Hello all,

Over the last few days I have been swapping emails with several people about the difference beteween "fan art" and product, most specifically related to secret base.

In a simple explanation, if you do something for yourself, you only make a single version, and you either keep it for yourself or give it away free of charge, you are making "fan art" which is a great thing.

If during this process, you end up making multiple versions, or even worse, selling them, you are effectively bootlegging product. In the end, you have created an edition of product not authorized by the creator, and have not sought their permission or approval beforehand.

In most all cases, I know that you have all made something because you love the toys, you post up the image, and many other fans on this board react accordingly, wanting one for their own. This is where people can cross the line in their excitement. I know the intent is not to harm, but to celebrate. The problem is, the original creator -Hiddy, Secret Base, Super7 or anyone else have not been part of the approval process, and may have very specific reasons why something like this does not already exist, or how they want to see their characters reproduced.

In short, both of the prints seen here lately should not have been made public without seeking permission first. In both cases, each creator was excited to get their work out there for the sheer love of the toys. Unfortunately, both were overtaken by responses from fans of the same passionate mindset, and crossed the line.

In short, in the future, when you have something you want to make, just let us know,and we can help you through the proper channels.

-brian

p.s. to the previous thread, I am not sure what relationship Dave White has with Marvel, but I know he has Nike's approval and support for his paintings and prints.