Making own papers

[SamanthasMom]

I am ready to take the plunge on making my own kits, but let me ask you this - do you guys get some of your patterns from stuff around the house? For instance, my bathroom wallpaper would make an awesome brush/paper/pattern, but if I take a picture of it and manipulate it, is that some sort of copyright fraud? I know that some of you do your own artwork, but clearly some of you use images of some sort! If someone could clear it up for me I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!

[DianneRigdon]

No you can't do that. There's some disagreement about whether or not it's okay to do so for your personal use, but it is definitely NOT okay to do for selling. You can use something like that for inspiration - for example, use the colors OR the pattern idea and come up with something original based on the inspiration piece, but you may not make a direct copy, photocopy, photograph, etc. Most designers either draw their own art and/or use a reputable clip art resource. However, there are a few creative, resourceful designers that don't use much clip art, Michelle Underwood comes to mind but there are others, but rather use shapes, color, texture, theme, and packaging to have a successful designer career.

[SamanthasMom]

Thank you so much Dianne. After more thought about it and reading posts over other sites, I realized that this is definitely infringing on the copyrights! I am a pretty okay artist so I know I can take that inspiration and go places! Thank you for your reply - I appreciate it much!

[DianneRigdon]

I know exactly what you mean - sometimes we just need to say it out loud before it makes sense! LOL. Well that's me anyways....