I was reading all the posts about copyrights. Does anyone know what the deal is in using clipart? Isn't clipart something we can use freely? Or is it? What I mean is, if we self-publish a book or anthology or chapbook, and we use some clip art on the cover or with some chapters, is that ok or is it copyrighted too? I've never been quite sure.

Louisa

Hi Louisa,

What I know about this is-- if clip-art can be used freely, it is mentioned somewhere on the site. If one needs permission to use the clip-art,that too, is mentioned.

If in doubt, it's always best to ask or email.

I've done this a couple of times--usually with good results.

My experience (which is limited) is that if you decide to use FREE clip-art, and you are NOT using it for monetary gain, then you are free to use it. If however, you expect to make a profit, then you have to ask permission to use it and usually tell how you intend to use it and what gain there will be, if any.

Here's what happened in my case.

I wanted a certain design for this one page of my book chapter heading. I asked the company that made the clip-art I wanted if I could use it.

They said "will your book make money?" I said, "Good Heavens I hope so!" Then they said, "You may use it if you pay us, EVERY TIME YOU SELL A BOOK."

Annnnt...wrong answer. I don't think so....So what I am having done is an artist is making me MY OWN drawings which I will own.

I'm paying for it, but it's mind. As a matter of fact, I'm having several done. Yes, it cost a little now, but better now, than later with a lawsuit.

I've heard that most of the free clip-art people are happy for you to use their work if you give them credit for it and you don't have to pay them either, but that wasn't my experience and so I just wanted to make sure I didn't have problems down the road. Clear as mud?

JJ

I agree with Toni about the source of clipart stating one way or another.

And JJ's case in not unique. People usally want to profit from their work in any way thay can.

Just think of it like this: If you own the clipart, wouldn't you like to profit from others' using it also? I believe the same rules apply whether it is music, lyrics, poetry, etc.

I, read a while ago, that clipart is usually NOT free to use. So use caution when self publisihing. The graphic designers have sources from which to get their illustrations.

Depending on what your using the clip art for, it would probably be easier, cheaper and YOURs if you asked someone like Lala(an artist) to draw the art work for you. Reasonable and no problem arises because YOU own it....

Whether you will use the clipart for profit may not be relevant to payment. The artist might give permission, but, just like a writer, he or she should be notified and they should decide whether to waive payment.
Schools and churches sometimes feel they are entitled to use my plays without notification or payment because it is "for a good cause." If I am asked, I almost always give permission and I usually just ignore it if I am not notified.
However, as friends have pointed out, teachers don't teach without being paid and preachers don't preach without receiving an offering.
As professional writers, I suppose we should be paid for our work just as teachers and preachers are paid for theirs. I suppose the same should apply to viaual artists.

I have seen inexpensive CD's with thousands of clip art drawings at Staples and Office Depot. They clearly state that they can be used without payment except for the CD. Maybe some of that would work.
smile

[ August 01, 2004, 10:29 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]

Look for clipart that states "royalty free." Most desktop publishing programs provide clipart that is already "royalty free" such as Broderbund's PrintShop which has millions of clipart. I am able to incorporate elements from differnt cliparts to make a unique logo or symbol such as my logo for Hands for Hope - created entirely from PrintShop. Hope that helps answer your question.

Thanks Dian. I have PrintSHop. I'll take a look at what it says.
Louisa

clip art? did someone say illustrator? oh, yeah! Chatty did...thanks cuz! mwaaaah! If anyone ever wants to see any of my work let me know. Kids-korner.net has some of my work on it. There are three artists whose work is shown on Debbi's website: Gary Sutherland, my son, David, and me. I illustrated some of the poetry, the pigaroo stories, and some of the coloring pages. You have to look to see who did which illustrations. Gary's work is watercolors. Mine is colored pencils.

Oops! Gary Sutherland is not my son...David is my son.