a question about copyright

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

Hi - I'm a new member. I usually do dollhouse miniatures with my other alter-ego ID, but sometimes I paint. I love doing ACEOs for fun and especially love doing copys of vintage halloween-esq stuff. I think the images are awesome. My question is this. When I paint, some of the things that I do are rip offs of halloween cards, but I usually change them around a little. I just do these for fun. I haven't sold any, but I was wondering what you all thought of selling something like this. The image below is hand done with ink and watercolor using an old card, but changing it a little bit. In the real card the pumpkin girl has a body, I just painted her without one. Is this getting too close to super rip-off - and should I just not bother selling and just keep painting for fun. As far as I know the old pre 1926 postcards do not have copyrights. The only ACEOs that I've sold so far are totally original. Since I'm so new at this I just wanted an opinion, it's not a big deal either way. Here's the pic...I put a copyright on it because I've had people lift my pictures before. Thanks, Betsy

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

Oh crud I got a red X...Ok I'll see what happened and I'll try it again...

[artistjillian]

There are answers to this somewhere, I'll go search.

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

Ok here it is...

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

Ok, silence means I'll just keep these to myself. Hope you like the picture :-)!

[art-by-darla-h]

I love the card I think Jillian was looking for the Copyright thread that we have in here. Darlene

[art-by-darla-h]

if you click on the link in the front page of the group that says helpful information you will find anything you need. Darlene

[drawdog5]

Betsy, we'd need to see the original work on which you based this to really give an opinion. Your version is nice though - the owl's adorable! Personally, I go the "better safe than sorry" route and always use my own photos for reference (or get permission if I'm using someone else's work). OR I make sure I'm using copyright free (public domain) images. If you're just doing art for fun/practice or giving it to friends/family, it's not a big deal. But the minute you go to sell something or put it out where the world can see it, that's when you have to be careful. -Ann

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

Ann I think the better safe than sorry route is probably the best too. I can't find the original card I lifted the other one from, but here's another example. I used this for my Halloween cards this year..I thought it was pretty funny. I wouldn't sell this one. Here's the one that I did Here's the source betsy

[indooryardsales]

cards were originally artwork and are the copyright property of the card manufacture so I'd say: don't do it unless you hide them under your bed.

[artistjillian]

There may be the rights to do them, as copyrights vary, sometimes you think the copyright is done, but it might be renewed by family members or companies. I'd rather play safe, than sorry. Don't let ANYONE tell you there is a certain percentage that you can change or copy, as that just is not so. Noone can assign or calculate a percentage of change. I have seen people sued successfully when a subject was similar but the rendering was changed almost completely. I am sure that people are inspired by things they see all the time in print or on the web, etc. and do work from these images somewhat. The entire thing is to be aware that copying to any degree should be avoided. Sorry I didn't get back sooner with you. I was busy at work, and had computer issues once I got home. For a full run down on copyright issues - use the link in announcements. There is some very good information there. ~Jillian

[chocolaterabbitgraphics]

<> ROFL! Thanks Jillian, I think I'll just stick to giving them to my Mom and selling the ones that I paint from "out of the ether" :-) bets

[ccook19]

Agreed. Commercial artists and others use clip art and photos that are 'free' to be used by all. There are plenty of free graphics and photos on the internet that one can play with without problem or complaint. As for myelf, I take my own pictures and make my own art from that.