Can I use a personal drawing of a celebrity as an example to do portraits for people online?
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Can I use a personal drawing of a celebrity as an example to do portraits for people online?
I have many celebrity drawings that I
did a few years ago and only a few of
people I personally know. The
celebrities photos were taken from
Google and I drew them to the likeness
for practice. I was wondering if I
would reach a legal hurdle if I used 2
or 3 of them as examples to showcase
the details I can portray. I am not
trying to sell the celeb drawings, just
need to show an example but do not want
to have a copyright infringement of any
kind occur. Thank you for any advice
you may have for me.
Asked on April 27, 2017 under Business Law, Ohio
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You should obtain the written consent of the celebrity before using a portrait because the appropriation of one's name or likeness for commercial purposes constitutes invasion of privacy. Consent from the celebrity or celebrities should be in writing so that there won't be any future claim that consent wasn't given.
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