By Vanessa Wood, Design to Spec LLC
Web Design in Darien, CT
Knowing the terms for aquiring art or design work determines how and where you can use it.
The Internet holds a weath of art that can be yours for the taking. SCREEEEEECH! Step on the brakes! Simply taking artwork (this includes photos, logos and other images) from a website is theft, but there are numerous websites that offer free art as well as art that can be purchased for “limited” use. When in doubt… ask the owner of the artwork, read the conditions on the website that displays the art, or consult a good copyright attorney.
Royalty Free. Usually you are purchasing an image to use many times and in any manner you choose, often with the provision that it is not used in a humiliating or degrading manner.
Rights Managed. An image that is “rented” for one time use at a price that is determined by how the image will be used (the price varies between the use on a book cover, a national billboard campaign, a website, etc.).
Clip Art. Ready-made images of computer quality art, usually cartoons. Although advertised as free, clip art often come at a high price… your email address and personal information. Your information can be used for marketing and of course end up generating SPAM in your mailbox.
Stock Art. Porfessinal images that communicate a feeling, thought, or event. Stock art is comprised of photos, computer generated art, and traditional art. Depending upon the source of the images, an image may be Royalty Free or Rights Managed.
Licensing Agreement. A licensing agreement states who owns the copyright to works and how a written or visual work can be used: how long, where, and other circumstance.
For Hire. Artists who produce work for a client may work on a for hire arrangement in their agreement. This usually means that the client has purchased the artwork outright and it can be used at the client’s discretion unless other wised limited by the terms of the agreement.
On Spec. While Design to Spec refers to web and print specifications, on spec is something completely different. It’s a term for artwork created on speculation. Sometimes it is artwork created for a client launching a new business- the artist/designer is promised a return after the business takes off and is profitable. I’m not aware of any designer who engages in this dicey practice.
For more information of Copyright Law and the art usuage:
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines
U.S. Copyright Office
[Published July 2005 in the Design to Spec Newsletter.
Updated 2009 for GET TIPS!]
