Which practice helps avoid copyright issues when creating art?

Obtaining permission to use others' images is a crucial practice for avoiding copyright issues in art. When an artist uses an image that they did not create, they are at risk of infringing on the copyright of the original creator. Securing permission ensures that the artist has the legal right to incorporate that work into their own, whether through licensing, agreements, or formal permissions. This practice recognizes the rights of the original creator and respects their intellectual property, while also allowing the artist to build upon existing works without legal repercussions.

Using famous works as references can lead to complications, as many famous pieces are still under copyright protection depending on their age and the ownership of rights. Relying solely on friends' photographs may provide some safety, but it does not guarantee that those images are free of copyright issues unless all of the friends' rights have been confirmed. Creating art based solely on historical artifacts may limit the scope and originality of the work and may not necessarily address copyright concerns, especially if modern interpretations of those artifacts are influenced by protected works. Therefore, obtaining permission remains the most straightforward and legally sound method to avoid copyright issues in the creation of art.