And please don't leave angry comments on works that got a lot of likes, just because you think the artist traced. Don't insult the people who liked it either. It only makes you look jealous, and it's bad form.

Seriously. I trace, but only sketches that I first do by hand.

Nice gallery!

Well done.

Awesome detail!

The only tracers that i dislike are those who steal other artist's work. I don't care if people trace their own art.
...Oh and prepare yourself for the incoming flamewar that's going to happen in the comment section here... *eats popcorn*

Oh and nice 3d! c:

Awesome 3d! x3

Love the 3D. The irony. This is traced. [not being negative! I just thought it was funny] I really understand and agree with your opinion. c:

Yeah, I felt that using the tracing feature was appropriate for this one.
The best example for what I'm talking abou can be found in the comments of SheShe's Water Pokeball. Most of you have seen it on the top ranked. Look at the comments, especially by the bottom, and you'll see so many angry an mean comments, just because it was traced and has 5,500 plus likes. That sort of behavior should be discouraged.

I usually trace, just to make the pictures 3D. Plus I don't claim it's MY artwork. :P

I don't like people who trace and claim it as their own work. Stealing other people's art is a no-no, especially when someone spends so much time in a drawing only to have it stolen. Tracing their own work is fine because I know it's a little tricky to draw on a little screen (those who have the first 3DS).

I had a joke on colors stolen. Worse was that it was not done nearly as neat a my version.

I just free hand draw. But is THIS pic traced?? :o lolol

thank you.

Tracer and proud of it! I do like to keep a balance of original and traced stuff though, check out my gallery =)

I traced a Super Red Bird Plush to draw my version of Super Red Bird.

If it was traced, it should be credited. I absolutely hate it if i see a neat picture on colors, but then after clicking it notice it is traced and not even nicely colored.
I never trace when drawing pictures where i put effort in. It just doesn´t seem legitime for me.
If one can´t draw something perfectly, he should draw and not trace it.

And with tracing i mean tracing someone others work or a photo.

Not your own work. (to avoid flaming by people who´ve seen traced pics in my gallery)

I trace most of my pictures, but I always give credit to the original artist, but also try and add something to it. For example, my Tribal Jolteon I added colour to.

there's a difference between tracing and stealing lol.

For my art on Colors I tend to do it on paper then trace it onto colors because I'm not very good at drawing on the smaller screen.

However, I think tracing can be an excellent way to learn how to draw freehand. In fact, for several months I traced and freehand recreated art in order to learn. Ultimately, I have no personal distaste for tracers, although I will admit that I find original works more appealing. In the end, though, it is only the result that matters...right?

tracing helps . specially to note the right place for things. and helps less gifted artists (like me) to share something quite cool or artistic...

tracing is what makes art i am working on a pic fight now and if i tried to do it on my 3ds screen (i have the original) it would look like crap and in fact i like most traced pictures. it is no less a lack of creativity as any other pic

Ah thank god one artist had to say it. I commend you Tim Eccles. And THIS BTW IS COLORS STANCE ON THE WHOLE TRACING ISSUE!!! http://nokari.deviantart.com/journal/Tracing-IS-legal-Sort-of-214186997

Hah, I made those comments on the Pokeball months ago. I regret it now, it's just that I never really remember to go and delete them. I know I should, but it escapes my mind extrordinarily easily on account that it really just doesn't seem like a huge thing (and I am easily distracted).

Perfect 3d! Well done

Its right to trace scenery from photography work or from their own drawings, but if they trace over a drawing that has all ready been done by another artist and claim it as their own, again, it is not right. Tracing the same work over that has all ready been made/exist should be recognized and credited to the original artist but learn to be creative by your own photos or scenes you find in the park, make with friends, or with that special someone to trace those memories over with! But if it was a drawing all ready made and you know well it exists, always credit the original artist for the hard work they put into it. Create inspiration from your own and not to take from others, always ask -- do not be afraid artists!

How is tracing helping to learn how to draw? One should learn how to look at things and copy them, not to take a picture, put a paper on it and trace the lines.

One should learn how to look at things and copy them
^That's exactly what tracing is. *facepalm

You made a good there, Tim.

You got a really good 3D effect there, keep it up.

