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The Pitfalls of Speed PaintingI've been meaning to write about this for a while now, but recently a video popped on up Ctrl+Paint about the same topic and it encouraged me to finally talk about it. It's a practice that's been misconstrued and misunderstood for a while now, so I wanted to help people get a proper understanding on the subject.
Speed painting has been something of a fad for 4 or 5 years now, even back when I was first starting digital work. Like many artists out there, I thought, "Sweet, I can do really cool work, really fast!" And like many artists out there, in the back of my head I was probably thinking, "This is easier than learning the normal way!"

Well, here's the main problem in regards to speed painting. Any of those really cool, realistic and well done speed paintings you see are done by professionals who have been painting for years and years. These a

REAL CREATIVISM LOGA lot of people ask me what do i think when im drawing, whats your creative process, and what are the magical fairies you are thinking while you draw, about life, beauty and wisdom of the world. You will be surprised how thats not what i think while i draw and how this process repeats all the time while i draw.
The purpose of this journal its to let people know how we are all filled with doubts agony and stupid funny things while we draw. So you wont feel you are doing something wrong.
Will be cool if this became a spam, and people started to share in their journals the same way i did while you are at work.
Okay, lets star, first the setting, if you had seen the tv show 24, picture that way while im drawing, with several cameras on my sides, this will make the reading more funny, if you havent seen the show picture this sound each time you read time passes, while im drawing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nvKN_H4e-I
Okay lets start.
The following text its based on a true st

5 Tips On Fantasy ReligionsI'm not looking for a religious discussion. If someone starts one, I will rip your face off and block your comments.
1. How involved a deity is affects religion. At least in fantasy, anyway. Now of course there are plenty of fantasy religions that don't bother to clear up whether a god actually exists, and the driving elements of the story or more about religion and power rather than spirituality. So considering whether god or gods actually really do exist at all in your story is a perfectly cromulent question. However, if a god does exist, and is constantly involved in the lives and well-being of its worshipers, enemies or non-believers might think twice before some serious smiting ensues. For that matter, followers of an attentive god might watch their mouths. (Look at the Greek Gods and what they did for slights!) A god may be protective, but that doesn't necessarily mean benevolent. In fact, a god or gods may have the att

There's a spine on my front lawn.Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.
I'm not really positive what normal protocol is for finding skeletal remains on your property. I can't say I've ever sat down on a rainy day and been like.. "Hm.. kind of humid today. I should probably read up on what to do in event of bones showing up on my front lawn."
And you know, it wouldn't even be a HUGE issue if it was, say, a femur. Even an ulna! I'd just assume a cartoon dog moved in next door and, at most, I'd have to chide him for his slovenly habits. (After the inevitable half hour of wacky hijinx, of course.)
But no. It's a spine. Or at least, part of a spine. A particularly large hunk of spine. HOW DOES SOMEONE MISPLACE THAT. Especially so neatly detached from everything else.
Actually, it's occurring to me, I should probably take a picture of this, because I can already feel the wave of 'pix or it didn't happen' responses. And you are entirely in the right to ask this. I'm sending `Zombiesmile out now to snap a ph

To Critique, or not to CritiqueCritique, on any art forum, has always been very welcome in my eyes. There's plenty of praise and nice comments going around, which is always a joy to hear, but it won't make you a better artist. Although I don't always like to hear critique of my work, I know that it is what I need. It prevents me from becoming complacent with my level of ability, and often pushes me to work harder than I would under my own initiative.
However, I recently heard from a group of artists whom I greatly respect, that to critique someone's work who had not asked for critique, was a rude thing to do. If this is the case, then I have been a most despicably rude person.
There are situations in which I understand critique may not be appropriate. Say for example you have an actual gallery show, in an actual building with walls. That is a formal setting in which you may not want me to walk up to your framed artwork... and proceed to point out your shortcomings in front your admiring fans.
Now if we

artists block - BREAK IT!Ah, yes, the time old question, how do I get out of this funk of artist's block... I'm sure we've all come to it, an I'm sure you've asked how to fix it. Here is a little about artists block and how you can overcome it all!
I just don't feel like it... I'm bored this is the easiest part to fix! You're bored, you're tired, it seems like you're repeating yourself and your art just doesn't seem to be of any interest at this point. This is the one big way you can lose touch with your art and never come back to it.
The obvious thing you can do is take a break, and that is perfectly fine. We all come to parts of our lives where something just doesn't seem interesting to us, and we just want to walk away from it for a little while. But the question is, how long do you go? A few days, a week, a month? Really, that depends on the person and how often you already are active in your art.
Do you go take a photo every day or once a week, or even less? Nobody can't tell you how often you shou

