Author Topic: Can we sell images based on tutorial techniques? (Read 3121 times)

gubh83 · « **on:** May 22, 2012, 17:33 »

Hi everyone!

Got a question for the experts... Can we sell images created following an online tutorial?

I mean for example a tutorial that teaches how to create a brick texture on Photoshop using filters that result on random textures... Can I use it to create new images and sell them online?

I don't mean copying an Illustrator tutorial and creating the exactly same image, but following the steps to create ramdon textures and effects... Can that be considered "copy"?

I'm not sure one can claim having the property of a Photoshop "creation steps"...

Thanks!

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2012, 17:39 »

There was a big thread, iirc, recently, that they didn't smile upon that kind of thing. Was it SS?

gubh83 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2012, 17:40 »

Dunno, I've searched for it but didn't find much...

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2012, 03:49 »

You'd do best to get a written answer from support at the agencies you deal with. That way, if they say it's OK and then turn nasty you have a cast-iron defence.

jm · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2012, 04:09 »

It was also discussed in this thread:
http://www.microstockgroup.com/istockphoto-com/is-illustrator-master-russel-tate-gone/

CD123 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2012, 04:34 »

Can not see how they can stop you. What if I was using a technique and someone else decide to make an online tutorial about this technique? Now I may not use the technique any longer?

Can understand that agencies do not like to be swamped with images created with the same technique, but they must first know/see that the images was created that way before it can become a factor in their decision.

gubh83 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2012, 04:41 »

I've read the discussion and seen the similar illustrations from Russel and the tutorials... but it's really not the same thing as I'm thinking of.

Actually, I'm talking about "texture techniques" that will result on random results... Like, apply filter X, then filter Y, then color Z and you get a random rock texture. And that texture will be used on my artwork.

Russel's example (I'm not judging) uses the same technique and is very similar in the shapes...

Using that discussion as example, let's say I'd use the gradients techniques from that tutorial to create a dress instead of a ribbon... do you know what I mean?

ShadySue · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2012, 04:44 »

I'm guessing a lot of stock photos have elements inspired by tutorials, even if it was software manual/online tutorials or e.g. Classroom in a Book.
For example, I use a technique I saw in an online tutorial for enhancing models' eyes to bring out the eyes in wildlife shots (for stock, I wouldn't do it for a nature competition, obviously)
How would they know (other than I have now posted it here) whether I'd seen it in a tutorial, learned it in a class or stumbled upon it on my own?

heywoody · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2012, 05:18 »

Quote from: ShadySue on May 23, 2012, 04:44

I'm guessing a lot of stock photos have elements inspired by tutorials, even if it was Classroom in a Book.
For example, I use a technique I saw in an online tutorial for enhancing models' eyes to bring out the eyes in wildlife shots (for stock, I wouldn't do it for a nature competition, obviously)
How would they know (other than I have now posted it here) whether I'd seen it in a tutorial, learned it in a class or stumbed upon it on my own?

Agree - everything we do is a result of having learned to do it somewhere.

digitalexpressionimages · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2012, 07:28 »

There was a time when even making a soft drop shadow in Photoshop took skill and know how. I'm talking photoshop 2.5 (i.e. the good old days). There's a big difference between using a sophisticated technique to achieve a result and clicking a button on a pre-made, ready-to-apply filter.

If the technique requires skill and effort, not just a mouse click, it shouldn't matter where you learned to do it.

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Author Topic: Can we sell images based on tutorial techniques? (Read 3121 times)

gubh83

Sean Locke Photography

gubh83

BaldricksTrousers

jm

CD123

gubh83

ShadySue

heywoody

digitalexpressionimages

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