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Im assuming most people can tell exactly what this picture is about.
Im so sick of the waves of simba, balto and spirit clones that adorn the newest uploads, as you know, I've ranted about it in the past.
Have people completely failed to realise there are countless ways to draw Lions, horses and wolves? And shit, if you're feeling REALLY brave, there are even other species of animal you could try!
What a lot of non-animal-orientated people don't realise is that animal's faces differ from one another just as ours do. Obviously as we are primates, and sight is our primary sense, our faces are more distinct. But animals still do have different shaped heads, ears, noses, eyes, all within one species or even one family!
I try to show this in my own characters, as I feel characters should be distinct from one another in more ways than just their fur colour! Paint Jester Orange and he (hopefully) doesn't become Kyuss. Paint Kyuss black and he (hopefully) doesn't become Warlock. Even if you strip them of their distinctive hair styles, I like to think their faces and bodies are different from one another.
But so many people just don't see to do this anymore. They seem to assume a lion is a lion, and they all look the same except their colours. This is bullshit. Even the lion king drew each and every lion and lioness subtley different from the last. Nala is not identical to sarabi, for example, and its down to more than just their fur colours.
Yes, we all draw influence from other sources, but the idea is to draw from several sources then combine all your influence to create your OWN style. There are even people who do draw in a Lion king style but their art is still recognisable and unique within that style even. And of course, everyone can be forgiven for 'experimenting' with TLK style, or balto style every once in a while. But to make it ALL you do seems a great way to stagnate, to me.
Just.....please don't simply recolour simba or scar and claim its an original character. It isn't.
The same goes for spirit style horses and balto wolves. Just because you change their colours, it doesn't make them your character anymore than me painting homer simpson pink and putting him in different clothes makes him my own character.
Is it really so hard to come up with a semi-unique style?
Worst of it, though, is when people try to claim it IS their style, or try to copyright their blatant lion king rip offs, claiming they're 'unique' because they've inverted the colours or something. Anyone can do that. It takes a real artist to actually create interesting, unique, different characters out of their own head, or even to come up with a style of their own.
And before anyone says anything, I own all the lion king movies, all the balto movies and the spirit movie. I have nothing against those movies, or those styles. I have something against people blindly copying them because they don't have a creative spark in their whole body, and then claiming them as their own styles just because they altered the colours or added a few earrings!
Its funny, I started this pic a few days ago, and then ran smack bang into a classic example of what I was talking about, where someone had recoloured bambi and was claiming it was their character and they owed Disney no credit whatsoever, even though everything except the colour was identical, even the pose was reffed from official Bambi art!
As for this pic:
Yes, the balto wolf, spirit horse and simba lions are all reffed, if loosely, from official art/screencaps deliberately as it is in keeping with the message of the art (these kind of ripped off characters are often traced or else heavily reffed from the official art too) And also because I have no desire to learn how to draw in those styles And no, I can't draw horses
lion king style is © Disney
Balto style is © Amblimation/universal
Spirit style is © Dreamworks
Im so sick of the waves of simba, balto and spirit clones that adorn the newest uploads, as you know, I've ranted about it in the past.
Have people completely failed to realise there are countless ways to draw Lions, horses and wolves? And shit, if you're feeling REALLY brave, there are even other species of animal you could try!
What a lot of non-animal-orientated people don't realise is that animal's faces differ from one another just as ours do. Obviously as we are primates, and sight is our primary sense, our faces are more distinct. But animals still do have different shaped heads, ears, noses, eyes, all within one species or even one family!
I try to show this in my own characters, as I feel characters should be distinct from one another in more ways than just their fur colour! Paint Jester Orange and he (hopefully) doesn't become Kyuss. Paint Kyuss black and he (hopefully) doesn't become Warlock. Even if you strip them of their distinctive hair styles, I like to think their faces and bodies are different from one another.
But so many people just don't see to do this anymore. They seem to assume a lion is a lion, and they all look the same except their colours. This is bullshit. Even the lion king drew each and every lion and lioness subtley different from the last. Nala is not identical to sarabi, for example, and its down to more than just their fur colours.
Yes, we all draw influence from other sources, but the idea is to draw from several sources then combine all your influence to create your OWN style. There are even people who do draw in a Lion king style but their art is still recognisable and unique within that style even. And of course, everyone can be forgiven for 'experimenting' with TLK style, or balto style every once in a while. But to make it ALL you do seems a great way to stagnate, to me.
Just.....please don't simply recolour simba or scar and claim its an original character. It isn't.
The same goes for spirit style horses and balto wolves. Just because you change their colours, it doesn't make them your character anymore than me painting homer simpson pink and putting him in different clothes makes him my own character.
Is it really so hard to come up with a semi-unique style?
Worst of it, though, is when people try to claim it IS their style, or try to copyright their blatant lion king rip offs, claiming they're 'unique' because they've inverted the colours or something. Anyone can do that. It takes a real artist to actually create interesting, unique, different characters out of their own head, or even to come up with a style of their own.
And before anyone says anything, I own all the lion king movies, all the balto movies and the spirit movie. I have nothing against those movies, or those styles. I have something against people blindly copying them because they don't have a creative spark in their whole body, and then claiming them as their own styles just because they altered the colours or added a few earrings!
Its funny, I started this pic a few days ago, and then ran smack bang into a classic example of what I was talking about, where someone had recoloured bambi and was claiming it was their character and they owed Disney no credit whatsoever, even though everything except the colour was identical, even the pose was reffed from official Bambi art!
As for this pic:
Yes, the balto wolf, spirit horse and simba lions are all reffed, if loosely, from official art/screencaps deliberately as it is in keeping with the message of the art (these kind of ripped off characters are often traced or else heavily reffed from the official art too) And also because I have no desire to learn how to draw in those styles And no, I can't draw horses
lion king style is © Disney
Balto style is © Amblimation/universal
Spirit style is © Dreamworks
Category Artwork (Digital) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 911 x 638px
File Size 526.5 kB
*nods*I understand what you're getting at here, with thisXD
For someone to develop their Own style it takes awhile and most people just don't want to do that*shrugs*I don't think there's anything wrong with that just as long as they don't take something Official and make it their own.
