Advice - Selling prints of Commissioned pieces

[quescostumes.livejournal.com]

I've recently heard of an artist who is selling prints that contains other people's characters. The art and style is her own, and the art with characters are either gifts or commissions. The prints for sale include the original piece uploaded to art sites, without any recoloring or hiding others' characters. Should people buy these prints, it's basically making money off of others' designs, right?

It's not okay, right? Is it legal? Rude? Or just frowned upon?

How should someone handle this kind of situation if the artist in question is a friend?

Any advice, A_B?

Edit: Thanks everyone for your very useful replies! :)

Comments

[houndofloki.livejournal.com]

Yeah, this is one of those situations where what is your legal right and what is usually considered "good etiquette" within the fandom aren't necessarily in line (along with reselling a real-media original you bought). It's completely within your rights to do this stuff, but it's considered polite to ask first.

Whether or not you want to "play nice" is up to you. Most people will say sure if you ask though - they may want to buy a print themselves if that's the issue or buy back their original from you if that's the issue, but you won't get many vehement no's. Asking is just easier and saves you drama.