Image forming system and method

A reception server (5) receives a formation request for forming an image from a user terminal (1) through a network. A seller forms a digital image based on digital data of an original image, and registers the formed digital image in an art database (7). The seller informs a requester of the formation request about completion of forming the digital image. The reception server (5) reads out a corresponding digital image from the art database (7), and displays the read digital image on the user terminal (1), in response to a request from the user terminal (1). If a button "OK" is clicked on the user terminal (1), the reception server (5) executes a predetermined payment process. After it is confirmed that the requester has paid for the requested image, the reception server (5) permits the user terminal (1) to download the digital image. The requester then outputs the digital image, downloaded using the user terminal (1), using a printer.