1. Public Domain Characters: Characters whose copyright has expired are in the public domain and can be used freely. Examples include:
* Classic fairy tales: Characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White (though specific adaptations may be protected).
* Characters from very old books: Think classics like Sherlock Holmes, characters from Greek Mythology, etc.
2. Original Characters: If you create your own characters, you own the copyright and can use them freely.
3. Fan Art: There are grey areas here. Fan art created for non-commercial purposes (personal enjoyment, sharing online) is generally tolerated, but it's best to avoid using characters for profit or commercial purposes without permission.
4. Fair Use: The "Fair Use" doctrine allows for limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like:
* Criticism: You could create art that critiques a specific cartoon character or franchise.
* Parody: You could create a satirical or humorous take on a character.
Important Notes:
* Trademark: Even if a character is in the public domain, the trademark for their name or likeness might still be protected. This means you can't sell merchandise with their name or image without permission.
* Permission: The safest option is always to contact the copyright holder and ask for permission to use their characters.
Ultimately, it's best to consult with a lawyer or legal professional to ensure you're not violating any copyright laws.
Remember, respecting intellectual property is crucial, and creating original art is always a great option!