Oh yeah I get that tracing no, but making a study in a portfolio is okay. As long as you cite the original work and then whoever sees it can determine if they think it's plagiarism. It's a grey area and up to interpretation. But showing off a tracing is sketchy.

Oh in a portfolio I think that's acceptable. Cuz you're not selling the work, it's to display your ability and try to get work to get work in the future. I'd call it a study.

Oh I meant to put straight tracing commercially seems poor taste. But if it's like a reference or you change it in some way, I think it is acceptable. And I think under fair use that's the law in the US. But it's complicated and mostly vibes based.

It's a valid learning exercise. Artists have always done studies of other artists work. Straight tracing feels in poor taste, but redrawing in your style. Like interpreting the work through your artistic vision I think is cool.