I found an image online of an old photo, years ago, and saved it.

Now I'm designing my new website and think the photo would be perfect for the logo.

I've changed the colours and done a few little effects to it, so it is no longer exactly the same, but it is still the same photo.

I have no idea where I got the image or how I could find out.

Do you think it's unethical to use this in my logo?

I'm just really stuck on design ideas and this image really works for me.

Legally, yes, it's unethical. The owner of the image retains the copyright. Unless you got it from a public domain source, the image is still copyrighted and to use it as part of your identity in a logo would be inappropriate.

If you saved it off the web years ago, chances are the owner may not ever see your use of it, but that doesn't make it ok to use it.

How old is "old" for this photo ?

If you cast aside the ethical issue for a minute, consider the offline implications. How would you print that logo properly? Printers much prefer vector art to raster art.

How old is "old" for this photo ?

It looks like it was taken in the 30's/40's

Hmmm, I guess I'm just getting fed up with the lack of design inspiration I'm having. I'm gonna go with my gut on this and not use this image - even if it was completely legal and/or ethical, I would still know I didn't creative it.

Well, if it was taken in the 30s or 40s, the copyright would be for 75 years, so it's entirely possible the photographer is either very old or deceased. Still, I think you're wise not to use it.

Originally Posted by hst

Hmmm, I guess I'm just getting fed up with the lack of design inspiration I'm having. I'm gonna go with my gut on this and not use this image - even if it was completely legal and/or ethical, I would still know I didn't creative it.

I hate to point this out to you, but you just made a perfectly valid ethical argument.

I was told that if the image has been altered significantly, it would then become your work. Now, keep in mind this was the same teacher I had to help with the frames exercises. On the other hand, 75+ years would make it public domain most likely, unless there is a mark on it somewhere.

You need to use this image for inspiration, for a logo. Why not put the image to one side and draw a new vector image based on how you perceive that image. It may share the idea, but it is not directly copying the image. You will need to create a vector image anyways, so pull out the pencil and start drawing something without tracing directly over this image. You may find the result rewarding, and be reminded every time you showoff your logo. Sometimes logos help their creators feel proud more-so than being meaningful for the client.