Ethics 2B

In reference to the “HOPE Poster” issue, I do think Shepard Fairey acted improperly when he altered a document that was the property of another group. According to an article in the New York Times, Fairey faced accusations of violating The Associated Press’s copyright by copying their photo of Obama for his own “HOPE” poster. This was accurate because he didn’t get permission to use the photo or buy a license. He also made minor adjustments to it in order to create his poster.The changes Fairey made to the original photo are described in detail in the article “Case Study on Fair Use and Fair Dealing: The Hope Poster Litigation.” These adjustments included rotating the picture by five degrees clockwise, extending Obama’s torso, and redrawing or stylizing other features such as Obama’s ears, nose, eyes, and hairline.

It is your job as an artist to use other people’s photos as references. The photographer is owed an offer to buy a license or a contract allowing you to use their image in your own creations. It makes sense that Fairey was placed on probation as a result of his extremely careless actions. His story shows how using someone else’s image for your own work and making money off of it may result in severe penalties and repercussions.

Throughout my internship at Brooklyn College, I have kept these moral issues in mind. I make sure that all external pictures and materials utilized in my projects—including logo designs and other graphic elements—are appropriately credited or licensed. This method preserves the integrity and professionalism required in the design industry while also paying respect to the original inventors. By following these moral standards, I hope to stay away from the mistakes that Fairey made and continue to have a good reputation as a designer.

Citation(s)

• “Appropriating ‘Hope’.” Ethics Unwrapped, McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/case-study/appropriating-hope. Accessed 29 June 2024.
• “Guide to Copyright” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA.
• “A Client’s Guide to Design: How to Get the Most Out of the Process” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA. 
• “Use of Photography” AIGA. (2001). PDF. New York City; Richard Grefé, AIGA. 
• “Summary.” Ethics of Design, WordPress, 29 June 2024, https://ethicsofdesign.wordpress.com/summary/.
• “Code of Ethics.” Australian Graphic Design Association, AGDA, https://agda.com.au/member/code-of-ethics.