Night-Veil

Not long ago a close friend of mine and a very talented artist had one of her images traced. Someone ignored her comments and watermark and traced the image, linking it directly back to her dA. I browsed this person's gallery and they traced various other artist's work. All of which are on dA and many of which did not permit the use. When I brought it up politely that this was not a good thing, the artist just blocked me from their page.

This journal is sort of a PSA, I guess. I'm not against traced bases (clearly) but I don't encourage people to go on a tracing spree and trace everyone's work. Making a traced base is often times helpful (it's taught me a lot over the years) but be aware of what you're tracing before you start. If you're not aware then you may end up with a lot of fire on your hands when someone discovers what you did. Flame wars can start as artists can sometimes advertise you as a tracer (and label you a thief because of it) and allow their "following" to white knight you. This is a very unpleasant feeling.

Now, I make traced bases. I also don't mind them, but what I do mind about them is that people think everything is free game and get pissy when they're caught. There are ways to avoid a bad result though.

If you insist on making traced bases:
Can you find the artist to source the work? If you can then are they against their work being used? If so, don't use the image. Otherwise ask the artist for their permission first. Respecting others is common courtesy, yes, but it also helps your image and makes you more respectable.
Trace your own work or, if you can and have the permission to, collaborate with a friend. This helps you avoid trouble with other artists.
If you want to trace something, trace an official media image or a screenshot. You won't have to deal with anyone finding you out.
Remember that linking back and giving credit for the original image isn't always enough (in fact, it rarely is). So I stress you to ask someone before tracing their work.
Also, remember that making traced bases isn't a key to "instant dA popularity". I've seen non-doll artists do this just to get views and... in doing that you're kind of sending a (bad) mixed signal.

If you are caught using work you weren't authorized to use: Remain calm and stay polite. Be compliant as possible and don't feed into any negative conversations. Don't go bashing people even if they are nasty to you. Also remember that, when you make a base without permission, there's a high chance it'll have been used before you're caught. Keep in mind that this can make artists upset too. This is why it's very important to ask or use an official media image.

I know not everyone's good at anatomy but I do encourage trace base makers out there to try making an original base. Some of you are actually very talented and don't realize it!

TL;DR: Be aware of what you're getting into when you trace another artist's work. It may come back to bite you in the ass.

Since I'm coming back from the grave, I'm going to tell you a bit about me and what this account is intended for.

My main account is Metroid-Tamer and I doll as a hobby. I've been around for many years and seen the great traced bases VS Original bases war and the, "Bad Dolling" period where many people did horrible "dolls" thinking it was pixel art. The latter drove me insane back in the day, but now I could care less. I never had an issue really with traced bases and I use them myself. I make traced bases and will post them here, but I'm not going to make a base out of everything. I'm inclined to use official media images (like game screenshots for instance) because I don't have to worry about people finding a base I made and bitching at me over it.

I use these bases as a means of practice. Skin color, shading, and dither practice to be precise. Maybe I'll even try making edits. I suck at drawing, personally, which is why I don't draw my own bases. I have a horrible sense of anatomy. I'm a person who can see anatomy flaws in other people's arts but one who can't draw worth crap. Frustrating situation. I've tried drawing all my life but I've only ever done well and made vast improvements in dolling.

In any case, this account will be both traced and original as far as bases go. Original bases will be scarce, understandably, so expect more traced bases than original. In any case, I am open to requests, but just be aware I'm picky about it. Don't be surprised if I never respond.

Again, my main account is Metroid-Tamer. You can learn more about me there where I'm most active.

Best Regards,
Fera