"Is it really so hard to come up with a semi-unique style?"
I do find myself at times wondering if I even have qoute "My Own" style, which in all truth I don't think I do. I just like to draw is all.
But this is a good picture, makes a good point and the art itself expresses this.
For someone to develop their Own style it takes awhile and most people just don't want to do that*shrugs*I don't think there's anything wrong with that just as long as they don't take something Official and make it their own.
"Is it really so hard to come up with a semi-unique style?"
I do find myself at times wondering if I even have qoute "My Own" style, which in all truth I don't think I do. I just like to draw is all.
But this is a good picture, makes a good point and the art itself expresses this.
I honestly didn't think I had a recognisable style either, but lots of people tell me I do. I think it might be something you don't notice yourself until someone else points it out.
I don't mind people drawing in these styles for fun, or as a proper recognised fan character which is SUPPOSED to be in that style (to make it appear as if it could plausibly have been in the movie, for example) but there are a lot of people who only ever draw their character, and non fan characters too, in official styles and then even try to claim its their own because they did something as simple as change the colours! I just....don't understand it.
I honest to god once saw a rather big name artist on DA draw a couple of spirit style horses and have the nerve to put style © me at the bottom. When I asked him how he had the balls to claim it was his own style, he said 'I changed the colours! They're nothing like spirit!'
LOL
I don't mind people drawing in these styles for fun, or as a proper recognised fan character which is SUPPOSED to be in that style (to make it appear as if it could plausibly have been in the movie, for example) but there are a lot of people who only ever draw their character, and non fan characters too, in official styles and then even try to claim its their own because they did something as simple as change the colours! I just....don't understand it.
I honest to god once saw a rather big name artist on DA draw a couple of spirit style horses and have the nerve to put style © me at the bottom. When I asked him how he had the balls to claim it was his own style, he said 'I changed the colours! They're nothing like spirit!'
LOL
Seriously, though, I love you. I am mainly fav'ing this because of your description.
It irks me to no end that people who do balto/tlk style get commissions out the ass, and they charge outrageous prices for it, and people come up with original characters and their own style- I mean, I have tried switching to a new account, but my style is so developed into my own i can't hide it- and they get jack shit- I'm lucky if I get two commissions every other month.
Thank you so much for posting this.
It irks me to no end that people who do balto/tlk style get commissions out the ass, and they charge outrageous prices for it, and people come up with original characters and their own style- I mean, I have tried switching to a new account, but my style is so developed into my own i can't hide it- and they get jack shit- I'm lucky if I get two commissions every other month.
Thank you so much for posting this.
I can think of a few reasons for that phenomenon that are, if not really showing a great amount of finesse in the commissioners, are somewhat understandable.
First of all, people usually want to have control over what they get for their money. If they commission someone who routinely copies a certain style, they are quite sure that they are getting what they expect, while the more original artists, by definition, throw their artistic vision into each piece they create. Generally, only the people with developed enough taste are willing to risk seeing the interpretation of their characters, not just another copy in a different pose. Not to mention that many people are consciously willing their character to be a differently colored copy of a well-known characters they are fans of -_-
Second, original artists tend to create pieces that are at least somewhat deep, even if the demanded commission is utterly shallow. Again , they add interpretation, while the main aim of getting such a commission is usually much more, um, "basic" than to evoke thought. However scary it may sound, thought-evoking aspects can ever ruin the piece for some people...
And third, I guess the copy-paste kinda artists are just generally easier to work with for a commissioner, if he is not a very refined and patient consumer (which we are all taught not to be by all the contemporary social "culture")... They most probably take less time on making a commission, they won't rework it from scratch 3 times because they have grown to dislike the result, and sudden artistic blocks and such are probably not an issue in their case.
Generally, the reason why people who gravitate towards one of the commercially-known styles to get more commissions is exactly the same why large supermarket networks win over small stores, however better the assortment and quality in the latter may be. General public wants to spend their money fast, easy, and without having to make much of a choice or worry about the unpredictable (even if probably far greater) result. Sad, but true, creative and unusual commissions will always require some level of creative, exploring mind on the commissioner side as well... which probably means this sort of commissioners is as (non)frequent as really creative artists themselves :P
Which totally doesn't mean anyone should strive to conform... I truly believe that the demand for creativity will become greater with just another turn of the cultural evolution.
/sorry for a long ramble, have just returned from a long hiatus with FA and probably have a kind of deprivation or something :P *^.^*
First of all, people usually want to have control over what they get for their money. If they commission someone who routinely copies a certain style, they are quite sure that they are getting what they expect, while the more original artists, by definition, throw their artistic vision into each piece they create. Generally, only the people with developed enough taste are willing to risk seeing the interpretation of their characters, not just another copy in a different pose. Not to mention that many people are consciously willing their character to be a differently colored copy of a well-known characters they are fans of -_-
Second, original artists tend to create pieces that are at least somewhat deep, even if the demanded commission is utterly shallow. Again , they add interpretation, while the main aim of getting such a commission is usually much more, um, "basic" than to evoke thought. However scary it may sound, thought-evoking aspects can ever ruin the piece for some people...
And third, I guess the copy-paste kinda artists are just generally easier to work with for a commissioner, if he is not a very refined and patient consumer (which we are all taught not to be by all the contemporary social "culture")... They most probably take less time on making a commission, they won't rework it from scratch 3 times because they have grown to dislike the result, and sudden artistic blocks and such are probably not an issue in their case.
