Who this guide helps
Creators commissioning visual research
The short answer
Specify the motif, intended use and evidence needed. A museum image, catalog description and creative interpretation are different parts of the research.
Practical workflow
Request official records with object identifier, date wording, material, provenance notes and item-level rights information. Preserve uncertain attribution as uncertain. Ask for a small annotated selection relevant to the design task, not an unlabeled image dump. Use official collections rather than reposted images where possible.
What a useful handoff looks like
Require each reference to identify its source and limits. Have qualified reviewers assess historical or cultural claims. Check the specific image's rights before reuse, even where an institution offers an open-access program.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not call every museum image public domain or turn an approximate catalog date into an exact historical year. Availability is not permission.
Working example: fields to record
| Field | Illustrative entry — replace with your own facts |
|---|---|
| Research motif | Specific visual feature |
| Catalog reference | Official object record |
| Rights status | Item-level terms to review |
Add your own entries; the example is illustrative. Keep sensitive information private.
Sources & further checks
Official references are starting points for further checks, not approval of a specific case, product or project.
Editorial note
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Original editorial guidance. Examples are illustrative, not client cases, measured outcomes or promised services.
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