Everyone knows that when you use stock from dA, each stocker has their own rules and regulations for use and crediting. Some are more relaxed than others, and each individual stocker's rules should be respected when you use their resources.

Some people provide unrestricted stock and resources, allowing people to use their work for pretty much anything providing that credit is given where required. Instead of rambling on forever about how great unrestricted stock is, I'm going to let the experts tell you about it.





^LawrenceDeDark, Resources and Stock Gallery Director

What are unrestricted resources?
Unrestricted stock or resources can be used for both personal and commercial projects, but it cannot be redistributed as stock. You are not required to obtain permission prior to using the stock off site or in DA prints. The only requirements are that the stock or resources provider be notified and credited.

Why are unrestricted resources useful?
On deviantART, we typically think of stock being used in digital works or as reference, but there are many other ways that stock can be used, such as:

* Websites, journals and banners
* Literary tags and images
* Advertising, publishing
* Games, packaging, electronic media, etc.

Unrestricted use stock are great resources for these types of projects. I'd like to see more people embrace the idea that stock can be used as is. I believe this is a common understanding in the market and the idea that stock must be heavily modified is unique to dA. Unmodified use is of course restricted to the sort of projects listed above. I don't advocate making minor changes to stock and uploading it as a manipulation.

^LawrenceDeDark has compiled an Unrestricted Use Directory, which you can find HERE.





^Hanratty-Stock, Stock Art Gallery Director

What are unrestricted resources?
To me, unrestricted resources are those that can be used freely for any reason by anyone. Therefore they could be taken offsite without having to ask and be used on say a mug or a shirt. Basically you could do anything with them apart from submit them as your own photos/resources.

Why are unrestricted resources useful?
They are good because it leaves the artist using them more options - they don't have to worry about making something and then not being able to sell it on as a product (this is why people should read stock rules before using it!) and they can possibily use it on more websites than just dA or even in a commercial fashion.



And some more information from stockers who provide unrestricted resources...




*kuschelirmel-stock

What..?
I provide everything from textures to stock images to brushes, but you won't find model stock here. On top of that I provide photoshop tutorials dealing with photomanipulation/digital darkroom techniques and journal css templates - both of these don't count as unrestricted stock, the aforementioned do though. My stock is rather diverse, so there is not really that "one genre" I could name.

Why..?
I offer unrestricted stock images/brushes/textures because I like to go all the way and be as useful as I can be. Being a manipulator myself, I know how annoying it can be when you find a great piece of stock but it is not to be used in whatever the project at hand is. Almost more annoying than people not allowing print use for example (not even after being asked nicely and the images manipulated a fair bit) are those who can't seem to be bothered to write down their rules concerning commercial or print use at all. There's the hope they will approve your image, but there's an equal chance of them telling you to find something else to use in the print.








*Stock-gallery

What..?
We provide mostly stock photos, in it's majority in the categories of Places or Nature, but also some Figure Models and Animals, and a few photoshop brushes.

Why..?
We are a group of friends who also have our 'art' accounts, so we understand how difficult it is to find resources that we can use quite freely, for commercial use, or outside DA in website layouts and so. That's why we place no restrictions, for us the restrictions at the DA policy are enough to keep people doing respectful works, without having to break their creativity or stop the projects they want to develop.








*Geek-Stock

What..?
I provide a little bit of everything within the stock image and textures galleries. I try to shoot things out of the ordinary which was the main intention for the account. Then again there's an abundance of historical/medieval places in this city so there is bound to be an amount of classical shots as well. And of course also the beautiful nature around me.

Why..?
Because I want people to have the same pleasure of unrestricted stock as I've had as a photomanipulator. Making it available for commissions, websites, publishing, etc, means freedom for the artist.
It's really difficult to find the stock you're looking for sometimes, especially if you need it to be without restrictions, so I'm grateful for people who offer their stock and resources so generously. I wanted to contribute and share the same way.

Seeing ^LawrenceDeDark's Unrestricted Use Directory grow every week is such a great thing for all artists on dA. This directory has been a very helpful source and is what eventually spurred me on to set up an unrestricted stock account of my own. I hope that many artists, digital and traditional, will have the pleasure of using my stock.








~Freaky-Stock

What..?
Stock images, textures, actions and brushes in the genres of nature, places and objects.

Why..?
I just think art shouldn't have restrictions. I like to contribute without the rules.






Remember that stockers on dA are providing resources free of charge so please give them the respect that they deserve and ensure that you follow any crediting rules they have for their resources.

And don't forget that on dA, you MUST credit the stock and resources that you use. For more information, see these FAQ entries.

FAQ #217: What are "Stock Photos" and can I use "Stock Photos" in my submissions?

FAQ #157: Can I use things created by other people in my submissions?

FAQ #257: What sort of permission do I need to use someone else's work?

FAQ #193: How do I prove that I had permission to use someone's work?