Where to artists find references?

[EncryptedWriting]

Edit: im also looking for nature / building scenes as well. There are some that dont quite originate with the real world, and I have found mostly Ai images which are simply impractical and incorrect to use. Hence why Im asking on that front as well.

I am going freaking mad. Absolutely losing my mind. I have been searching for references for art because, well, I genuinely can not work without them. Many artists need references (duh), but I am stuck on where to look.

Pinterest used to be my main go to, but the amount of AI "art" that I have seen for "references" has outweighed the actual references. I have also looked at deviant art, but I find that it can be lacking at times. In addition, I have even tried IRL references, but, for some reason, they don't always look how I want them to look.

So, what places do you recommend looking for references? I am genuinely looking for anywhere. Would referencing other webtoons (not tracing) technically be allowed or is it morally grey?

Any help would be lovely.

[vapidink]

For character art, here's a couple:

https://www.adorkastock.com/

The Pose Archives | Twitter, Instagram | Linktree

POSEMANIACS - Royalty free 3d pose reference for all artists

Tbh I don't use references as often as I should, lol. Or I just try poses out myself if I can. For objects and backgrounds I Google stuff but add -ai to my search to filter out some of the trash.

[thepenmonster]

Imma just copy and paste my reply for the last time this was asked;

Step 1;

Step 2;

And if it's a pose too difficult to do solo, a friend or family member.

And if they refuse, find better friends and family members.

Many artists need references

Use references. Not the same thing.

[wolflu66]

This is an online 3D character model website. Although its features are basic, I think it's adequate if you don't require extremely precise character artwork.

https://webapp.magicposer.com/

Additionally, I look for real human references on DA. There are quite a few different nude models and angles for reference there, but similarly, it's now also being flooded with AI images.

DeviantArt - The Largest Online Art Gallery and Community

[NickRowler]

When searching on Google Images, if you put a "-" before a word, it will not be included in the search.

So adding "-ai" or including a website with a lot of ai, "-pintrest" will help filter out most of it.

[EncryptedWriting]

Apologies. I didn't mean to offend. I know quite a few artists who rely on references to learn and grow this skills. Not all artists need references but they can be used as guides for exploring different settings and giving new viewpoints that they haven't tried before.

[EncryptedWriting]

I never heard of the -ai thing. Will for sure give it a shot!

[EncryptedWriting]

Thank you for the input! I have never heard of that before so it definitely will be useul!!

[emedeme]

For poses, there are many great pages with stock and references. Sometimes I use this one on deviantArt. If you draw on CSP there are many assets and 3D resources for characters, items, and backgrounds, especially if you're doing real sceneries.

When everything fails, draw yourself! look at the mirror or take a photo, if you understand your own anatomy it helps a lot when drawing from scratch. If you have the chance, ask a friend, roommate or a family member to pose for you

[BoomerZ]

I will say for figure drawing there is something that sounds strange but works. Got to any porn site. They all have a pictures section, change setting to softcore so it's not just sex. You can change the setting to gay for male models. Most porn sites have extensive search filters so you can find short, tall, black, white, redhead, etc. This is a cheap way to have life drawing without the expense of models.

[Orichan]

This!! It's kinda crazy, but porn as a reference is really good for anatomy practice!

Also on A VERY MUCH UNRELATED NOTE (please don't misinterpret in association with the porn thing) i take my own reference pictures for poses. I'll walk around outside and get photos of pretty nature, or take pictures of my partner or friends sitting in the posture im going for, or looking at where the important thing would be on the page. Also, I have been going to my universities library for like, acedemic reference pictures if I can't find anything not AI on Google.

[moontokkym]

Kind of goofy advice but I had the same problem as you with the AI stuff for buildings (I needed specific references from a specific place in a specific time and everything was garbled mish-mash of not that culture/not that time).

Do normal google searches but put a swear in the search bar, preferably one that couldn't be interpreted as being part of the search.

The AI is trained to stay away from as much "advertiser unfriendly" stuff as possible so as to not risk it eating something that could make it inappropriate in a capitalist way. If you just cuss google out it greatly reduces the amount of AI images.

Like the other day, I was looking for a picture of a model walking down a runway and I needed both the model's pose and the runway for reference. Just AI images.
I tried "c*nt model walking down a runway". No more AI, just beautiful Iris Van Herpen pieces and whichever one of the Hadids does runways.

[dannythedaikon]

A while ago I saw someone on YT recommend Cosmos and from the looks of it it's not bad, but I haven't used it nearly enough to form any specific opinion on it, but maybe you'll be able to find what you need.

[VibrantFox]

This has been a dilemma of mine since generated images have spilled to just about every corner of the web.

People references feel a bit easier to come by thanks to folks like adorkastock, pose maniacs, magic poser and similar sites. Plus beyond those you can take your own photos or use posable models from the classic wood mannequin to more detailed anime figures that are sold online

As for indoor or outdoor architecture Ive had less luck but either taking photos of where i live, google maps, history websites or trustworthy organizations or blogs that post proper building or interior design. Ive also just taken to using video games as reference for those that match the vibe or aesthetic I'm looking for, especially if it offers multiple camera angles to see things better

There's definitely folks Ive known who have just resorted to building their own models or buying assets from places that offer them like acon3d but you do what you can with what you have. I've even contemplated model kits if it means getting my own photos its just knowing where to go to purchase

[simplykit]

personally i find it everywhere! my neighborhood, my office, people i meet, random stuff on the street, Old books, comics manga, tv shows, movies, anime.

I reference my hands and feet when i draw those. same goes for facial expressions, i look in the mirror and try to copy my face lines and stuff.

[Steffie_Musings]

For me, I would try and search for references using stock photo sites. I also search up references 'topic name' and look from there.