week | three
TASK #3
Heading into week 3 when I should be on week 5 is quite stressful for me. I'm trying to take everything slowly and find myself, so I hope that week 3 serves its purpose and helps me overcome this block. This week's task involves researching common copyright issues, as well as the ethical and legal factors that frequently affect graphic designers today. I need to choose a designed object and outline the key areas that may infringe the copyright or require IP protection when creating such an artefact. Anyway, I've had issues with copyright before because I never used it. Once, I completed a lot of work for a client who blocked me everywhere after I delivered the work without payment. I still have no idea where he is. If my work had been copyrighted, maybe I could have proven it was mine and used legal measures to address the situation. Anyway, we learn from our mistakes.
Case Studies:
How should graphic designers make themselves aware of any naming and copyright issues ideally before they get caught out by them?
Panel Discussion:
In a podcast hosted by Alec Dudson, legal experts Kevin Poulter and Jonny Mayner from Freeths LLP talked about how graphic designers can avoid problems with naming and copyright. They said it's important to check the UK Intellectual Property Office's database, which is something I never heard of, to make sure our names and logos don’t copy existing ones. They also emphasized using common sense to ensure our designs are original and not too similar to others. I mean, I never thought that pictures I take from Google and then use could actually get me sued if I didn’t cite them or whatever. I mean, I still don’t really understand how someone can own something like that, but I am really glad I am learning. Anyways, I learned that keeping detailed records of our design process is very crucial to prove our work is original if disputes arise, which it does sometimes. So contracts should clearly state who owns what and how the work can be used, especially in collaborative projects. They also discussed how social media can influence legal issues and the importance of having strong defenses and potential settlements in plagiarism cases.
From my point of view, it's clear that learning about IP rights, keeping good records, and having clear contracts are not just legal steps but essential for building a strong and professional design practice. It’s about protecting our hard work and creativity, making sure we get the credit and payment we deserve. This proactive approach not only keeps our work safe but also boosts our professional reputation. I will make sure to start thinking about that when I start my project.
week: 3 research task:
Research common copyright issues and ethical and legal factors most frequently affecting graphic designers today. Choose a designed object and outline the key areas that may infringe copyright or require IP protection when creating an artefact of this kind.
What does copyright infringement mean?
To start with, I wanted to know what copyright infringement means and what are examples of copyright work.
Copyright Infringement: Copyright infringement happens when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission. This can include reproducing, distributing, performing, publicly displaying, or making a derivative work based on the original without the copyright owner's consent.
Books and Literature: Novels, poems, and articles are protected by copyright. Copying or distributing these without permission is infringement.
Music: Songs, compositions, and recordings are copyrighted. Using a song in a video without permission is infringement.
Films and Videos: Movies, TV shows, and online videos are copyrighted. Sharing these without permission is infringement.
Artwork and Photography: Paintings, drawings, and photographs are protected by copyright. Using someone else's artwork or photos without permission is infringement.
Software: Computer programs and apps are copyrighted. Copying or distributing software without permission is infringement.
Web Content: Text, images, and videos on websites are protected by copyright. Copying website content without permission is infringement.
Common Copyright Issues and Ethical & Legal Factors Affecting Graphic Designers:
Common Copyright Issues
Unauthorized Use of Images: Using images, illustrations, or photographs without proper licenses or permissions can lead to copyright infringement.
Fonts and Typography: Many fonts are protected by copyright, and using them without a proper license can be illegal.
Derivative Works: Creating works based on someone else’s design without permission can infringe on the original creator's copyright.
Uncredited Work: Failing to credit the original creators when using their work in a new project can lead to ethical and legal issues.
Client Agreements: Not having clear agreements regarding ownership and rights of the final design can lead to disputes.
Ethical and Legal Factors
Plagiarism: Copying designs from other creators without permission is unethical and illegal.
Moral Rights: Designers must respect the original creator’s moral rights, which include the right to be credited and the right to object to derogatory treatments of their work.
Contracts: Clear contracts should outline the scope of work, ownership rights, and usage rights to avoid disputes.
Confidentiality: Designers must maintain confidentiality and not disclose client’s proprietary information or designs.
Fair Use: Understanding the limits of fair use, such as commentary, criticism, or parody, is crucial to avoid infringement.
Example of my designed object and the key areas that may infringe copyright or require IP protection:
My final designed cards:
My Dior inspired milk package:
My Pinterest board inspiration:
Real Dior Brand:
After understanding what copyright infringement and IP protection are, I realized I've messed up. As a designer, I scroll through Pinterest a lot and download images I love. Sometimes, I imitate these designs and even make a business out of it, but I only imitate the style, like the one with the flowers. I loved the abstract shape of the flowers, but I decided to add a little touch of texture to it, so instead of a digital illustration, I made a painting and used mockups to show how it can be used in different ways. But now I understand that I had to ask for permission first and check if this was a copyrighted image or not.
Regarding the Dior brand package, I was asked to create something out of the ordinary by combining two things that make no sense together. I wasn't thinking about whether Dior would be upset with me for using their brand on a milk package, but I hope they don't see it and nothing happens. These two projects taught me that copyright and IP protection are really important in the design world.
“Ideas are not protected by copyright; only the expression of those ideas as fixed in a material form are protected.”
