Heads-up for artists: Translating a photo into art may still violate copyright laws (which is one reason I am loving TrueRef.io)

I used to think that any photo I found online was fair game when it came to using it as reference when I was drawing. What I've learned, however: that translating a photo into another medium (e.g. pencil sketch, digital illustration, etc) may still be classified as an unauthorized derivative work, in terms of copyright laws.

Artists shouldn't rely on "Fair Use" as a free pass. See my list of resources below for more info about this, and how to make sure you're not violating copyright. I also recommend checking out Jen Betton's copyright for artists posts, like this one.

Meanwhile, however, I'm having fun trying out TrueRef: an artist-led, request-driven resource that supports human creators by providing diverse, non-AI-generated, and unretouched figure reference packs. My drawing at the top of this post was inspired by a free reference image in their October Draw This! challenge.

I had so much fun with TrueRef's drawing challenge that I ended up purchasing one of their reference packs! I encourage visual creatives out there to check out their site: https://trueref.io/

Resources related to "Fair Use" and artists:

Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts - College Art Association
Copyright and Fair Use For Artists - Milan Art Institute
Fair Use Or Infringement - Graphic Artists Guild

Find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com, or browse her social blogs.