A very considerate person asked me if im cool with people using my masks for their own original character props and costumes! My answer is very much yes. I really only have issues if people try to make and sell copies of or take credit for my work/design in some way shape or form: tracing, recasting, resculpting or blatantly imitating a design, not citing reference/credit etc. Tracing or reference for student work or practice/fanart is fine ( crediting is professional and polite) but shouldn't make appearances in professional/promotional work that is being sold or used without my consent. Art use ethics preferences can differ between individual artists but im happy this person was so thoughtful to simply.... ask first! :)
Original characters sporting my work is fine and very encouraged! That's why i wanted to make some of my art as a DIY blank slate. I want to make stuff that inspires and can provide a jumping point that encourages people to take it in their own direction and explore their own original ideas. I love seeing whole costumes made around my masks and if someone wants to build a personal character around a mask, im thrilled. I put a lot of myself and my personality into my work, each piece has it's own little story or world. When someone else adds to that and i see it take on their voice and their own world...awesome! I feel like I did something right and that customer "gets it".
So yeah go for it, guys! And send me pics of the costumes/characters you make or post them to my facebook wall: https://www.facebook.com/missmonstermel