Generally, the reason why people who gravitate towards one of the commercially-known styles to get more commissions is exactly the same why large supermarket networks win over small stores, however better the assortment and quality in the latter may be. General public wants to spend their money fast, easy, and without having to make much of a choice or worry about the unpredictable (even if probably far greater) result. Sad, but true, creative and unusual commissions will always require some level of creative, exploring mind on the commissioner side as well... which probably means this sort of commissioners is as (non)frequent as really creative artists themselves :P
Which totally doesn't mean anyone should strive to conform... I truly believe that the demand for creativity will become greater with just another turn of the cultural evolution.
/sorry for a long ramble, have just returned from a long hiatus with FA and probably have a kind of deprivation or something :P *^.^*
*bows and grins* surely, sentient life do exist on this site, though in my case I guess it's just somewhat of an overcompensation for the strain that drawing is to me. It's far more easy to me to write a couple of coherent paragraphs than to draw a simple sketch :P
Thanks for a compliment though, and glad it all made sense... For me, finding an objective basis for something that irks me off (among which the tendency discussed hereby) helps a lot to get it off my mind, or, at least, off emotions.
Thanks for a compliment though, and glad it all made sense... For me, finding an objective basis for something that irks me off (among which the tendency discussed hereby) helps a lot to get it off my mind, or, at least, off emotions.
Absolutely agree, for those that are fan of the "Disney-ish" style they draw their characters the same way as the most popular of them all in the different animalistic styles that had been used.
Its better if you base yourself on that but just BASE, not live with that style, improove it in another way to make it your own. I Started trying to do like Dr.Comet and got my own anime looking style, not that is HELL good, but its something different.
Its better if you base yourself on that but just BASE, not live with that style, improove it in another way to make it your own. I Started trying to do like Dr.Comet and got my own anime looking style, not that is HELL good, but its something different.
You are one of the few people who I actually enjoy reading their rants and long descriptions.
It isn't hard to make up your own style. One example is I sometimes draw TLK, but I usually try to to add some semi-realistic details to it. Sometimes I go over board and to me it looks like a fairly different style.
It isn't hard to make up your own style. One example is I sometimes draw TLK, but I usually try to to add some semi-realistic details to it. Sometimes I go over board and to me it looks like a fairly different style.
Totally agree with you it gets a bit annoying after a while to see the same stuff with different markings.
Last year I realized alot of my characters were the same, and I've been practicing alot to try and make them different not only in face shape but body shape as well. May not have the best diversity in my gallery yet but at least I'm TRYING unlike some of the people who constantly draw in other people's style (disney etc). I constantly change my style back and forth (and sideways?) and try new things, wish they would try that out >>;
Last year I realized alot of my characters were the same, and I've been practicing alot to try and make them different not only in face shape but body shape as well. May not have the best diversity in my gallery yet but at least I'm TRYING unlike some of the people who constantly draw in other people's style (disney etc). I constantly change my style back and forth (and sideways?) and try new things, wish they would try that out >>;
Yeah, I only really began experimenting with face shapes and such a couple of years ago. Prior to that, I think a lot of my rat characters looked really similar facially, but hey, at least they were in my own style to begin with :P
Its good to experiment with styles. I've even drawn some lion king styled characters myself for fun, and it is good practise as an artist to try all this stuff too. I don't even mind if people do it but openly state that they realise its someone else's style.
But these people you get who just soldier on claiming its totally 100% their own make me lol so hard :P
Its good to experiment with styles. I've even drawn some lion king styled characters myself for fun, and it is good practise as an artist to try all this stuff too. I don't even mind if people do it but openly state that they realise its someone else's style.
But these people you get who just soldier on claiming its totally 100% their own make me lol so hard :P
I like to think I'm original! WHEEEEE
Each of my characters differs from eachother and anyone else in their same species. I usted to copy, but I was learning...and copying is just a way of learning for me...I never said they are MINE or whatever...blah blah blah...
I giggled :3
Each of my characters differs from eachother and anyone else in their same species. I usted to copy, but I was learning...and copying is just a way of learning for me...I never said they are MINE or whatever...blah blah blah...
I giggled :3
Heh i always liked to be original i create a million of characthers and i try to made them all different ..i same created speacie whos im proud of :3 i dunt like copy on somewone art >> i have a big imagination and im able to use it..if i like a characther i simply done a fanart of it that all.
YES YES YES YESYESYESYES!!!!
I am so frickin' tired of seeing wannabe original art that people think that they can get away with ripping off of other people's styles. I know that some say something along the lines of "I'm just trying to find my own style by coping others." Total BS! I am still trying to find a style but I do it through trial and error, not by examining others. If you do it the latter way, all you are doing is making an evolved form of a style, nothing original.
On the darker side, I have noticed (and I'm sure others have too) that drawings with a ripped style are more popular that original ones. This might also have something to do with how already popular artists get more favs and attention than those who are new and have equal amounts of talent. It might just be originality is "scary" or just not a fab......
Anyway, wonderful picture, great message and good job of mimicing other's art. This is an easy fav.
I am so frickin' tired of seeing wannabe original art that people think that they can get away with ripping off of other people's styles. I know that some say something along the lines of "I'm just trying to find my own style by coping others." Total BS! I am still trying to find a style but I do it through trial and error, not by examining others. If you do it the latter way, all you are doing is making an evolved form of a style, nothing original.
On the darker side, I have noticed (and I'm sure others have too) that drawings with a ripped style are more popular that original ones. This might also have something to do with how already popular artists get more favs and attention than those who are new and have equal amounts of talent. It might just be originality is "scary" or just not a fab......
Anyway, wonderful picture, great message and good job of mimicing other's art. This is an easy fav.
You're awesome, you know that?
I actually have been recently trying to figure out how to make my non-humanoid characters more unique...and not "furry" characters, I don't really have a lot of those, but I mean, characters in different species I've made up. I find it especially difficult because the races are very reptilian-ish, so I find it difficult to provide them with differentiating facial features and still have them look like they're the same species.
