Hello all,

Been looking at all the various cards that have been created and thinking "wow", wish I could do something like that. So I am going to try. I have photoshop and the instructions for card creation at TI.

The only thing I am not sure about is where you get the pictures for the cards. Can anyone tell me where or which sites you have got the images from ?

Also, cards that have been created and put in posts on this forum, how do I get those into photoshop and at the correct size for printing.

In eager anticipation

Martin

I use 3 sources:

1. Google a phrase that fits the picture you're shooting for.

2. http://www.deviantart.com/

3. http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database/art/gallery.pl?genre=2

I'd kill for a database of Magic the Gathering card scans that are big enough for borrowing the pictures.

Bludgeon said:

I thought you were diong the artwork yourself and that you had a large back catalogue.

Make sure you have permission to use any images you pick up.

Bantha is correct... if you're just going to use the cards in your own group, then ... well... whatever. If you're going to post and distribute them (even for free), do not resort to theft. There's plenty of stock art and photos that are either royalty free or are free for non-commercial use. Most especially avoid doing what we've seen too much of... stealing the work of actually fantasy artists from the internet, videos, etc... and especially other fantasy games. It's so obvious when anyone does it.

Be very carefull of what you do with the artwork. I'm one of the artists that worked on the Dungeon Expansion so I know what I'm talking about. If you ever do something with copyrighted artwork I strongly advice against distributing it even at no cost. Game companies are very jealous with their artworks so make sure you're doing stuff the legal way.

If you want to paint like that is all about practice. Keep painting non stop like there's no tomorrow. Get your art exposed and critiziced. If you keep practicing and paying attention to critics you'll eventally get there guaranteed.

Take care

-H

I look forward to seeing your portfolio get updated with some cool Dungeon imagery!

What is the position on using artwork for which FFG are the copyright holders ?

Assume all artwork and graphics of any kind are the copyright property of either FFG, the original artist or designer... or both. Don't even think otherwise.

JCHendee said:

The question of who is the copyright holder was not the issue. I know FFG hold the copyright on an image.

My point was, as FFG hold the copyright and the usage would be for the non-profit enhancement of a FFG resource (Talisman)

then would they object to it's usage?

I had not considered joint copyright, I was not sure that it was possible. You live and learn.

TBH I would suspect that it is still dodgy ground.

Non-profit does not get around the rights issue... not ever. FFG, through Jon New, has made available card templates for public use. Unless they do likewise with other material - illustrations, packaging graphics, icons, or anything else - assume it is not for permitted use of any kind... unless they say so directly or through an authorized intermediary.

And if there's something specific beyond those card templates you still wish to consider using, you should ask them directly and get an official answer before proceeding... at least with anything that will be distributed, freely or otherwise.

As an author who cherishes the work of my cover artists and the designers in the marketing departments of my varied publishers, I'm a rabid dog in supporting protection of their rights. I know how hard it is for artists and designers to make a living at what they do. Even if you intend no foul, what you put out for free without permission can lead to others assuming they can do the same without asking.... taking it directly or from what you created. Second and third hand theft of graphic works is rampant.

I thought so, just a small hope that I would not have to draw something myself.

Ah well, I could just leave the image blank for someone to fill in for themselves.

I just do not have the time to do any drawing and it has been many many years anyway.

There is one other option... though it is still questionable. I have gone to 3d Model sites for such packages as Poser, Bryce, Vue, etc. and used advertising images from there, did masking in Photoshop, and constructed collage and layered images for some cards. In general, these images are not actual artworks but usually just default renders. As said, still questionable, but another way to go to avoid taking artworks that are directly profitable to artists. Such images are not sold for creator profit and by themselves aren't truly artistic creations. So as long as you aren't trying to sell them, there's usually no conflict. But it does still take some effort and time in graphics manipulation... and don't confuse "gallery" images (created works) with ad images.

Some of my other images are stock photos, artworks, and renders from various free and low fee sites. So of these I then rework through filter, plugin and layer maniplution to the same effect. Again, time and effort, plus more time searching for the right image or pieces of an image to construct the finished work.