Using Other People's Photos as Reference Images to Make Your Art | Is it ok?

Today we're going to talk about when it is and isn’t ok to use other people’s photos/images as reference for creating art, and where some of the tricky grey areas are. I’ll be using questions from you all for the talking points, including:

- Is it ok to use random images (found on Google, Pinterest, etc) when you CAN'T tell who it belongs to?
- Is it ok to use random images (found on Google, Pinterest, etc) when you CAN tell who it belongs to, but the terms aren’t listed?
- What about stock photos that are marked royalty free?
- Ok, so what if I do want to pay for a license, then can I use a stock photo for reference?
- So what kind of images can I use?
- What about if you only use part of the image?
- Basics of fair use for artists

REMEMBER... I AM NOT A LAWYER! Please take all of this as just what it is: my own understanding of a complex subject. :)

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[tinahalle]

This is the most clarity I’ve had on this subject yet . Thank you . I to am nervous about copywrite laws and I’d never want to offend another or make them feel my intent was to steal their stuff or make money off of their work . I didn’t even realize that royalty free did not mean copy write free . That’s how unknowledgeable I was about this lol. Good to know that . I feel like they really do need to cover copywrite laws in art schools and colleges . But I guess self taught artist need a way to learn this to .

[marielacristina]

Hi Kendyll
I watch your speed paintings strawberry with my 4 year old students, i am a kindergarden teacher here in Argentina, were are learning about still life paintings, they were amazed because first they thought i was a photo, and they applause in the end. Thanks for your art.

[azzuparis]

Hi Kendyll, this video is so helpful! I sometimes use copyrighted images but only to practice. I didn't know the difference between royalty free and public domain images. Now, I will pay more attention when choosing a photo. Thanks for sharing :)

[erica]

thanks to everyone who put images on those sites that are public domain, they are incredible references 💙💙💙Thanks for answering these questions Kendyll!! 💙

[micheleyoung]

This is such an informative video! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your knowledge. Looking forward to the next one on this topic. :-)

[kendyllcampi]

I found this channel because I was googling my name. Always great to find someone with the same name and spelling! I love your channel and your art is wonderful!

[christianaodum]

"My art will have destroyed us all!" hahaha
Great information, and I completely agree and have the same outlook on this topic. Thanks for sharing!

[mikeschroepfer]

Somewhere I heard, Originality is the art of concealing your source.

[holasoyyuyu]

Such a helpful video! Thank you Kendyll, I now have a better undestanding about this topic! Hope you have a good day!

[pl]

It's simple. If you don't own the photo or reference image, you need written permission from the original artist/photographer with an agreed amount of compensation and terms as stipulated on their invoice, or risk up $150, 000 for copyright infringement for each offense. The amount negotiated is based on the percentage of the image being used and for what purpose it is being used.

[gazzyd]

So if someone asks for a painting of a Lion, I need to go out and take a photo of a Lion to use as a reference?

[abnerreyes]

I feel sorry for collage artist . They will have to reach out to everyone who’s image they use . In collage that’ll be a nightmare

[enduringbird]

Everyone always talks about painting from reference images, but my question is about painting objects from life. Let's say I am looking at a teapot on my table in my kitchen and I paint it. Someone else designed that teapot. All of the objects in our lives were designed by someone. Is that ok?

[aulyasisca]

having the same anxiety, tried to study from different sources (but not so smooth, still confused) and your video alr sum it all for me! answered all of my questions. thank u so much for this knowledge you mustve studied hard 😭🙏🏻

[jmoore]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this topic. It’s really valuable thank you!

[IrisMG]

That there are professional artists and illustrators that have questions about this makes me feel a little better for not knowing all I need to about this field

[Zinnia]

I use reference images to get proportions correct.
I can’t draw most animals by memory. So I google lots of them. But I don’t trace them.
Every time I reference images, it’s a combination of dozens of images. And none are traced, copied, or uses the original color combination.
Like I said, it’s to get proper perspective, or biological proportions of people or animals.
Is this legal?

[christinegelormino]

Wow, you were so thorough. I just learned so much.

[sketchalater]

Yes "technically" it's illegal to paint copyrighted photos and sell them without permission. But let's be honest, many artists get away with this especially if they are amateurs. I've seen many recognizable famous photos of horses being painted and sold by artists, and nobody seems to give a crap about it. So what should stop me from doing it? All of a sudden people are saints when it comes to the subject of copyright, when the reality is more people break this rule than follow it. I guess it really depends on what you are painting. If you tried painting something from Disney and selling it, you could be in big trouble. I could get away with painting copyrighted photos of horses for now, but if I develop a bigger following, I plan on taking my own photos.

[tuscandreams]

This video is incredible! It is the most impformative video I have seen on this topic! Thank you!!! ❤️