Ethics Assignment 2A 2B

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2A. While Reading the AIGA article I Came across some interestingly informative information that brought awareness to the etiquette of being a designer. According to the AIGA Reading, “A professional designer shall not knowingly accept any professional assignment on which another designer has been or is working without notifying the other designer or until he or she is satisfied that any previous appointments have been properly terminated and that all materials relevant to the continuation of the project are the clear property of the client”. This statement made me recollect a time when I was an active freelancer. I was working for a client creating a cover art that initially had a designer working on the same project. However, that designer did not hold his end of the bargain by meeting deadlines which resulted in the client pursuing business prospects with me. However, it occurred to my knowledge the designer purchased a license photo which the client also had a copy of. However, the client made me use the photo in continuation of completing the project to get published. Later on, the client told me that there had been some issues that they did not have rights to the photo because in the contract the client was supposed to pay for a finished project. However, the project was not completed so the designer still had rights to the photo being said it was purchased on their behalf. In addition as a courtesy, I had to reconstruct the cover art without charging the client any additional charges. However, I could’ve given the artist credit for starting the project but chose not to. 

2B. Shepard Fairey is a graphic designer, street designer, and activist illustrator. His career rose to prominence when he created a 2008 iconic Barack Obama poster. However, it’s been brought to attention that he is being sued for copyright. Due to not crediting his source of the Obama image Poster. Mr. Fairey claims he had used a different photograph but also tries to cover and diminish any documented evidence proving the accusations. As an Artist,  one should know about design etiquette and its importance.  Crediting the original artist is a way to show respect for their work and creativity. It acknowledges their effort and talent. However, if not careful this can lead to legal issues as it did for Mr. Fairey. Failure to credit an artist can lead to copy infringement or plagiarism which causes legal and unethical consequences. In the creative world. It is fair to acknowledge the source of inspiration because it is fundamentally a principle that helps maintain integrity and equity within the creative community. Although, Mr. Fairey stated he did not gain any profit from the image. I believe from a design perspective I disapprove of Mr. Fairey’s actions and integrity as a designer. Due to his negligence in crediting the source. I agree with the appropriate charges towards Mr. Fairey as a form of punishment. Especially one’s use of imagery in a political campaign.