Artwork,
clipart, or photos that are included in graphic arts packages or
software can be of very good quality, but are limited and can be
dated. Each
company I worked for as a graphic artist had some sources for good
professional clip art.
Of
course, sometimes I drew my own art, but for the sake of speed
(and my limitations!) I often used commercial art source books.
These
books are sometimes online and charge for every logo, piece of
artwork, or photo. A good commercial piece of art can be pricey,
and well worth it. For people like me, who do not have much extra
money, it can really pay to find FREE art and photo sites.
THE
BEST SITES AND CLICKABLE LINKS FOR YOU
I
am now almost ready to list the best free sites that I have found
so far. Before I do, it is important to read these handy hints.
FIVE
HANDY TIPS TO READ BEFORE DOWNLOADING ART OR PHOTOS FROM
THE INTERNET:
Always
check out every FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on each
art or photo web page. Be sure that you are following the rules
for each web page.
1. Know
the policy for each web page when it comes to using their artwork.
Some sites listed here are free, but only for personal use.
Other websites allow you to use all of the images commercially
as well. If a website is offering public domain art, they may
or may not have a copyright on the artwork. Just check this
out on the FAQ as well.
2. Be aware
that some sites have both free and pay areas. You may migrate
to another area without knowing it on the very same website.
On some websites, you can make one mistaken click and be on
a pay area. Be sure to check which area of the site (the free
or the pay area) you are in before you download artwork or photos.
You will not have to pay until you OK each purchase, if you
want to purchase art or photos.
3. Know
where you are going to download. Most sites allow you to pick
where your artwork will wind up on your computer. I find it
easiest to put all my art or ebook downloads on the computer
desktop. You may find your art folder handiest.
4. It
is totally up to you where you put your downloaded artwork.
Some computers, programs, or web browsers have a preferences
folder where you can send your art or photos automatically.
You need to have this information furnished before you download.
5. Check out
all the information about copyright (below) and on the web. This
will help you only download art, information, books, or photos
that are legal for you to use.
Attention:
some of these sites may have popups, or ads that pop up
on your computer when you go to them. Fix your popups in
your preferences area and it might help.
Also, you can just "X"
out of these at the upper right of the popup window when
you get them, and the page you really wanted will turn up
underneath them.
So... just a word to the
wise. These pages are free, but some can be annoying at
times.
MORE
ABOUT PUBLIC DOMAIN CLIPART AND ARTWORK
The
best thing about public domain artwork is that most of it can
be used for any project. It can also be changed or redone. You
can also use part of each image to make something new.
As
a general definition, artwork in the public domain is published
art after 1924. The original copyright holder(s) are gone, and/or
they did not fill out the required paperwork to extend the original
copyright. This art is sometimes now free for public use.
Most
public domain sites let you use the artwork for anything, and
many give it away for free - - but make sure you check first to
make sure that this is the story for each site you visit.
Some
sites have found public domain art and have published them with
copyright. For this reason, you should read all the fine print
on the site (FAQs etc.) , just in case.
A
LITTLE ABOUT ART COPYRIGHT
People
must be careful about not using books artwork on the internet
that is copyrighted - - without permission from the artist or
author. They must be extra careful to only use artwork that is
in the public domain or that the artist him or herself has okayed
for personal or commercial use - - or both.
It is important to know that using any artwork without the permission
of the artist or author (if the art is not in the public domain)
is not allowed. If in doubt, check, and ask.
I
do request that you double-check all of the sites listed in this
ebook to make sure that the artwork is totally free and clear
for you to use personally or commercially; or both. Usually, the
site will announce its copyright policy. It is possible, though,
that the website owner may offer both free and copyrighted art
on his or her site.
To
be safe, follow all of the site instructions.
The
site may request that you only use the artwork for personal use
(or on a personal website). They may change from a free to a pay
site after time. That is another reason why it is important to
always read the site guidelines for art and copy downloading.
Some
websites may allow you to use low-resolution (low-res) copies
of their artwork, but charge for higher resolution images.
Also,
websites change from time to time. Be sure to read all the fine
print on all art and photo websites to make sure you are downloading
or using legal artwork or photos the way the artist or author
wishes them used.
