Dear DA Users,

I have become increasingly aware over the years I have been attending DA that it is no longer so much a website to showcase talent as it is a place to receive praise. Now, I say this in the nicest possible way; I have seen the best and worst on DA. But worse of all I have seen the worse get praised. Now when I say worst, I don't mean "Holy shit you can't even draw anatomy." I mean, beginner level Graphic Design (Photomanipulation, etc) and beginner level drawing (I don't draw often, don't wanna point fingers). I like to think of myself as an advanced level graphic designer; I do work for clients and companies and I do make money off my skills. I do a lot outside of DA that isn't posted for security reasons.

A little story for you all. When I was first starting out on my trek to Graphic Design its cause I wanted to originally make cool logo's and signatures for forums. Realistically, I sucked at it at first; who doesn't. I am not "Artistically Enabled" as some may call it, I cannot draw (Graffiti I can do) and I can not paint. In all sense and function I shouldn't be a graphic designer. My learning curve took years over other people who had started even after me; and at times it did drag me down. I was lucky enough to attend a forum (Which shall not be named) that had a large drove of both traditional and CG artists. Artists that were respected in the community and even here on DA. These artists were not afraid to give me the critique's and comments I deserved; and by that I mean they were not afraid to shoot down my work; then proceed to tell me where to get better.

These comments and critiques ranged from both technical skills to my literal composition. Ie: What looks good to one, may not look good to another. All humans have a universal design composition; by that I mean, some things are universally accepted composition wise.

These critiques and comments would have put down a lot of people; however to a certain few it drives them to do better. It is important to remember that if someone seriously critiques and comments on your work; be it here or anywhere. They are doing so in your benefit. There is a difference to "LOL YOU SUCK!" and "Nice try, however..."

I have noticed a great many of artists on DA don't notice that difference and I have gotten many a replies back telling me to "Eff off" or what have you. It is unfortunate to say, but if these people do not take the critique and comments seriously and shrug them off as someone slamming their work; then they can not advance much further than where they are.

So fellow DAusers, be pleasant and remember to thank people who seriously review your work. Their much more valuable and important than the people who go "DAWWW CUTE!"

So that is it.

Regards,

The Great Juice