This post started out as an edit to My Clip Art Library post, but it’s taken on a life of its own and deserves its own place in the sun. Here are a few thoughts to clarify how I feel about purchased clip art and copyright.
Puglypixel freebies
Now, I want to emphasize that the Terms of Use for the clip art I have offered you is simple: they are free for any use as long as the freebies themselves are not sold or redistributed in whole or in part as digital downloads. You MAY NOT use them to create website or blog templates. But, you may use them in your other personal or commercial projects (please read the rest of my terms here). (The terms for the French Macarons will be updated to so that commercial use will be permitted.)
Other Free Web-Friendly Resources
All the graphics I use are intended for the web. I rarely print and for that reason, finding graphics which permit use on blogs or websites is important. Here are my favorite free and web-friendly resources with simple and straight-forward terms and licenses:
You’ll find only top quality retro graphics (clip art and stock photography) and fonts from my friend, Josella of Tack-O-Rama. She’s Karena’s sister (otherwise known as Magic Jelly). Creativity certainly runs in that family! :)
And of course, there’s the one and only Karen from the Graphics Fairy where you will find a cornucopia of breathtaking vintage clip art for free. The Graphics Fairy is my home away from home.
If you find any other great resources, I’d love to hear about them.
The Terms of Use is a document which will specify how the designs can be used personally and commercially (if at all). For instance, some artists strictly prohibit the use of their designs on blogs or websites of any kind, while others are more lenient and allow their graphics to appear on blogs, as long as there are no ads present. Then there are others that allow their designs to appear on blogs with ads, as long as their designs are not used to promote business. As you can see, the rules can be convoluted. Even “free” clip art may still have many legal encumbrances.
So the lesson is this:
Respect the designer. Respect the copyright. Abide by the law. Read the Terms of Use and if they are far too stringent for your needs, don’t buy it, don’t use it. That way, you won’t buy clip art or digikits you won’t be able to use legally. Additionally, if any of the legal verbiage is confusing, contact the designer or publisher for clarification.
Have a great weekend, you guys! I’m going to spend my weekend listening and dancing to Radio Spectacular on repeat.
{ 12 comments }
Thanks SO much for sharing these links!
.-= Marilyn´s last blog ..Flickr Favorites – Vanity =-.
Katrina… only one thing, THANKS!!
.-= Helena´s last blog ..Obsessions 4: Goyard St. Louis =-.
You seriously are the awesome-est blog-share lady in the world!! hehe :)
thanks for all these free clip art links and good stuff.
I can’t wait to start using them ^_^
xoxo
Olivia
A very important post!
As a designer I respect you for taking the time to educate people on this topic. Copyrights seem just out-the-door these days.
wow. you are just full of awesome resources. again…so glad I found your site!
.-= Rachel @ birdy blue´s last blog ..paint and pencils oh my! =-.
It’s great that all your clip art is free. They are all so pretty and I’m glad that you are sharing them with us.
Also thanks for all the tips!
The radiospectacular seems great, I’ll take another listen soon, after a long overdue and hopefully good night’s sleep.
I hope you are having an amazing weekend!
.-= Blue Eyed Night Owl´s last blog .. =-.
Thank u so much for ur cute printables. They have made sharing photos online somuch more fun! Not to mention they compensate for my horrible photography. I visit your blog daily now! Much appreciated….
Oh I wish I had read this blog post yesterday! I’ve been searching all over the net for some good clip arts.
Thank you for sharing these!!
.-= Anna´s last blog ..much love monday =-.
katrina, thank-you for your lovely comment about my photos. Indeed, good luck to both of us! I just checked the flickr group and noticed that you and I are listed in the ‘top five contributors’. I’m not sure what it means, but anywho.
eli. x.
ps – the graphics fairy is devine! thanks!
.-= eli´s last blog ..hurrah, a diana photo contest =-.
wow, katrina – thanks for all this great info. i’m never sure about what I can/can’t use and this was so helpful. plus now i’m excited to check out these links you shared…THANKS!!
.-= Piper´s last blog ..{shake it up – week 20 scoop} =-.
Such a good post and very informative. I think it’s important for everyone to know this information. Thank you!<3
.-= Vanny´s last blog ..Tutorial- Matcha Green Tea with Agave and Peppermint =-.
HI!! I’m sooo excited to find these freebies you have. I downloaded it, but I don’t know where to open and use them. Is it photoshop? Can you please explain to me or link me the instruction on where to upload it? Thanks.:)