For those that haven't studied real art, I would like to say that you are taught to trace and copy artists that you like the style of in order to learn how to make art in a similar style. It's only after you learn how to do this that you are left to find your own style and develop it. Don't be disrespectful to someone just because they traced or copied someone elses art, they're ony trying to learn who to make art as great as those they've traced or copied from. They're learning techniques they otherwise wouldn't discover any other way. Just remember if you copy or trace anyone else's work to credit the original artist. Just so you know, I stopped tracing other people's work years ago, but if i like the look of a specific drawing, I might attempt to copy the artists image or style to learn new techniques and develop my own style further. Drawing on a small screan is difficult but practice and guide lines make it easier. Good luck to all the budding artists out there. Develop your style anyway that helps you better you art.

lol fun idea. tracers are still wasting everybodys time tho, incl. their own. They are to be frowned upon.

It's sad that you think tracing should be frowned upon. I have used it plenty of times, and I find it to be a time saver with my complicated paintings. So many people here have already explained the different reasons and ways that they use it, and it's all respectable. I know there are still those who rely too much on tracing, but trying to shame them won't change their minds about it.

You said that, but, before Colors!3d doesn't exist and trace a LANDSCAPE without picture on Colors! paintings is more awesome. You're painting is traced with a picture of the internet and over there is a residual image that tries to reproduce on his machine, it is not fixed, it can be animals or something that can be done to change its design, and that is unique! Those on Colors! random users most copy an image to do exactly the same. What is the utility of making an image that already exists on the net? -_- Nonsense, useless and in Colors!3D unfair. Great artists in the world never trace anything, they create new things. That's why professional artists are ... (Give me the name of a famous tracer for fun... :D)

^Learn how to type in english correctly son, or else no one will take you seriosuly. 2. Did you just say that the best artists don't trace? Well that is true. You know why? Because they traced themselves IN ORDER TO LEARN how forms are done. How a complex object like a car or a person can be broken down in S-I-M-P-L-E SHAPES. You learn that by observing others sketching, watching tutorials and especially tracing, Especially tracing in order to get the hang of it. If you don't know what I'm talking about, take some art class.

Mat972- I do appreciate your comment, but your english is hard to understand. I disagree about your thought about why bother copying something that is already on the net. I can think of two good reasons. The most obvious is to give it the 3D treatment that you can't find anywhere else. The other is simply to share with others, which is little different from sharing a picture on facebook which can already be seen elsewhere. Those are my two major reasons for several of my paintings.

The 3D on this is impeccable.

So true thanks for sharing. I do most of my paintings free hand, but I don't care if people trace its still pretty hard to get the shading right.

im way better at drawing on paper, so i only trace my own drawings

tracing is not bad, but it's not art.

Sorry for my bad english :/ I'm french. Well, trace can help but for myself. I will never post trace drawings. When you trace, you have any credit. It's not original, it's not you who create this. That's why it's useless. Remember in school the tracing paper... Sorry again for my bad english *_*

ik! if drypaint read this, he would atleast think this through a teeny bit! even though i dont trace, he says i trace. actuely i checked most of his comments, only 7 of them dont include tracing and they were for one person! eh i totally think i'll like. :D

Painting a bowl of fruit on a table freehand allows some creativity which makes the painting your own. Tracing a picture of a bowl of fruit restricts any creative input you might have had. You might as well just Xerox something and say 'Look what I made.' Epic 3d btw.

I totally agree with catdq.I learned to draw better here & on actual paper with actual supplies because of tracing.Even famous artists today started out by tracing!Don't be hatin on the tracers!It's still art,so why complain?

hmmm tracing is okay but its wayyyyyy better to practice free hand because you get better feel of it not to mention drawing upside down helps alot!

It really only bothers me when people take credit for original art other people made. What upcoming artists need to do is reference instead outright tracing art. That way the mind is being trained to draw things on its own. Then, that person can create original, creative art. Sure, people can make a well-made trace...all the work has been done for you but the true challenge comes with making your own art. Tracing isn't totally bad but if someone is aiming to make art a profession, it's best drawing things on his or her own with guides and references.

u make it sound like tracing makes ua better artist.....

sounds like catdq knows what he'stolking about but ninty precent(i'm just gessing) of the artist on this don't trace to learn new tecniques

Seriously, the community here is hopeless. I can't wait for the update so that it will forever divide the fanbase.

nice detail.

It's so many loooonng comments here.

Thumbs up!

