Using games' concept art for my portfolio
I actually asked a similar question quite some time back! I would like to know if it's okay to use a game's concept art for my portfolio? I really like the game Planetside 2. I sure you guys have heard about that game! 
The thing is I happen to like a concept art of Planetside 2 and want to use that as an inspiration (you can say I want to use it) for my demoreel/portfolio. To be a bit clear on this matter, well, I'll add a few things of my own to the final output; maybe I won't include everything of the concept. Well you can understand what I mean.
So, the same questions again: Can I use it? Should I take permission from SOE (Sony Online Entertainment) first? Will I by any means infringe any copyright system (s) in place if I use it/change the concept to my liking? I mean can I include things of my own to the final output and/or can I utilize only the things I like from the concept and make something new?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
The thing is I happen to like a concept art of Planetside 2 and want to use that as an inspiration (you can say I want to use it) for my demoreel/portfolio. To be a bit clear on this matter, well, I'll add a few things of my own to the final output; maybe I won't include everything of the concept. Well you can understand what I mean.
So, the same questions again: Can I use it? Should I take permission from SOE (Sony Online Entertainment) first? Will I by any means infringe any copyright system (s) in place if I use it/change the concept to my liking? I mean can I include things of my own to the final output and/or can I utilize only the things I like from the concept and make something new?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Replies
When I run the Monthly Character Challenge, I contact the concept artists not exactly for permission, but as a courtesy. It also could give me extra exposure and connection if they like what I do with their concept.
I also like to think I do a free marketing for them as well when I do game companies fan arts.
But that's just me.
This question is for everyone too!!
I also usually try to contact the artist in question to get permission to use the concept art (mostly as a courtesy as well) if it's not something based on concept art from a big game/movie.
So, I can make changes to the original concept piece. That's good news. You say I must indicate if changes were made. How do I do that? On the video itself?
"You may do so in any reasonable manner": referring to which context are you saying this? Changes to the original content?
Then, the last line "but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use"
I dont quite understand this!
It means you can give credit in any manner, just don't make it sounds like it's your original idea.
Usually when artists use a concept piece, its to either create it in 3d or as inspiration for a whole new 2d piece.
It sounds like you want to just draw on top of an existing concept... That is mega dodgy and I'm sure many artists will frown upon that when used in your portfolio.
I second this. For concept art, you need to display 100% of your own concept skills.
Making a 3D environment from a concept is different, since you'd still be making all the 3d assets/textures from scratch.
Also, yeah, like Mask and RexM said; don't use someone else's concept to showcase your concept. Use someone else's concept to show off your modeling skills.