Lilikoi Juice
I do all my own graphics!
Hello everyone. I have been lurking around the graphics threads quite often recently and noticed that a lot of members here were putting themselves at risk to online theft. These are some basic tips and reminders to prevent getting caught in some of the graphic design dilemmas that I have heard online.
I was not providing a service or request so I thought I would post this thread here, but please move this to the most proper thread category, if you wish.
As a designer:
As a client:
I was not providing a service or request so I thought I would post this thread here, but please move this to the most proper thread category, if you wish.
As a designer:
- Make it a habit to use a "good" watermark in your images. Just as you may use watermarks for Youtube videos, using watermarks for your images will prevent others from attempting to steal your image. Even with watermarks your images can still get stolen, but having one prevents thefts greatly.
- Always make an agreement with the client about what you will be designing and receiving prior to starting/delivering your work. If no agreement was made, your client may be under the impression that you are providing services pro bono. Keep Skype conversations, e-mails, or order forms that may have the agreement on there.
- Related to above. I often see designers create banners/logos for well-known/bigger Youtube channels pro bono. When you do, it is best to think of it as fan art. Unless you made a formal agreement do not get upset if your design ends up being used but you were not credited. If it was your intent to get credited, you should have made an agreement. (*Contest rules can be considered formal agreement*)
- Always keep your originals files in case you need it to prove anything.
As a client:
- Always make sure you know what you will be receiving and paying, if applicable. You do not want to be stuck with something you did not want or something you did not expect to pay for. Keep Skype conversations, e-mails, or order forms that may have the agreement on there.
- Sometimes designers ask for "payment first" and this can be normal, however it is good to be cautious whenever you are asked to provide payment before receiving work; especially when you are asked to provide payment before the designer starts any work at all. Although I have seen legitimate designers do this based upon their experience with clientele theft/issues, it is always helpful to make sure the designer is who they claim to be and can provide a portfolio or showcase of past work. In other words, just make sure that you can decently trust that the designer is not going to walk off with your money.
- Design payment is usually done through PayPal. There are two ways of sending money as payment: "I'm paying for goods or services" and "I'm sending money to family or friends". "I'm paying for goods or services" can be seen as safer because you can claim your money back from PayPal, whereas a payment made through "I'm sending money to family or friends" does not give you that option. This is not to say that designers who ask for donation/family-friend delivery method are suspicious, but if you have already been getting negative vibes from your designer and they suddenly specify you send the payment as a donation/family-friends, it may be helpful to be just a little wary.
