A. To start - putting a © in your watermark is no longer accepted because it implies you created the original image [and unless you -did- it is not okay]. Instead, use "Tagged by [insert name]" or something to that effect. Next - Besides being required by Law to acknowledge the artist, it is also the right thing to do. You cannot use an image without the artist's permission, and each artist has a set of TOU that must be followed. ALL artists require some sort of credit - mostly their name and URL embedded into the tag. If you don't credit the artist you are not following the TOU so you are using the image illegally.
ALSO ~ When crediting an artist on your signature tags/banners/snags, etc. make SURE the credit is legible! If it is unreadable then it is just like not crediting the artist in the first place. Make sure it is readable!
[TOU = Terms of Use]
Q. I have mixed images from multiple artists into one image, how would I go about adding the Copyright information to it? A. First off, did you email each artist that you are using work from for your collage and asked permission to collaberate their art with other artists? A lot of artists do NOT allow the combination of their images with other artists' images so if you have not gotten the O.K. from each artist, then it is a big NoNo. When emailing each artist to ask permission, make sure to include what piece of art you are using of theirs and how they would like to be credited, if in fact it is O.K. with them that their art is part of your collage. Q. Is this image Copyrighted? A. YES. All images are copyrighted! No matter the medium or genre, every image in existance has a creator, therefore, they are copyrighted. Whether they are usable or not is up to their maker. You must contact the artist to obtain permission of use no matter what the image is.
Q. Can I put "©Unknown" if I do not know the artist? A. NO! If you don't know the artist then don't use the image.Thats why CC is here...bring the image here to the FORUM to be ID. Q. Can I use Clip-Art A. YES...But make sure you read the fine print on your CD or on the website first. Make SURE it is clip art before using - verify by reading the sites/CDs terms of use.
Q. What about BRUSHES?? A. Brushes have makers too, and most brush creators have their terms of use included on a notepad in the brush zip file. Sometimes it is also/only on their FAQ page located on their site. Brush artists are still artists and their terms of use MUST be respected and acknowledged.
Q. Artists' permissions? A. When you find an artist you like and wish to use their images, first look for a TOU on their website as a lot of artists are now granting general online permission. If they don't have an FAQ, then send them a polite email and explain exactly what it is that you wish to do with their images. Explain tubing, animating, framing etc. If you want the permission for your group(s), invite them to look around your site(s) and don't forget to ask permission for all your groups and give the address to those groups.
Always start your email introducing yourself. Tell the artist how much you like their images, and even mention your favourite ones. Be polite and honest. You could even make a nice signature for the artist using one of their images as an example and gift.
When/If you get permission, NEVER display the permission email in your group. People DO steal permissions! You might want to include a downloadable watermark for your members so they have no excuse not to credit the artist correctly.
