Hello. I'm an aspiring graphic designer who has the lucky chance to design a photography logo for someone! I want to make the best logo possible for my client, so I have been scouring the "free for commercial use" websites. However, a few questions have been raised.

Such as, what EXACTLY does it mean to be free for commercial use? I would be making money from this logo, which I know falls into the "commercial use" category, but do I need to contact the creator of the font and let them know I am using their font in a logo?

Also, is a "Open Font License" the same as a Commercial Free license? Would I be able to use, for example, "Cedarville Cursive" by designer Kimberly Geswein over at Google, in a logo?

Does public domain and creative commons fall into that category as well? Or, are public domain and creative commons a completely different thing?

It's probably quite obvious I'm new to the legal side of this stuff, but that's because I am. Any replies are greatly appreciated!!

-Haley

I will just comment on the quoted phrase... and let the moderators here answer your questions.

When you get in touch with the creator/author of the font, you do not let them know that you will use their font. You have to ask their permission to use their fonts.

If the font creator asks for a donation or a certain amount, consult your client about it because it is your client who is going to pay for that.

No, it's not the same.
Creative Common is one licence (it exist many other). It has got some options. On e of this is "no commercial use".
For more informations :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons
https://creativecommons.org/


The best to have an clear and sure answer is to contact the author.

Hi, i had the same issue. Was looking for a free font for a gaming association.
To be honnest, the best thing to do is to contact the creator of the font. This is what i did, and he offered me the font.

Also, note that even if you were not being paid to create the logo, the fact that the end user is in business makes it "Commercial Use".
But a paid designer creating a logo for a not-for-profit might (with permission) be not regarded as commercial use.