Respect the person or respect the artist?***:icontextwallplz: alert but I hope it provides for interesting reading.***
Been reading a lot of DA drama recently. Whereby "Respect the Artist!" Is being flung about in defense those who do not want criticism.
Fact - Critique is commonly understood as fault finding and negative judgement but can also merit recognition and praise. It's a process of evaluation where it can be either positive, negative or both.
"A Criticism is a Critique but not all Critique involves a Criticism."
Going by this logic, I pretty much see every comment regarding a deviation is a critique in my eyes whether it be 'I like this',' 'Love the colours' to 'I don't like it', 'lose the lens flares and learn anatomy.'
So when someone on DA spouts that "critique shouldn't be negative" or "critiques shouldn't be asspats"
I think "WRONG!" :iconwrongplz:
Critiques are written at the discretion of the person giving them. It is their personal opinion, perception and

doubting your art? - DON'T!There are a few questions that seem to be going around dA a lot these last few weeks

Is my art even improving?

Have I lost my style?

Does anybody like what I do?
Among other questions similar to these... the answer is, really, WHO CARES? I know that sounds harsh, but your art is for you, not for them. This is what makes you happy, what you like to do, and what you've fallen in love with. Don't let others deter you from what you do.
Let me explain, we'll start with oh, have I lost my style?. The real question is, have you lost it, or have you added some variety to it. Being an artist isn't about keeping yourself in the same bubble of art forever. If you do horror photography and love it, great... if you side track to some people and portraits of non-horror related styles, that's perfectly fine. It's called broadening what you're already aware of. There is nothing wrong with it. And from what I've heard, as well as what I believe... it's good!
But, what

The Greatest Line Ever From Zo"We get called animals by people who act like animals. We get called racists by people obsessed with race, sexists by people who objectify women, homophobes by people who use homo-erotic insults, and fascists by people who want to give more power to the state to make us think like them."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymXJtEMhWWo&feature=g-u-u
This video almost 100% describes why I am a conservative.
------------
My Let's Play Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MSOGameShow

Get to Know Me/You Meme That I Totally Snagged..X3I saw this posted on :iconnecrosisdemon:'s journal, and figured I'd nab it. I was getting bored of my old journal entry, anyway.
If you want to do it as a journal entry as well, spiffy; I'd love to get to know my watchers better.

1. We all know what we call you, what about the folks at home? Whats your name?
Shannon.  I've never really cared for my name, though there's an interesting story behind how I received it.
2. How tall are you?
5'2"  As short as I am, I'm one of the tallest people in my family.  My late Aunt Lucy, for example was only 4' tall...and she loved watching wrestling on TV. X3
3. Natural hair color? (if you can remember it)
Very dark brown, almost black.
3. What about eye color?
Very dark brown, almost black.
4. What orientation are you?
Straight, though I do find robots to be attractive.  Is there even a word for that?
5. Are you single, taken, or undecided?
I'm married; have been for 6.5 y

Random thought.Usually I post random thoughts on Tumblr, but I thought I may as well post it here as well
You know what could probably make Twilight a decent series?

