It kinda makes me sad that a lot of people say they trace because they can't actually draw themselves, or they don't know how to draw. Well, here's some tips on how to do it the right way, or just not do it at all.

If you are absolutely going to trace find the original artist BEFORE tracing anything and get permission to trace that image for a base. Make sure you make it clear that you are going to make a naked, hairless, doll base out of their picture, and make sure you specify whether or not you're going to release that base to the public. If the artist says no, then don't trace it at all. You can very easily start that process over again and get a yes next time with a different image and a different artist. Always remember to credit the original image, and the original artist FIRST, and make sure you make note that they deserve more credit than you for creating that base, since all you did was trace it.

The point is, you need permission if you're going to make a base. And you can't get permission from anime screen shots or official artwork, so don't even bother tracing those.

Don't trace art, try to use stock images. I'm not telling you to trace stock images, but they are free to use, and they would be very helpful if you're struggling with anatomy. Again, remember to give the image and the original photographer credit for using their stock FIRST before your name, and if you're releasing the base for public use make sure you contact the photographer and get an OK from them before releasing it.

Instead of tracing, try practicing drawing or studying up on anatomy. A good alternative to tracing would be REFERENCE. Reference does NOT mean taking a drawing, picture, photograph, or ANYTHING, and eyeballing the lines of that image. REFERENCE means you take multiple pictures to teach your hand and your eyes how something works and then, without looking at your pictures, drawing free-hand. That's the only right way to reference.

And just so you know, there is no failure in trying. But there is lots of failure in giving up, or stealing.

You are going to suck just as hard as you think you do now forever if you trace, but if you practice actually drawing your own bases and studying even a little anatomy, then you'll get better.

And one last thing... If you don't have time to learn how to draw, then you DON'T have time to trace bases!. That's an awful excuse and I want to pull my hair out whenever I hear it.