Protecting Your Artwork Images From Misuse on the Internet
The Internet is wondrous for sure. Ultimately there is no total protection when you allow your artwork to be displayed on the Internet. It is all too easy to pull an image of your work off of a Web site. Image manipulation programs are so sophisticated now it is possible to do almost anything with any image. It is a choice you have to make. Adding as much protection as you can seems prudent. Here are a few steps to consider.
FACEBOOK …Did you know…
When you post any image on Facebook you have just assigned the copyright for that image to Facebook?? Read the fine print under Terms and Conditions…it’s true.
1. Use your name in the file name.
Be sure to have your name as part of the file name of your image. For example you might use this format: YOUR.NAME-Your artwork title.jpg. You can even include your copyright information in your file name. For example: YOUR.NAME-Your artwork title-copyright 2011.jpg
2. Add a type overlay with your name and copyright.
Consider adding a type layer to your artwork with your name and copyright overlaying a portion of your art. You can make this in a color that blends, yet, is still visible, or you can make it very prominent.
To learn how to create a copyright symbol in Photoshop or a MAC or Windows system go to this helpful tutorial site: http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-effects/copyright/.
3. Add a Digital Watermark.
Embed a digital watermark in your artwork image. This is an advanced technique and may require separate software. Here is a link to one company which specializes in digital watermarking.
