What is art crediting? Art crediting is the act of giving proper recognition to the creator of a piece of art. Can I use art I found online? You can use art you find online, but only if you have permission from the creator or if it’s under a license that allows for reuse, like Creative Commons. Who is the artist? The artist is the person who created the artwork.
In today’s digital world, sharing and using images is easier than ever. But with this ease comes responsibility. Many people unknowingly use artwork without giving credit, which can have serious consequences. This guide will help you navigate the world of art attribution, understand copyright, and avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism. Learning how to credit art properly is crucial for respecting creators and their intellectual property.
The Importance of Artist Attribution
Artist attribution is more than just a courtesy; it’s a fundamental respect for creativity and hard work. When you share or use someone else’s artwork, acknowledging the original creator is vital. It ensures that the artist receives credit for their talent and effort, which can impact their reputation and potential income.
Why Giving Credit Matters
- Respect for the Creator: Artists pour their time, skill, and passion into their work. Attribution acknowledges this effort.
- Building Trust and Credibility: When you properly credit sources, you show that you are honest and ethical. This builds trust with your audience.
- Supporting the Art Community: Proper citation helps artists gain visibility. This can lead to more opportunities for them.
- Avoiding Legal Issues: Failing to credit can sometimes lead to copyright infringement claims.
What Happens When You Don’t Credit Art?
Using art without proper attribution can lead to several problems:
- Accusations of Plagiarism: Others might think you created the art yourself. This is a serious offense in many fields.
- Copyright Infringement: If the art is protected by copyright, using it without permission or attribution could violate the law.
- Damage to Reputation: Being caught using art without credit can harm your personal or professional reputation.
Navigating Copyright and Intellectual Property
Understanding copyright and intellectual property is the first step to using art responsibly. These legal concepts protect creators and their work.
Copyright Basics
Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is automatic once the work is created and fixed in a tangible form. It gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works from their art.
Intellectual Property Explained
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Art falls under this umbrella. IP laws are designed to protect these creations and encourage innovation and creativity by giving creators control over their work.
When is Art Protected by Copyright?
Generally, any original artistic creation is protected by copyright from the moment it’s created. This includes:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Photographs
- Digital art
- Sculptures
- Illustrations
Even if a work doesn’t have a copyright symbol (©), it is still protected.
Fair Use and Its Limits
The concept of “fair use” allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use is a legal defense, not a guaranteed right, and its application depends on several factors, including:
- The purpose and character of the use (e.g., commercial vs. non-profit educational)
- The nature of the copyrighted work
- The amount and substantiality of the portion used
- The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek permission if unsure.
Sourcing Images Responsibly: Finding Art You Can Use
Sourcing images ethically means finding art that you have the right to use. This often involves looking for art with specific licensing terms.
Public Domain Art
Artworks in the public domain are not protected by intellectual property laws. This means they can be used freely by anyone for any purpose, without permission or attribution. Works enter the public domain when:
- The copyright has expired.
- The creator has explicitly placed the work in the public domain.
- The work was never eligible for copyright protection.
How to Find Public Domain Art:
- Museum Websites: Many museums offer high-resolution images of public domain artworks for download and use.
- Public Domain Repositories: Websites like Wikimedia Commons, Archive.org, and Project Gutenberg often host public domain materials.
- Government Archives: National archives and libraries can be excellent sources for historical images.
Creative Commons Licenses
Creative Commons (CC) licenses provide a flexible way for creators to grant permission for others to use their work under specific conditions. CC licenses are a powerful tool for sharing creativity while maintaining some rights.
Common Creative Commons Licenses:
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| CC BY (Attribution) | You can share, adapt, and build upon the material, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original creator. |
| CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike) | You can share, adapt, and build upon the material, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit and license your new creations under the identical terms. |
| CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial) | You can share, adapt, and build upon the material for non-commercial purposes, and you must give appropriate credit. |
| CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) | You can share, adapt, and build upon the material for non-commercial purposes, and you must give appropriate credit and license your new creations under the identical terms. |
| CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivatives) | You can share and use the material, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit and do not change the work in any way. |
| CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives) | You can share and use the material for non-commercial purposes, as long as you give appropriate credit and do not change the work in any way. |
How to Find Creative Commons Art:
- Creative Commons Search: Use the official Creative Commons search tool (search.creativecommons.org) to find content across various platforms.
- Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, Pinterest: Many artists tag their work with Creative Commons licenses on these platforms.
Crucial Step: Always check the specific CC license attached to an image to know what you can and cannot do with it.
Royalty-Free and Stock Photo Sites
Stock photo sites offer images that can be licensed for various uses. “Royalty-free” doesn’t mean free; it means you pay a one-time fee for the license, and then you can use the image multiple times without paying additional royalties.
- Paid Stock Sites: Shutterstock, Getty Images, Adobe Stock offer a vast selection of high-quality images.
- Free Stock Sites: Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay offer images that can be used freely, often under their own permissive licenses (similar to CC0).
When using free stock sites, always review their specific terms of service. While they are often very generous, understanding their guidelines is essential.
How to Credit Art: Proper Attribution Techniques
Properly crediting art is essential for ethical sharing and legal compliance. Here’s how to do it right.
Essential Elements of Visual Credit
A good credit line, or visual credit, typically includes:
- Artist’s Name: The name the artist uses professionally.
- Title of the Artwork: If the artwork has a specific title.
- Source/Platform: Where you found the artwork (e.g., website URL, gallery).
- License Information: If applicable (e.g., “Used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International”).
Example of a good credit line:
“Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh, via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
“Digital Dreamscape” by Alex Johnson, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Original source: alexjohnsonart.com)
Where to Place Credits
The placement of your credit line is important for clarity and visibility.
- On the Image Itself: For digital use, a small, unobtrusive credit line can be placed at the bottom corner of the image.
- In the Caption: When sharing on social media or blogs, include the credit in the caption or description.
- Alongside the Image: In articles, websites, or presentations, place the credit directly below or beside the image.
- In a Separate Credits Section: For larger projects like books or websites, a dedicated “Credits” or “Image Credits” page is best.
Specific Scenarios: Fan Art Credit and More
Fan art credit is a common area where attribution is crucial. When you create or share fan art, you are inspired by existing characters or worlds.
- Creating Fan Art: If you create fan art, you are the artist of your interpretation. However, the original characters and worlds belong to their original creators. It’s good practice to acknowledge the source material.
- Example: “Fan art of [Character Name] from [Original Work/Creator], by [Your Name].”
- Sharing Fan Art: If you share fan art created by someone else, you must credit the fan artist.
- Example: “Amazing fan art of [Character Name] by [Fan Artist’s Name/Username]. Original post: [Link to original post].”
What If You Can’t Find the Artist?
If you’ve made a genuine effort but cannot find the original artist or source, it’s still important to acknowledge this.
- State what you know: “Artwork by unknown artist.”
- Indicate the source you found it from: “Found on [website name].”
- If it’s clearly copyrighted and you can’t get permission, it’s best not to use it.
The Difference Between Attribution and Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, without giving credit. Proper citation and artist attribution are the direct opposites of plagiarism.
| Feature | Proper Attribution | Plagiarism |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | To acknowledge and respect the original creator. | To deceive and pass off others’ work as one’s own. |
| Action | Clearly states the artist’s name, title, and source. | Conceals the original source of the work. |
| Outcome | Builds trust, supports artists, and avoids legal issues. | Damages reputation, can lead to legal penalties, and disrespects creators. |
| Ethicality | Ethical and transparent. | Unethical and dishonest. |
| Legality | Often required by copyright law (e.g., for CC licenses) and good practice. | Can be illegal (copyright infringement). |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, missteps can occur. Be aware of these common errors.
Mistaking “Free to Use” for “No Attribution Needed”
Many licenses that allow free use (like Creative Commons) still require attribution. “Free to use” often means free of charge, not free of responsibility.
Assuming Anything Found Online is Free to Use
The internet is not a free-for-all. Most content online is protected by copyright. Always assume an image is copyrighted unless proven otherwise.