He would be like

and she would be like

"This is the only way I can see him!"
And he'll be like

"You're revving up to drive a motor cycle over a cliff, honey. At this rate you won't be seeing ANYONE ever. You need to find closure and GET OVER HIM! He doesn't even SMILE at you!"
and she'll start crying and then get over him and Edward will be murdered by the Red Sea

because Bella didn't go batshit to stop him.
And Sassy Gay Friend will steal away Jacob and be like

And everyone wou

7 STORY HIGH MOSQUITOSSO. While in Italy I learned a few things...
1/ They drive on the wrong side of the road, like 99% of the rest of the world's population. CLEARLY, you should all be on the LEFT.
2/ No matter how much you eat, it will never be enough.
3/ NUTELLA ICE CREAM.
4/ The scooter stereotype is CANON.
5/ Zebra crossings are redundant; the italians don't stop driving. Ever.
6/ 'Blend' WORKS. OH MY GOD.
7/ Attempting to climb the Duomo and other renaissance buildings doesn't end well. AT ALL.
7.5/ If you attempt to climb the Duomo you will get odd looks, and your mother will be thoroughly displeased.
8/ There is no secret assassin entrance to the side of the Duomo ):
9/ They have double decker trains. Most amazing thing evur.
10/ NUTELLA FUCKING PIZZA. I HAVE NUTELLA PIZZA. NUTELLA PIZZA.
11/ When the street signs disappear, keep going straight on. It usually works.
12/ Assassin Creed's portrayal of angry Italians constantly swearing is also canon.
13/ 13 is a lucky number :'D
14/ Covering y

Insecurities (input please) -Update (at bottom)

The problem:
I've been thinking, and normally I wouldn't make a journal/seek public response to something like this, but it relates to the reference sheet I will be submitting soon, therefore involving your opinions. I figure this might be a good way to put me at ease-- getting an idea of what people think ahead of time-- and it's just something I could use advice on, anyway, not to mention I'm interested in hearing your own experiences/observations and how you may be able to relate.
The thing is, I am one of countless people who are sensitive/insecure about their body, and the reference sheet I'm almost done with is for my persona, who has the exact same anatomy I do (used photos for accuracy, yada yada) aside from the obviously inhuman traits (being a shadowy headless plant-thing-person I AM SO PREDICTABLE).
It's sort of strange, though: I'm very happy with my body-- it's just the way I'd want it to be-- but the problem is that I fear how people react to

dA's new commission system is crapAnd I am writing my first journal in 4 months to comment on it.
Warning: opinions ahead.
So, by now you might have heard about deviantART's new commission platform. The news article is hilariously vague about the details of commissioner/artist interactions and how the whole thing works, but the whole thing screams terrible anyway.
In the first place, 20% taken off the top is outrageous. There isn't even a better percentage for premium subscribers (though let's be honest, the "better" rates subbers get on prints are still outrageous). The $40 USD cap on commission costs is a bit hilarious to me. On one hand, since the 20% fee is outrageous, who would even want to offer more expensive commissions? If you set something for $60, you're losing a whole $12. If you set something for $100, you're losing $20. But even for amounts under $40, 20% is ridiculous. The cap also encourages artists

Engie: awakeI felt scorching heat and vibrating pain.
There was an endless buzz in my ears of massive shell-shock.
Crunching noise of the ground.
For a brief second I saw tiny mushrooms and flowers under me, but they quickly disintegrated into dust.
Impossible. Shock-Hallucinations. I haven't seen grass in so many years.
Crawl forward. Away. Away from the heat.
Farther. Come on Alex. Get up. Walk.
Something was wrong. I wasn't supposed to be alive.
...Ion Cannon interrupts all electronic impulses, no matter how small, effectively scrambling, disrupting all neural activity and shuts down the brain.
Sure, the walls of the little house protected me from the flames of ruptured atmosphere, but how is my mind still active?
Only one thing could have protected me. Something which could bend all known laws of physics at it pleased.
Could it be? The note?!
Could Seven's luck actually transfer onto others?
If this is true, then Seven could be the key to my

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Bitching About April Fools on Deviantart

Journal Entry: Sun Apr 1, 2012, 3:39 PM

Lets get a little perspective, people

I Know that it is common knowledge that the art-world generally regards deviantart as a beckon of professionalism and respectability. To see something like this while browsing for serious prospective employees on another busy work sunday on a serious talent search site that is totally serious business guys is totally going to get you banned from the art world and loose you all the jobz you would have gotten that day! This is an outrageous prank! This is not what DA is about!

Come on guys, perspective.

