This week's unit discusses placing images into InDesign. Along with this comes the responsibility of knowing where the images and artwork you are placing is okay for you to use. I guarantee that you will encounter times when you must locate your own images for a document. This could be for an assignment or it could be for a client. We all know how easy it can be to download an image from the Internet, but it is important not to use images that are copyrighted. If you need to use a copyrighted image, you need to obtain permission. For example, I created some graduation announcements and the client wanted to use senior pictures. These pictures, however were copyrighted. If I had just used them without consent of the photographer, I could have gotten into BIG trouble. I had the client obtain the copyright before I would do anything with those pictures. Royalty-free artwork is a great alternative and there are several places to choose from but you often need to pay for a subscription to use them.
This discussion revolves around copyright, royalty-free artwork, and what is out there that we can and cannot use. Again it is of the utmost importance for you to consider the issues regarding copyright laws. Take some time to check out the Government's website on this topic: United States Copyright Office and select Copyright Basics. Search the Web for more information that you are interested in, regarding copyright. If you are unsure what royalty-free artwork means, look up definitions so you fully understand the terms and the scope of using photographs and artwork legally.
- What did you learn about the materials used on the web. Some artwork is blocked and you cannot download it. How does that work?
- How does this affect you as a student, and as a digital designer?
- From your research, what problems do you think has or will occur regarding copyright laws?
