Get Inspired, don’t copy!
Image Appropriation is when an artist uses a preexisting image or work in a piece of art with little or no transformation from the original piece (also called Plagiarism)
If it appears that the artist directly copied an existing work of another, it is considered visual plagiarism and the project grade will be reduced substantially.
If this was professional work, you could get into legal trouble…
How do I get Inspired by an image and not “appropriate” it?
Never use only one image as reference—if you need to illustrate a tiger and can’t got observe one from life, then find multiple photographs of tigers and reference (copy/imitate) them all in your illustration. If you copy the head from one photos, the legs from another and the pose from a third, you are very unlikely of being accused of image appropriation (plagiarism).
Citing Images
Image Credit: Unsplash.com, Caleb Stokes @yoitscalebb
If you use any imagery (photographs/illustrations) that are not your original work, you are required to submit the necessary credit (Author) and resource (URL, etc.) with your assignment at Marietta College.
You should include the credit citation in your Project Strategy Brief.
Example: Unsplash.com, Caleb Stokes @yoitscalebb
If you are using stock imagery, you will need to purchase the rights for the digital file.
What is Fair Use of Copyright?
Can I Use That Image?
Fair use is in place for the greater good, to allow copyrighted works to be used without permission for the benefit of the public. Imagine not being able to use images of a dead dictator to tell the story of how he died. Or not being able to talk about fashion without showing the outfit you’re referring to.
However, there are limits and only a court has the final decision-making ability. Section 107 of the Copyright Act states:
the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.
Fair use is not the same as free use. Fair use is a legal exception to the exclusive rights an owner has for his or her copyrighted work.