A Rant about what else? Art

[balaa]

Recently Daisy 7 posted a journal saying that there were a few folks that compared her art to mine. I suppose I should see that as flattering but moreso I guess I kinda see it as insulting to her. Really she has been doing the realism stuff longer than me...and I truly see why people adore her stuff so much. Its something Ive always wanted to do but for some reason could not get a handle of until very recently when I finally started unlocking photoshop's true capacity...that and I haven't had a tablet all that long XD.

Its funny...when I get commissioned to do realistic type stuff, I wonder if Im really that good. I have always bouted my self esteem when it comes to my art(lets not even talk about the person behind it). I wonder if people want art from me now because they really think Im that good or if its popularity...which for whatever reason I seem to be gaining on deviant. Some days I ride high, feeling good and enjoying the attention...moreso the truly nice things people say to me...and then there are days where the snyde mean comments of the past attack me and I just tend to feel miserable and want to remove myself from all the world. I dont want anyone to feel I am doing something malicious to them, especially other artists like Daisy who are just wonderful all on their own. The realism type stuff I do is close to my heart...I cant even say I have a style of my own when it comes to it..Id like to think there is uniqueness to the way I do certain things..but sometimes I wonder ..is there? Is there anything special about my pieces? But when people say I copied something, especially of my newer realistic type stuff, it stings the most because of how much time I spend on it and how much..heart I try to put into each and every piece.

Its a funny place the art world. One day you are everyones friend and the next all the people you thought liked you turn their back on you. I realize this is just online but to me...the people I meet online I treat like people I meet in person. Why? Because 1. I met my best friend online and then went on to meet in person and she has changed my life and 2. I met my fiance online and likewise he has changed my life. So I guess whilst some people may think I wear a falsa facade of 'nice'...I am not...I present myself as who I am in person, nothing more..nothing less. I always wanted to think the art world would not have the nasty politics most every other corner of the world had..because this has and always will be my only true place of refuge. But I was dead wrong. In my short time on the scene, Ive faced my share of indignation and watched others do the same. Art should not be a dirty game of getting ahead...it should be a place we can all call sanctuary.

But this won't happen and unfortunately today I find myself being the realist and lacking heavily the bouncy exuberant optimisim I usually display.

All of us continue everyday to grow as artists. Perhaps at times our stylistic pathways cross for a momentary lapse. Likely in most cases it is not deliberate, but rather a sub conscious way to explore what other artistic routes are open to us. In the end we follow the path destined in our hearts and find our home in art, something all our own. But never will we stop learning and evolving as people and as artists.

I guess somedays you just wonder if you are moving forward at all because all it feels like is you are backpeddling

Anyway I dont know if this rant has any point at all...but I guess I just needed to vent....

Comments

[tivadu.livejournal.com]

Heyia Balaa!

I wanna be honest with yas!.... I commissioned ya for one reason, I luv your stuff... Not because yer "popular" XD... When I saw your snow lily pic I knew I had to have one! The "heart" that you put into your pictures is very visible to me, and many others! AND you’re an awesome person! I can truly say I know because of the small amount of communication that we've had, and no one will convince me otherwise.

As for those whom are out, trying to degrade others, don't give them a second thought. Some people are just nasty sometimes! Dunna worry bout it though! Just be happy! XD

ANYWHO! YUP! I just wanted to say keep your head up! You're already amazing! I just can't wait to see what has yet to come!!!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

Thank you sweetie and likewise to you! Your letter made me smile huge today. I think this may be the Dayquil talking..it always tends to spin my emotions way out of proportions. *stumbles about and walks into a coconut tree*

*kerKLUNK* oowwwww O_@ *tries to catch perdy floofs spinning around head*

Im glad you truly like my work...and I didnt mean anything as an insult...I just wonder sometimes. I mean looking back even a year Ive made so many improvements I can hardly believe it...so I guess I can see how others may think its too good to be true.

