Ethical Design Guidelines: Entry 2

2A) As a designer, I frequently draw inspiration from the works of fellow artists. While I refrain from replicating their creations, I artfully integrate select elements from their oeuvre into my own distinctive style. In order to acknowledge and honor these artists, I conscientiously feature their works within my creative process and diligently provide proper attribution through meticulous sourcing. Particularly in circumstances where the constraints of time and resources prevent me from capturing photographs myself, I rely on the utilization of commercially licensed images that are available under the Creative Commons framework. By leveraging these photographs, I am able to fulfill the requirements of my work while adhering to the legal and ethical considerations associated with intellectual property rights.

2B) The punishment of Shepard Fairey for his unauthorized use of copyrighted work is warranted and essential for upholding the principles of intellectual property rights. Copyright laws exist to protect the creative efforts and investments made by individuals and organizations in producing original works. By infringing upon these rights, Fairey undermined the integrity of the original photograph and the photographer’s ownership of it. This behavior sets a dangerous precedent, potentially discouraging future artists and creators from investing their time, resources, and talents into producing original works if they believe their efforts may be exploited without consequence.

In conclusion, the punishment of Shepard Fairey for his unauthorized use of copyrighted work is crucial in emphasizing the importance of obtaining proper permissions and licenses and respecting the rights of creators. By holding Fairey accountable for his actions, we reinforce the principles that underpin creativity, encourage fair compensation, and promote a thriving and respectful artistic community.

References:

  • Richard, Grefe. “Guide to Copyright” AIGA. PDF. New York City, 2001
  • Richard, Grefe. “Use of Illustrations” AIGA. PDF. New York City, 2001
  • Fisher, William et al. “Reflections on the Hope Poster Case.” Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, vol. 25, 2012, pp. 244.

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