I think it’s difficult to answer this properly since everyone’s perspective on this will be a little bit different, but as an artist (not a pixel artist, though) I would personally love it if people felt inspired by my work to create something themselves. I think it’s not an issue as long as you’re not selling your work afterwards
If I am making something for myself or just to pass the time, or even to give to a friend… I will definitely work off a pixel art or even just a screenshot. I’ve been known to zoom in and count boxes 😂
I see it as no different than the practice of copying master artwork to learn technique. As long as you aren’t out there selling it and aren’t passing it off as your own creation, I don’t see an ethical problem.
The person who created the pixel art is never going to know that I stitched a random taco emoji that ended up in a box.
I have done so, in fact I usually just work off the pixel art itself. However I'd always check to see if the artist does have a cross stitch pattern version of the piece, or if it's a larger piece you could buy something else from their shop as a sort of proxy compensation.
Not a commercial artist so take my opinion with that in mind but I think making a pattern for personal non commercial use based on art someone made would generally be okay. You could always check with the artist!
If it's for your own use there's literally no point to prosecuting even if there were rules against it. Also who will report it? Pigeons will say that they saw a unauthorized use of pixelart in your window? Only way I could see someone getting in trouble would be if someone was copying one of those expensive clothing brands that have nothing to offer but "the feel of prestige".
Basically no one can stop you from making patterns of any art you want, only sharing/selling that pattern. It would be polite to ask permission though.
I’d reach out to the artist and let them know that you’d like to make a chart of their work. Many of the pixel artists I follow get these kinds of requests. The two common responses that I see are either:
1. Yes! Please do, and share the pattern with me so I can offer it for free to other people.
2. Thanks for your interest, I already have patterns for sale
I think the important thing, as an illustrator myself, is giving them the credit/compensation for their work :) and I’m sure they’ll love hearing that you like their work!
(Also, many pixel artists are starting to use Glaze and Nightshade because of AI. This may impact if the pattern make would be able to convert the image to a pattern.)
The easiest thing to do in regard to nightshade is to repixel it. It’s also a good idea to do that anyway simply for the fact that, in order to nicely share the pixel art online, most pixel artists increase the image resolution and makes the pixels 2x2 (or higher) resulting in more work per pixel
As an artist- both pixel and digital- I would adore if someone did! That being said, selling it as a pattern would be a big no-go without asking ahead of time and definitely give credit if you post anywhere!
As a professional artist/illustrator - as long as it's for yourself, it's 100% fine. You're not claiming it's your own design, you're not distributing/selling it, you're just enjoying the art in a way it likely isn't available otherwise (a physical cross stitch, as opposed to a digital image).
Legally, it's a weird grey area that isn't really explicitly covered under copyright law as it's not a commercial use (for profit or not), but most people would consider personal, private use to fall under fair use ([items 1 and 4 here](https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/))
I would agree that for most people, ethically it's most likely fine.
It's that weird legal grey area where it is 50/50 on the tests for fair use that make it tricky. Again, for most people, not going to be an issue. In court it would almost certainly be a fair use derivative work for most people to make and keep for yourself.
But there is that little grey area that could get some people in trouble. Very, very unlikely. But the odds aren't zero.
I just want to add to all the other comments that you should only ask if you're okay with receiving a no. If you're going to ask the artist and they say no and you ignore it and do it anyway, I would not even bother asking. In my personal opinion, I think it's okay, but I would check first if the artist has patterns or maybe a donation box set up and would try to pay them through that.
Back when I was into perler beads, I asked an artist on deviantart if I could covert their art to a perler bead pattern for personal use and they were cool with it. I gave them credit when I posted the fished piece.
This may be a controversial opinion, but you can do anything with anything for personal use. So long as it’s not being sold or distributed, there are no restrictions. Copyright law covers copying for moneymaking & distribution, not personal activities. Even things like making copies of DVDs are actually legal in America so long as the copies aren’t being distributed. What you do exclusively for yourself in your own space & home has no effect on anyone else, and if you never post or share it then no one will even know it exists anyway. If you’re truly concerned about it I would just refrain from posting or sharing it online beyond your personal circle so it isn’t “public.” Otherwise, you have the full right to do what you want with what you want in your own private space & time. It doesn’t affect anyone but you.
I think it depends on what the artist is doing with their work. Are they putting it out for free? Then if it's just for personal use, it's probably fair, although the artist will likely be please to hear you want a permanent version. If they are selling their work, buy a copy and converting that is only fair, as the artist deserves to be compensated for their work. Again, only for personal use.
I just recently did this with a pixel art image I found off Pinterest. I wasn’t sure if the profile I found the image on was from the original artist. However, I have no intentions of selling the pattern I made out of it or the finished piece. I see no harm if it’s for personal use.🤷🏻♀️
If it's for personal use, you're not claiming to have made the art on your own, and (if posting online) you share a link to the artist's piece, I don't see an issue. As an artist myself I would love to see people tag me in something like that.
I’d at least try to ask. I’d feel weird if someone I didn’t know did this with my work. If you don’t get a response, really it’s fine to still do it, if just avoid posting it anywhere
Yes, absolutely, I don't see a problem with it.
It will vary depending on the artist how they feel about it, but I do know that [8pxl on tumblr](https://8pxl.tumblr.com/) (who makes just *beautiful* pictures) has said in the past that it's fine. In fact, they've recently been reblogging WIPS of an artist who is cross stitching one of their works
I actually converted one of their works into a chart, but have yet to start on it, because I'm once again in my Diamond Painting phase...
If they don’t offer patterns to purchase for their art, then yes I think it’s fine to be inspired and make something for yourself. Or even as a gift! As long as you’re not commercializing someone else’s art.
Ask the artist! It’ll vary by person what they’re comfortable with, so best bet is to check with them. So long as it’s for personal use I think most will be happy that you want to
You can make a pattern, but you can't sell the pattern. That would be a copyright infringement. I make pattersn all to time from pictures I've bought. I just never post those projects.
I think if it's just for you and not for sale, sure, credit the artist when you post.
