The following rules are specific to the photoshop contests. Make sure to read the carefully before participating. Also make sure to read the more general contest rules.

5.1. Use of Copyrighted Images as Source: Don't use copyrighted images without approval from the original author, unless the contest description explicitly allows it. There are plenty of sources on the web to find good material, free to use without any licenses, just click on the RESOURCES link in the top site menu to find suitable stock sites. If you use someone else's image with copyright, post a copy of that permission in your step by step (blackout anything which identifies you to keep the contest anonymous). All sources obtained from the internet must have the source URL provided when you submit your entry. No idea what exactly copyright is? Head over to the http://www.whatiscopyright.org/.

5.2. Use of Paid External Images as Source: All source images that you purchased must have a screenshot of the download receipt in the step guide (blackout anything which identifies you to keep the contest anonymous).

5.3. Use of Personal Images as Source: If you use your own personal images, the uncut source must be placed in the step by step with an explanation that it is your image.

5.4. No External Source used in your Entry: In this case, your entry must have a step by step provided showing how the entry was made. For level 10- contests, a written SBS in the description is also ok (for simple entries), unless a moderator asks you to add a pictorial SBS.

5.5. Reference Images: You are only allowed to use (any kind of) real photos as reference for your entry. You can not use paintings or drawings for this purpose. A reference can be seen as an inspiration or guide for a pose or object. However, as soon as the reference is used as an one on one copy or trace, it won't be seen as reference anymore but as source. In that case ONLY copyrightfree photos can be used to be traced. Don't forget to post reference image sources (stating that it was used only for reference).

5.6. Images of Yourself as Source:If you use a photo of yourself, make sure you don't mention that it's you. If you mention that the person on the photo is you, your entry is no longer anonymous. To do this anonymously, post your photo in the Pxleyes Stock section and post the url to that image, without mentioning that it's you.

5.7. 3D Renders or Illustrations as Source: Using other people's 3D renders or illustrations (even with permission and no matter in which form they are offered) creates a false impression of your artwork. So 3D renders or illustrations (this includes brushes, tubes, clipart, pdf files) can not be used as sources, unless they are entirely created by yourself.

5.8. Models Created with 3D Programs such as "Poser": If you use a 3D program to create a model (eg. with Poser), it is required to post this in your step by step guide.You are allowed to use any program you'd like to make your entry. If you make your own renders, please make screenshots from the object in wireframe modus and show in the Step By Step how you made your render. In case you use premade models, always link to the page where the model is from. Be aware that these models have to be free to use.

5.9. Recreating a Source Image from Scratch:Recreating a source image from scratch in a 3D program is allowed, but it's required to post a step by step guide. It is always safest to post each action you did in your step by step guide, no matter what program you use. This will increase the chances of your entry staying in the contest! Check image usage guidelines at all times and remember to notify and/or credit when requested otherwise your entry will be removed.

5.10. Hosting your Source Images: Don't upload any sources on image hosting sites (like Imageshack for example). If you upload your source to a site like this, we have no way of checking the origin of your image. If you want to use an image of your own in your entry, post it in a SBS guide and mention it in the description.

5.11. Use of Search Engines to Find Source Images: If you find images with google or yahoo image search, it doesn't mean they're not copyright, always check the source site to see if the image can be used or not. Wallpaper images are usually copyrighted.

5.12. Don't use an image that has been altered by the source owner (for example liquified) or has been made from other images, even if that source is offered under creative commons. A simple manipulation like color correction is allowed.

5.13. Don't copy an entire image from another member Using a similar style is fine. Remaking an entire entry so it looks exactly the same, is not.