Ok, so a few days ago, I bought an adoptable from someone one on Gaia. The thing about this person is that I knew they traced. I thought that possibly they didn't trace this time and actually drew something for a change. Before buying it, I asked them a few questions about the character. Like what kind of body it has (since it is just a headshot), they couldn't answer my question. They said they didn't think of it at the time. I should have taken it as a red flag. I bought it from them, and a few days later, someone PMs me saying that it might have been traced. Right now, I'm actually trying to find the original artist who MIGHT have drew this character. Do you guys happen to know who drew this or recognize the art style?
If the image doesn't work in the spoiler, here is a direct link.
https://images2.imgbox.com/0e/f4/vDxZ5cRy_o.png
Before you ask, I can't ask for my gold back. As soon as I ask the person if they traced this, they will block me in a heart beat. I probably should have known better before buying it, I probably should taken the red flag more seriously. I just want to know who the original artist is of this piece. I don't think its right for someone to trace, then try and sell your work for fake or real money. I just want the artist to know that someone is tracing their work. They might not care, but they might. I'd care if someone traced my art work and sell off my original character's looks, even if they recolored it. But still, it just doesn't seem right. :/
My rant(ish) is over. I just want to find the original artist of this. I am not really sure if I put this in the right spot, but putting it in the artist galleries wouldn't seem right since this isn't my work. If anyone happens to know the artist, can you please let me know?