Can I use the image of a public figure in my art/craft items to sell?

Question

I've seen people who make items for sale (small, handmade items, not mass produced) like say, a pendant with an image of Louise Brooks, Divine, Michael Jackson, etc.. to name a few I've seen, in them. Are there any repurcussions, like the estates of these people coming after the person making these items? Or is the one making these pieces safe because they could be considered "fan art", even though they are for sale? Just wondering...

:)

Answer 1

As far as I know you cannot use a persons photo without the written permission of that individual. I have seen personality images on fabric that is sold in stores and you can make things out of that for resale or if you say painted an original painting of that person. I would definetly check what source you are using. Say taking an image from the internet would be taking someone elses photo it just depends what you are using.

Answer 2

You can't use someone's image to make money for yourself.  It's illegal.  Just because you see others doing it, doesn't mean that you should.  I'm sure Michael Jackson has his image copyrighted.  Small time craft people get away with it because his legal team is probably unaware of it.