Using designs from retired designers etiquette. Designers--please weigh in!

[marshallandcartersmo]

I can't imagine I'm the only one wondering these questions.

There are several threads and links to designers work that you can still view, but they are no longer on the boards (take Julia and Nicks mom for example, or Pat). What is the "etiquette" for those of us that want to use one of their designs on a shirt/bag/hat/whatever? Since they are out there in web-land are they ok to use? Should we attempt to contact them first? If so, how long do we wait for a response? What about personalizing the item?

I feel bad asking another designer to personalize an item that is someone elses, if we don't have permission to do so. However, if the design is out there, and the designer is no longer on the boards?

Thanks, and like I said--I'm sure there are others out there wondering the same thing. Well, hopefully I'm not the only clueless one.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I can't imagine I'm the only one wondering these questions.

There are several threads and links to designers work that you can still view, but they are no longer on the boards (take Julia and Nicks mom for example, or Pat). What is the "etiquette" for those of us that want to use one of their designs on a shirt/bag/hat/whatever? Since they are out there in web-land are they ok to use? Should we attempt to contact them first? If so, how long do we wait for a response? What about personalizing the item?

I feel bad asking another designer to personalize an item that is someone elses, if we don't have permission to do so. However, if the design is out there, and the designer is no longer on the boards?

Thanks, and like I said--I'm sure there are others out there wondering the same thing. Well, hopefully I'm not the only clueless one.

This is my opinion and is the widely held opinion around here. If you find a design you like, feel free to save it and use for your personal use - that is what they are here for...

If you need something customized from a "retired" designer. First you should try to contact them and wait for a response. Then, if you haven't heard back the best thing is to pm another designer on the boards asking them if they can make changes.

Sometimes, making changes can be easy and sometimes they can be quite involved - so bear that in mind. Also, be very patient if that designer is already bombarded with their own requests because as I said - changing someone else's design can be quite a job.

Everyone here is extremely helpful so it never hurts to ask but please be understanding if the customization simply cannot be done or if the designer would rather not do it.

This is just my opinion.

 

[Telynn]

Well said Amy! I ditto your answer!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

This is my opinion and is the widely held opinion around here. If you find a design you like, feel free to save it and use for your personal use - that is what they are here for...

If you need something customized from a "retired" designer. First you should try to contact them and wait for a response. Then, if you haven't heard back the best thing is to pm another designer on the boards asking them if they can make changes.

Sometimes, making changes can be easy and sometimes they can be quite involved - so bear that in mind. Also, be very patient if that designer is already bombarded with their own requests because as I said - changing someone else's design can be quite a job.

Everyone here is extremely helpful so it never hurts to ask but please be understanding if the customization simply cannot be done or if the designer would rather not do it.

This is just my opinion.

great answer. just giving it a bump for the night crew to read.........

 

[bethbuchall]

Well said Amy! I ditto your answer!

I'll ditto that, too! Expanding a little on what Amy said. It may be really easy for the original designer to change wording/personalization, but once it's saved as a jpeg and the layers are compressed, it may be extremely difficult.

 

[chaoscent]

I believe that if a designer left their work in a link, even if they are no longer designing, then it is ok to use it.
Penny