Q: How can I be sure I am staying within acceptable art/photo reference usage for by art business?
I am concerned about copyright infringement when drawing from a reference. I am an artist beginning a small business. I almost always use some form of reference when I draw. I pull from different sources to compile an original picture (ex: finding several pictures of the same flower from different angles). From my research, I believe this form of using references is well within the law. However, I have recently been drawing animals and began questioning the legality of my use of reference for animal poses. I am not copying lighting or composition, merely poses. More specifically, I drew an animal from a reference photo of a common pose but at a unique angle. This is the only photo I have seen at this angle, and I am worried that my original drawing may be too similar. Additionally, I have been drawing poses of a different animal from a video of that animal in motion. How can I be sure I am staying within acceptable reference usage?
Thank you for your time.
A:
To ensure you stay within acceptable reference usage for your art business, focus on creating substantial transformations in your work. When using reference photos, particularly for poses, make sure that your final piece has clear, original elements and doesn’t replicate the source too closely. By combining multiple references and adding your unique style, you can create something distinctly your own.
When drawing animals from unique angles, consider altering the perspective slightly or incorporating different characteristics to make it less recognizable as a specific photo. This will help differentiate your work from the reference and reduce the risk of infringement. Drawing from videos can be particularly helpful, as it allows you to capture movement and unique moments that are less likely to be replicated by others.
It's also wise to keep detailed records of your reference sources and the changes you make. This documentation can be useful if your work is ever questioned. By consistently applying these practices, you can confidently create original art while respecting copyright laws.
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