We've been having this discussion about using other people's art. My daughter likes to take art from the internet and recolor it, which she makes sure to say when sharing with her friends. But at what point can you say something is yours to sell?
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As a "derivative work" you have to get permission from the original owner AND substantially change it for it to be a "new thing." Or scrap any elements from the original, in which case, this becomes a new original.
sep 10, 2025, 6:30 pm • 1 0 • view
Templedoom is correct regarding the legal issues but I'll make a couple notes. 1) The legal definition of "derivative work" is pretty constrained. A lot of people would tell you "Star Wars" is derivative of Kurosawa's "Hidden Fortress", but I haven't heard anyone say it's worth litigating.
sep 10, 2025, 7:56 pm • 1 0 • view
And 2) Many artists (and fans!) object to others making very similar art, even if it's done to carefully avoid the legal definition of "derivative work." Acknowledging the original artist inspired a piece of art might help? So, there's both a legal and moral/ethical side to think about.
sep 10, 2025, 7:56 pm • 1 0 • view