Clip art, in the graphic arts, is the use of images either copied or physically cut (hence the term) from pre-existing printed works, either books that have entered the public domain, or books specifically published for such use (which, if they contain images that are not in the public domain, include a license fee in the cover price). It is also not uncommon for large organizations to provide their local divisions or chapters with clip art (either physical or electronic) of their logos, mascots, and so forth, in order that local publications may have a unified appearance. It is also rather common for those producing documents with limited distribution to use images from non-public-domain sources for which they have not paid license fees, such as coloring books, newspapers, magazines, and such, although some magazines, particularly those dealing with hobbies will publish images explicitly licensed to the magazine purchaser for use as clip art.

Electronic clip art, usually a simple, utilitant computer art form, is an extension of the clip art concept. It originated as a word processing device used to demonstrate, or depict, an idea or object. Due to its function, it is typically basic and simple, with few extraneous details and few distinct colors. They are designed primarily as adjuncts to another form of communication.

The purpose of clip art is to provide a pool of generic art that can be reused by non-artists. An important aspect of such pools of art is that they not be encumbered by confusing licensing terms; thus it is common for the art to be provided under public domain or similar licensing terms.

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NPR Topics: Arts & Culture

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Katy Perry's I kissed A Girl, the No. 1 hit this summer, is a celebration of teenage sexual experimentation. That's not so strange, but this pop hit features a young woman gleefully mulling same-sex smooching.
In New Biographical Ad, McCain Targets Obama
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Sen. John McCain has a new biographical ad out. It's called "Love" and it touts McCain's time in Vietnam. Jonathan Martin, a writer at Politico, says the ad strikes a very different tone from a biographical ad the Obama campaign recently released.
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NYT > Arts

A Private Dance? Four Million Web Fans Say No
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“Dancing,” which more than four million people have viewed on YouTube, is the online equivalent of a platinum hit, seeping from one computer to the next like a virus.
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“The Sister” is powered by the same sort of confidently rendered literary suspense that propelled Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History” onto best-seller lists.

Arts & Culture

The Theatre
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
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The Garden of Last Days
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Symphony of Millions
Alex Ross Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
In March, Chen Qigang, a Chinese composer who is supervising the music program for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics, received a National Spirit Achievers Award at a press event in Beijing. He was one of ten artists and businesspeople to receive the prize, which came courtesy of . . .

Village Voice Arts

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