Is Tracing Cheating?

Jan 05, 2023
Norman Rockwell Drawing

Have you ever wondered if it's cheating to trace when you're creating art? It's a question that a lot of artists struggle with, and it's completely understandable to have concerns about it.

But before we dive into whether or not tracing is cheating, let's take a look at one of the most famous American artists of the 20th century: Norman Rockwell. You may have seen some of his incredibly detailed and realistic illustrations, which often featured ordinary people in everyday situations. Fun fact: Rockwell actually used a tracing tool called the Balopticon in his work.

So, is tracing really cheating? Well, the answer isn't quite as straightforward as a simple "yes" or "no." It really depends on how you use it. If you're relying solely on tracing as a replacement for actual artistic ability, then it could be considered cheating. However, if you're using it as a tool to help you achieve precise lines and proportions, then it's not necessarily cheating.

At the end of the day, it's not the tools we use that determine our worth as artists. It's the effort and skill we put into our work that really counts. Tracing can be a useful tool, but it's important to use it responsibly and ethically.

Hope that helps clear things up a bit!

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