Marketing: where to get images for your business, website or blog

[Frank Gomez]

I just saw an image I created did on a blog of a person who doesn't have the right to use it. My client who paid for it and I were a little bit irritated.

So, the next time someone says "Just get an image off the web" think twice. Some images are OK to use. Even pages that don't specifically say "copyright" or use the copyright symbol are likely to have content that is copyrighted. Artwork has copyright protection upon creation of the artwork. Graphics and logs are artwork. Using them without permission is stealing.
So... what should you do?

Option 1) Contact the owner and ask permission to use it, they might say yes.
Option 2) hire a designer, photographer or illustrator to create original images for you. Don't you want to be unique!
Option 3) Visit Creative Commons (Be sure to honor the request of the originator which may include giving credit to them.

IMPORTANT TIP:
Stock photography is not allowed to be used in your logo! Read the agreement. stock photography that you pay for the right to use or even get for free has restrictions on use. Most allow using in marketing materials (some restrict modifying the image). WHY? Because your logo should be original and used for your business only. Stock photos are sold over and over and over again.

Frank Gomez is a Graphic Designer with Frank's Designs based in Sarasota, you can reach him at www.FranksDesigns.com or 941-374-7711