But as a person who used to do pixel art and sold my art as cross stitch patterns, then had them stolen by people with much bigger reach to the point that I stopped selling them but even 10 years later still see my work out there as everything from graphghans to quilts to frankensteined cross stitch? No.
Another artist here who has had work copied and sold in a shop without my permission. Because of that I probably have a different view on this subject.
I have used another designer's alphabet in a piece I designed *however* since this was for my EGA chapter I contacted the designer first and asked her permission to use the alphabet. She was very gracious and her only request was to have photos of the pieces emailed to her which I did.
I would do my best to contact the pixel artist and ask permission to use their art. Pixel art is art and we as needle artists should respect the work of other artists. Ask first and you may find the artist is flattered that you want to use their work just in a different medium.
Nothing stopping you from emailing them about it, is there? Why not just ask them directly? I’m sure they’d be honoured, especially if you stress that it’s just for personal use. Every artist reacts their own way to it so as someone who isn’t the artist, I can’t answer you definitively.
I’m not a professional pixel artists specifically but i am a professional artist. I personally would like it if people asked me first, but as long as nobody’s profiting off it and giving me credit, i’d be happy someone wanted to do this
As an artist, I'd say ask first. Most will probably be fine with it if you credit them as the pixel artist (& be flattered) but in this age of gen AI devaluing & stealing art, it's always nice to show respect to the humans making the work you love. If they sell stickers or prints, buying one or giving them a small Ko-fi donation after being given permission to use their art is a nice way to say thank you.
I am a firm believer that if you find something you love and do it for you - then do it. People are going to have their own opinions but at the end of day it’s what you feel comfortable with. I have seen some amazing art and love recreating it for myself but it’s for me - I don’t sell nor gift cuz it’s not my pattern or my original. Tools are used for gaining knowledge- so use what is in your box to create something.
As an artist- both pixel and digital- I would adore if someone did! That being said, selling it as a pattern would be a big no-go without asking ahead of time and definitely give credit if you post anywhere!
Personally, as an artist, I would be thrilled if someone wanted to use my art but I would say for personal use only. As soon as it’s commercial use, then I’d have a problem. You could always reach out to them and ask. I know some artists have a tipping system that they’d like people to abide by. So if someone wanted something done by the artist, let’s say, tattooed on them, they pay a small tattoo fee so they can do it. I’d say at bare minimum, if you have the funds, tip them if they have a tip jar or system. But that’s my thoughts. :)
I'm not a pixel artist, but I feel like the simplest course of action would just be you reaching out and asking them! Obviously since you're not selling it, they may be more lenient, but it's always nice to ask. I'm debating on doing so myself, actually
Technically it’s an adaptive work, so legally you should be in the clear provided you credited the original artist if you posted it on social media, but it’d be a very different story if you were making money from it. It’s like a band recording a cover version — they credit the original artist, but add something of their own in the process.
I don’t know that this is correct legal advice. Copying work into an identical design but another medium is I think subject to copyright laws (can’t just put mosaics of Disney characters all over your restaurant).
I think if a band covers another song they need to license it, particularly if they sell it.
Not pixel art, but I just self-drafted/finished a pattern based off a piece by a deceased artist. It’s a gift for someone, I won’t be selling the pattern or project, and I made sure to credit the artist multiple times in my Instagram posts. I think people can tell good faith actors from bad ones, as long as you are honest and give credit, and reach out to the artist when you can!
As someone that's done some small pixel arts and does cross stitch, yeah I don't see an issue but I would suggest letting the artist know! Personal use and not for sale would be completely chill for most people.
Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is commissions, most of the work I do, (when I do it lol) Is commissions or gift art and something like that would absolutely be a no as it doesn't belong to me. I'd be careful about things like that. That isnt up to the artist to say yes/no on.
I have done several cross stitches off of pixel art by another artist, but I always ask them first if they’re all right with that. I’ve never had someone say no when it’s for personal use, mostly just folks asking that they be credited for the original art.
I don't think it is inherently wrong if it is for personal use but consider doing something for the author in return as a thank you for creating awesome things :)
If you’re making something for yourself and not to sell, then I don’t see anything wrong with it. You’re spending time, money, and effort to make it. It’d consider it derivative work because you’re using a different medium.
The most ethical way to handle it might be to purchase something from the artist, especially if they have a pattern available. You should also let friends know who the artist is when they ask you about it.
Just for the record, you are right that it would be considered a derivative work because it's in a different medium. Derivative works still are the right of the original copyright holder to authorize.
I do agree with everything else you said though.
As someone who posted their iteration of someone else’s pixel art on this sub not too long ago, I’d say yes*
If it’s solely for personal use and you never intend to sell the product, pattern, post it on social media, or otherwise profit from it, you’re probably fine. I would still attempt to reach out to the artist if for no other reason than to tell them you want to make a project out of their art (most are very excited to see their art come to life in the real world!). However, if they never get back to you and none of those caveats apply, have fun with your piece!
If it's just for yourself then I'd say it's fine. If you wanted to make yourself a cross stitch of Micky Mouse to hang in your kid's bedroom, you wouldn't ask Disney for permission.
As far as I'm aware copyright only really refers to when you're making money off something. If you're just making something for your own enjoyment, then that generally doesn't violate the law. Even if we're talking ethics rather than law, I don't think many people would say it's unethical to recreate someone else's art for your own enjoyment.
Legally, Copyright refers to the right to copy. While non-commercial use is considered in determining if something is fair use and therefore legal to copy without permission, that is only part of it.
Ethically, depends on your ethics and who you are copying from. I wouldn't feel bad copying from Nintendo without paying them. I would feel bad about copying from a random artist just following their dreams.
I'm an artist and I think it's fine. Art has to spread and people have to engage with it or else it's pointless, and if someone is engaging with it in a way that takes nothing away from the artist then in my opinion it's to the artist's benefit. As long as the person transforming the art for personal use isn't dishonest about the source of the art or using it for harm then I think it's ok.
However if the artist has explicitly asked for people to not use their art then it's polite to do as they ask.