Also,I might add,Art classes can be very affordable.Even if your school doesn't have art class (like mine),you could just take independent art classes.

quite frankly,drawing on a 3ds screen is quite difficult.I prefer to use actual paper with actual supplies.Some of my pictures were done on paper so I just traced them on here & added color (since mine are pencil sketches).

Oshorock,how is tracing not art?It's art but not original art.It can be original if the person is tracing his or her own art on here.

learn something new everyday :]

i think tracing IS art as long as its ur own art

I like how 90% of the commentators here have no idea what art is. -_-'

I have nothing against tracing a photo or a cartoon, as long as yoy make it your own in some way. For example, converting it to 3D, or using one element from a pic to create an original around it.

love ur message. i trace the outline of some of my painting then add my own designs, colors, textures, etc. and try 2 add some 3d effects to it

Yes, tracing can be used to create true art, but on Colors, there are people who try to claim that it's their original work, and get high ranks, which is unfair. I try to pick out the pieces that took alot of work, and weren't completely traced, they DO end up looking great. I don't prefer unoriginal art, though. But, I've had my art traced, and no one noticed it was mine until I pointed it out. So, you should be able to tell the difference. Btw, is this what the camera channel parot was talking about? xDD

If you think tracing gets harsh comments, wait till you see the nudes.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with tracing, as long as you aren't trying to claim all the credit for yourself. From middle school to college, I have been in an art academy and the beginning of everything we learned started with tracing...

We've got a badass over here

u and ur annoying looooong meseeges u even ran out of room

I feel that, tracing in order to learn is wonderful. I don't care much for people tracing anything and then passing it off as their own. Tracing is a learning tool and valuable as such. I also don't care much for anyone free hand copying something already in existence and passing it off as their own original work. Keep the tracing and copying for one's own collection and let the world view original (as much as anything can be original). Lots of interesting takes on this subject. A tree can never be truly original if one is trying to do a tree as it is in real life, but it is how all the components of the piece, the lighting, the other elements, the colours, and the brush strokes used that make it one's own. One can do a Pokemon, but make it slightly different, make it unique or set it in a fresh new setting. Traced or copied in the end should be credited to the original owner.

^Finally, another one gets it. XD

excuse me...i must *****...

Who cares whatz traced, and wot isn't... if it looks good in colors, i'll press 'like'... at the end of the day, thats the goal... well done to the talented!, the time savers!.. and me?... well, i'll just keep my chin up... ha ha

Hmm well here's my opinion, some people who arnt great drawers can still be good painters, I used to use a grid a lot to get proportions right when I worked in pastels, it' worked and I did some great art using it, but in all honesty I think it held me back artistically, I personally have never traced, and stopped using a grid after joining colors, in my opinion painting digitally is a great tool for learning by trial and error, if you mess up back track and try again, you will learn a great deal more from your mistakes than getting it right first time by tracing, ( or using a grid), I can see a lot of talent in your work Tim, and you produce some beautiful art, all I'm saying is in my opinion you will improve faster by practicing free hand :)*

If your going to use some one else's art do it in your own style or give credit. I have two traced pics but you have to say that its traced

I agree, there is nothing wrong with tracing

Tracing is a crutch. I dont concider it art but I don't bash on those who do it. Not everyone has the tallent for art. And those who do have said tallent and still trace are just wasting their skills.

Pfff, this doesn't mean it's okay to trace every picture! I agree, it's bad when people overuse it and don't give credit, but to REALLY draw good, it's best to draw on your own and graduallt get better, than just tracing. But, oh well. If people want to get bored, trace, and get critisized for it, let them trace!

Tracing is okay if you are 8-12 and you want to learn how to draw something , but not if you are 16 and trace other masterpieces for your own profit.

i made one back i seventh grade for extra credit in history this was actually considered a camera now its up on top of my bookshelf works ok its smaller than the one in the picture i actually used this pic to help me it was on google it cost about fifty dollars to make there is also tutorials on how to make smaller pinhole cameras

A great artist will produce great work whether they trace or not. A poor artist will produce poor work whether they trace or not.
I think honesty about how you created your work is important, and that's what upsets me about some traced work. And if more people were honest about it, maybe there'd be less resentment towards serial tracers.
Ultimately, if tracing is the /only/ technique used to create a picture, how will you add your own style to it? And style is what I want to see in a picture. I'd rather see something with the artist's personality in it than a carbon copy.
But that is certainly not to say that tracing is bad. It has a function, especially when you're learning how to do something, and further on too.

