Are students permitted to use stock images?

As I approach the end of my degree in visual communication design, I’ve developed a passion for creating my own images. I sometimes, however, use stock images as a matter of convenience.

Are students permitted to use stock imagery without payment? University projects – using stock images – would never reach the commercial world, so would they still conflict with the copyright and royalty regulations? Are we permitted to use the images free of charge?

It has been known that students disguise their true identities just to obtain image catalogues. Would it not be more productive to build a better relationship with students – allowing us to use stock images – because after all we are future clients. Can somebody answer these questions?

Adrian Lawless

New Barnet

Hertfordshire EN5 5HT