The 27th of March was my 17th birthday so in celebration I got a mohawk! This weekend I get it streaked with purple. :3


January 2, 2009:
Well, the year has come and gone, and now a new year is upon us! How did your last resolutions go? I actually did last year's and lost 30 pounds, most of it during the last part of the year. This year I want to lose another 20 and firm/tone up. :3


However, this is an art site, so my real reason for posting this is about art goals.

There are two types of artists in my opinion, and there is no in between. There is the artist who wishes to improve, and there is the artist who is content with what skill level they are at. I personally am the former and hope never to be the latter, but I don't suppose there is anything wrong with either.

As the former, these are my core beliefs:

When being given critique I've specifically asked for, I really subscribe to the saying, "Don't take it personally, just take it seriously." If the comment upsets you, mull over it for a day or two before replying- you'll be glad you did instead of simply reacting.

-There are no finished pieces, only artists who no longer wish to touch them.
I know there are pieces I certainly no longer wish to touch, even if I should. xD



-When asking for critiques it is very important to leave your ego at the door.
This is incredibly difficult, and one of the ways to keep yourself in check is the walking away and pondering bit I described. It can be hard to see something you've put so much love and time into not seem appreciated, but know that most artists (especially serious ones) do not waste their time on people they don't feel have the potential to improve. Remember, someone else took time out of their day for someone they don't even know.

-When receiving critique consider the source.
No, you don't have to make each and every change that's been suggested, but you need to know what critiques are good for you. But HOW do you know if it is good? Well, for every piece you make you need to have a goal in mind, and a mood you wish to convey. This helps you determine whether a critique will go against or help. If you are particularly nosy, you can look up the critic's activity as an indication on if they are generally mean spirited. I would say you could look at their own deviations, but that can be deceiving. I know a few equine enthusiasts who could go to town on tons of equine art here and elsewhere who cannot draw for anything- they know equine conformation. It would be the same with a doctor.

-If your message didn't get across, chances are it's you.
The viewer is left to interpret what the artist lays before them. If you say it is a cow in the dead of night with a lantern on its tail, and the viewer thinks it's a goat that could be in the desert at day with a glowing watch on its tail...well... Does it really need saying?

-When giving critique:
Point out what you like and believe works for the piece.

Mention what you feel needs fixing (and try to be certain it will improve what the artist was going for if it isn't a tip on anatomy).
And if you want, some encouraging ending.

Don't be a bitch about it. Posting something such as, "Were you going for x? Because you failed." is not helpful. Instead, leave out the second sentence and replace it with TIPs and input on what you personally feel could be done to help the piece.

When giving critique, it is important to consider what level the artist is at. If they are making humans in the style of poorly done manga, it can be safe to assume you should not overload them with anatomical errors all at once. Instead, point out the two or three most glaringly wrong things, how to fix them, and recommend that they devote some time to real, non-stylized anatomy studies.

Additionally, as artists we are usually quite visual. A redline and links to (legal) references goes a long, long way.


-If the critique is properly done and it stings, chances are it's true. Pay attention.
Isn't that true for most things in life? A lot of professional and serious artists I have interacted with seem to point out what needs a fixin'.


Most importantly, thank everyone for their time, even if they were a completely unhelpful asshole about it. In the end it makes you look better, and can't spur any fights. :3