I actually have been recently trying to figure out how to make my non-humanoid characters more unique...and not "furry" characters, I don't really have a lot of those, but I mean, characters in different species I've made up. I find it especially difficult because the races are very reptilian-ish, so I find it difficult to provide them with differentiating facial features and still have them look like they're the same species.
Well firstly I completely agree. Even though I am always depicted as a Tails-styled fox and would sooner develop a deep storyline around it than convince myself not to have two tails.
I haven't got around to any meaningful visual originality yet, which sure does bug me, but then I think I'm mostly like this just 'cause I haven't got around to much character drawing yet. I think it's good to start from somewhere like that, and then work toward one's own styling. To have a good artist constantly using a famous character's figure is comparable to an adult behaving childlike. It kinda undermines the whole idea that they've developed.
Still I sure love Sonic-inspired styling... just so long as a dose of one's own style is always added in for, well, originality.
P.S. I don't particularly like my avatar but I personally wouldn't want one someone else had made.
I haven't got around to any meaningful visual originality yet, which sure does bug me, but then I think I'm mostly like this just 'cause I haven't got around to much character drawing yet. I think it's good to start from somewhere like that, and then work toward one's own styling. To have a good artist constantly using a famous character's figure is comparable to an adult behaving childlike. It kinda undermines the whole idea that they've developed.
Still I sure love Sonic-inspired styling... just so long as a dose of one's own style is always added in for, well, originality.
P.S. I don't particularly like my avatar but I personally wouldn't want one someone else had made.
I also couldn't agree with you more. I had many arguments with those who just copy a style like TLK and others, and claim it their own. Legion are the skilled artists who limit themselves by repeating the same over and over again. Like a waste of everybody's time.
Here in germany the "Watership Down" style is quite popular, especially the foxes. A german furry board sees a good deal of avatars inspired by that stuff. And their artists, too. The only diversion is, guess what? Right, the fur colour. Best thing is, others compliment them even though they virtually do nothing but copy. And sometimes not even good...
When I started to draw anthro animals some 15 years ago the only thing I copied were photos of actual animals. Still took me a very long way, without any artsy education and such. But I like to think that I developed a somewhat unique style. You may teach me otherwise if you like. :)
Here in germany the "Watership Down" style is quite popular, especially the foxes. A german furry board sees a good deal of avatars inspired by that stuff. And their artists, too. The only diversion is, guess what? Right, the fur colour. Best thing is, others compliment them even though they virtually do nothing but copy. And sometimes not even good...
When I started to draw anthro animals some 15 years ago the only thing I copied were photos of actual animals. Still took me a very long way, without any artsy education and such. But I like to think that I developed a somewhat unique style. You may teach me otherwise if you like. :)
So true.
You nicely analyzed the problem and the picture is funny.
That's nice really. Experimenting is alright- but once you done it, it's time to move on !
Those people who draw in Gorillaz style only should do the same and change to anything more developed.
FAVED FOR PURE GENIOUSSS
You nicely analyzed the problem and the picture is funny.
That's nice really. Experimenting is alright- but once you done it, it's time to move on !
Those people who draw in Gorillaz style only should do the same and change to anything more developed.
FAVED FOR PURE GENIOUSSS
I actually started out trying to imitate these popular styles, then gravitated away for interest of taste and comfort (and perhaps commercialization. ;) ) Except for horses, as by the time Sprirt came out, I had a handle on my style already. Never could to draw that angular design anyway. I still go back to the pop styles occasionally looking for idea on particular aspects.
Hey, you forgot Sonic! Now THERE is a ripoff style I hate.
Hey, you forgot Sonic! Now THERE is a ripoff style I hate.
I did think about Sonic, but usually with that style, people are happy to admit it isn't their own style. They are simply drawing in that style deliberately to emulate it. I don't think I've ever seen anyone who draws in sonic style try to claim it as their own created style (though they probably exist!)
Not kidding you, I was speaking with my painting professor earlier and we got onto the topic of Disney, because he was wondering if I ever looked at Disney characters for inspiration of my own art (he knows I draw anthropomorphics, and I guess assumed that I'd be hardcore about Disney).
I actually brought up this topic. I don't mind watching Disney movies, but damn, I really hate seeing Disney rip-offs being called someone's "style." So much so, I've lost respect entirely for the Disney art style. It's a staple, and not original at all. I don't mind the story-telling of Disney, but the art I could care less about.
I also am not too fond of the anime style staple. I feel like those two styles can be easily copied and overdone.
I work through art evolution to come up with my style. I'm still trying to work on getting my varying species to not look so canine. What I usually work from are actual pictures of animals. *shrugs*
I actually brought up this topic. I don't mind watching Disney movies, but damn, I really hate seeing Disney rip-offs being called someone's "style." So much so, I've lost respect entirely for the Disney art style. It's a staple, and not original at all. I don't mind the story-telling of Disney, but the art I could care less about.
I also am not too fond of the anime style staple. I feel like those two styles can be easily copied and overdone.
I work through art evolution to come up with my style. I'm still trying to work on getting my varying species to not look so canine. What I usually work from are actual pictures of animals. *shrugs*
To be completely honest, I don't notice this phenomenon very often, but that's probably because I never looked at non-humancentric art very often. Whenever I DO bother with things like... browsing here or going back to Fchan I notice a lot of these... dyed Baltos and Simbas running around. xD; I NEVER REALLY NOTICED IT ENOUGH FOR IT TO BUG ME but I'm not very in with this... type of art? I dunno.
many people had their character based on a popular character. Some have mixed the character with their own to create something new, maybe to reflect that they took some ideals of the char into their own life. To some degree, this is understandable.
Problems begin to arise if anything else than the (let's say) TLK style is automatically ugly but badly drawn TLK porn is okay.
