Licensing

• Co-create new work

When we use CC licenses, we open up the potential to build off of one another instead of creating in isolation or, worse, forgoing attribution. Most CC licenses allow for this in the form of remixing. Remixing allows others to download, edit, and republish original work. Also, by posting your work online with your CC license, you open use to anyone in the world with an internet connection. And if you feel like there is little point to posting your work online, remember: If you are using the works of others, then someone could benefit from your work, too!

• Community building

When you share your work freely, your designs have more impact. For example, Amplifier, a non-profit design lab, commissions artists to make designs that advance movements. All designs created are open access, allowing people all around the world to use them. Sadie Red Wing was one such artist who contributed a tribe specific design for the No Dakota Access Pipeline protest. The design was used by protestors across the nation, such as in New York City. Also, Justseeds, an artist cooperative, is focused on social, environmental, and political issues. By applying CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 licenses to their graphics, they are able to disseminate awareness of grassroots initiatives.

• Diversify the content pool

While open access resources like still and moving images are becoming increasingly popular on the internet, some image databases, like Artstor, have paywalls and many of these databases only contain works that have aged into the public domain. This means the content is typically decades, if not hundreds, of years old. Utilizing the internet and licenses can help diversify the content pool of works available for use, adding contemporary experiences and voices where there are none. Additionally, CC licenses allow for translations, opening your work up to even more people.

• Attribution

Attribution, similar to the citations you have in papers, give credit back to the author. Attribution is required under all CC licenses, which means you name travels with your work and you are protected from wrongful attribution.