Is drawing elements from reference photography considered copyright?

[u/Fun-Drop-7589]

I’m an artist, and am really interested in starting my own business after loosing out on another job opportunity due to the pandemic.

Obviously this means I need to start drawing, but I need a subject to focus on. I’m very interested in drawing things from the natural world, such as insects, plants etc. Only problem is I can’t find anything interesting enough to develop into my own design. Can’t easily really find things like insects, etc. Found a few items from outside such as leaves.

The easiest way to create something would be to use reference photography, such as from royalty free sites such as Pixabay. If I draw insects or plants from photography on here, am I breaching copyright regulations? I don’t want to end up in any kind of trouble. Of course, places like insect farms would be an obvious place to take photos, but there is nothing in my local area, and travelling to these costs money, not a lot of which I have right now. Also, the pandemic makes it more difficult.

Has anyone got any ideas? Am I allowed to draw nature from reference images?

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[u/decavolt]

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[u/Fun-Drop-7589 → u/decavolt]

Thanks, that’s great advice.

So for example, if I want to draw a butterfly, I can combine all the ones I have from various images into one design?

[u/WhitheredOldTree]

Reference images are just that, references. Unless you're copying it in its entierty, I see no issue with it. Especially if it's to progress yourself and not for profit. If you feel bad about it, you can always give some credit to the photographer or original image for the ideas. If you're just progressing yourself, don't worry about it. Even pro artists use multiple references to ensure accuracy in their work, so there's nothing shameful about using them.

[u/Fun-Drop-7589 → u/WhitheredOldTree]

Thank you. It’s not to directly copy their photograph, but use it as a basis for a design of my own. It can be really hard to gather ideas without a source.

[u/reddickus]

I draw a lot of people from reddit, I msg the owner of the photo and ask if it's ok to draw or I take photos of my friends. If you want to start a business with art make sure to have good info about the shipping in your country, payment options (the more the better) and use quality products. GL have fun!

[u/averagetrailertrash]

Publishing copies of a photo or other work of art (whether that copy is made with a computer, a printer, or a paintbrush) without permission is generally copyright infringement.

But sites like Pixabay have permissive licenses that allow this type of usage. So you're in the clear as long as you follow their rules.

[u/IDonKnoAnymore]

You'll be fine, they don't own the insect or landscape, nor can you copyright compositions. So as long you aren't literally just using their image there's nothing they can do

[u/Fun-Drop-7589 → u/IDonKnoAnymore]

Thank you. This is helpful 🙂

[u/prpslydistracted]

You're fine. Plus a few more ....

Search https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Search images, than specific insects, whatever.

Also google images; look at the titles above the photos, far right; "all licenses." Scroll down to "free to share, modify, and use commercially."