37
votes
Accepted
Would this be considered as plagiarism?
No, not at all.
It doesn't have nearly enough similarities to count as plagiarism. Yes, they both feature a tree. As do many, many logos. The style is different, the use of colors, the whole setup is ...
- 2,696
30
votes
Is it right to use the ideas of non-winning designers in a design contest?
Ethically and morally..... using any "contest" is merely taking advantage of designers.
Contest do nothing but take advantage of designers and give all the benefit to the person running the contest. ...
- 208k
29
votes
Accepted
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
Looking at your question I can see some points that cause me immediate concern:
"...first payment after the first milestone (30%)."
For me at least that's an immediate problem. I too have staged ...
- 8,562
26
votes
Working file request due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
TL:DR The client is fundamentally mistaken about the type of data covered under GDPR, although there are possibly things in the files that are covered under it. You should not send them the files, ...
- 413
24
votes
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
The client is taking advantage of you. Plain and simple.
If "payment is not an issue" as the client states, then the client would have no problem paying you what you are owed to the current point. ...
- 208k
20
votes
Accepted
What should happen if a logo I made is similar to another?
How to tell if the logos really are that similar
Chances are if you're looking at this post, they are. But here are some tests you can try:
Making them both grey-scale.
Viewing them from far away (...
16
votes
If I'm given resources by a client, should I look up the licenses of each one of those resources?
No. You should have written in your contract that client has all rights to materials he gives to you. With your invoice you should give him list (names) of files you bought to use for the project and ...
- 3,194
15
votes
Working file request due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Doesn't really matter WHY the client wants you to delete your files and send them everything.
It seems to me the client is using GDPR as an excuse and nothing more. I mean, practically any design is ...
- 208k
14
votes
Using a clients font to print their files
Each and every foundry has an End User license Agreement (EULA) for their fonts. They all vary to some degree. Some EULAs may forbid the client from ever sending you files to begin. Some EULAs state (...
- 208k
14
votes
If I'm given resources by a client, should I look up the licenses of each one of those resources?
I, personally, don't concern myself immediately with client provided assets. As @Szczerzo answered, the contract should state that you are not responsible for rights to client-provided resources as ...
- 208k
13
votes
How to word email explaining working files buyout
I somewhat agree with the comment from @Joonas There's no need to justify pricing until you are confronted with an argument about it. Your default mindset should be... "Sure, here's the cost"...
- 208k
11
votes
Working file request due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
This is not legal advice so dont take it as such. You may actually want to read on GDPR. But dont just google for it go directly to the source:
What the european commission have to say about GDPR
The ...
- 57.6k
11
votes
Accepted
How exactly should I ask my employer for design use permission on paper?
I don't think it's overly complicated. You could easily write up something which states they give you permission. You don't need some huge contract or anything.
[Your name] has permission to display ...
- 208k
11
votes
Is it right to use the ideas of non-winning designers in a design contest?
No, it is not right.
Use what you paid for and make sure all the other contestants you are taking inspiration from are compensated. These authors own their work unless/until you buy it. If you can ...
- 29.1k
10
votes
Is it right to use the ideas of non-winning designers in a design contest?
I realized that it is OK to take inspiration from others work, but what I have done is illegal and immoral because I used lots of design ideas from other contestants.
The correct way is to ask for ...
- 321
9
votes
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
As an ex-freelancer, I see a few issues at hand here.
Artistic services are often seen as a cheap commodity. If you acquired your client through a platform like Craigslist for example, expect that ...
- 191
8
votes
Accepted
Is it illegal to convert GIMP file to Photoshop?
The Photoshop file format specification is published by Adobe and available to everyone here: http://www.adobe.com/devnet-apps/photoshop/fileformatashtml/
The preface to the specification states (...
- 40.4k
7
votes
Accepted
Long term client wants working files
I'm in the "300% markup" group when it comes to native files.. here's why...
($x)
The cost of the original document design. This is a minimum amount of time you will save someone else by ...
- 208k
7
votes
Accepted
Is it legal to use a not-freely-distributable font in your logo?
Personal use means non-commercial... which means a "logo" would most likely be outside the realm of personal use and a possible violation of licensing. There's no way to be certain without reading the ...
- 208k
7
votes
Can I use the font "Product Sans" for a commercial poster?
Google does not permit any kind of use of Product Sans for any third parties.
Here is the license of the font:
Google offers many fonts under open source licenses. This is not one of them. Please ...
- 170
6
votes
Graphic design freelancer uses Helvetica for my company's web design, software GUI design, and logo
If you use the design exactly as supplied from the designer in the formats you've described then you don't have to purchase the font licence, but...
The design implementation method with everything ...
- 71
6
votes
Is it allowed to use the Great Seal of the United States in a commerical design?
From the U.S. Department of State (www.state.gov)
Use of the Great Seal of the United States is governed by Public Law 91-651, Title 18 of the United States Code. This is a criminal statute with ...
- 40.4k
6
votes
Would this be considered as plagiarism?
There is not nearly enough similarity between both logos. Also by definition you are not plagiarizing, since you are not trying to use someone else's work as if it yours. I don't think there is ...
- 61
6
votes
Client not satisfied with the design. Doesn't want to pay
Stop doing work. Now. You need to cut your losses. I would even limit the amount of time you spend communicating to the customer. They need to understand that everything is cut off and the ...
- 61
6
votes
What restrictions can I put in my contract when designing a logo for a non-profit?
None.
Generally you don't charge for royalties on logos, since a sold logo should be free of limitation. When its paid, its paid in full and the company should be free to use it anywhere. Usage ...
- 29.1k
6
votes
I've used some vector elements from an online stock bank in 2 logos but completely redrawn them
Redrawing something means you have created derivative work, not original work. (PDF from copyright.gov) Merely "redrawing" something does not, in most instances, grant you an unencumbered copyright.
...
- 208k
5
votes
Accepted
Using Copyrighted Characters in Portfolio?
Yes, this is common--especially in student portfolios where a lot of your work would be hypothetical.
Do note that while it's fun to design what you like, also keep in mind that everyone thinks that.....
- 50.2k
5
votes
Can I use the Google font 'Lato' for a logo design?
it is an open source font that can be used in anyway you want
Yep.
It is licensed under the OFL license.
The key bullet point for your needs is:
Use: the freedom to use font software for any ...
- 50.2k
5
votes
Accepted
Is it OK to copy a person's likeness in a realistic portrait without their permission?
Morally is really impossible to answer. Everyone is going to have a different opinion on this and context matters.
Legally the issue is about appropriating one's likeness. This isn't strictly against ...
- 50.2k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible