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POLL: Using someone else's artwork

First and foremost, I will admit that I've copied others' ideas, myself, in the past. FWIW, I feel terrible about it.

Every person who ever lived has taken- consciously or subconsciously, ideas from others, of course, but I'm talking about using actual or near-virtual reproductions of others' art/designs/logos/etc., applied to cbg's, etc., for whatever reason.

What do you think using someone else's art (without permission) on builds?

A. Are you kidding?? I'm a Google-Fu master! I've elevated stealing others' stuff to an art form! :D

B. Well, yeah, I've done it now and then, but only because...
1. I'd hardly ever sell one of my guitars if I didn't use someone else's art.
2. Some mistakenly think it was my idea, and I dunno... but that makes me feel good.
3. A lot of people do it.
4. I have very little imagination.
5. I've done it a few times, but like you, I feel lousy and remorseful about it.

C. No way. Stealing others' art is w/o permission is low-life and immoral. Period.

D. Other (Please elaborate.)

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Permalink Reply by Rob (Uker) Porras on August 29, 2017 at 8:33am

I think as long as your not mas producing it's okay.

I build ukuleles inspired by famous guitars. I'm going out of my way to capture the essence of another persons design. But they're built for my personal use and I never build more then one of any design. They'll probably be sold someday.

On the other hand, to ease my conscience I've sent pictured to most of the instruments to the original manufacturers. I've always gotten a positive response every time. Never a cease and desist notice.

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Permalink Reply by Jim_N on September 1, 2017 at 5:28am

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Permalink Reply by Ron Lutz on September 5, 2017 at 12:30pm

Definately C. As a visual artist, that is my lively-hood. However, I, like most artists would usually be ok to allow people who want to use an image IF permission is requested and CREDIT and/or financial compensation is given to the artist. Copyright is always assigned to the artist when the work is created unless specifically stated by the artist or consigner for a specific image. So, unauthorized use is illegal.

Also it depends on how the image is used ( for specified limited use usually, and not multiple reproductions without artist compensation). Most people understand the reason for this when explained to them. I personally tend to give people the benefit of doubt by trusting the integrity of one's word that they comply with my conditions of usage.

As for ideas for example on this site, it seems that most builders appear to be very helpful in sharing ideas to other builders with the full expectations that parts of what they share will be used by other builders and even encouraged to do so. Just my opinion, there will always be different takes on this view