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Visual identity

Images

Images help convey SDU's identity and atmosphere. The right image can make the message clearer and more vivid. On this page, you can read how to choose and use images that match SDU's visual expression.

Principles for images

  • Enhance one eye-catching subject rather than a cluttered image.

    A single image on a coloured surface is good for both web and social media.

    Billede af en udstoppet flagermus fra Naturvidenskab.

     

  • No overlay, leave the image clean. Overlay rarely adds extra quality to the image, it's just noise to the eye.

    Studerende, som sidder ved sin MAC og skriver på Sundhedsvidenskab.


  • Please use our own images.

    They can be taken on an iPhone or downloaded from SDU's image archive, SkyFish. SkyFish contains 180 fire pictures as well as many other great pictures from Annual University Celebrations, Festival of Research and the inauguration of SDU buildings.

    View and download images:

  • Avoid clichés. It's hard to illustrate concepts without ending up with generic images that everyone uses. However, try to steer clear of the most commonly used images in SDU's image database. Use one of our many icons instead or consider whether the image is really necessary.


  • Avoid overstating a point with extras and photoshopped props. An image doesn't have to mimic the point of the text, just arouse curiosity with related content.

    Stock photos, bought or free, are necessary in everyday life. Look for unpolished, authentic subjects if available. That is, more of a snapshot look than a posed studio shot.

    EXAMPLES

  • Avoid dark, overloaded motifs. Instead, go for the simple, readable motif.


Consent and GDPR

It's important to check if consent is required or if there are special GDPR rules when using an image.

Relevant information about data protection and information security can be found here.


Crediting and copyright

It is your own responsibility that material sent to the Graphic Centre complies with CopyDan's guidelines for copying.

Read the guidelines here.


Web accessibility and images

Images are important for web design and user experience, but can create accessibility issues if not used correctly. Therefore, there are a number of guidelines to follow to ensure that your images are accessible to all users.

Web accessibility in images


AI and images

  • Rights issues often revolve around copyrights to the original works and texts that the algorithm uses to produce a new product using prompts.

    Issues of plagiarism and/or copyright infringement of original works problematise responsibilities at the institutional and employee level. It is therefore important to stay informed in this area and follow SDU's general AI instructions.

    SDU's management has appointed an AI HUB, which will work with various AI issues from 2025 onwards.

  • Can AI-generated images/products be art when the result is created partly through the original efforts of others and partly through the use of technology that humans cannot recognise (black-box technology)?

    AI-generated outputs that appear unique as a result of conscious intention, conceptual work, purposeful creative choices and complex prompts can also be original works. The human intention and purposeful use of the technology must be evident, so machine-generating a random image is not enough.

    Therefore, keep an eye on whether an AI output is protected by copyright law.

  • It is not legal to manipulate an image of an actual event with actual people and then use the manipulated image to illustrate a different context.

    It is also not legal to manipulate an actual person's identity features away and then use the image in a context that they have either not been in or have not consented to.

Skyfish

SDU has a good and extensive image library in Skyfish, where there are images from both faculties and cities of studies. You can use the images freely.


Images sizes

You can crop images to many standard dimensions in Skyfish.



Do you have any questions?

You are always welcome to write to us if you have any questions about design. We will be happy to help you.

Write to grafiskcenter@sdu.dk.

Genveje