I know quite a bunch of people who based their characters on TLK, but with enough creativity, ideology and time, their chars became widely different, concerning species, style, inner values.
I think that's positive.
Problems begin to arise if anything else than the (let's say) TLK style is automatically ugly but badly drawn TLK porn is okay.
I know quite a bunch of people who based their characters on TLK, but with enough creativity, ideology and time, their chars became widely different, concerning species, style, inner values.
I think that's positive.
I toltally get where you are coming from, and what jsut makes me mad is when those types of people come to my art page and tell me that my characters in my style are wrong. For example, I was told that a dragon Ii drew was anatomically incorrect, that he was "too long"....my question is, how the hell can they tell me that when it is a made up being? They can't, and when I went to their page, it was nothing but Lion King characters recolored horribly >..<
I guess the producers of Lion King, Balto, and all other popular movies need to come to FA and point out to Dragoneer and other admins, all of the obviously copied and color changed art, so they can be at least taken off of FA.
FA is for fur lovers with an artist ability to sculpt, suit, make music, write stories, draw and paint with originality to convey a messege, not for some hack job to copy, color, and post unoriginal and poor quality arts >..<
Thank you for posting this picture, it speaks the truth.
I guess the producers of Lion King, Balto, and all other popular movies need to come to FA and point out to Dragoneer and other admins, all of the obviously copied and color changed art, so they can be at least taken off of FA.
FA is for fur lovers with an artist ability to sculpt, suit, make music, write stories, draw and paint with originality to convey a messege, not for some hack job to copy, color, and post unoriginal and poor quality arts >..<
Thank you for posting this picture, it speaks the truth.
Indeed, copy-cating a character from a popluar animated movie completely in outline design, then discolor him/her with some weird markings is so artistically wrong on many counts..... much like why I would get bother by finding porn art of the same characters. No one has any sense of respect anymore.
I agree save for the thing about style:
I stress personal style a lot, however to question it as easy is a little demeaning: a style isn't just created like that, it takes so so so so many years.
Lion king/whatever might be someone's starting point. Not that I love to see clones. In fact I hate them, but for those who aren't just going to trace screencaps for the rest of their life but are unfortunately grouped with these people: give them some credit. Everyone's gonna start somewhere. :)
I stress personal style a lot, however to question it as easy is a little demeaning: a style isn't just created like that, it takes so so so so many years.
Lion king/whatever might be someone's starting point. Not that I love to see clones. In fact I hate them, but for those who aren't just going to trace screencaps for the rest of their life but are unfortunately grouped with these people: give them some credit. Everyone's gonna start somewhere. :)
I have absolutely no problem with people emulating a style when they first start out. Everyone does it. That wasn't what this deviation was meant to be about, but many people have misconstrued it as such.
I drew TLK when I was 12, I emulated Simpsons style humans before that. And even now I don't even think I have a recognisable style yet, but at least it is, to the best of my knowledge, not ripped from a big animation company or existing artist.
Its nothing special, but at least I can say I honestly haven't drawn heavily from anyone else to get to it.
What Im refering to more is the people who will continually draw a simba styled lion, flood it a different colour then slap copyrights all over it, and claim its their character and the style is totally theirs too, and the character is 100% original.
I've seen it far too often.
I saw someone copy bambi line art, flood it a slightly darker shade of brown and change the eye colour then go batshit crazy claiming it was her own original totally unique character which looked OmG Nothing like bambi at all because the eyes were SO different!!!
Emulating an existing style is fine, if you accept that thats what you're doing and are using it to learn etc. But using that style forever after, and having the gall to claim it as something you came up with yourself when its really just a recoloured version of someone else's character isnt' right :)
I drew TLK when I was 12, I emulated Simpsons style humans before that. And even now I don't even think I have a recognisable style yet, but at least it is, to the best of my knowledge, not ripped from a big animation company or existing artist.
Its nothing special, but at least I can say I honestly haven't drawn heavily from anyone else to get to it.
What Im refering to more is the people who will continually draw a simba styled lion, flood it a different colour then slap copyrights all over it, and claim its their character and the style is totally theirs too, and the character is 100% original.
I've seen it far too often.
I saw someone copy bambi line art, flood it a slightly darker shade of brown and change the eye colour then go batshit crazy claiming it was her own original totally unique character which looked OmG Nothing like bambi at all because the eyes were SO different!!!
Emulating an existing style is fine, if you accept that thats what you're doing and are using it to learn etc. But using that style forever after, and having the gall to claim it as something you came up with yourself when its really just a recoloured version of someone else's character isnt' right :)
I think this is just a way for people to be close to something they really felt a connection with. Perhaps it's just an obsession that has snowballed based on some sort of minor or major social disorder, but I think at heart it's simply wanting to become or be close to what you love.
I'm sure many furs start drawing, to put themselves in the 'furry world', sort of anyways. I know I started drawing because I actually wanted to be a cartoon. I'm not sure why, or if I ever did, but essentially when one can't BE or DO what they want, they tend to find the next best thing. I.E. some fire fighters are also pyro maniacs [Several of the California fires last year were started by a person who also volunteered to put the fires out. He was found working as a volunteer this year too], and some police officers have an affinity for crime and or violence. Convicts and Police officers can have startlingly similar traits. Its just that social acceptance of these things seem to be the breaking point of this.
I think another reason for this, is that these people wish they we're in the movie. So naturally the style has to match, because they don't WANT to be some origional character, from some origional storyline and background. They want to be as if they we're in the movie too.
This becomes a love for the character, or emulating that character, more so than drawing. So since drawing isn't as important, the artistic value takes a passenger seat. So that's why tracing is common, because they really don't give a shit, they just want to be a balto or something.
And then some people are attention whores.
And don't even get me started on the self absorbed mary-sues.
