How to find graphic owner/creator

[GatorMan]

I've got an animated graphic that I would like to use on a website I'm working on. A few years ago I had copied this graphic from online, modified it & used it as an avatar in a forum. I am under the impression that as long as I used it for personal use and wasn't making money connected to its use that it was OK. (I may be wrong, I have been before.)

Anyway, I'd love to use it as a type of logo for my planned site but I want to be perfectly honest & legal about it. My dilemma is that I can't for the life of me remember where I got it & I've searched high & low. I want to find the owner/creator and get their permission or exclusive rights.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! :)
GM

[Webwork]

Google image search with a properly worded description would be where I'd start.

I'm certain eventually there will be services that allow for comparative image searches, likely a tool to be used in copyright infringement, etc. Therefore be careful about the path you choose.

I'd suggest you make up your own image/logo.

[GatorMan]

Thank you, Webwork, for your input.
I did an exhaustive Google Images search with various descriptions a few months ago. I also scoured all of my favorite links.

I've created a few of my own but they're just not as good and I'm really picky.

When I found this forum with all of this great information I thought maybe there was another way. A search engine that uses the actual image instead of a description would be nice in a case like this.

I'll keep searching & trying to come up with one of my own.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!

BTW, love the forums! I learned a lot within my first 30 minutes here.

GM

[rogerd]

>>I learned a lot within my first 30 minutes here

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, GatorMan. Imagine how much you'll know after a year or two! :) We're all still learning.

[GatorMan]

Thank you for the "Welcome", rogerd.
I learned how to troubleshoot PCs from a forum & ended up being able to contribute back to the forum what I got out of it and I miss it. I just don't have the time that I used to.

I registered my domain name last Christmas and have yet to post a single thing. Lack of time and being too much of a perfectionist are to blame. Its been a vision for over 2 years and I finally started the design phase 9 months ago but I still have a lot to do. When I came across this site last night I was amazed at the info it had and I also got pumped thinking that maybe spending some time with fellow enthusiasts might push & encourage me a bit more.

I intend on sticking around and trying to help if/when I can. Thus the greatness of forums, its a "community" thing! Yes, I intend to add a forum that relates to my website content, too. :)

Ya'll take care!
GM

[gudrunj]

I have another idea for you. Try finding usenet newsgroups regarding animated gifs or clipart. The people who hang around there have seen thousands and throusands of graphics. They will often recognize either a specific graphics or the style of an artist.

[GatorMan]

That's a good idea,gudrunj.
Thanks!
GM

[gudrunj]

You're welcome. I used to hang around in newsgroups a lot, but can't get usenet with the connection I have now.