Original moving cartoons, example; the first Mickey Mouse clip, the one on the steam boat... cartoons like that were made by artists tracing over the last picture and sketching a new bit in. Tracing is wrong when you don't give credit but if you trace multiple pictures as reference for your own because you can see the picture in your mind but you need to map it out, then that's using it as a tool. I only tracing I do is of my friends Anime and I only do it colour them in. He draws and I ink and we both sign it at the end.

Tracing is fine if you don't claim all the credit. I trace a lot, but I never claim it as my own picture. I just draw cool pictures for fun.

getting a comment from someone telling me i traced link.i dont have a legendary stylus called master stylus the pen of tracings bane i dont have the triforce of art.

dosnt matter if it goes back far or not tracing means you have skill and you suck..and should proly stop drawing lol

Tracing is used by animators to make the next frame easier to draw. That's far as tracing should go. Any real artist would never consider tracing a legitimate form of art.

I get what you mean. I started off tracing and improved (although I'm still not great XD), but I'll never upload a traced work without proper credit.

Im 12 and i don't trace at all i actually draw from scratch

I don't trace thats end of it plus i animate

Ugh i just traced oh well i wanted to try somthing new

i trace because i cant draw at all i mean i couldnt draw a stick! but its just for the fun of it!

I think the deeper issue lies in the need for validation/approval/appreciation (and for other people to hit the like button on an art app networked through a gaming console) and the envy that arises when others succeed, whether by legitimate or semi-illegitimate means. It all boils down to not receiving enough "Good job, kid"'s from parental figures during childhood. And that is your pop psychology lesson for the week.

I agree with Hyrulian Dude. The DS is harder to draw on, so I also draw on paper and then trace the result here.

Art is not always easy; so tracing helps improve your skill. And I agree about giving original credit, but nothing to acuse and critisise about just be nice.

Normally, I start of from scratch but when I have a really good photo I like to trace it.
P.S. This art is so good that it looks like you traced it!

Tracing is fine as long as you're not claiming it as your own. I learned to draw by tracing and now I don't have to.

I first heard about these things in a Chuck Palahniuk novel. Once you know it exists, you can't unsee the works from the renaissance. Tracing to make something is all well and good, so long as credit is due.

Would if someone drew it out on paper and took a picture of it, then used the photo to trace and color it onto colors? like how some digital artist do on photoshop or sai

traceing is bad it dont help no one get better at nuthin never..nuh uh no sir:/

I think it's fine as long as you made it. Like I'm gonna trace stuff, but they are drawings I made on my sketchbook, yes it's tracing but I made that art. What does get me angry are people who accuse others of tracing when they didn't. That just makes me mad.

tracing ur own work 100 percent fine tracing others and making slightly original fine but i dont like when they trace entirely someone elses art no permission and no credit.

tracing is too easy thats why peopler hate it.

Irony.

You still need an element of skill to trace, I've seen some images that were traced and turned out appalling. I don't see an issue with tracing. I did it to start with on here while learning how to use the program, then I progressed to using a reference image which I copied (not traced). I do think its wrong that you can download a copy of others work though!

WOW ITS VERY NICE

My opinion is that although freehand drawing is at a higher level and requires a lot of skill, tracing can be used in good ways as well. For example, an artist may draw on paper, then photograph their work and trace over it. Sometimes traced photos, although not the artist's work, can be used to share things that they want the rest of the world to see. So think before you call someone out for being "unoriginal" or a "cheater", because sometimes they just want to share or represent an idea, but they don't have the skills to create the image they want.

Tracing only applies to strictly lines. You can't trace shading, there's still a skill requirement. Using reference to align proportions is only a time saver and is used by tge greatest of artists for centuries, whether it be importing a picture or placing your thumb on a pencil to figure the distance from the eye to the mouth. I definitely get tired of the battle cry of "traced!", because even the greats do it.

i usually trace things that i did the draft for in my sketchbook. :/

Tracing should be illegal in here TONS of talentless people trace claiming art as theirs.Ive seen tons of traced paintings and no one has given credit to the original artist

I traced Luki and Noki when I first started here because I drew cr:ap. #DogsBC
THAT PICTURE TOOK ME 3 HOURS... It was hard v.v