How to declare stock images
Stock images are allowed in some contests as long as they’re properly declared. Stock images are not allowed in some categories, please check the end of the article for a full list of categories where stock use is permitted. When using stock, be sure to follow the rules in our stock image and clip art policy.
You declare stock images on 99designs when you’re submitting your design:
- Check the box that says "This design contains elements that are not my own"
2. Copy the full link to the direct stock image you’re going to use in your design. A link to the home page of the stock site is not sufficient and you may risk having your design removed for breaching the stock image and clip art policy.
3. When submitting your design, make sure you’re ticking the right boxes and including direct links to all stock images used in your design.
If your image is under a Creative Commons license, you may declare it as free, otherwise all other stock should be marked as “must purchase”. Stock images that require attribution and those that the designer has purchased themselves should be declared as “must purchase”. Purchasing a stock image does not allow you to share the image with multiple clients and continue to use it elsewhere. The client must purchase their own license for the image.
Important information
- Multiple instances of improperly declared stock imagery may result in your account being put on hold.
- Images pulled from a search engine are not necessarily stock images. Be sure you’re getting work from trusted sites. See these posts about where to get usable images from (see below).
- If you do not declare the image properly, your entry is subject to removal regardless of which stage the contest is in.
Contest categories where stock is allowed
- Book & magazine
- Brand guide
- Brochure
- Business card
- Car, truck or van wrap
- Clothing & merchandise
- Infographic
- Menu
- Packaging & label
- Postcard, flyer or print
- Poster
- PowerPoint template
- Signage
- Stationery
- Web & app design
- The “other design” category also allows stock
Stock imagery is strictly not allowed to be used in logo, illustration or button/icon contests.
Helpful links
- 30 free public domain image websites (use with care)
- A field guide to stock image licenses (and how to protect yourself)
- How to develop your eye for stock photography
- 3 common image licensing mistakes to avoid
- Your resource guide for third party imagery
- A how-to on finding, using and declaring stock
- 4 things you need to know about stock images