Ifn choo have yim you should bop me upside the head sometime, my sn is the same as my journal name ^_^

You are a sweetheart, truly are....mayhaps I need a new penpal ^_^

[ex-sighthoun238.livejournal.com]

I’ve been watching your art for a while now and it just gets better and better, I’ve seen you experiment with different techniques and different styles and you do it all well. You seem to be one of the truly open artists on the internet, willing to be helpful and you share your art with the rest of us very openly. How can we help but be inspired by the other artists we associate with? None of exist in a vacuum and why would we want to? It really does make me sad when I see all the posturing and angsting artist go through with there “style.” I have never seen you do that, you just plow on ahead and keep making phenomenal art and that is what always impresses me. There is only so much time in the day to make art, I get frustrated with those artist who spend so much of it bitching and whining about “theft” and style infringement, and on and on, just fricken keep making art and it shouldn’t matter!

Anyways, I just wanted to let you know I think you’re fantastic as a person and an artist, keep being the fantastic person that you are and don’t let the internet drama crap get you down.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*HUGS you* your words truly touched me..believe it or not. Im such a sentimental sap today. I don't tend to let myself get this 'pathetic' sounding and I usually try to take everything with a carefree outlook and like you said..plow ahead. I dont have a style of my own...I just explore and taste a little of everything to see what tastes sweetest ;).

Im smiling as a type because you helped to lift my spirits out of the sour dumps. Its just nice to see people with a level headed attitude, who are confident enough in themselves to let others create as they will. I always wonder if people think im being fake or crazy in saying Im willing to share my ideas and let others see how I do what I do.

You are a truly good person. Thank you for your words...truly and simply.

[jl-anderson.livejournal.com]

I get frustrated with those artist who spend so much of it bitching and whining about “theft” and style infringement, and on and on, just fricken keep making art and it shouldn’t matter!

Yeah, I get sick of hearing about that, too. My favorite thing is that MOST of those people draw like Disney or Warner Brothers styles often and they act like it's really their unique style.

People often copy the way I do things. I've had a rather popular artist admit to me that she copied the way I draw eyes. I've seen people draw pictures with the same themes and similar characters but why should this bother anybody? It's flattering. It's nothing to get stressed out about. They only should worry if they are making money off of something they actually drew! Not if a the hair or tail or legs or whatever looks kind of like something they did.

What I think is funny is that most of us started off drawing by copying a style. I mean, really... most of us here drew Lion King or Sonic the Hedgehog when we were young and some of us still have fan characters. That's a way people learn how to draw.

Sorry. ^_^; This had been bothering me for a while and I haven't been able to vent about it.

[jl-anderson.livejournal.com]

Well, I most definatly know how that is. ._. No matter what nice things people say about my art critisizm from the past or what people do can bring me down very quickly. I've also been compaired to some very talented artists which I often find really werid. x_x

I commissioned you because I always enjoyed your art though I was shocked that I was able to actually afford something by you! I have seen your stuff on the net for a long time (I think I saw your stuff at FC because somebody had little prints of pictures that you drew). I always thought you had a pretty name, too. I wanted to talk to you but I was too shy for a long, long time. I think one of the big things that unshyed me was when I saw that you lived in Washington State. ^_^

I think that the picture that you did for Shetani of his lynx girl was absolutely beautiful. Someday when I have more money I want to commission you to draw Kaylee or Justin (my fox and coyote characters) in your realistic style.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*snoogs you like crazy* seems in many respects you and I are very similar. I tend to be very shy at first with people...less online than in person*is really shy in person..but needs to get her butt in gear and get out more and meet nice people like you* x.x

Im glad you like my art..honestly when you commissioned me and I saw your arts I was surprised O_O...because your own stuff is so gorgeous! And seeing as I hardly ever draw foxies, I usually am surprised when someone trusts me enough to draw their foxie chara XD. But enjoy it too because they are wonderfully fun animals to draw.

Herm im a bit concerned to hear that someone had printies of my art at FC O_O because I never said anyone could print meh stuffness. *hunts em down* >_>

*licks you* mebbe someday we can arrange somefin for your chars, not necessarily moneywise...because art isnt just about money. *snoogs* thank you for your words sweetheart...I really need to meet you and Wicked Sairah.

