r/drawing

Today, across artistic Reddit, I've seen no less than at least four posts from different people asking if drawing from reference, tracing, etc. is "cheating". I don't know why the art insecurity is hitting so hard today, but just to clarify:

No. It isn't.

The only way you will "get in trouble" is if you copy someone's art, then claim it as your own. That can get you sued by the original artist or the owner of whatever the IP is. However, no, just doing a rough sketch of something you see online or out in the world is not "cheating". Artists have been learning like that for centuries. That's why when you take a sketch class, there are bowls of fruit and nude models and the like. Sometimes you'll see someone at the park with a sketchbook. That is also legit.

You are not being graded, there is no exam, and the Art Cabal is not coming for you. If you are that worried, look into the legality for your area. However, also be aware that Disney is not going to sue a teenager because they are sketching Mickey in their lined notebook. <3

That's all I had to say. Everyone just calm down, use whatever method works best for you to learn how to draw, and stop worrying so much. (Yes, you will get different opinions from others, but that's all they are: Opinions. Not legal advice, unless you're actually consulting with a real lawyer.)

Happy art making, all!

Update: If you are concerned, say you drew from reference. You can say you found it in Google or Pinterest or whatever.

If the photographer finds you and asks for you to put up more details, do it. If they message and say they are uncomfortable with you pisting a drawing of a photo of their grandma's couch from 1975, then take it offline. That's it. That's all you have to do.

Don't blatantly steal people's art, and claim it's yours. I. E., don't repaint The Scream exactly, then say you have never heard of Edvard Munch, and that this is your original painting idea you came up with on the fly. The problem is with people trying to pirate and rip off other artists financially, not folks who are filling sketchbooks and online galleries with sketches to learn.

And if you have any doubts, just look up copyright law for your local government. It will help to quell a lot of anxiety. 🙂