Areas That May Infringe Copyright:
Use of Stock Images or Artwork:
If my illustrated cards use stock images or artwork, I have to ensure I have the appropriate licenses. Using unlicensed images leads to copyright infringement.
Fonts and Typography:
Many fonts are protected by copyright. Using a font without the proper license, especially for commercial purposes, can infringe on the font creator's copyright.
Inspiration from Other Artists:
Drawing heavy inspiration from or closely mimicking another artist’s style or specific designs can lead to claims of copyright infringement. I have to make sure my work is sufficiently original.
Use of Characters or Brands:
Incorporating popular characters, logos, or elements from well-known brands without permission can infringe on the rights of those entities. This includes fan art of copyrighted characters.
Areas That Require IP Protection:
Original Illustrations:
My illustrations can be protected by copyright as soon as they are created and fixed in a tangible form (e.g., on paper or digitally). I can register my illustrations with a copyright office for added protection.
Logos and Branding:
If I create a logo or specific branding elements for my card designs, I have to consider registering these as trademarks. This protects my brand identity from being used by others.
Unique Designs and Patterns:
If my cards feature unique patterns or designs that are integral to my product’s identity, these can be protected as part of my overall copyright.
Text and Phrases:
Any original text or phrases that I create for my cards can be protected by copyright. This includes poems, quotes, or messages I write yourself.
PROJECT PROCESS:
As I mentioned in week 2, my ideas have changed. Even though I had a solid concept, it wasn’t the right fit for me. So, this week, I’m focusing on choosing and finalizing my idea. I realized that I’ve created and published four different cards, each with its own unique theme and idea. After reviewing my work, I saw that creating cards is what truly inspires me. Therefore, I’ve decided to center my final project around producing cards. I know it’s different from my original idea, but I need to follow my heart and mind to maintain my sanity.
Just like in week 2, my ideas come to me when I walk, talk, and let my mind wander. So, I’ve jotted down some notes that will evolve into five different themes, all centered around creating cards. While I don’t have a concrete plan yet, I know these ideas will shape into something meaningful. The first theme is about connecting with different cultures by learning simple greetings or thank you words in various languages. The second theme focuses on expressing gratitude for meaningful acts, not just the usual stuff – it’s for those who make a real impact or even strangers who’ve helped in times of need. The third theme encourages positive thinking about whatever happens. Maybe the person who yelled at you just had a bad day; these cards would help soothe anger and sadness by promoting empathy. The fourth theme is about appreciating the tiniest details in life, like breathing, seeing, or even lifting a finger – the things we often overlook. Lastly, the fifth theme is about motivating people to start now and not wait. It aims to inspire those who procrastinate to live in the present rather than waiting for the future. My entire theme revolves around humanity and kindness, emphasising that true change starts from within. When we better ourselves, everything else improves as well. This is just a simple first draft, but I’m capturing my ideas to ensure they don’t slip away.
THEME #1 PROCESS
Pinterest Inspiration:
Contextual Research:
After coming up with my idea and diving into the design process, I wanted to find more inspiration. That's when I discovered "The Happy Show" by Stefan Sagmeister. I was like, OMG, this is exactly what I was aiming for! Seeing his work made me so happy because my concept was similar to his, and he's a designer I really look up to. "The Happy Show" is an interactive exhibit that explores happiness, combining data visualization, personal insights, and playful design elements to engage visitors. It resonated with me on such a deep level. His innovative, joyful designs spreading positivity were everything I wanted for my project. It reinforced my vision and made me even more excited, knowing I was on a similar creative path as one of my design heroes.
I was really inspired by how John faced a problem with his design workshop and found a creative solution. He turned the issue of disposable sticky notes into a brilliant idea by making beautifully colored playing cards that could be used to create, connect, and rearrange ideas. This led to the creation of Artefact Cards, which have become a great tool for brainstorming and collaboration. Seeing how John tackled his challenge so creatively has motivated me to approach my project the same way. With the world feeling so scary and unkind, I want to show that kindness can be shared in the simplest ways. As a designer, my goal is to create tools and experiences that spread positivity and compassion, just like John did with his cards. By focusing on thoughtful design and human connection, I hope to make a real impact and inspire others to embrace kindness in their daily lives.
Sketching:
Adding colour:
Process Videos:
Failed Trials:
Why it failed? These designs didn't work out because after creating them, I wanted to give them a more bubbly and modern 3D look using Illustrator. However, once I finished, I realized the colors were too vibrant and the design felt boring. My family even said it reminded them of SpongeBob, which made me realize I needed to change the colors and add texture for more depth. When I connected the name "Say Cheese" with the yellow color of cheese, I decided to make the cards resemble cheese and toned down the 3D effect.
Final Idea + Design:
"Say Cheese" is a heartfelt project aimed at spreading smiles, kindness, and love among people. It centers around the simple yet powerful act of sharing a smile through beautifully designed cards. These cards are meant to be given to others, encouraging a chain reaction of happiness and positivity. Each card exchange is a reminder that even a small gesture like a smile can brighten someone's day. The project emphasizes that no words are needed—just a genuine smile can create meaningful connections and transform moments. By inspiring people to share joy and compassion, "Say Cheese" hopes to make the world a kinder and more compassionate place, one smile at a time.
