[Eileen G]

Strange question, but there is a particular piece of graffiti, a picture of a sort of down-at-heel angel, which I snapped and use as inspiration for my fantasy novel. If I decide to self-publish (big decision here), could I use this image, or a variation of it, as part of the cover art?

[Wondergirl]

If it isn't copyrighted, I don't see why not. Can you identify it on the title page's verso or on an Acknowledgments page?

Check with the reference desk at a public or college library for specific copyright information on graffiti.

Let me know when the book is available I love fantasy!

[Eileen G]

Thanks, I'll do that.

[Wondergirl]

I did a little library research. Graffiti artists are traditionally and by choice anonymous. Thus, there is no copyright on their work. Also, the owners of the buildings and walls and sidewalks and other surfaces that display their graffiti have no claim on the art.

The moral thing to do would be to acknowledge the graffiti as I had mentioned earlier.