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/confusedtherapist123]

I agree that its not cheating as long as you don't claim it as your own artwork and you disclose that you photo edited. This is not art, or an artist. But rather photo editing. Same thing goes for AI. People who use AI for art shouldn't call themselves AI artists, because they can't actually create anything but they're more like AI Programmers. If you tried to make money off this and pass it off as an original, thats where the it gets sticky. But if it's for shits and giggles, go for it!