Permission from clients?

[creative1]

Do I need to get permission from clients before using work I designed for them in a self-promo?

[vtwin_gary]

depends on your contract.
mine says:

XXX retains personal rights to use the completed project and any preliminary designs for the purpose of design competitions, future publications on design, educational purposes and the marketing of XXX. Where applicable, the client will be given any necessary credit for usage of the project elements.

[Drazan]

In other words. yes you do. Most places don't care because it allows them some extra publicity. Some however do care and you need to clarify in your contract the usage rights, like vtwin_gary just posted.

[Ned]

By default (without any specifics written in the contract), I wouldn't do it on any promotional. However, for your portfolio, it is your God-Given (Government-Mandated) Right to display any work you created while working for yourself (not as an employee of somebody else). Again, as long as you have no written contract stating otherwise, such as a non-disclosure agreement.

[tZ]

You should include a fair use agreement in your contract to safe gaurd your self. It gives you rights to use the work as long as your not competing or going to place negative effects on the market for which it is intended.

[onedarkangel_uk]

You should include a fair use agreement in your contract to safe gaurd your self. It gives you rights to use the work as long as your not competing or going to place negative effects on the market for which it is intended.

That's the best way of doing it. It's what I do with all my clients and if they say no, then no problem. If ever you want control of anything, then yes, get it down in writing and you're sorted.