by the way...

I sort of have a public confession to make in regards to this whole art thing: (well, more of a rant)

Yesterday I said something kind of dumb on Facebook and it was out of pure annoyance and it was directed at Deviantart (not the artist in question).

It was along the lines of “DA. Always choosing the same artists over and over.” And someone ripped into me saying that “popularity is earned…” and how I was pathetic and…I get it. But let me come at it from a different perspective, here.

First, I could give a half-eaten shit if you think I’m pathetic. The REASON I say this about DA is because it’s true. I GET IT. I KNOW that popular artists on DA work their asses off and slave over their work and enjoy what they do…but it’s been like this for a long time.

DA literally started as a means for everyone to have a fair shake, but it’s fallen so far off of that foundation, the site is barely recognizable now and they LITERALLY showcase the same artists over and over again. It’s like they have a pool of 20 they choose from and anyone outside of that doesn't really get seen by the community at large.

We also see this in terms of subject matter. For a LONG time, there were nothing but naked women in daily deviations or female subject matter and it’s super annoying. Where’s the variety? This was especially awful for photographers and some of the stuff they were showing for a while was half a breath away from porn.

But, you get my point. 

I wasn't attacking the artist being showcased AT ALL. I happen to know her semi-personally. She is a joy to talk to and she’s very helpful when she can be and I love her to pieces. AND I expect DA to do what they said they were going to do. Showcase the little guy every now and again. 

About my own art, yeah, it’s a little disheartening to see people in my age group or younger run passed me in terms of talent and capabilities, but I soldier on and continue to show by absolute best at that particular moment. I know I’m still developing and teaching yourself under my particular life circumstances is a tough thing. 

Having said that, I was NOT suggesting that I be handed a DD or something. Not in the slightest. And there are others out there that work just as hard, if not more so, that deserve to be recognize for their 0-60 work. I’ve tried suggesting people who literally have gone 0-60 in a year or two to no avail. Mods telling me their artwork is not up to par?

What the fuck are you talking about? You’re telling me that someone who could barely draw a face a year ago is suddenly spot on color theory and is finally hitting high notes after all the practice and sweat and tears? They don’t deserve to be recognized? Please.

But that’s my take on this whole thing. I just want to reiterate, I was NOT knocking the artist in question. I was not suggesting I be handed something I did not deserve, but there are people out there who DO deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.