An interesting question?

[Libby]

Okay, since this is art related, I suppose I should place it here in the Imaginary. I am curious- Is it okay if you trace your own photos to use in artwork? I have seen such things done in vectoring, but what if you trace the basic outline of a reference photo(of yourself, taken by yourself or a willing family member who doesn't care) and use the skeleton to work the drawing into your own style. I don't know if people do this, but I was wondering if this would be considered legal or not? Is it cheating?

[Armored]

Re: An interesting question?

Its art, you can do whatever you want.

[Libby]

Re: An interesting question?

*laughs* I know, but would it be morally right? I know it would be wrong if you traced someone else's photograph to make into your own art, but what if it's your own photograph?

*edit* And I meant morally legal, not legal legal.

[Armored]

Re: An interesting question?

No it wouldnt be wrong to trace someone elses photo.

Dilemma solved =D

[Kefka Jr.]

Re: An interesting question?

I know that book cover illustrators do this.

That means you can, too.

[Denmo]

Re: An interesting question?

It only gets morally illegal and illegally illegal when you take the essence of someone else's work and claim it as your own, without any credits to the original artist.

There was a guy in my painting class who came to critique with a painting that looked exactly like an artist's work I had seen showcased in an art magazine a few weeks back. But he continued talking to the entire class (teacher included) as if it was his painting and creativity that spawned it, and didn't give any credit to anyone as if hoping that the rest of the class hadn't seen that artist before.

As for your question, what you want to do is completely legal. Tracing is a tool to get the job done, IMO, the same way taking digital photographs to use as studies for a painting is a tool. Many famous artists are copy cats, they just change things around a little (or a lot) for their own purposes.

All that really matters is that when it's finished, you can call it something of your own design.

[Jamos]

Re: An interesting question?

If it bothers you, Libby, perhaps just trace an outline. That way you have everything in proportion for what you need to do.

[Denmo]

Re: An interesting question?

I wouldn't trace the outline if you're just going for proportions. I would trace the general shape and size of the body parts in that pose and then work over that.

[Jamos]

Re: An interesting question?

Whoops, that's what I meant. I'm terrible with explanations.

[Alex]

Re: An interesting question?

Yes, this is in fact, bad. Those who know anything about art know that tracing photographs is artistically and morally illegal and you aren't considered an artist if you do. If you have already, it's a pity, and I don't think Ill ever respect you as an artist.

[JPS]

Re: An interesting question?

There was a guy in my painting class who came to critique with a painting that looked exactly like an artist's work I had seen showcased in an art magazine a few weeks back. But he continued talking to the entire class (teacher included) as if it was his painting and creativity that spawned it, and didn't give any credit to anyone as if hoping that the rest of the class hadn't seen that artist before.

Did you rat him out to teach him a hard lesson? I would have.

And no, its not morally wrong at all IMO

[Smurf Taco]

Re: An interesting question?

I wouldn't make a career out of it or anything, but I think if it will be a good way for you to practice, by all means.