "The legal says I can get written consent from the artist,"

Where does it say this? Because it would be a great mistake if Adobe said that. If YOUR legal team say this, then you have to tell them it is not possible.

[Abambo]

You can't. Illustrative editorials contain logos or other elements that would need a property release.

And you can't contact artists.

The legal says I can get written consent from the artist (...)

By @manuelherrera

Who is that legal…?