missmelissa

So! There was someone who I added on Myspace (who I don't even remember adding because back in the day I added anyone) they so kindly were lurking through my pictures and thought they would write a comment to the owl picture and said "TOTALLY STOLEN FROM A TATTOO MAGAZINE" I believe the caption of the picture was "this would look better painted" and never once when I showed someone, did I claim it as my own. If someone says, that's cool.. I say "I used a reference but I changed up the wings, some colours, and added the rose" I don't have shame in using references! Because not everyone can be original 100% of the time. Infact, there was a famous artist who said if you want to be great, than STEAL, STEAL, STEAL!!!

So I went through the pictures and labelled which ones I did that were original and ones I used reference for. One thing I will admit is I DO NOT TRACE!!!! I will not sit there and rip someone's artwork and say "yeah I did it". If something catches my eye, I will look at the picture and free hand it on paper. We all know that this is something that is hard to do, and never do the two pictures look identical (unless you're a pro) And you know what, great! I don't WANT to draw the exact picture!! I alter or add anything I can to a reference so it is never the exact same picture. I don't take any pride in copying... but to improve, or spark inspiration for a future picture, I will admit I will draw inspiration from whatever I can.

What makes something original? When can you call a piece of art your own? When you sit there and draw something completely from your imagination??? Because no matter what, something, somewhere, has created that image in your head. There was something you saw on tv, in a tattoo magazine, on a tshirt.. that made a light bulb go off in your brain, and made you transfer that idea onto paper. What makes a good artist? I am seriously confused. Please, someone answer my fucking questions!!!

I'm modest when it comes to my art. I feel like there will always be someone better than me. I feel like I don't have ANY TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE! I mean, I fucking failed art class twice!!! I have no post-secondary. I have no influences in my family. I only have one talented friend who I didn't even get to create with. So I mean, being someone who just draws as a passion... I think I'm doing alright, but I'm not great. Looking at it in the sense that I am only 20 and anything I have learned to do, was simply from drawing more, or exploring different things by USING reference... Then fine, I'm a fake. I'm a cheat!

I don't know what that one comment bothered me so much. I should learn to take criticism because art is EXTREMELY competitive and I know I can't please everyone. Honestly though, give me some fucking pointers if you're going to bash me please! I don't know how many artists I've gone to and said, "what do ya think of this? How can it be better?" And they're like, "wow, looks great! Keep up the good work!" So I have nothing to go on, you know?!

If someone can answer my question, and let me know... what is acceptable for "references" or some people see it as "ripping off a picture" WHEN DOES A PICTURE THAT YOU ALTERED BECOME YOUR OWN?!?!?! Because I am completely lost.

The only thing I know, is that this is my passion. I want to create art for a living. Hell, I even have an online portfolio if you're interested in looking at it. Most of my work is ORIGINAL or ALTERED TO MAKE IT BETTER! Check out my Portfolio if you want. Leave me some freaking pointers or SOMETHING!

I used to be legit. I was too legit. I was too legit to quit. but now I'm not legit. I'm unlegit. And for that reason, I must quit. ....[hot rod quote, before someone accuses me of stealing it!]

This picture is 100% original. So suck it haters!