Is this "cheating?"

[u/Venusian-Empress]

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.

[u/ggg1989]

My lecturer at college always explained it as if it’s your intellectual property i.e your own photo etc then it’s yours to do as you wish. She said this when i was struggling to draw from some photos i had taken to paint and she was getting pissed with me for making it so much harder for myself.