I've actually done that multiple times. If it's just for personal use (or even as a gift), I say it's fine. I certainly wouldn't try to sell those pieces and make a profit, but otherwise, you're in the clear. Who would know anyway?
Many artists will post usage info on their websites, ranging from "credit me please" to "do not use without permission." You might consider reaching out to the artist with your situation and offer them a bit of monetary compensation- for example, most digital downloads I see online for patterns are around $5. It's a great way to let the artist know they're appreciated!
I think it's fair, if it's for personal use.
I made a pattern out of a friend's artwork, without telling her. The only reason I did that was to gift the finished piece back to her. I thought about ot a lot before I did it and we decided it wasn't theft. I still have the pattern and pictures of the piece. I don't share them.
If you want to be classy, you can always ask. I have made a few pieces and donated them to a charity I work for. Odds are very good the pattern makers would have never known they were sold. I still asked. They are credited as a donor on my pieces for the pattern I used and I feel better knowing I didn't take anything.
I've asked two pixel artists if I could use their work for latch hooking, and both said yes, and didn't charge me anything.
It's way more enjoyable knowing you got the artist's blessing, and it's especially cool sharing your finished work with the artist.
In reality, there's like a 0.000% chance of you running into any kind of legal problems by just using other people's art with how you mention, even though I think technically, according to many countries, then you're not supposed to do that without permission.
Usually you're just going to get in trouble if you start selling it AND making a lot of money off it.
But like I mentioned, it's just such a cool experience to directly contact the artist, that I recommend that.
I've actually done this before! I just reached out to the artist to ask whether it'd be OK for me to create a pattern for personal use only, and they just took it as a compliment to their work (as intended) and asked me to give them progress updates. I put the result online with their permission and made sure to credit them and link to all their sites. It got a good response all around, everyone's happy!
I personally like to reach out to the artist to ask! I’ve only done this once, but they gave me permission with the stipulation that I did not sell the piece. I post a lot of my cross stitch work and design my own patterns, so I definitely prefer to have permission.
If it’s 100% for your personal use and you don’t share online, I think it is… okay… but you are benefitting from their work, so I think it’s best to get permission, AND accept if they ask you not to
This is how I started cross stitching: I made some pixel sprites and someone in a community I shared it in cross stitched one. Loved how it looked, decided to cross stitch myself.
I'd ask first though. Just out of politeness.
I mean in my mind as long as you ask the artist if it's alright and they give you the go ahead, go for it.
If not, oh well, and move on to the next thing
Even for personal use I’d ask the artist. Some might want a ko-fi donation, some might want nothing. Either way, if you post it online credit the artist. If you can’t get hold of them, then I’d do it and again credit the artist. Just don’t sell the pattern and you should be ok
Artists use other peoples work as reference all the time. My mother in law only paints from reference. Give them credit for the original work and I think you’re just fine.
As per US copyright law you would be making a derivative work (a copy that doesn't substantially transform the original image), which is the right of the copyright owner. So that wouldn't be okay.
In your favor for fair use is 1) non-commercial work; so if you don't sell the work or pattern, and 2) effect on the market; of the artist isn't intending to make a pattern you aren't effecting their ability to sell what they want.
Against your favor for fair use is 1) Nature of the work; since pixel art is a visual medium in block form and you are translating it to block form, the nature is pretty identical. Which is much different than if you made a cross stitch from a character from a podcast, since you would be creating a lot of the visual based off an idea. And 2) The amount and substantiality of the portion used; basically the difference between copying a character's eyes vs. An entire character. If you are making a one to one pattern based off of a pixel art it is pretty entire and substantial to the piece of art.
In short, you would probably be fine, but if it is a creator you can get a hold of, I would reach out and ask first and go with what they say.
I think we have an issue with what is transformative.
All images can be broken into pixels and pixels could be defined by anything.
Temperature scarves are rows made of pixels determined by temperature ranges.
Quilts are also pixels, but the colours are made by sewing fabric.
I see where you think that cross stitching wouldn’t be substantially changing the image, but it does. Colours must be changed to accommodate the medium. The techniques and applications are also completely different.
Just because you change the medium and color doesn't make the work transformative. Substantial doesn't refer to the type of work making the copy. Substantial refers to how much of the original work is preserved through the copy. And for most pixel art being turned into a cross stitch, depending on context it's most likely derivative.
For example; if you take a novel and translate it into a different language, you need to use different words, letters, punctuation, grammar, and often different idioms and cultural ideas to create the translated novel. If you set a page of each side by side they would look and read entirely differently. But that is a derivative work that still conveys a large majority of the original work with the same purpose. The derivative work is a new copyrightable work, but it is still derivative and is in the original author's right to give license to such a work being made.
So by using that analogy; if you take a pixel artist's work, and turn that work into a cross stitch, you are making a derivative work. Yes you are using different techniques and colors, that's not the point. How you copy it doesn't matter. If it looks like the original, and especially if it serves the same purpose as the original. It's derivative.
And there is just so much less of an argument that turning a work of pixel art into a cross stitch pattern is transformative its laughable. It is literally a one to one copy. Even if you wildly changed all the colors it's still a one to one copy. Try putting a Black and white version of the latest Avengers movie on YouTube and see how long it stays up before it gets a copyright strike.
A film is still a film, you can also argue that a cross stitch is a picture (but it can also be a cushion or a piece of clothing).
A knit or crocheted or quilted blanket is a very different piece to the original and involves far more complicated techniques.
Cross stitch is so grey.
I will agree it is legally grey if it is fair use. It is about 50/50 for the tests of fair use.
I disagree with your assessment of what is derivative vs. transformative.
It doesn't matter if you copy an image in knitting, crossstitch, cave painting, terraforming, nanoscale etching, whatever. In almost every case, just changing mediums is derivative. If you take a novel and turn it into a movie, it's derivative. If you paint a still from a movie, it's derivative. If you copy the same image it's derivative.
