With so many artists that don't wish for others to use their art, it would be wonderful to know which ones actually do approve, or like, others to use their work as long as they are given proper, full credit for their usage? I just saw this [link] and started wondering because I have seen the little icon that says not to use... don't think I've seen the 'you are allowed' one around at all. As a scrapping creator and photographer that is also part of the PSP/tagging community, it would be nice to know which artists don't have a problem with usage of their work, provided that proper credit is given. I know that some seem to see taggers as the bane of all evil - that taggers are nothing more than thieves who want to rip apart their art, steal it, make it their own (etc etc) - however many more taggers are becoming more copyright aware (than they were, say, a few years back) and are willing to put the copyright information when it is available to them. Taggers don't get paid for what they make, and many taggers feel that using the artwork (with proper credit given) is a form of flattery to the artist that created the work. I wish more artists understood that. To be honest, I never even HEARD of Keith Garvey or Scott Blair or even DeviantArt until I started making sig tags, so all these artists who are now selling their tubes and pulling permissions and such should think about exactly how and why they got the popularity to begin with. I remember when they all were "free to use" and "needs permission" - before the licensing companies even existed. As a tagger and designer and photographer, I understand both sides, and I have no problem with allowing taggers to use my work in their tags and stationery - I am honored they like my work enough to want to make something with it. I realize that my 'work' is no where in the universe of Ansel Adams or even some of the artists here who have created things that I just look at in awe. I can't draw worth a damn. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler -- never could. It's so easy for some of you to say "if you like it, go make it yourself". Some of us just *aren't* that gifted, and we never will be. Being able to use your work - with permission and with giving proper credit to the artist - is about the closest it will get for some of us to be able to create something "that good". For whatever reason, or through whatever desire or drive, you create. And then, on sites like DA, you share it. Yet some pick and choose who they will and won't share and it just makes me wonder - doesn't that sort of defeat the whole purpose of why you are sharing it? If you are trying to get your name and your work out there to others (especially potential customers and companies who might want to buy your art, or commission you), then isn't limiting how it gets out there, sort of defeating why you are showing it off? It confuses me.

For many taggers, it's not about a desire to maliciously go after an artist or steal their work or try to claim something that isn't ours. For many taggers it truly is about nothing more than admiring a wonderful talent and a giving a form of flattery, and a way to show it to others - and in turn, give the artist some free publicity. And who doesn't want some free publicity when you are trying to get your name and your creations/artwork known, eh?

I just wish some could understand that.