Not Checking License Details
A license might allow commercial use but prohibit modifications, or vice-versa. Always read the fine print of any license agreement.
Over-reliance on Watermarks
While watermarks are a form of creator identification, they are not always a substitute for proper attribution. If the artist provides a specific way to credit them, follow that.
Forgetting to Update Credits
If you move an image or change its context, ensure the attribution stays with it and remains accurate.
Advanced Attribution: When and How
For more complex uses, like in commercial projects or academic work, attribution needs to be more thorough.
Academic Citations
In academic settings, artwork is cited like any other source. Depending on the citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago), the format will vary.
General principles for academic citation:
- Identify the creator: Author, artist, photographer, etc.
- Provide the title of the work: In italics or quotes as per style guide.
- State the year of creation.
- Include the medium or type of art.
- Specify the source: Where you accessed or viewed the artwork (e.g., museum, website, book).
- Provide a URL or accession number if applicable.
Example (MLA Style for an artwork found online):
Last Name, First Name of Artist. Title of Artwork. Year created. Medium. Website Name, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Example:
Smith, Jane. Urban Symphony. 2022. Digital Painting. ArtStation, www.artstation.com/artwork/janesmith/urbansymphony. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.
Commercial Use and Licensing Agreements
When using art for commercial purposes, licensing is paramount.
- Understand the license: Carefully read the terms of use for any stock photo or licensed artwork.
- Attribute as required: Commercial licenses often have specific attribution requirements. Some may waive attribution, while others require it.
- Keep records: Save your license agreements and payment receipts as proof of your right to use the artwork.
Presenting Artwork in Digital Galleries and Portfolios
Even when showcasing your own work, if you’re featuring work from other artists (e.g., collaborations, inspiration pieces), proper credit is still necessary.
- Collaborations: Clearly state who contributed what parts of the project.
- Inspiration/References: Mentioning artists who inspired your work can be a great way to give credit and show your influences.
Practical Steps for Crediting Art
Let’s break down the process into actionable steps:
- Identify the Source: Where did you find the image?
- Find the Creator: Look for the artist’s name, username, or studio.
- Determine the License: Is it public domain, Creative Commons, or a specific stock license?
- Gather Information: Collect the artist’s name, artwork title, and any relevant license details.
- Format the Credit: Create a clear and concise credit line.
- Place the Credit: Put the credit where it’s easily visible and associated with the artwork.
- Review: Double-check that your credit is accurate and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to credit an artist if I only use a small part of their artwork?
A1: Yes, generally. Even using a small portion of an artwork can be considered copyright infringement if done without permission or proper attribution, especially if it’s a recognizable part of the original.
Q2: What if the artist’s name is hard to pronounce or spell?
A2: Use the name exactly as the artist presents it professionally. If you are unsure of pronunciation, it’s better to present it in writing accurately rather than risk mispronouncing it verbally.
Q3: Can I edit an image and still need to credit the original artist?
A3: Yes, if you’ve modified an artwork (e.g., cropping, color adjustments, adding elements), you’ve created a “derivative work.” For most licenses (like many Creative Commons licenses), you still need to credit the original artist and often indicate that the work has been modified.
Q4: Is it okay to remove a watermark if I credit the artist?
A4: No, removing watermarks is generally not allowed and can be seen as a violation of the artist’s rights and terms of use. Watermarks are often part of the protection and identification of the artwork.
Q5: How do I credit artwork if I’m using it in a video or presentation?
A5: In videos, credits can be shown on-screen during the segment featuring the art or compiled in an end-screen or credits list. For presentations, place credits directly on the slide with the artwork or in a dedicated credits section at the end.
Q6: What if the artwork is for a non-profit project? Does that change the rules?
A6: While some uses are more lenient under fair use principles, copyright still applies. Licenses like Creative Commons often have specific “NonCommercial” (NC) versions. If you’re using copyrighted work, you must adhere to its specific license, regardless of whether your project is for profit or not, unless fair use clearly applies. Always check the license terms.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and ethically share and use art, fostering a more respectful and supportive creative ecosystem for everyone. Proper attribution is not just a rule; it’s a practice that honors creativity.