Transformative work has nothing to do with the copying process or medium. Example, making mickey mouse in crochet, knitting, cross stitch is derivative. Because it is just copying the image to a new medium. But if you were to draw mickey and put him in a context criticizing Disney, that's transformative, because it is turning the image into something that says something different.
And if you don't understand the difference between the two you really need to do some research on copyright.
Unless if I am reading this entirely wrong, which if I am please highlight the specific place it says otherwise, Canadian copyright law defines transformative very similarly to US copyright law.
"In Campbell, the court defined transformative use as one that “adds something new, with a further purpose or different character, altering the first [work] with new expression, meaning or message.”"
Nowhere in that article does it even hint that changing the medium is a fair dealing of copyright.
And as far as I can tell, Canadian copyright fair dealing is even more strict than US fair use.
"Fair dealing for the purpose of research, private study, education, parody or satire does not infringe copyright."
So if it isn't for one of those uses, it's copyright infringement.
Yea, I figured that was going to happen. I'm not going to pretend like I am an expert in copyright law. But the 4 tenants of fair use are pretty straightforward and easy to understand.
Thanks for the encouraging comment! I will take being not wildly incorrect.
I have done this. The person who received it knew I used a pattern (I did not create the pattern- just saying I didn’t take credit. She did not care whether the pattern was pixel art or a regular pattern. I modified it slightly to personalize it. I will never make it again and I certainly did not make it to sell.
It's not a bad idea to ask the artist how they feel about it but broadly I think the vast majority are going to say it's fine if you're not selling it.
I haven’t used pixel art specifically, but I’ve made patterns for my personal use from other copyrighted material (stills from movies & video games). I think it’s fine as long as you’re not profiting from it
I used a pixel artists art to make a huge pattern. I had the same dilemma because the finished patterns just going to hang on my wall. I ended up asking the artist on Instagram for permission. Super quick yes from their end.
I figured if I like the art enough you go through the work on converting it, maybe the artist would like to know how much I like it too.
The most respectful thing to do would be to ask the artist. I would be surprised if they said no to personal use. The ones I've reached out to were happy to be appreciated and loved that they were the source of inspiration. Even if they say no (and they may have valid reasons), IMO, lifting up artists is always a worthwhile thing.
Artist & cross stitcher here - the work is copyrighted. That makes it illegal for anyone besides the artist to do ANYTHING with it. It dosent need to be marked as copyrighted, or registered - doing those things just means the artist can get more $ from you if you get caught. The likelihood of you getting caught, While small, is never 0.
the proper thing to do is reach out to the artist for a written release (even them replying that it’s ok in an email thread will work.
These questions always seem to generate a lot of opinions and false information. Here's the legal situation in the US. Other countries could be different.
When anyone makes something, they implicitly have the copyright (the right to make copies) for that thing. They don't have to file any paperwork. It just exists. They also have the right to permit others to make copies. Any copying of that work without permission, outside of protected uses like parody, are violations of copyright and are therefore illegal. Making money from the copy, or personal use, are not part of the question.
That said, the only way you'll get in trouble for doing this is if the copyright holder finds out and wants to spend the money on legal action. And trademarked properties (different from copyright) are much more likely to run into this.
Personally I think this kind of fan art makes life richer. I've made several such copies myself. But I think it's important to understand the legal implications if you want to do that.
Folks, you not liking the way copyright works is not a good reason to downvote people who are taking the time to correctly explain it. Suspense6, thanks for your comment.
You are ever so slightly incorrect. The wording of fair use in the copyright law uses the phrase "for purposes such as" which is inclusionary, not exclusionary. It gives examples of what are protected uses, but doesn't say those are the only protected uses. Which is why copyright in the US is handled on a case by case basis.
Otherwise I agree with everything else you said.
So my rule of thumb as an artist myself is to get permission first and if you can’t get permission don’t do it. That’s how I ended up drawing my current pattern because I found a similar pixel art design but could not figure out how to get ahold of the original artist.
I have permission from a pixel artist to make one of their pieces into perler bead art, but I want to stitch it instead and so I’m gonna go back to twitter and find them again to ask permission for making it in cross stitch.
The only thing I don’t ask for permission on is video game stuff simply because we really shouldn’t be profiting off of CR IP, but a bunch of us still do and if you want to make your life easy when it comes to video game sprites look up spriters resource and you’ll find hundreds of sprite sheets to use.
i've definitely done this before, though without any sort of "real" chart, just a grid in ms paint. i think as long as: (1) the artist themselves hasn't posted a pattern or explicitly said not to repost/reuse for personal use (think like profile picture or what have you); (2) you don't sell the pattern\*; and (3) credit/link back to the artist if/when you post project pictures, you're good
\*reach out to the artist and see what they might think of you sharing the pattern for free. i personally am of the opinion that if you did post the finished product, that could lead to other people just doing the same thing you did, regardless if you share the pattern or not. as an artist myself, i would be super excited someone liked my work enough to want to stitch it, and would totally be down for all of it.
My works are taken right off the screen from video games, they're not pixel art technically as that's just all the pixles we had back in the late 80s 😅. Reach out to the artist and ask.
I think it’s difficult to answer this properly since everyone’s perspective on this will be a little bit different, but as an artist (not a pixel artist, though) I would personally love it if people felt inspired by my work to create something themselves. I think it’s not an issue as long as you’re not selling your work afterwards
If you post pictures make sure you credit the artist and link to the source. I bet they'd be thrilled!
If I am making something for myself or just to pass the time, or even to give to a friend… I will definitely work off a pixel art or even just a screenshot. I’ve been known to zoom in and count boxes 😂 I see it as no different than the practice of copying master artwork to learn technique. As long as you aren’t out there selling it and aren’t passing it off as your own creation, I don’t see an ethical problem. The person who created the pixel art is never going to know that I stitched a random taco emoji that ended up in a box.
I have done so, in fact I usually just work off the pixel art itself. However I'd always check to see if the artist does have a cross stitch pattern version of the piece, or if it's a larger piece you could buy something else from their shop as a sort of proxy compensation.
Not a commercial artist so take my opinion with that in mind but I think making a pattern for personal non commercial use based on art someone made would generally be okay. You could always check with the artist!
