Fan Art

Hey guys, I just want to quickly talk about something really important. This blog is more directed at those of you who like to use models/photography as art reference. If this is you, please read.

I love when someone uses me for art reference. It's incredibly flattering, always puts a smile on my face and I feel urged to show off what was done. I truly do live to inspire. But something that I never realized until recently is that some artists may actually be profiting off these artworks. Now as an artist you may be thinking "How do you not realize that? I have to make money somehow" but the thing is... when you asked me if you could use me as a reference for a piece of artwork... that's all you asked me. In my head, this is for your personal use. If you want to sell something with my image you need to specify that and get written consent. Just because I have given you permission to draw me does not mean that the original image is your property. Without signed documentation, this is simply a copy.

Now if you feel I am being disrespectful please take a step back. I mean nothing cruel towards anyone. As a matter of fact, I have personally done paintings and drawings of models/photography in the past. I still have these images, but never in my wildest dreams would I sell them without doing my research on who the image belongs to and getting proper permission to sell. I did those drawings for personal practice or to hang in my own home.

Some people are under the impression that the photos a model or photographer is posting publicly are just free to use however you want. This is incorrect. All of the images you see on my DeviantArt are under strict ©

For those of you who didn't realize this sort of thing is an issue, please click this link to read about a situation where this was VERY MUCH a problem.

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A lot of planning, hard work and long hours go into photoshoots. If anyone is under the impression that the photographer and model show up, take some pictures and go home, this is not often the case. On a lot of occasions entire days can be spent on hair, wardrobe, makeup, lighting, e.t.c and that's after all the planning. Both the model and photographer get a pretty solid workout trying to get the perfect image, studio time costs money and so does anyone on set who is employed to be there. When $ for time is involved, hours go by, it can be an incredibly pricey day for someone.

Another thing that's important to remember; not all the images I post belong to me and I don't always speak publicly of who they belong to. In some cases they don't belong to myself OR the photographer either.

I do hope you guys understand what I'm saying.

I didn't write this journal to discourage anyone from using images for art, however I am trying to make sure that you guys know how serious it is to discredit those who worked so hard to capture these images.

If you really want to use photography/models to make sales, please just make sure you contact the proper person who owns rights to the image and get permission. If they request compensation for the image, how bad can it really be? If you need a reference for an image then throw them a cut, or take up photography and create reference yourself.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Rude comments will be ignored, I don't care for them.

And again, sorry if this post seems negative. I assure you I'm in a holly jolly mood, lol

xoxo
Vera