lilpixie

These great words from Gilad Benari gilad really resonated with me. I couldn't have said it better:

You know,
I don't have much time, as I would like to have, to be as active on DA as I would like to (and I would like to). Still, I have some things I think I always try and do with my time here, and I would like to recommend them to you as well...

And these are the things:

1. Go through fresh photography and art.

You know, some might forget we need good inspiration in order to create.
The Ideas can come from nothing, but sometimes you see something, and it gives you an idea for a spin, of something else. Use fresh talents for that "brain storming".

2. Give feedback and support for young artists.

We all were new, we all struggled for people to know us, and give us feedback.
It's hard on such a huge community to be heard, to be seen.
It's easy supporting the popular. They are on our watch, on the main page, they are all over the place. The gain power, and the fresh ones find it harder and harder to be noticed. Let's say it loud and clear It's not enough to be talented. Sad, but true.
So many talents start here, find out how hard it is to get noticed, and leave.
We all loose from them leaving (see reason number 1 why is it our loss).
So, what can we do?
I add to my watch fresh talents, I go through new deviations, I randomly enter galleries of those who left me interesting comments.
Don't be afraid to fresh work. It may be just an icon, but it's a huge Impetus for them. Leave them a short message of what you liked, or could make their work better. Share you taste and knowledge.
This is the best part of being in a positive community
You know, there are so many galleries where you can be negative to other people work. In rank, critique, etc' and you can be negative even being anonymous. I hate that.
People are being negative to others, to promote themselves.
The whole concept makes me sick.
One of the things I love here, is that ignoring others, is probably the most negative you can get.

3. Teach from what you know. Share.

Isn't it wonderful when you have something you can share?
If you have a certain way to work your magic, a wonderful technique, or even graphic skills... I feel it's much more fun passing it on to others, than having it as a "secret" for others to admire.
Seeing others improve, learn, and broad their skills, because of your help, is so much better than a "secret".
So comment, answer when asked, explain.
This is the best feeling, when somebody grows artistically, and you are a part of it.

4. give feedback back to those who found time to comment on your work.

Tricky, I know.
Over a certain amount of comments, it becomes impossible to answer everyone. So don't answer all, but answer questions when asked, or answer long and well thought of comments.
Hey, they gave you their time, and this is the least you can do to appreciate them.

5. Use your journal entry for tutorials and promotion, for others

One thing I don't like is when the journal is used for self-promotion.
I just don't get it... The system offers you a way to communicate a journal, and you use it to tell how great you are? I just don't get it.
If people want to see your work, they go to your gallery.
If people want to buy your prints, they go to your store.
Right? That should be enough IMHO.
Well, I think journals should be used to share thoughts, knowledge, news, promotion for fresh artists, most favorite work. Etc'
You know what I mean?


We all have our own reasons for hanging out around here.
Some for fun and killing time, some for friends, some for profit of selling prints. All is cool.
I just say we should give something for this community. Not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because it's the way it should be. And, it's the way I like it.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
What do you think?