Is copying or referencing OK when making art?

References are something that all artist’s use as a guide. But, while using references, you as an artist must form your own art style. However, the art style must be created by you and not from copying/tracing an existing style.

Do artists use reference photos?

Sorry to burst your bubble people, but artists use references to create artwork. All types of references! And there’s nothing wrong with that. As most of you artists already know, this is quite a touchy and even controversial topic that a lot of people prefer not getting into.

Do professional artists use reference photos?

Professional artists are using reference more often than not but some use it more than others. Some professional artists use reference only as a way to develop their ability to draw or paint but avoid using reference directly when they are creating an original piece.

Is it okay to use a photo on Pinterest as a reference for a drawing will I be violating any copyright laws?

Images that you own: Pin stuff that you own. If it’s legally yours, then there is no copyright problem. You can add your own pictures, videos, or links to stuff you have written.

Is it bad to draw by copying?

There is one word of caution though. Don’t make copies exclusively. Copying great art works best in combination with drawing from nature, models, and life. By solely copying someone else’s drawings and paintings, you will run into the same pitfalls as if you were drawing from photos.

Is it possible to draw from a reference instead of imagination?

Therefore, the method you use for drawing from a reference may be (and probably is) completely different than the method you use for drawing from imagination. If so, no wonder why one of them is easy for you, and the other one seems impossible, even though they’re both called “drawing”.

Is drawing from imagination a skill?

Drawing from imagination seems to be a higher skill than simply re-creating reality. After all, this is a real creation—you’re bringing to life something no one’s ever seen before! All these amazing creatures and fantastic stories in your mind are only waiting for you to set them free.

Does having a good memory make you good at drawing?

However, it makes you only good at copying lines and proportions. If you have a good memory, you can even memorize the lines and draw the same object without a reference later, but it still has nothing to do with skills you need for drawing from imagination.

How do you use references in drawing?

The most popular way of using a reference is to copy the lines. In order to do it properly one needs to master copying of proportions—seeing the distance and re-creating it in a different scale. It’s relatively easy to practice and it gives fast results, along with an impression you are good at drawing.