AdamZT2 on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/adamzt2/art/Oarfish-293350334AdamZT2

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Oarfish

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Description

What in the worl is more unique and fantastic than the Oarfish?

Based on an image I found online, so thanks to the original artist!
Image size
1278x1116px 113.4 KB
© 2012 - 2024 AdamZT2
Comments10
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astrozen's avatar
Hey Adam! I love that you trace animals - it's a great way to begin studying their underlying physical structure and a nice way to appreciate the beauty of nature. Working from photographs is great for references, and I understand that the internet makes it easy to find cool graphics to copy, but in this case what you've done is plagiarize a very talented visual artist named Susan Crawford. She is also a dear friend of mine. She works very hard to perfectly capture the look, feel and soul of an animal - starting off in freehand drawings from life (she visits many museums and zoos), from photographs and from her own imagination. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you studying her work in order to learn, but to recreate one of her works and then claim it as your own is dangerous territory. Some artists are not nearly as kind as Susan is and will send you cease and desist letters (or lawsuits! uh-oh!)
Here's what I recommend at this point: You obviously have great taste. Start drawing free hand from life! Check out some books or youtube videos on drawing (this one is FANTASTIC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctkRwR… ). Life drawing literally changes your brain and makes you a better visual artist - it's not just a craft but a way of looking at the world!

Also, watch this series - it's a must-see for illustrators: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocjhhq…

I would love it if you became a true illustrator and put your own vision and magic out into the world - just be sure to always credit your sources, they really appreciate it (and in this case, I know Susan would as well!)

Good luck and best wishes,
Ben