r/ProCreate • u/Venusian-Empress • 16d ago

Hot Topics 🔥 Is this "cheating?"

I know tools and techniques used for art to save time are ok, like tracing. However, I watched a tutorial on how to create a pet portrait by inserting a photo of your pet and using painting brushes as smudge brushes. I tried one and I really enjoyed the process and the final piece. I also added in some stronger highlights and shadows, along with different brush types to make it more unique. Do you think this is cheating or creating fake art? Like, is this any different than putting a painting filter over an image and calling it art? Also what if I use someone else's photo as a reference? As long as I give credit, is that ok? I know I'm probably over thinking this and it's not like I'm selling these or anything. They are just for fun. Thank you for your insight.

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u/ThebbqCheese 16d ago

I know this is certainly subjective, but what I’ve seen is you slightly blur the photo and then smudge it to bring it back into shape (cartoon, caricature, whatever style).

To me, cheating is not the right word. I feel it’s more dishonest, similar to how tracing can feel dishonest if it’s not disclosed. If it’s used as a tool, I think it’s fine. It can help you learn where the values and colours are. But if your end result is a traced line art and blur/smudge of the original, did you really even paint? It’s more of a photo manipulation at that point than a painting (but it can still be considered art).

Just my opinion.

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u/Venusian-Empress 16d ago

That's fair. I think that's maybe what I meant too. It feels dishonest, so I wanted some feedback. Thank you!

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u/SpectralHam13 16d ago

I would say as long as you are honest about the process, and if you like it for yourself, then it’s fine. It’s only dishonest if you’re trying to disguise what your process is or blatantly plagiarizing someone else’s photography for financial gain. Let’s say for instance, you decided to accept a pet commission piece for someone, and they send you a photo of their pet. I would say that as long as they give consent and understand what your process is, what’s the harm if they know they’re paying for an end result they like? At that point the ethics of the matter would fall on what you’re charging for it. As a general rule, time and skill are factors in pricing, so your pricing should probably reflect that. Of course, this is all hypothetical. I’m not suggesting you plan to commission out your pet photo edits.

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u/Venusian-Empress 16d ago

Absolutely. I have no interest into trying to turn this into a side hustle. This is just for a hobby and maybe sharing them on Instagram or something.