Could use advice from experienced graphic designers...

KCoppo

New Member
Hi all,

I've a question. I've a client that needs designs done very quickly. So, I've no time to actually create artwork from scratch... never mind create a mood board or experiment! So, I've resorted to using Adobe stock illustrations, etc... and altering them, changing colours and taking bits from one and using it in another etc. Is this something that's a necessary evil in graphic design? Do others have this issue, if so, what do you do? Is it wrong? In the end, I don't feel like I'm designing much, apart from layout and branding. Any helpful advice from experienced graphic designers much appreciated!

Thanks,
KC
 
IMO we need context to where it's being used....

I often use 3D models which have been made by someone else in my renderings to add 'life' to the scene and in essence save me time, say for example I've done a room rendering, I might add in some furniture made by someone else.
The same sort of use of 'stock imagery' on websites is also usually acceptable unless you're trying to misrepresent the company with said images.

However I wouldn't go and use stock imagery for things like a logo, so like I said without context it's a bit hard to really say.
 
Ah ok, it's not for a logo or brand. It's mainly for social media promo ads, infographics, some webpage elements, videos...
 
Thanks so much for responding! This has been causing me stress for so long now... lol I don't have other experience graphic designers to talk to so have been worried about doing the wrong thing!
 
Unfortunately for people like myself (as an illustrator), this is a lot more common these days and perfectly legal and ethical etc.
I even use them myself sometimes.

All I would say is make sure you have the correct licence for the images you buy - in some circumstances you may have to fork out for an extended licence.
 
Unfortunately for people like myself (as an illustrator), this is a lot more common these days and perfectly legal and ethical etc.
I even use them myself sometimes.

All I would say is make sure you have the correct licence for the images you buy - in some circumstances you may have to fork out for an extended licence.
Thanks Ian.. it makes me feel a lot better knowing I'm not the only one. I've only used the images on a webpage and some in promo adds. It appears they're ok to use but I have this horrible feeling that I'll get in trouble at some point... a bit paranoid!
 
Like Levi said, it's perfectly fine as long as your clients realise they are not getting unique or bespoke images on their products.
 
Like Levi said, it's perfectly fine as long as your clients realise they are not getting unique or bespoke images on their products.
Well, I'm designing a lot of infographics, etc... and I only use elements here and there. So, it's half mine with things added. Nothing is on a product that is for sale or a logo... just article posts for social media and some things on their website. I have mentioned that some images are not design by myself due to time but I don't say that after completing every single design.
 
As long as the license permits it for that use then you're fine.
Yes, well it appears most of the images are licensed as part of the deal on Adobe Creative Stock. I've read the small print... seems ok but maybe I should look again. A bit scared to find a problem as I've designed so many things for them! I'm sure I'm probably just being paranoid but... :-(
 
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