??? If they stolen it, they would’ve gotten a more low quality version, and it would be pretty obvious that they stole it. Isn’t that the reason why you would want to add a watermark?
4 Likes
This is a fantastic way of going about the problem, this should be marked as a solution.
Personally I add my username as a new layer in some program and set its blending options to Overlay. This makes the colors way harder to edit out if someone were to attempt it. And for extra measure you could put the name on a colorful part of the picture so it’s even harder to remove.
However, I’m not really concerned with this because all of my works are super-custom made to a specific client so it’s kinda hard to actually copy-paste it into someone else’s game.
1 Like
@Zintenka 's solution is pretty good however, there is one flaw. Since the watermark is so hidden, it’s also its downside.
(Im not gonna link the photoshop tutorial for reasons), but its possible that as long as there is enough of the background/original picture (which there is alot I mind you) then given time, the person can very much just hide the watermark or blend it in:
https://gyazo.com/787e6bac3dae4b7df70b3ac4ffd0d637
You may see a faint name (egotisms) and a line going through it. However before, the line was much more opaque/a full nearly-nontransparent line. However with just a tutorial online and a little dash of work with photoshop, it can be mostly be ridden of with enough time. Making it more transparent allows for it to be easier blended in.
@orangewarrior78’s is a pretty good solution as even though a little more intrusive, as he said before, nobody is gonna care for it as long as they can see the work.
Essentially, watermarks are made to make the work as difficult as it can get to steal. Lowering the quality, size ratio, cropping it a little, anything to make the work less of its self while still being very much easy to see is a good way to protecting your work.
1 Like
I stumbled upon this thread and I can’t believe I saw myself mentioned haha.
The solution to this thread is an AWFUL response. Regardless if it’s low quality or not, it’s still YOUR WORK. Make sure you watermark your stuff fully. In regards to the graphic I made for someone that 3rdhoan123 showed:
This artwork had only a few lines through it and was easily Photoshopped away (I didn’t expect him to scam so I didn’t guard it that much so… bad luck on me).
I personally recommending putting multiple semi-opaque layers of your username or at least “Made by username” across your graphic. Don’t make it easy to edit out but don’t make it overly huge that it takes out the quality of the graphic. if the subject of your artwork is in the center, put some layers of your username (somewhat opaque, like maybe 25%?) near the surrounding of the subject. Hope this helps.
I know this is already solved but I’ll throw my two cents I about how I watermark because I figure advice never hurts.
Unfortunately there’s no way to prevent theft without being at least mildly intrusive. Even if you are commissioned by someone trusted like a friend, it’s the internet and if they share it anywhere someone else could steal it.
This is my most basic form of watermarking, I put one in the corner or somewhere that is easily readable, and then I find the main point of the drawing and I put or there.
For example I will use the Mona Lisa. (The first public domain image that came to mind)
When I watermark I think, “what is the focal point (or points) here where someone might zoom in and screenshot just that part to avoid the watermark?” In this case it’s her face. So I put a watermark by her face to deter screenshot thieves. They would have to zoom in so awkwardly close it would look stolen and pixelated. But anyone who knows how to use a smudge tool could remove that watermark.
The only way to deter both screenshot and smudge tool thieves is to be obnoxious about the watermark. Put a bunch of low opacity watermarks all over. Play with the settings until you find the right balance between visibility and unobtrusiveness.
These watermarks would be a pain to smudge out and ideally would make the thief pass you by to go steal some unwatermarked art. And cropping would be awkward and obviously stolen, like this:
This doesn’t look as good, it’s awkward, a bit blurry, and cropped above her chin, so it’s pretty clearly stolen. All you’d need to do to prove it’s stolen is provide roblox with your much bigger and higher quality watermarked version and there would be little room for doubt.
Not gonna lie, i can’t even see the watermark on the second picture
Its there if ya focus enough, that’s what makes it effective. Someone who’s looking for a quick opportunity won’t really look into it much but those who are paying attention will know that the art isn’t their’s.
Art can still be admired by all without ugly text and the work is signed, best of both worlds in my opinion.
1 Like