Displaying Graphic Design Work on Personal Portfolio: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Is It Legal to Display Graphic Design Work Completed as an In-House Designer on Your Personal Portfolio Website?
Displaying your graphic design work on your personal portfolio can be an excellent way to showcase your skills and attract new opportunities. However, the legality and ethical considerations often depend on the circumstances of your employment and the specific nature of the work you've completed. While it generally is legal to display the work, certain conditions and agreements need to be considered.
Legal Perspective
In most cases, displaying your completed in-house design work on your personal portfolio is perfectly lawful. The primary concern here is intellectual property (IP) rights and any non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that might govern how you handle the work. As long as you are not profiting off the display or intending to sell the designs, the key is to ensure you have permission from your employer and are handling the work within the terms of your contract.
Business Relationships and Networking
It’s vital to maintain a positive relationship with your current employer, as they can be powerful advocates for you within your professional network. Therefore, it's always best to consult with your line manager and get formal approval before posting your work. An email confirming the agreement is a great way to ensure you have written permission for the content.
Scenarios Where Permission May Be Needed
There are certain situations where your employer might not want the work to be displayed due to brand conflicts, legal disputes, or product withdrawals. For instance, if the work is tied to a brand dispute or connected to a product that needs to be withdrawn, displaying it could potentially harm your prospects of retaining the current job. Prior to posting, it's crucial to understand the context and implications of the work you are considering displaying.
Restrictions on Public Disclosure
Some companies, particularly those sensitive about their brand image, may prefer not to see their work being displayed publicly. For example, if you contributed to their brand materials, it might not be in your best interest to reveal the “secret history” of the brand on your portfolio. It's important to know and respect the specific guidelines provided by your employer. If there is a confidentiality agreement in your contract, strictly adhere to its terms.
IP Rights and Ownership
Intellectual property rights concerning the work you produced are typically an issue to address with your employer. In many jurisdictions, the work you create remains your property, especially if you were working independently during your employment. However, it's essential to understand the nuances of your contract, particularly regarding IP rights and any clauses that might limit your ability to display or reuse the work.
To summarize, displaying graphic design work on your personal portfolio is generally acceptable, but careful consideration of legal and ethical implications is necessary. Always obtain written approval from your employer, be cautious about sensitive contexts, and respect any agreements concerning the work's use. Understanding and complying with these guidelines will help ensure the legality of your portfolio and maintain a positive relationship with your current employer.