Glossary of Graphic Design Terms
• COMP - A design “comp” stands for comprehensive. This is a detailed rendering of the initial design idea(s) of your work. It may be presented in varying forms depending upon the nature of the project itself.
A comp can be considered your first proof. While it contains a lot of detail and clarity, it is still very open for revisions, updates and is still in need of perfection prior to final reproduction.
Projects such as logos are presented as black & white comps to emphasize the design elements which are critical in work such as logos. Other projects may be presented initially with color comps.
• ROYALTY FREE - A term that references the uses available per image (photograph or illustration) based on it’s licensing. A royalty free image is one that is paid for once and can be used in an unlimited number of reproduction runs.
Royalty free images generally have lesser restrctions on the types of uses that they can be used for. Usually these are still not available for use on resale items. Some royalty free items have specific model or property release restrictions.
Pricing for royalty free images is based on the quality of the image, the size and the resolution as well as the type of image. Videos, animations and audio can also be obtained in royalty free formats.
The copyright of royalty free products always remains with the creator of the item itself, it does not transfer to the purchaser. Purchasers of royalty free items are only acquiring permission for certain uses of the item.
• SPEC WORK is work done on a “speculative / groundless / tentative” basis. It requires a designer to expend time and resources without any guarantee of payment or receipt of required down payment.
This includes the creation of design or project samples explicity geared towards a potential client’s specific project needs prior to the hiring of the designer, simply for the potential client to decide if they will hire the designer.
Spec work is an unfair and unrealistic request of a professional.
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