I'm sure many furs start drawing, to put themselves in the 'furry world', sort of anyways. I know I started drawing because I actually wanted to be a cartoon. I'm not sure why, or if I ever did, but essentially when one can't BE or DO what they want, they tend to find the next best thing. I.E. some fire fighters are also pyro maniacs [Several of the California fires last year were started by a person who also volunteered to put the fires out. He was found working as a volunteer this year too], and some police officers have an affinity for crime and or violence. Convicts and Police officers can have startlingly similar traits. Its just that social acceptance of these things seem to be the breaking point of this.
I think another reason for this, is that these people wish they we're in the movie. So naturally the style has to match, because they don't WANT to be some origional character, from some origional storyline and background. They want to be as if they we're in the movie too.
This becomes a love for the character, or emulating that character, more so than drawing. So since drawing isn't as important, the artistic value takes a passenger seat. So that's why tracing is common, because they really don't give a shit, they just want to be a balto or something.
And then some people are attention whores.
And don't even get me started on the self absorbed mary-sues.
I know this is a bit old, but I ran across this submission recently and had to add my two cents to the mix. I get very annoyed with Simba stuff mostly because The Lion King is a complete rip-off of the 1950's and 60's Kimba the White Lion manga/anime. There's a stab at originality for you. </rant>
Faved for the rant.
I couldn't agree more that these 'arteests' need to put down their pencils for a month to break their bad habits, and jump back into the game with a fresh set of paints.
By simply experimenting with the style, you could evolve any of the above 3 into your own.
Experimentation slowly detaches you from the original work, and you'll actually see something that is visually unique.
Especially if you draw on many resources, including real photographic reference.
I couldn't agree more that these 'arteests' need to put down their pencils for a month to break their bad habits, and jump back into the game with a fresh set of paints.
By simply experimenting with the style, you could evolve any of the above 3 into your own.
Experimentation slowly detaches you from the original work, and you'll actually see something that is visually unique.
Especially if you draw on many resources, including real photographic reference.
Well said. Bravo.
As a young artist, my roots were well in Lion King lore and style. I'd like to think I've grown out of it, as should we all. I don't think you mentioned, but as one grows in art, you can even draw different styles within your own style. Not just features.
It's all about experimentation, which I don't think the furry art community as a whole has enough of yet. Sure, there's a lot of "Well my character is a pinkblueyellow kangaroo/goat/serpent/platypus, so he's original" but not enough experimentation within the art itself. Why not try making a gritty piece? Surrealist? Abstraction? Impressionist? Dreamy? Practical?
But that's another side of a diverse argument.
As a young artist, my roots were well in Lion King lore and style. I'd like to think I've grown out of it, as should we all. I don't think you mentioned, but as one grows in art, you can even draw different styles within your own style. Not just features.
It's all about experimentation, which I don't think the furry art community as a whole has enough of yet. Sure, there's a lot of "Well my character is a pinkblueyellow kangaroo/goat/serpent/platypus, so he's original" but not enough experimentation within the art itself. Why not try making a gritty piece? Surrealist? Abstraction? Impressionist? Dreamy? Practical?
But that's another side of a diverse argument.
:3
For the most part, I pretty much agree with you.
I might just be too big of a softy or something, but I can't help but feel like it should be worded with a little more....euphemism. Cause what it's almost saying is "Inexperienced artists should hurry up and mature and get experienced," With the word "experienced artist" being the best way I can say "good artist" without saying "good artist." ;P
Because a lot of artists begin tracing or copying art styles from art they like, which of course it natural. As natural as it is to eventually breakaway from all that, and gather inspirations and combine them with their own touches to create their own original style. Like a process. I mean, not to say that 100% of artists will do this, but a lot do.
So I'm just saying that it sounds like it's rushing people to 'hurry up with that part of the process.'
Okay, but with that all said, I DO think that it's DEFINITELY not cool for a person to deny their inspirations and to not give credit where it is due. Originality is also really important, but again, I think that's part of the process of learning.
I personally am fine, and am a part of the learning process of beginning to imitate, getting inspired, then creating my own. But doing so, it's important to give credit where due, and to not be too scared to break away from the imitation phase and attempt being more original.
*pants* I hope it doesn't sound like I'm mostly disagreeing, cause I'm mostly agreeing with you. :)
For the most part, I pretty much agree with you.
I might just be too big of a softy or something, but I can't help but feel like it should be worded with a little more....euphemism. Cause what it's almost saying is "Inexperienced artists should hurry up and mature and get experienced," With the word "experienced artist" being the best way I can say "good artist" without saying "good artist." ;P
Because a lot of artists begin tracing or copying art styles from art they like, which of course it natural. As natural as it is to eventually breakaway from all that, and gather inspirations and combine them with their own touches to create their own original style. Like a process. I mean, not to say that 100% of artists will do this, but a lot do.
So I'm just saying that it sounds like it's rushing people to 'hurry up with that part of the process.'
Okay, but with that all said, I DO think that it's DEFINITELY not cool for a person to deny their inspirations and to not give credit where it is due. Originality is also really important, but again, I think that's part of the process of learning.
I personally am fine, and am a part of the learning process of beginning to imitate, getting inspired, then creating my own. But doing so, it's important to give credit where due, and to not be too scared to break away from the imitation phase and attempt being more original.
*pants* I hope it doesn't sound like I'm mostly disagreeing, cause I'm mostly agreeing with you. :)
People have misunderstood this so often. I've never had a problem with people emulating a style to learn.
I DO have a problem with them claiming that style as completely their own character and design. Its not about ragging on beginner artists, at ALL. I used to draw simba and simpsons characters when I was younger too. Its PURELY about people who draw a recoloured simba, then say 'Omg ITS TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO SIMBA!!! MY LION HAS BLUE EYES, SIMBA DOESN'T!!! COPYRIGHT MEEEEE!!!!'
