When it comes to “art,” there is just a thin line between inspiration and copying. As a result, many people make the mistake of confusing the two.
Let’s say that both of the above definitions are similar in taking other people’s products as a model for your own. But what makes them different? We have put together a detailed comparison to help you with this sensitive issue and reveal the differences between tattoo inspiration vs copying.
How To Differentiate Tattoo Inspiration Vs Copying?
Getting straight to the point, it is copying if you replicate something line by line, aiming for an identical imitation.
- For example, you’ve just copied someone else’s artwork/design in tattooing. However, if you take small bits and pieces from various sources and change and mix them in new ways, you’ve produced something new and unique for your own — now that is an inspiration.
In this situation, inspiration prompted you to produce something similar. Still, you also incorporated some unique elements and adjustments that distinguish the freshly created artwork as distinct as yours. However, even in the case of inspiration, it is critical to be outspoken about the person or work of art that has the potential to inspire or impact you.
Directly duplicating another artist’s work in practically any art form is regarded as improper and a symptom of a lack of imagination and scruples, especially if the artist’s work has a distinctive aspect. This is made all the more repulsive with tattooing since the work being replicated is stolen from another person’s body and then put into another person’s body!
The “violation” affects not only the original artist but also the wearer of the original work and the copy!
Nevertheless, there can be a specific situation where a copy is acceptable to be fair.
- For example, when it means technical learning. Copy from the masters is a common occurrence to have a deeper understanding of how something was developed. After that, you must reproduce it as closely as possible and learn from your mistakes until you’re good enough to create a unique sophisticated design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered copying a tattoo?
When a “tattoo artist” rips off another artist’s work and duplicates it line for line, this is known as tattoo copying. Here’s the thing: tattoo artists are artists, and their tattoos are works of art in and of themselves.
The tattoo artists who are most likely to be ripped off are frequently the greatest original artists working at the time, and copying cheapens the art of tattooing.
Tattoo copying results from a lack of awareness of the industry’s ethics and a lack of originality, both of which are unacceptable for persons who claim to be tattoo artists..
Is it weird to copy tattoos?
Sadly, it is. To be honest, we frequently see tattoos on celebrities, role models, or acquaintances, and we get enamored with the artwork to the point that we consider copying it.
There’s nothing wrong with appreciating someone else’s tattoo and wishing you had one yourself. It’s just a matter of locating a tattoo artist who is prepared to duplicate another’s work to satisfy a client. The objective of getting a tattoo, though, is to have something one-of-a-kind and meaningful that speaks to you and something that reflects your personality and views.
However, there are always exceptions. If you do not want a tattoo, you can try contacting the original artist and request permission to utilize the tattoo design or parts of the tattoo design. You must ensure that the individual you approach is the original design designer, not someone who has copied it.
But if the original tattoo artist refuses to let you use their design, you might ask them to work with you to create something comparable that is unique to you. Collaborating with the original tattoo artist will give you joint ownership of the new design, allowing you to reuse it later.
How do tattoo artists feel about copying?
If you ask a professional tattoo artist to imitate another tattoo, most of them will be upset. However, they are artists in their own right, capable of creating spectacular creations.
Copying another tattoo is not only considered impolite, but it may also be a violation of copyright laws. For example, you are infringing the copyright law if you use someone else’s work and receive compensation for it without crediting the original artist.
If you like or are inspired by the design, show it to your tattoo artist and have them create your custom tattoo design using the image as inspiration. This design will not insult anybody and will not violate any laws. You’ll also have a magnificent, one-of-a-kind tattoo to flaunt.
Can you show a tattoo artist another tattoo as a reference?
It’s completely OK if you already have a tattoo that you enjoy! We all have favorite designs, and it’s OK to show them to your tattoo artist while describing the style/subject of the tattoo you desire. However, this isn’t acceptable if you expect your artist to reproduce the design precisely as it is.
When you schedule a tattoo with us, one of the first things we’ll ask you to do is email us any reference photographs or inspiration you have so that we can have a better understanding of what you want.
As artists, it’s much easier for you to communicate some of your ideas through photos, which allows us to obtain a complete picture of your tattoo notions. Then we’ll study and create your tattoo using these photos as a guide. Depending on whether we can still make the image unique to you, we may be able to incorporate select components of the photographs you’ve purchased.
Most of the time, designs are produced specifically for clients and are a method for them to express themselves. You deprive the original collector of this by obtaining an identical replica of their creation.
Can tattoo artists copy a picture?
Yes, as long as the design is not copyrighted, a tattooist can duplicate a picture you choose. However, not every image will translate nicely into a tattoo. Consider how the image will look on your body and where it will go. Even if the design is copyrighted, the tattooist can still copy it. But you should know that it’s hard to find artists who are willing to do this.
Can you get sued for tattooing a logo?
While getting tattoos or copyrighted pictures is technically possible, there are several dangers and drawbacks. Copyrighted pictures in the form of tattoos may cause issues, ranging from Disney character tattoos to your favorite brewery’s logo, so it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards, especially for artists. So please research carefully before making your decision.
Conclusion
Now you see the differences between tattoo inspiration vs copying and all the dos and don’ts if you want to get a tattoo.
There is a thin line between these two definitions. But keep in mind that never ask an artist to draw anything line to line on your skin. Respect is a two-way street. Have a good day!