Patrick Mermel Walker

Contact the creator before copying. The Guild Supports “Ask First.”

We ask you to remember that many designers, artists and illustrators may not want to have their images used in any way, including in agency presentations. Any use, including “comping,” implies value that is worth compensation. Art or photography in portfolios submitted for a job should not be copied for any use, including client presentation or “comping,” without the creator’s permission. In case after case, the creator’s property rights have been upheld, and those caught engaging in these practices were penalized, paying large fines to the artists.