If your gallery is so important to your life and career that you can not stand to have even one of your precious thumbnails momentarily obscured lest every employer decide that cats are no longer the "in" thing this year and black list you from the industry, you probably shouldn't be on DA. Yes, some people get a lot of traffic from DA, but lets be honest, this is not an appropriate site in which to host any kind of serious portfolio. Fine, get found, link your gallery elsewhere. This shit is not going to effect you in any serious way. Hell, it's not going to effect you in even the most minor way. Your art is not un-viewable, your art is not gone, no one is "messing" with your work. I am willing to concede that DA's AF pranks have gotten exponentially dumber as the years go on, but the fact of the matter is, this shit happens every year, if after this long this shit continues to surprise you, you are officially too dumb to function on the internet.

I think my favorite non-point that I've read, just in front of "they're destroying my livelihood" and just behind "I am going to leave DA forever!!" is "I am a paying subscriber and I am paying for this service!". What service? "We will not play jokes on april fools" is not part of the subscription package. Could someone please point out the exact service that you are paying for that is being taken from you?

We're all here for wacky fun! Mudkips, llamas and good times! Whooo art! Let's face it. DA is not a serious site in any regard and their business model for the past 5 or 6 years seems to be to pander to the lowest common denominator in whatever irrelevant way it can. It's not a serious art site, it's not a serious social network, it's barely a myspace. The staff don't treat it seriously, the art world doesn't treat it seriously, the only people who seem to think that DA is srs bzns are the users who are too slow to catch on that this site is just one big joke to everyone but them.

Let's all calm our tits, people.

_{Thank you to `Kjherstin for the journal CSS}

178 Comments

Bitching About April Fools on Deviantartby `sambees

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*Shadow-Pikachu5 Jan 23, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

errru should really get off of your high horse. Deviantart DOES NOT pander to the lowest common denominator, there's some damn unique artwork on the front page every week, and there is some fanart that slips in too, but that's pretty good too! And deviantart is a serious art and social site, it's above myspace and facebook. The way the prints are organized is excellet, allowing artists to buy prints of deviations and allowing the sellers to receive a good chunk of money from the sale. It's not perfect, but it's the best (and only good) site in my book. That is all

`sambees Feb 3, 2013

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~Mizers Apr 5, 2012 Professional Digital Artist

this rant is stupid, for all the things to get upset about this is a useless one, da never presented itself as being completely serious, and if you dont like it so much why dont you move on then...? and if the art world does not think DA is "serious" why are there so many serious and popular artist on it? So excuse DA for trying to take the stuffieness out of art excuse them plz but really if ur so serious for this site then leave...but u wont

`sambees Apr 6, 2012

I am not sure who the comment was left for but in order to reply to a comment someone leaves, you must hit "reply" to that comment.

~GneralMongoose Apr 4, 2012

If art was serious it would be SOOOOOOOOO boring

~procon-8 Apr 3, 2012 Student Traditional Artist

Thank You.

~rinshae Apr 3, 2012

Usually I just avoid the internet on april fools because most of the 'pranks' are incredibly stupid. On the other hand if people are getting their panties in a twist over some cats invading the website they post their gallery to for one day, they need to not take things so seriously. :/

=RisforRagdahl Apr 3, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

I personally thought it was the most original and fun April Fool's joke yet.

A professional artist shouldn't use dA as their main portfolio in the first place. That's like promoting yourself mainly on Facebook rather than Linked-In. You're on a website with teenagers. It's not the April Fool's joke that makes you look unprofessional.

=Farewell-Spring Apr 3, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Yeah, you're right, this isn't a professional site but this happens every Aprils fool so... whatever, people bitch about the joke and then people bitch about people bitching

~21gunbunnies Apr 3, 2012

The first april fools prank I experienced on DA was the Twilight prank xD I was kind of upset then, because I didn't know it was a joke, I thought someone had hacked my account or something. But I have learned my lesson now!
I don't think it's such a negative thing, yes some can get upset, but it's a prank! And I like that they are willing to do something other then just being a regular (boring) site, and I like that they aren't little pussies that are scared of scaring away some hot headed people who can't take a joke.

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Bitching About April Fools on Deviantartby `sambees

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