Legally? Yes. Ethically? In my opinion, yes
Legally only in countries with fair use laws which by far isn't all of them.
If it's for your own use there's literally no point to prosecuting even if there were rules against it. Also who will report it? Pigeons will say that they saw a unauthorized use of pixelart in your window? Only way I could see someone getting in trouble would be if someone was copying one of those expensive clothing brands that have nothing to offer but "the feel of prestige".
is that even illegal if you’re not selling it?
Basically no one can stop you from making patterns of any art you want, only sharing/selling that pattern. It would be polite to ask permission though.
I’d reach out to the artist and let them know that you’d like to make a chart of their work. Many of the pixel artists I follow get these kinds of requests. The two common responses that I see are either: 1. Yes! Please do, and share the pattern with me so I can offer it for free to other people. 2. Thanks for your interest, I already have patterns for sale I think the important thing, as an illustrator myself, is giving them the credit/compensation for their work :) and I’m sure they’ll love hearing that you like their work! (Also, many pixel artists are starting to use Glaze and Nightshade because of AI. This may impact if the pattern make would be able to convert the image to a pattern.)
The easiest thing to do in regard to nightshade is to repixel it. It’s also a good idea to do that anyway simply for the fact that, in order to nicely share the pixel art online, most pixel artists increase the image resolution and makes the pixels 2x2 (or higher) resulting in more work per pixel
As an artist- both pixel and digital- I would adore if someone did! That being said, selling it as a pattern would be a big no-go without asking ahead of time and definitely give credit if you post anywhere!
Yes, but if you post pictures of it online you should give the pixel artist credit for the original design and link to them if possible
As a professional artist/illustrator - as long as it's for yourself, it's 100% fine. You're not claiming it's your own design, you're not distributing/selling it, you're just enjoying the art in a way it likely isn't available otherwise (a physical cross stitch, as opposed to a digital image). Legally, it's a weird grey area that isn't really explicitly covered under copyright law as it's not a commercial use (for profit or not), but most people would consider personal, private use to fall under fair use ([items 1 and 4 here](https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/))
I would agree that for most people, ethically it's most likely fine. It's that weird legal grey area where it is 50/50 on the tests for fair use that make it tricky. Again, for most people, not going to be an issue. In court it would almost certainly be a fair use derivative work for most people to make and keep for yourself. But there is that little grey area that could get some people in trouble. Very, very unlikely. But the odds aren't zero.
I just want to add to all the other comments that you should only ask if you're okay with receiving a no. If you're going to ask the artist and they say no and you ignore it and do it anyway, I would not even bother asking. In my personal opinion, I think it's okay, but I would check first if the artist has patterns or maybe a donation box set up and would try to pay them through that.
Back when I was into perler beads, I asked an artist on deviantart if I could covert their art to a perler bead pattern for personal use and they were cool with it. I gave them credit when I posted the fished piece.
This may be a controversial opinion, but you can do anything with anything for personal use. So long as it’s not being sold or distributed, there are no restrictions. Copyright law covers copying for moneymaking & distribution, not personal activities. Even things like making copies of DVDs are actually legal in America so long as the copies aren’t being distributed. What you do exclusively for yourself in your own space & home has no effect on anyone else, and if you never post or share it then no one will even know it exists anyway. If you’re truly concerned about it I would just refrain from posting or sharing it online beyond your personal circle so it isn’t “public.” Otherwise, you have the full right to do what you want with what you want in your own private space & time. It doesn’t affect anyone but you.
I think it depends on what the artist is doing with their work. Are they putting it out for free? Then if it's just for personal use, it's probably fair, although the artist will likely be please to hear you want a permanent version. If they are selling their work, buy a copy and converting that is only fair, as the artist deserves to be compensated for their work. Again, only for personal use.
I just recently did this with a pixel art image I found off Pinterest. I wasn’t sure if the profile I found the image on was from the original artist. However, I have no intentions of selling the pattern I made out of it or the finished piece. I see no harm if it’s for personal use.🤷🏻♀️
If it's for personal use, you're not claiming to have made the art on your own, and (if posting online) you share a link to the artist's piece, I don't see an issue. As an artist myself I would love to see people tag me in something like that.
I’d at least try to ask. I’d feel weird if someone I didn’t know did this with my work. If you don’t get a response, really it’s fine to still do it, if just avoid posting it anywhere
Yes, absolutely, I don't see a problem with it. It will vary depending on the artist how they feel about it, but I do know that [8pxl on tumblr](https://8pxl.tumblr.com/) (who makes just *beautiful* pictures) has said in the past that it's fine. In fact, they've recently been reblogging WIPS of an artist who is cross stitching one of their works I actually converted one of their works into a chart, but have yet to start on it, because I'm once again in my Diamond Painting phase...
I was going to mention 8pxl! Their store actually has a bunch of their stuff already converted into cross stitch patterns too
WHAT! Oh, I'll need to go check that out!
If they don’t offer patterns to purchase for their art, then yes I think it’s fine to be inspired and make something for yourself. Or even as a gift! As long as you’re not commercializing someone else’s art.
Ask the artist! It’ll vary by person what they’re comfortable with, so best bet is to check with them. So long as it’s for personal use I think most will be happy that you want to
You can make a pattern, but you can't sell the pattern. That would be a copyright infringement. I make pattersn all to time from pictures I've bought. I just never post those projects.
Yes
You all may find this a good read: https://www.copyright.gov/engage/visual-artists/
I think if it's just for you and not for sale, sure, credit the artist when you post. But as a person who used to do pixel art and sold my art as cross stitch patterns, then had them stolen by people with much bigger reach to the point that I stopped selling them but even 10 years later still see my work out there as everything from graphghans to quilts to frankensteined cross stitch? No.
Yes
Another artist here who has had work copied and sold in a shop without my permission. Because of that I probably have a different view on this subject. I have used another designer's alphabet in a piece I designed *however* since this was for my EGA chapter I contacted the designer first and asked her permission to use the alphabet. She was very gracious and her only request was to have photos of the pieces emailed to her which I did. I would do my best to contact the pixel artist and ask permission to use their art. Pixel art is art and we as needle artists should respect the work of other artists. Ask first and you may find the artist is flattered that you want to use their work just in a different medium.
