Photos, Graphics, and Icons
Usage and Copyright
Respecting copyright laws and licensing agreements is paramount when using images and graphics in CEC's communications. This section emphasizes the importance of adhering to copyright regulations and outlines guidelines for obtaining and using images and graphics ethically and legally.
Compliance with Copyright Laws
- Legal Obligations: CEC must comply with copyright laws and regulations for all images and graphics used. Unauthorized use of copyrighted material is unlawful and can result in legal consequences for the organization.
- Respect for Intellectual Property: Recognize and respect the intellectual property rights of photographers, artists, and content creators. Obtain proper permissions and licenses before using any images or graphics not owned or created by CEC.
Licensing and Permissions
- Source Verification: Ensure that images and graphics are obtained from reputable sources and properly licensed. Verify the copyright status and licensing terms before downloading or using any visual assets.
- Permission Documentation: Maintain records of permissions obtained for each image or graphic used, including details such as the source, licensing agreement, and any applicable usage restrictions. This documentation is evidence of legal compliance in case of inquiries or disputes.
Usage Guidelines
- Authorized Sources: Utilize images and graphics from authorized sources that provide licensed content for commercial or non-commercial use. Preferred sources may include stock photo websites, Creative Commons repositories, or in-house photography and design teams.
- Attribution Requirements: When using images or graphics under certain licensing agreements, adhere to any attribution requirements specified by the copyright holder. Provide proper credit to the creator or source of the visual content per the license's terms.
Best Practices
- Original Content Creation: Prioritize creating original visual content tailored to CEC's specific needs and brand identity. Original content reduces reliance on third-party sources and ensures full ownership and control over the intellectual property.
- Regular Audits and Updates: Conduct regular image and graphics library audits to ensure ongoing compliance with copyright laws and licensing agreements. Remove or replace any visual assets that are no longer authorized for use or do not meet legal requirements.
By adhering to these guidelines and principles, CEC can mitigate the risk of copyright infringement, uphold ethical standards in its visual communications, and safeguard the organization's reputation and legal standing.
Photos
Photographic images are crucial to our brand identity, shaping how our audience perceives and connects with our brand. Images refer to a photograph depicting scenes and subjects from life. To maintain a consistent and cohesive visual identity, we've established the following image guidelines:
- Clarity: Images should be high-quality and reflect the professional standards CEC aims to convey. These images should be clear, unpixellated, well-lit, and unfiltered.
- Subjects: Images should enhance the story or message you are conveying. People like seeing images of other people. Ensure that diversity and inclusion are considered when selecting images to accompany marketing and communications.
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Bias: CEC strives to be an inclusive, diverse organization; our marketing and communications should reflect that. Ensure that you utilize images that feature diverse people in a way that represents both the component’s membership and our collective membership. It’s also important to be aware of biases and stereotypes when selecting imagery and that you do not convey any implicit messaging that goes against CEC’s brand values and mission.
- Tone and Mood: Pay attention to the tone and mood conveyed by the photos. Ensure that they align with CEC's brand personality and messaging. Whether conveying warmth and compassion or professionalism and innovation, the photos should resonate with our audience and reinforce our brand values.
- Sources: Ensure you have the proper rights and permissions to use the selected images. There are many sources of stock imagery online, both free and through paid subscriptions. Check out:
Graphics
Graphics are essential visual elements that contribute to CEC's overall identity and communication. Graphics refer to any drawn or created image, including clip art, charts, infographics, logos, etc. Graphics convey information, enhance visual appeal, and reinforce brand recognition. When a photo does not capture the messages you are conveying, graphics are a great option. The following will serve as a guide to utilizing graphics in your communications:
- Clarity: Graphics should be high-quality and reflect the professional standards that CEC aims to convey. These graphics should be clear, unpixellated, well-lit, and unfiltered.
- Tone and Mood: Pay attention to the tone and mood conveyed by the photos. Ensure that they align with CEC's brand personality and messaging. Whether it's conveying warmth and compassion or professionalism and innovation, the photos should resonate with our audience and reinforce our brand values.
- Relevance: Select graphics relevant to the content and context in which they are used. Graphics should enhance understanding, clarify information, and support the overall message. Align graphic choices with the intended audience and communication objectives.
- Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility by ensuring that graphics are perceivable, operable, and understandable to all users, including those with disabilities. Follow accessibility standards for color contrast, text legibility, and alternative text descriptions where applicable. Learn more about digital accessibility here.
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Bias: CEC strives to be an inclusive, diverse organization; our marketing and communications should reflect that. Ensure that you utilize graphics that feature diverse subjects. It’s also important to be aware of biases and stereotypes when selecting graphics and that you do not convey any implicit messaging that goes against CEC’s brand values and mission.
- File Formats: Choose appropriate file formats for different graphic elements based on their intended use. Common formats include SVG for scalable vector graphics, PNG for transparent backgrounds, and JPEG for photographs.
- Sourcing: Ensure you have the proper rights and permissions to use your selected graphics. There are many graphics sources online, both free and through paid subscriptions. Check out:
Icons
When using a graphic in tandem with your writing, you should use an icon. Icons are simple graphics that represent your message. Icons can be used in infographics, emails, newsletters, social media, and more. These should accompany paragraphs/text that connect to what the icon is representing. In general, icons should be utilized when there is limited space for other graphics, when you want to include multiple graphics within a piece of communication, and when you want to ensure that the text is the focus.
If you need an icon that does not appear in our library, you can create your own using these guidelines:
- Icons should be simple and uncluttered, conveying their meaning with minimal detail.
- Icons should be scalable, able to work at multiple sizes, and remain clear and unpixellated.
- Icons should only appear in black (#000000) or CEC brand’s dark blue (#04305c) or light blue (#00549b).
- When possible, use standard symbols as icons. For example, if you need an icon representing “save,” the standard icon is a floppy disk. This will help to ensure clarity.
- Save the icons as vectors. This means that the icon’s background will be transparent, allowing it to have wide applications.