Short answer: Using references can absolutely help — but there’s a line between inspiration and imitation:
| Tracing | ❌ Not Allowed* | Directly copying an image |
| Heavy Referencing | ❌ Not Allowed* | Too close to the original |
| Referencing | ✅ Encouraged | Using images to inspire original work |
*Unless explicitly made for such uses (ie. illustration / YCH bases, other templates)
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s okay and what’s not okay when it comes to references on VGen.
Tracing (❌ Not Allowed)
What it is:
Tracing means directly copying over an existing image — line-for-line, shape-for-shape — to create new work. This includes using digital tools to overlay or replicate someone else’s artwork, photos, or screenshots.
Why it’s not allowed:
Tracing someone else's work without permission is a form of copyright infringement. It undermines the value of original art and isn’t fair to the original creator or the client.
Heavy Referencing (❌ Not Allowed)
What it is:
Heavy referencing involves copying multiple significant visual elements — like character poses, outfit designs, or entire compositions — without adding meaningful originality. Even if it’s not traced, it’s still too close to the source.
Why it’s not allowed:
Heavy referencing crosses the line into derivative work. If the final result looks too much like the original source, it can still violate copyright and goes against VGen’s standards for original works — even if the client was the one who asked for "an exact version of [someone else's work]."
Referencing (✅ Encouraged)
What it is:
Referencing means using images for inspiration — to study anatomy, lighting, style, or poses — and then interpreting those elements in your own unique way. References help artists learn, ideate, and create something original.
Examples of good referencing:
- Looking at multiple photos to understand how a hand holds an object.
- Studying an outfit’s silhouette and then designing your own version.
- Browsing character poses and combining ideas into a new scene.
Why it’s welcome:
Referencing is a great way to grow as an artist and having references from your clients will help you deliver original works that match what they're looking for! There's nothing wrong with using references at all~
Is it ever ok to Trace or Heavy Reference?
✅ Private studies
Tracing and Heavy Referencing artists you look up to may be useful study tools to help improve your own skills. HOWEVER, these studies should never be published publicly (even with credit) unless you have the explicit permission of the original artist first.
Tracing and Heavy Referencing should NEVER be included in commercial products like commissions — even if the client was the one who requested "something exactly like this."
✅ Allowed illustration bases
Some artists create illustration bases and YCH (Your Character Here) bases for the explicit purpose of allowing tracing, reusing, and adding to their template. For such uses, be sure to credit the base / template's artist and always ensure that you follow their ToS.