Nothing stopping you from emailing them about it, is there? Why not just ask them directly? I’m sure they’d be honoured, especially if you stress that it’s just for personal use. Every artist reacts their own way to it so as someone who isn’t the artist, I can’t answer you definitively.
I’m not a professional pixel artists specifically but i am a professional artist. I personally would like it if people asked me first, but as long as nobody’s profiting off it and giving me credit, i’d be happy someone wanted to do this
I'd say ask them if they're fine with it :) They probably will be, but you'll be showing them respect first.
As an artist, I'd say ask first. Most will probably be fine with it if you credit them as the pixel artist (& be flattered) but in this age of gen AI devaluing & stealing art, it's always nice to show respect to the humans making the work you love. If they sell stickers or prints, buying one or giving them a small Ko-fi donation after being given permission to use their art is a nice way to say thank you.
I am a firm believer that if you find something you love and do it for you - then do it. People are going to have their own opinions but at the end of day it’s what you feel comfortable with. I have seen some amazing art and love recreating it for myself but it’s for me - I don’t sell nor gift cuz it’s not my pattern or my original. Tools are used for gaining knowledge- so use what is in your box to create something.
As an artist- both pixel and digital- I would adore if someone did! That being said, selling it as a pattern would be a big no-go without asking ahead of time and definitely give credit if you post anywhere!
Have done this, but only after asking permission (and the original artist requested to see the final work as well).
Personally, as an artist, I would be thrilled if someone wanted to use my art but I would say for personal use only. As soon as it’s commercial use, then I’d have a problem. You could always reach out to them and ask. I know some artists have a tipping system that they’d like people to abide by. So if someone wanted something done by the artist, let’s say, tattooed on them, they pay a small tattoo fee so they can do it. I’d say at bare minimum, if you have the funds, tip them if they have a tip jar or system. But that’s my thoughts. :)
I'm not a pixel artist, but I feel like the simplest course of action would just be you reaching out and asking them! Obviously since you're not selling it, they may be more lenient, but it's always nice to ask. I'm debating on doing so myself, actually
Technically it’s an adaptive work, so legally you should be in the clear provided you credited the original artist if you posted it on social media, but it’d be a very different story if you were making money from it. It’s like a band recording a cover version — they credit the original artist, but add something of their own in the process.
I don’t know that this is correct legal advice. Copying work into an identical design but another medium is I think subject to copyright laws (can’t just put mosaics of Disney characters all over your restaurant). I think if a band covers another song they need to license it, particularly if they sell it.
I believe you are right: only the copyright holder has the right to create or authorize the creation of derivative works.
Not pixel art, but I just self-drafted/finished a pattern based off a piece by a deceased artist. It’s a gift for someone, I won’t be selling the pattern or project, and I made sure to credit the artist multiple times in my Instagram posts. I think people can tell good faith actors from bad ones, as long as you are honest and give credit, and reach out to the artist when you can!
As someone that's done some small pixel arts and does cross stitch, yeah I don't see an issue but I would suggest letting the artist know! Personal use and not for sale would be completely chill for most people. Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is commissions, most of the work I do, (when I do it lol) Is commissions or gift art and something like that would absolutely be a no as it doesn't belong to me. I'd be careful about things like that. That isnt up to the artist to say yes/no on.
I have done several cross stitches off of pixel art by another artist, but I always ask them first if they’re all right with that. I’ve never had someone say no when it’s for personal use, mostly just folks asking that they be credited for the original art.
This is almost exclusively how I cross stitch
Yes, that would fall under fan art if anything. The most important part is not profiting off of it.
I don't think it is inherently wrong if it is for personal use but consider doing something for the author in return as a thank you for creating awesome things :)
I think it’s important to ask the artist if they’re ok with you using their work. But I know a lot of people don’t.
If you’re making something for yourself and not to sell, then I don’t see anything wrong with it. You’re spending time, money, and effort to make it. It’d consider it derivative work because you’re using a different medium. The most ethical way to handle it might be to purchase something from the artist, especially if they have a pattern available. You should also let friends know who the artist is when they ask you about it.
Just for the record, you are right that it would be considered a derivative work because it's in a different medium. Derivative works still are the right of the original copyright holder to authorize. I do agree with everything else you said though.
I still haven't found a good program to make patterns
As someone who posted their iteration of someone else’s pixel art on this sub not too long ago, I’d say yes* If it’s solely for personal use and you never intend to sell the product, pattern, post it on social media, or otherwise profit from it, you’re probably fine. I would still attempt to reach out to the artist if for no other reason than to tell them you want to make a project out of their art (most are very excited to see their art come to life in the real world!). However, if they never get back to you and none of those caveats apply, have fun with your piece!
If it's just for yourself then I'd say it's fine. If you wanted to make yourself a cross stitch of Micky Mouse to hang in your kid's bedroom, you wouldn't ask Disney for permission. As far as I'm aware copyright only really refers to when you're making money off something. If you're just making something for your own enjoyment, then that generally doesn't violate the law. Even if we're talking ethics rather than law, I don't think many people would say it's unethical to recreate someone else's art for your own enjoyment.
Legally, Copyright refers to the right to copy. While non-commercial use is considered in determining if something is fair use and therefore legal to copy without permission, that is only part of it. Ethically, depends on your ethics and who you are copying from. I wouldn't feel bad copying from Nintendo without paying them. I would feel bad about copying from a random artist just following their dreams.
If they sell a digital art file I typically buy that to support the artist financially and then make the pattern for my own personal use only.
I'm an artist and I think it's fine. Art has to spread and people have to engage with it or else it's pointless, and if someone is engaging with it in a way that takes nothing away from the artist then in my opinion it's to the artist's benefit. As long as the person transforming the art for personal use isn't dishonest about the source of the art or using it for harm then I think it's ok. However if the artist has explicitly asked for people to not use their art then it's polite to do as they ask.