I DO have a problem with them claiming that style as completely their own character and design. Its not about ragging on beginner artists, at ALL. I used to draw simba and simpsons characters when I was younger too. Its PURELY about people who draw a recoloured simba, then say 'Omg ITS TOTALLY DIFFERENT TO SIMBA!!! MY LION HAS BLUE EYES, SIMBA DOESN'T!!! COPYRIGHT MEEEEE!!!!'
well, that kinda shit comes down to esteem, really...
people want to feel accepted yet they also want to "make their mark" as it were wherever they go... this isn't a furry specific thing either (ref: Goth, emo and punk for example)
a lot of people come here, see all the skilled artists and want a slice of that adulation for themselves... this is why you can also see people that post really bad art eventually start posting pictures of themselves doing crazy shit, or posting screencaptures of their avatards in secondlife.
and sometimes some don't go that route but start throwing their weight around in the forums...
people want to be seen as special and unique, but we all know that we are not snowflakes, we're all pretty plain and those that speak of "standing-out" or "being unique" are more conformatist than anything i've seen.
it's kinda ironic if you think about it.
people want to feel accepted yet they also want to "make their mark" as it were wherever they go... this isn't a furry specific thing either (ref: Goth, emo and punk for example)
a lot of people come here, see all the skilled artists and want a slice of that adulation for themselves... this is why you can also see people that post really bad art eventually start posting pictures of themselves doing crazy shit, or posting screencaptures of their avatards in secondlife.
and sometimes some don't go that route but start throwing their weight around in the forums...
people want to be seen as special and unique, but we all know that we are not snowflakes, we're all pretty plain and those that speak of "standing-out" or "being unique" are more conformatist than anything i've seen.
it's kinda ironic if you think about it.
I agree whole heartedly. That being one of the many reasons I chose a cow as my character.
Not only because there aren't many famous cow cartoons, but also there aren't many cow furs at all. I have been forced to create my own style completely.
Yes, I have references from here. and a some style similar there. but it is essentially MY character. I have created everything on there myself. I haven't even had the chance to go "zomg i love that picture".. *trace* because it simply doesn't exist.
Yes, i one day hope to have others art influenced from my own style, its the mark of doing great work. but i would be SO pissed if someone else came along with a cow exactly like mine and claimed it as their own.
Im glad someone else sees it the way i do.. keep up the good work!
Not only because there aren't many famous cow cartoons, but also there aren't many cow furs at all. I have been forced to create my own style completely.
Yes, I have references from here. and a some style similar there. but it is essentially MY character. I have created everything on there myself. I haven't even had the chance to go "zomg i love that picture".. *trace* because it simply doesn't exist.
Yes, i one day hope to have others art influenced from my own style, its the mark of doing great work. but i would be SO pissed if someone else came along with a cow exactly like mine and claimed it as their own.
Im glad someone else sees it the way i do.. keep up the good work!
Agreed! While fanart is nice and has it's place (who here hasn't done at least 1 piece of fan art!) and I did emulate the TLK style for a bit when I was active on a TLK-themed MUCK, I tried to make my chars as original within the style as possible. I moved passed that but unfortunately not everyone has. I still see tons of characters that aren't really all that original, flooding the site. It makes me just shake my head.
I could go on about that, as well as the 'generic werewolf in mountain scene with feathers and loincloth' scenario... Oiy. Originality is lacking these days.
I could go on about that, as well as the 'generic werewolf in mountain scene with feathers and loincloth' scenario... Oiy. Originality is lacking these days.
I usually assume they've forgotten to give it at first, as I occasionally do myself. Or I ref a pose some time ago, then finish it up later and have by then completely forgotten the source of the image (though I do always try to state I used ref, even if I can't find it!) So I understand people sometimes forget.
But to copy an exact pose, without giving a hint of the fact that its reffed, particularly when its from another artist as opposed to a photo or something, I think is pretty piss poor.
But to copy an exact pose, without giving a hint of the fact that its reffed, particularly when its from another artist as opposed to a photo or something, I think is pretty piss poor.
Ok, so you and me are on the same page on this. Because this one girl on DA copied an exact pose from the artist Arwen and she wouldn't admit to it. And the kicker was that she drew Lt. Hawkeye (or however you spell it) from Full Metal Alchemist and diehard fans knew the picture was wrong because Hawkeye was using the gun in the opposite way she did in the show. It was pretty funny though since my friend got a whole bunch of people to flame her in a sense by telling her that she copied the pose. Well, end of the story is that she admitted to copying it after denying it for so long.
LOL I love this XD It made my day.
I had someone take my character's design, change the markings just a bit and told me she came up with it and it was original and that there was no way she could have seen my art cause she wasn't a member of DA.... >.>
Moron... Anyways, lol I get sick of people taking designs and just changing the colors and then calling them original characters. I think originality died... T.T
R.I.P.
I had someone take my character's design, change the markings just a bit and told me she came up with it and it was original and that there was no way she could have seen my art cause she wasn't a member of DA.... >.>
Moron... Anyways, lol I get sick of people taking designs and just changing the colors and then calling them original characters. I think originality died... T.T
R.I.P.
All I can say is:
AMEN TO THAT.
I like to think that I have developed my own style, I dunno if you could place it to any well known series of art styles, if my own style of manga. But I like to think I have tweaked it and created my own look. I will look at ref piks, but, its more for anatomy, rather than face refs.
One of the styles I see truly copied is the 'Sonic' style, with the large eyes and small bodies. Funny how out of all these copied styles, you never see any classic rip off's, like Bugs Bunny, or Micky Mouse.... Hell, even a Pop-Eye rip would be worth tryin!
AMEN TO THAT.
I like to think that I have developed my own style, I dunno if you could place it to any well known series of art styles, if my own style of manga. But I like to think I have tweaked it and created my own look. I will look at ref piks, but, its more for anatomy, rather than face refs.
One of the styles I see truly copied is the 'Sonic' style, with the large eyes and small bodies. Funny how out of all these copied styles, you never see any classic rip off's, like Bugs Bunny, or Micky Mouse.... Hell, even a Pop-Eye rip would be worth tryin!