[scullyiza.livejournal.com]

Well I can definitely relate to you on all that stuff Balaa. I portray myself as I would in person or on the phone too, because I really just don't see the point in being someone you're not; what are you accomplishing? NOTHING. I'm not attracted to you because you're popular, you know that of course! because I've known you for about two years, and no matter how long we go without talking, when we meet up again, we just go straight where we left off. ::hugs::

I don't see you as an art machine or solely as the things you create; I really honestly see you as a person, and a dear sweet person close to my heart that has become a very close friend to me, (as close as I can get to you being online.) and I hope you know that mean comments are usually just out of jealousy, nothing more. People can be dreadful to the point of deceit and selfishness sometimes, but it's not any of your problem at all. ;)

Love you hun,
Scully

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*wraps arms around you* to be absolutely honest with you...after the whole Evana Fiasco I didnt know if I could trust you...Its sad...it really tore me up because I had thought "scully was my friend? Right she was right??????" and then all that stuff happened and it seemed like so many people I had called friends...TRULY friends...had just...turned their backs on me. It felt like you were one of those. I know you are friends with Evana...and thats fine with me, Im never going to make anyone choose sides. I have no right to. You have the right to be friends with whomever you choose.

I apologize for my mistrust...after something like that happens to you...you dont know who is being true to their word anymore or who is just going by word of "keep your friends close, your enemies closer". I don't want any enemies, I want true friends. I want people who dont like me to keep their distance. I dont want people to pretend to like me..theres no need for it. If someone doesnt like me..fine..just dont pretend to like me.

Im TRULLLYY more happy than you know that you arent one of those people. I always enjoyed your work..seeing what new things you were up to and gabbing with you! You are a fun unique person that has a brilliant future in front of them and I hope to know you for a long time to come. We really need to start talking more again, get to know each other better :).

You take care of yourself.

*with hugs and true friendship*

~Ana

[mango-nikki.livejournal.com]

*hughug* melikes ya the way ya are balaa-hun =). these things will pass. being you and "your" style is the best u can ask for =)

[skywing.livejournal.com]

I personally love your art not because of popularity, but because it's so beautiful, and the heart and emotion you put into your pieces shows through.
Online, I treat people as I would offline, or try to at least. Otherwise you'll never truly get to know each other.
From what I know of you, you are a truly amazing person, with one of the loveliest bright personalities I have seen. And you have that streak of craziness that no-one should be without. ~_^
And your art is always a joy to view, I can sit there for a long time simply staring at a piece like 'Snow Lily'.

Okay, I think I'm rambling now. Have a cookie!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*random* I love your icon O_O..you dont often see black and white workses

*bounces crazily around you* thank you sweety for the wonderful words of encouragement :)

[shaydestar.livejournal.com]

I read Daisy's entry about her art being compared to yours and I honestly think no harm was meant by it :3

I wouldn't read too much into comments. Sometimes they can bring you down as much as they can pick you up. Most of them are pretty brainless anyway, especially when you get a DTF...that attracts heaps of unwanted attention, plus there are so many halfwits on DA that just haven't a clue, you're bound to get the odd stupid comment (I know I certainly do). People don't usually mean it maliciously, I guess they just don't bother to think about it and assume it's a compliment.

I think you do have a realism style and from what I can see, it differs a lot from Daisy7's work. I don't know who was comparing you two but I'd have to disagree with them, I think your artworks are very different in style and you both have some amazing pieces of work in your galleries.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

Oh I know there was no harm meant by it, especially from Daisy herself. From what little of her I know she is a wonderful person...the same goes for you though Im afraid we have started out on rocky waters.

This rant was more in reference to a lot of older issues that have been stewing on the back burner. I don't tend to vent altogether much but from time to time..it all comes out, mostly when I get sick and emotions tend to be easily swayed.

As for comments..aye I tend not to read much into most of them. However, as I am sure you know, sometimes an ill placed comment on a day that has already gone awry can tend to make the bad go to worse. And I realize and have met several people on deviant who are either young and naive, have bad english or 3 are just plain rude...so to some extent I have already built a callous against snyde remarks.

