FAQ

A: I use "-c" as a tag to indicate that the jpg image has been compressed. "-sc" indicates that the image has been shrunk and compressed.

Q2: I'd like to use a less compressed/higher resolution version of an image in the Archive. How do I get it?

A: Easy - email me and I will email you a copy of the original, uncompressed image (assuming I still have it, and I probably do).

Q3: You call the images in the Archive "original." Does that mean you made every single one of them yourself?

A: Yes, but I should qualify that. While the majority of images in the Archive were created from photos I took or surfaces/objects I scanned, the "ingredients" for some images were initially found elsewhere. I have made frequent use of images from copyright-free, stock image photo disks, as well as elements from fine art and classical paintings (the "Terry Gilliam solution"). I have tried to avoid using existing copywritten images as sources. If I have trodden on someone else's copyright, I apologize. If anyone has objections about a particular image on these grounds, contact me and I will remove the offending image from the Archive.

Q4: I'd like to use one or more of the images in the Archive for commercial purposes, for example, as graphics on my commercial web page. What's the deal?

A: You have a few options.

The first option is to obtain my permission to use the image for commercial purposes but the image remains in the Archive for public, non-profit use. This is a very inexpensive option. I will charge you very little (if anything, depending on the company and application. I am particularly fond of product samples.....).

The second option is that you buy the rights to the image and the image is removed from the Archive. This costs a little more but can still be very reasonable. Of course, I have no control over who may have already downloaded said image and is using it elsewhere.

The third option is the most expensive but also gives you the most control over the image. I create a new image from scratch that resembles the Archive image but is entirely original for your use. You retain full rights to the image and the new image is never placed in the Archive.

There is, of course, a fourth option - you use the image but don't get my permission, don't tell me about it, and hope that I never find out. This is a very bad option. All images have been treated with a special Oungan voudou curse that will re-format your hard-drive and adversely affect your sexual functioning should said images be used commercially without permission. Sorry to be such a hard-ass, but you have to look out for your own. All complaints about this policy should be directed to Papa Legba, Haiti. Also, if I find out about it I will take legal action - or at least spread nasty rumours about child sweat shops and malicious code. So DON"T DO IT.

Q5: Why have you spent all this time and effort just to give these images away? Are you nuts?

A: Well, maybe just a little nuts, but that's certainly not the whole of it. I have two main motivations, one selfish and one not so much. The former is fairly obvious - free graphics draw traffic. The more people who visit my site, the more likely I will impress someone who needs graphic work done. The more altruistic reason is that I want to make my own contribution to this phenomenon that is the Internet. The only way we can keep the net from being a sterile wasteland of spam, ads and banners is for those with the time, talent, and will to offer a bit of their specialization free of charge (the net equivalent of "pro bono" work). If we all offer a little, this can be a rich and worthwhile place. The alternative doesn't bear thinking about.

Q6: I'd like to include some of the Archive graphics in my own archive of free stuff. Is that okay?

A: Sure. All I require is that you acknowledge that I created them and provide a link back to this site's home page.

Q7: What do you charge for new, original graphics?

Of course, price depends on what you need. A complex image that is composed of many elements and effects takes considerably longer to produce than a simple one. Generally speaking, I charge $25/hr (Cdn) or a day rate of $175 (Cdn). Quotes can also be provided for full graphics packages such as CD covers or a series of promotional posters and flyers (for example). Given the absolutely pathetic state of our Canadian dollar, these rates are very reasonable for American clients.

Q8: Is there anyone else you can recommend for this type of work?

A: See the "Design Resources" section of my Links page.

Q9: Why are all the non-rectangular graphics in the Archive on a black background?

A: The black background is just a personal preference - it has to be either white or black and I think black is easier on the eyes. Images with transparent borders/edges can be "floated" over any background but, at present, such images must be gifs. I don't like gifs - their restricted colour palette makes photo-based images look awful and speckly. If you need an irregularly-shaped image that you have found in the Archive to exist on a non-black background, just use any half-decent graphics program to cut, paste, and paint it to your heart's content (I recommend Jasc's Paint Shop Pro for those looking to try this out for the first time). If this beyond your capability, send me a sufficiently grovelly email and I'll do it for you if I have the time.