Copyright Guidance for Art Students

Understanding Copyright

As an art student, it's essential to understand copyright to respect others' work and protect your own creations. This guide provides key information on:

• Acceptable practices for copying artwork
• How to acknowledge sources
• Protecting your own work
• Understanding the implications of copying compositions

Acceptable Practices for Copying Artwork

Copying artwork can be a valuable learning tool, but it's important to do so ethically:

• For Learning Purposes Only: Reproducing another artist's work to study techniques is acceptable, provided it's for personal learning and not for submission as original work.
• Do Not Submit Copies: Submitting someone else's work, even partially copied, as your own for coursework or competitions is considered plagiarism.
• Respect Copyright: Sharing, selling, or publishing copies of copyrighted works without permission is illegal.

Acknowledging Sources

Whenever your work is inspired by or based on another artist:

• Credit the original creator: e.g., "Inspired by [Artist Name], [Artwork Title]."
• Reference photographs or online images you use.
• Include acknowledgments in coursework notes, especially if your work borrows elements from another piece.

Copying Compositions

Even if you change the style or medium, reproducing someone else's composition or layout can still infringe copyright:

• Composition Includes: Arrangement of figures, perspective, lighting, and major elements.
• Derivative Work: Copying compositions without permission is considered derivative work.
• Tip: Use multiple references and combine ideas to create a unique composition.

Public Domain & Creative Commons

• Public Domain Works: Free to use without permission.
• Creative Commons: Some works can be used with conditions such as attribution or non-commercial use. Always check licenses.

Digital Images & Online References

• Copying images from Google, social media, or websites does not make them yours.
• Use reference photos you take yourself or images with proper licensing.
• Avoid posting high-resolution copies of others’ works online without permission.

Derivative Works

• Modifying someone else's work (changing colour, style, or medium) does not automatically make it yours.
• Always acknowledge your sources, even if your version is transformative.

Fair Use / Fair Dealing (UK Context)

• UK law allows limited use of copyrighted material for education or research, but this does not include submitting copied work as your own.
• Always aim to create original work for coursework, assignments, and competitions.

Protecting Your Own Work

• Keep records: Save dated sketches, drafts, and digital files.
• Add watermarks or signatures to digital images shared online.
• Use copyright notices: e.g., "© [Your Name], [Year]".
• Consider registering works if you plan to sell or exhibit them.

Collaboration & Student Work

• Agree on ownership and acknowledgment before starting group projects.
• Protect your contributions and respect your collaborators’ rights.

Selling or Publishing Work

• Selling or exhibiting works that include copyrighted elements without permission is illegal.
• Focus on creating original pieces if you intend to display, sell, or enter competitions.

Quick Tips for Students

• Copy for learning, not submission.
• Always acknowledge your inspirations.
• Combine references to create unique compositions.
• Use public domain or properly licensed images.
• Keep records and watermark your own work.

Resources

• UK Intellectual Property Office
• Creative Commons

Frequently Asked Questions