Скачать или смотреть Answering your burning questions about using reference images in art! 📸

If you use someone else’s image as a reference your art is considered derivative work.

I only ever use my own references (other than practice studies/sketches). But even so I may use a model release form - It’s not strictly necessary for art but it provides clarity. I’ve also used my client’s images for commissions with permission.

But not every artist has access to the subjects they want to paint. So, here’re some guidelines for selling art made using other people’s references:

Just note I’m based in Canada & this is just my understanding.

✍️ The simplest thing is to obtain permission from the photographer or copyright owner.

✍️ Use images that the creator has placed in the public domain with a Creative Commons liscence on sites like Wikimedia Commons or images where the copyright has expired.

✍️ Understand fair dealing 🇨🇦 (or fair use 🇺🇸) which allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission if you can prove the artwork is transformative, satirical, you’re not using it to make money, or it’s for education reasons to improve your skills etc. But it’s complex/subjective so it’s best to get legal advice eg. the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

Most characters like Disney are copyrighted & trademarked so can’t be legally used in your art without a licensing agreement unless it qualifies as fair dealing.

✍️Give credit to the original creator of the image & acknowledge their contribution to your artwork.