My internship at Company has provided valuable insights into the ethical considerations that go into design work. Here, I’ll explore how the company approaches image sourcing, trademark usage, and how I’ve navigated these practices within the boundaries of a confidentiality agreement.
Image Sourcing and Copyright
The AIGA guide emphasizes the importance of copyright in design. At Companys, they take this seriously. They primarily use two methods for sourcing images:
Royalty-Free Stock Photos: The company subscribes to stock photo services that offer royalty-free images. This ensures they have the legal right to use the images for their projects without owing ongoing fees.
Internally Created Visuals: The design team also creates original graphics and illustrations whenever possible. This allows for complete control over the visuals and avoids any copyright concerns.
By using these methods, the company ensures they have the proper permissions for the images they incorporate into their designs.
Trademarks and Logos
Companys has clear guidelines for using their own logo and trademarks. There’s a brand style guide that specifies usage rules, such as size, color variations, and clear space requirements. This ensures consistency and brand recognition across all marketing materials.
When it comes to using trademarks or logos of other companies, the design team is very cautious. Permission is always obtained before using any external logos. In some cases, they might use a generic placeholder initially and secure approval for the final logo before finalizing the design.
Conclusion
This internship has provided valuable insight into how ethical considerations shape design work. By understanding copyright and respecting trademarks, companies can ensure their designs are not only creative but also legally sound.
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