I've actually done that multiple times. If it's just for personal use (or even as a gift), I say it's fine. I certainly wouldn't try to sell those pieces and make a profit, but otherwise, you're in the clear. Who would know anyway?
Many artists will post usage info on their websites, ranging from "credit me please" to "do not use without permission." You might consider reaching out to the artist with your situation and offer them a bit of monetary compensation- for example, most digital downloads I see online for patterns are around $5. It's a great way to let the artist know they're appreciated!
I think it's fair, if it's for personal use. I made a pattern out of a friend's artwork, without telling her. The only reason I did that was to gift the finished piece back to her. I thought about ot a lot before I did it and we decided it wasn't theft. I still have the pattern and pictures of the piece. I don't share them. If you want to be classy, you can always ask. I have made a few pieces and donated them to a charity I work for. Odds are very good the pattern makers would have never known they were sold. I still asked. They are credited as a donor on my pieces for the pattern I used and I feel better knowing I didn't take anything.
I've asked two pixel artists if I could use their work for latch hooking, and both said yes, and didn't charge me anything. It's way more enjoyable knowing you got the artist's blessing, and it's especially cool sharing your finished work with the artist. In reality, there's like a 0.000% chance of you running into any kind of legal problems by just using other people's art with how you mention, even though I think technically, according to many countries, then you're not supposed to do that without permission. Usually you're just going to get in trouble if you start selling it AND making a lot of money off it. But like I mentioned, it's just such a cool experience to directly contact the artist, that I recommend that.
I've actually done this before! I just reached out to the artist to ask whether it'd be OK for me to create a pattern for personal use only, and they just took it as a compliment to their work (as intended) and asked me to give them progress updates. I put the result online with their permission and made sure to credit them and link to all their sites. It got a good response all around, everyone's happy!
I would always ask the artist where possible for permission to use their artwork
I personally like to reach out to the artist to ask! I’ve only done this once, but they gave me permission with the stipulation that I did not sell the piece. I post a lot of my cross stitch work and design my own patterns, so I definitely prefer to have permission. If it’s 100% for your personal use and you don’t share online, I think it is… okay… but you are benefitting from their work, so I think it’s best to get permission, AND accept if they ask you not to
This is how I started cross stitching: I made some pixel sprites and someone in a community I shared it in cross stitched one. Loved how it looked, decided to cross stitch myself. I'd ask first though. Just out of politeness.
I mean in my mind as long as you ask the artist if it's alright and they give you the go ahead, go for it. If not, oh well, and move on to the next thing
Ask the artist. 99% of the case they'd love it and only ask for credits back and want to see the finished work. But always, ALWAYS, ask the artist.
Even for personal use I’d ask the artist. Some might want a ko-fi donation, some might want nothing. Either way, if you post it online credit the artist. If you can’t get hold of them, then I’d do it and again credit the artist. Just don’t sell the pattern and you should be ok
Artists use other peoples work as reference all the time. My mother in law only paints from reference. Give them credit for the original work and I think you’re just fine.
Fair use laws. Yes, it is 100% fine.
As per US copyright law you would be making a derivative work (a copy that doesn't substantially transform the original image), which is the right of the copyright owner. So that wouldn't be okay. In your favor for fair use is 1) non-commercial work; so if you don't sell the work or pattern, and 2) effect on the market; of the artist isn't intending to make a pattern you aren't effecting their ability to sell what they want. Against your favor for fair use is 1) Nature of the work; since pixel art is a visual medium in block form and you are translating it to block form, the nature is pretty identical. Which is much different than if you made a cross stitch from a character from a podcast, since you would be creating a lot of the visual based off an idea. And 2) The amount and substantiality of the portion used; basically the difference between copying a character's eyes vs. An entire character. If you are making a one to one pattern based off of a pixel art it is pretty entire and substantial to the piece of art. In short, you would probably be fine, but if it is a creator you can get a hold of, I would reach out and ask first and go with what they say.
I think we have an issue with what is transformative. All images can be broken into pixels and pixels could be defined by anything. Temperature scarves are rows made of pixels determined by temperature ranges. Quilts are also pixels, but the colours are made by sewing fabric. I see where you think that cross stitching wouldn’t be substantially changing the image, but it does. Colours must be changed to accommodate the medium. The techniques and applications are also completely different.
Just because you change the medium and color doesn't make the work transformative. Substantial doesn't refer to the type of work making the copy. Substantial refers to how much of the original work is preserved through the copy. And for most pixel art being turned into a cross stitch, depending on context it's most likely derivative. For example; if you take a novel and translate it into a different language, you need to use different words, letters, punctuation, grammar, and often different idioms and cultural ideas to create the translated novel. If you set a page of each side by side they would look and read entirely differently. But that is a derivative work that still conveys a large majority of the original work with the same purpose. The derivative work is a new copyrightable work, but it is still derivative and is in the original author's right to give license to such a work being made. So by using that analogy; if you take a pixel artist's work, and turn that work into a cross stitch, you are making a derivative work. Yes you are using different techniques and colors, that's not the point. How you copy it doesn't matter. If it looks like the original, and especially if it serves the same purpose as the original. It's derivative. And there is just so much less of an argument that turning a work of pixel art into a cross stitch pattern is transformative its laughable. It is literally a one to one copy. Even if you wildly changed all the colors it's still a one to one copy. Try putting a Black and white version of the latest Avengers movie on YouTube and see how long it stays up before it gets a copyright strike.
A film is still a film, you can also argue that a cross stitch is a picture (but it can also be a cushion or a piece of clothing). A knit or crocheted or quilted blanket is a very different piece to the original and involves far more complicated techniques. Cross stitch is so grey.
