A WARNING TO CREATIVES
04.07.09
I just read something of a horror story for any designer or artist-type. Designer Jon Engle is being sued by a stock art company for use of his own imagery. Apparently someone ripped off his work and sold it to a stock company, now they’re suing him for the arbitrary sum of $18,000.00. To make matters worse, they’ve hired a law firm specializing in copyright infringement, and are contacting his clients in some kind of effort to slander his name and business. Granted, I don’t know Jon outside of this story, but a simple glance at his level of design work compared to that of the stock firm in question is telling. Read all about it HERE.
This seems like a great opportunity to inform young artists and designers, NEVER work with these companies. Selling your work to a stock art company may seem like a quick way to make a buck, but trust me, you only help to devalue the blood, sweat and tears of other artists in the process. I see too many people out there that have no idea what a creative’s time is worth, and even more uneducated artists out there to oblige them. A deep understanding of artist’s rights and responsibilities are absolutely essential to being a professional creative, so if you’re foggy on these subjects please educate yourself. Some good places to start:
GRAPHIC ARTIST’S GUILD
AIGA: Standards of Professional Practice
Tags: AIGA, copyright, Graphic Artists Guild, Jon Engle
Category: Art
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