A) Reading the resources on ethics in graphic design and advertising has broadened my understanding of the field and has given me more of a critical eye for the visuals/advertisements I look at or create myself.
In the past, I have always tried to create my own unique work and have not really used another’s creative work besides music. In the case of a video montage for school projects, whenever I would not use royalty-free music, I would always credit the musician at the end of the video.
B) I believe that the outcome of the Fairey Copyright case in which the artist Shepard Fairey agreed not to use another AP photo in the future without obtaining a license first was fair considering that this was the first major copyright dispute he had been involved in. It is also interesting how the AP has requested to share the rights to make the posters and merchandising bearing the Hope image after realizing that this was a huge hit for the people. Associated Press really took the advantage of this “unfortunate” situation and used it for themselves as well.
Having mentioned the Hope poster, I must share one of the recent works by Fairey Shepard that unveils a cover image on the latest issue of Timemagazine. The poster showing a woman using a bandana as a face covering is made in the same style as the Hope poster. In this poster, Fairey Shepard tries to communicate ideas of racial discrimination, voter suppression as well as anti-mask and anti-vaccine campaigners in the age of Covid-19.
(Screenshot) The cover art for Time magazine by Shepard Fairey
References:
Memmott, Mark. “Shepard Fairey And AP SETTLE Copyright Dispute OVER ‘hope’ Poster.” 12 Jan. 2011. Web. 24 Mar. 2021.
Author: Salome Mindiashvili
Hi there!
My name is Salome, but people usually call me Sal. I am a young professional with experience in graphic design, advertising, and digital marketing. Currently, I am working on a degree in Communication Design to pursue my lifelong passion in the art of marketing and digital communications.
My fascination with visual communications and the digital world started at the age of 13 when I launched Adobe Photoshop for the first time. I was previously interested in digital photography and the fact that I could modify or completely change the reality of my photos with the help of the program greatly excited me. Over time as I learned more about the importance of visuals and good design, I started reading books about marketing, branding, and color theory. At this point, I had already dropped out as an economics major from University in Bulgaria and was living in New York – one of the most inspiring cities in terms of many things, including great designs & history.
During my first few years in New York, while I was still trying to settle in the city, I was rigorously working in many types of jobs. At the same time, I was focusing on and planning for my goal, which was a formal education in the field of visual communications. Six years after leaving Bulgaria and five years since moving to New York, here I am, pursuing my lifelong passion!
My interest in the field has only gotten stronger with time, and now that I have made it this far, I’m ready to learn as much as possible and enjoy the process of this opportunity as well.
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