Yeah, I can see what you mean. The Simba clone you drew has his trademark underbite, and he's substantially different from Mufasa because Mufasa's got a larger muzzle (and all around larger dimensions because he probably ate a much better diet than Simba's insectivore lifestyle).
What irritates me, though, is the way I draw lions apparently looks so close to TLK's style that my boyfriend constantly criticizes my work for it. He brought up a really excellently done picture that INTENTIONALLY used TLK style (but looked much more cartoony and not the semi-realism I try to draw with) and said to me, "See, I would think you drew this if it didn't say otherwise." And I felt rather insulted because, one, I'm not that good, and two, I'm not even TRYING to do that style. I do have some pictures on my gallery that sort of did for the purposes of accurate fanwork (they're not OCs by any means), but my other lions aren't supposed to be that way.
It's just really irritating to me when people assume I'm using a style when I'm really not trying to. I'd say if I was otherwise.
... But my boyfriend copies the Sonic style all the time and I never bitch at him for it. I s'pose he's just a dick. :P
What irritates me, though, is the way I draw lions apparently looks so close to TLK's style that my boyfriend constantly criticizes my work for it. He brought up a really excellently done picture that INTENTIONALLY used TLK style (but looked much more cartoony and not the semi-realism I try to draw with) and said to me, "See, I would think you drew this if it didn't say otherwise." And I felt rather insulted because, one, I'm not that good, and two, I'm not even TRYING to do that style. I do have some pictures on my gallery that sort of did for the purposes of accurate fanwork (they're not OCs by any means), but my other lions aren't supposed to be that way.
It's just really irritating to me when people assume I'm using a style when I'm really not trying to. I'd say if I was otherwise.
... But my boyfriend copies the Sonic style all the time and I never bitch at him for it. I s'pose he's just a dick. :P
I can see lion king in these two, but that may have been what you were going for:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2197164/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2083729/
Its the mane on the first one, its very similar to how Simba's was drawn, when if you look at a real lion, the mane actually doesn't look like that at all:
http://firemice.files.wordpress.com.....5/zoo_lion.jpg
Also the paler rings around the eyes, which was a very common thing in the lion king. Lions do have these, but they're not as obvious and prounounced as TLK made them look.
I'd reccomend referencing real photos of lions. Take what you see, and draw it in your own way. That way, you tend to come up with a much more unique style (in so far as any style is unique these days)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2197164/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2083729/
Its the mane on the first one, its very similar to how Simba's was drawn, when if you look at a real lion, the mane actually doesn't look like that at all:
http://firemice.files.wordpress.com.....5/zoo_lion.jpg
Also the paler rings around the eyes, which was a very common thing in the lion king. Lions do have these, but they're not as obvious and prounounced as TLK made them look.
I'd reccomend referencing real photos of lions. Take what you see, and draw it in your own way. That way, you tend to come up with a much more unique style (in so far as any style is unique these days)
The second one yeah, I was going for that, but the first one I was just doodling in class without any reference material, so I guess any resemblance was purely coincidental.
And yeah, I had an accompanying piece to the Static Shock lions that I was using heaps of reference material for, but at the time I tried to draw it, I wasn't nearly as good at drawing realistic animals as I am now. (But that's not really saying much, I'm not that good anyhow. XD)
And yeah, I had an accompanying piece to the Static Shock lions that I was using heaps of reference material for, but at the time I tried to draw it, I wasn't nearly as good at drawing realistic animals as I am now. (But that's not really saying much, I'm not that good anyhow. XD)
Sad thing is though its the most effective way to get noticed:( I already know of one user who does this but I guess maybe its cause he or she's just starting out, after all I remember doing this when I first started but later on I wanted to make my own characters:) Good piece very well spoken.
ok i know this is old but it's more common around the people who are fanpeople of the movies and have plushies of it and what not, also the ones really really into anime seem to base their style off of that anime. no offense but some asian artists (not all mind you but some) seem to have identical or similar styles of art. some european artists seem to have identical or similar styles and americans seem to have identical or similar styles. it's all based on how we look at things. in japan they're exposed to anime more. in europe they're exposed to some other form of art. i think more realism or something. in america they are exposed to anime and just about anything. in Canada we're original ;P just kidding lol. In some way or another. our art is based off of something we saw. it's not completely original but we made it our style.
i notice LOTS of people with TLK style lol but i noticed it's mostly girls who do that
i notice LOTS of people with TLK style lol but i noticed it's mostly girls who do that
LOL. I know this feeling. My original Character is a half white wolf demon, and everyone was saying that my character looked like Inuyasha's long lost brother. My character looks nothing like Inuyasha. For one thing, my charaie has a tail, aqua marking in his face, Lavender eyes, and the ears a little more larger than Inuyasha's. Plus, my charaie is a white wolf while Inuyasha is a white Shiba Inu. People are so dumb.
a rage post
but ye i agree totally and the best part is that the "artists" act like they have no clue what you are talking about
they use screenshots for their pics change the colours and put their copyright under it *sigh* and when you talk to them about it "this is totally different i only used the picture as a reference"
so... totally agree to you
also in the point that special bolto spirit and simba are used for it
disney can draw 6 different looking lioness that don't just have different colours and the same amount of different looking male lions
how can they use one as a reference and say the all look the same and changing the colour is enough?
but ye i agree totally and the best part is that the "artists" act like they have no clue what you are talking about
they use screenshots for their pics change the colours and put their copyright under it *sigh* and when you talk to them about it "this is totally different i only used the picture as a reference"
so... totally agree to you
also in the point that special bolto spirit and simba are used for it
disney can draw 6 different looking lioness that don't just have different colours and the same amount of different looking male lions
how can they use one as a reference and say the all look the same and changing the colour is enough?
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