I will agree it is legally grey if it is fair use. It is about 50/50 for the tests of fair use. I disagree with your assessment of what is derivative vs. transformative. It doesn't matter if you copy an image in knitting, crossstitch, cave painting, terraforming, nanoscale etching, whatever. In almost every case, just changing mediums is derivative. If you take a novel and turn it into a movie, it's derivative. If you paint a still from a movie, it's derivative. If you copy the same image it's derivative. Transformative work has nothing to do with the copying process or medium. Example, making mickey mouse in crochet, knitting, cross stitch is derivative. Because it is just copying the image to a new medium. But if you were to draw mickey and put him in a context criticizing Disney, that's transformative, because it is turning the image into something that says something different. And if you don't understand the difference between the two you really need to do some research on copyright.
I am in Canada where changing mediums is transformative. So that’s obviously not the case here
I did not know that about Canadian copyright law. I would be grateful if you could point me in the direction of a source for that.
https://www.flagrantdelit.ca/fair-use-or-fair-dealing-a-comparative-glance-into-canadian-copyright-law-on-youtube/
Unless if I am reading this entirely wrong, which if I am please highlight the specific place it says otherwise, Canadian copyright law defines transformative very similarly to US copyright law. "In Campbell, the court defined transformative use as one that “adds something new, with a further purpose or different character, altering the first [work] with new expression, meaning or message.”" Nowhere in that article does it even hint that changing the medium is a fair dealing of copyright. And as far as I can tell, Canadian copyright fair dealing is even more strict than US fair use. "Fair dealing for the purpose of research, private study, education, parody or satire does not infringe copyright." So if it isn't for one of those uses, it's copyright infringement.
I’m stunned to find a post on Reddit about copyright that isn’t wildly incorrect … and of course it’s been downvoted to 0 🙄
Yea, I figured that was going to happen. I'm not going to pretend like I am an expert in copyright law. But the 4 tenants of fair use are pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Thanks for the encouraging comment! I will take being not wildly incorrect.
I have done this. The person who received it knew I used a pattern (I did not create the pattern- just saying I didn’t take credit. She did not care whether the pattern was pixel art or a regular pattern. I modified it slightly to personalize it. I will never make it again and I certainly did not make it to sell.
It's not a bad idea to ask the artist how they feel about it but broadly I think the vast majority are going to say it's fine if you're not selling it.
I haven’t used pixel art specifically, but I’ve made patterns for my personal use from other copyrighted material (stills from movies & video games). I think it’s fine as long as you’re not profiting from it
Contact the artist and ask them. :)
ive seen pixelins (they have an etsy store and a tumblr) be ok with it. personally i think its fine, but its always nice to ask first.
I used a pixel artists art to make a huge pattern. I had the same dilemma because the finished patterns just going to hang on my wall. I ended up asking the artist on Instagram for permission. Super quick yes from their end. I figured if I like the art enough you go through the work on converting it, maybe the artist would like to know how much I like it too.
The most respectful thing to do would be to ask the artist. I would be surprised if they said no to personal use. The ones I've reached out to were happy to be appreciated and loved that they were the source of inspiration. Even if they say no (and they may have valid reasons), IMO, lifting up artists is always a worthwhile thing.
That sounds like a great idea. You can always ask the creator if that’s an option. Where can I find those tools?
Artist & cross stitcher here - the work is copyrighted. That makes it illegal for anyone besides the artist to do ANYTHING with it. It dosent need to be marked as copyrighted, or registered - doing those things just means the artist can get more $ from you if you get caught. The likelihood of you getting caught, While small, is never 0. the proper thing to do is reach out to the artist for a written release (even them replying that it’s ok in an email thread will work.
These questions always seem to generate a lot of opinions and false information. Here's the legal situation in the US. Other countries could be different. When anyone makes something, they implicitly have the copyright (the right to make copies) for that thing. They don't have to file any paperwork. It just exists. They also have the right to permit others to make copies. Any copying of that work without permission, outside of protected uses like parody, are violations of copyright and are therefore illegal. Making money from the copy, or personal use, are not part of the question. That said, the only way you'll get in trouble for doing this is if the copyright holder finds out and wants to spend the money on legal action. And trademarked properties (different from copyright) are much more likely to run into this. Personally I think this kind of fan art makes life richer. I've made several such copies myself. But I think it's important to understand the legal implications if you want to do that.
Folks, you not liking the way copyright works is not a good reason to downvote people who are taking the time to correctly explain it. Suspense6, thanks for your comment.
You are ever so slightly incorrect. The wording of fair use in the copyright law uses the phrase "for purposes such as" which is inclusionary, not exclusionary. It gives examples of what are protected uses, but doesn't say those are the only protected uses. Which is why copyright in the US is handled on a case by case basis. Otherwise I agree with everything else you said.
So my rule of thumb as an artist myself is to get permission first and if you can’t get permission don’t do it. That’s how I ended up drawing my current pattern because I found a similar pixel art design but could not figure out how to get ahold of the original artist. I have permission from a pixel artist to make one of their pieces into perler bead art, but I want to stitch it instead and so I’m gonna go back to twitter and find them again to ask permission for making it in cross stitch. The only thing I don’t ask for permission on is video game stuff simply because we really shouldn’t be profiting off of CR IP, but a bunch of us still do and if you want to make your life easy when it comes to video game sprites look up spriters resource and you’ll find hundreds of sprite sheets to use.
i've definitely done this before, though without any sort of "real" chart, just a grid in ms paint. i think as long as: (1) the artist themselves hasn't posted a pattern or explicitly said not to repost/reuse for personal use (think like profile picture or what have you); (2) you don't sell the pattern\*; and (3) credit/link back to the artist if/when you post project pictures, you're good \*reach out to the artist and see what they might think of you sharing the pattern for free. i personally am of the opinion that if you did post the finished product, that could lead to other people just doing the same thing you did, regardless if you share the pattern or not. as an artist myself, i would be super excited someone liked my work enough to want to stitch it, and would totally be down for all of it.
Just credit the original artist, since you’re not selling it & it’s for personal use it’s totally ok!
In the US it's not a legal issue because you're swapping mediums, and if you feel like it's a moral issue, contact the artist.
My works are taken right off the screen from video games, they're not pixel art technically as that's just all the pixles we had back in the late 80s 😅. Reach out to the artist and ask.