My apologies if my rant seemed to go after any particular person, because really that was not the intent. More than anything it was just a way to let some steam off.

Thank you kindly for the nice words, I truly do appreciate them :).

[daanzi.livejournal.com]

<3 You are one of the most real, and caring people i know. Let me tell you, the way you handle your fans and... well everybody with respect is such an insperation to me. I love that your head isnt up in the clouds, no matter how popular you are. (wich is a great deal of popularity, almost mindboggling... but not so because you disserve it)

Im not sure if that had any relevance to your rant, and im not certain if it made sense... my head is in a fog at the moment. I must apologize for my lack of sleep. hehe.

YOu definately have your own unique style, and a vibrant energy and a rapt attention to detail that seriously makes my head spin. I could sit and stare at one of your peices for hours with the simple hope that some of your talent might seep into my brain. *giggles at mental image she just recieved*

At any rate... i sincerely hope that some of my jumbled thoughts were written clearly... but i doubt it.. at any rate-- i lurve ya lots! *tackleclings*

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

You made perfect sense..though I know that feeling...I have been feeling that way all day unfortunately x.x. Im glad I am an inspiration to people like you..you are a truly talented person....trust me you will surpass what you think you cant achieve ;). I have been in that same boat where I just stared and stared at someones work just dreaming of being half that good. There are still many artists I do do that too...and perhaps one day I will achieve those things I dream of for myself as will you.

*snugs da Daanzi* Sometimes I do forget how lucky I am to be surrounded by such genuinely loving people..for that I am sorry. *big floofs to you*

you don't really know me, but...

[xcourtkneex.livejournal.com]

i personally find your realistic stuff incredibly inspiring. of course, i love daisy7's stuff as well, but there's definitely a difference in styles to me. where your stuff is smoother and more digital-looking, hers looks almost "powdery" to me. it's like the difference between using acrylic paints and chalk pastels. both of you are fabulous artists who deserve credit for the amazing styles that have benefited you and made you what you are on the art scene.
it has always occurred to me that the online art world is fickle, and this post of yours only confirms that. i hate to see other artists get discouraged because of a poorly planned comment. it only drives some of our favorite artists away. it always seems easier to tell an artist about how they compare to another, and no one ever seems capable of expressing an actual opinion of the piece in its own right. while we may find inspiration in another's art, it is hard to admit that a certain technique or tool is not of our own creation or discovery, which lends itself to accusations of copying/stealing from other artists. the fact is...we, as artists, are continually learning and growing, and mastering new techniques can only be achieved by practice. if someone is willing to suggest that you are copying another's art simply due to a misunderstanding of the purpose of a particular piece, i don't find it at all necessary to correct them or to stress out over it. jealousy is another huge reason for others to rag on you and to accuse you of things that just aren't true.
i'm willing to admit right now that you inspire me and your art tends to push me on to bigger and better things. even your cartoony stuff has its own unique flair, at it upsets me to think that someone is accusing you of something so demeaning. don't let it get you down - there are still those of us who are undying *if a little creepy and stalkerish* fans of yours, and we still respect your art as something that is uniquely you and a display of your incredible talent.

ooh...sorry about the superlong post...i should have made my own journal about this one, lol :P feel free to ignore me <3

Re: you don't really know me, but...

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

No worrry, I loove super long posties :D..anytime cha wanna rant about anything go for it...and I will always do my best to read it and reply to it ^_^.

Ive seen your work around and have been rather enjoying what I have seen so far. I am truly glad people find inspiration in my work that makes them want to improve. Thats what it is all about. A community is a place where artists should feel free to share ideas and techniques without fear of persecution. So if you are inspired by something I do and are afraid to try it..don't be. Im not one that will jump on you for it.

*random* >____> Mosquito *end of random*

Im the same way, I enjoy finding ways to push my own bar, try new things all the time. I dont like the idea of being 1. told what I can and cant draw and 2. confined to any one style of art. The world is so big and vast and there is so much out there to explore. I want to try as much as I can in my life, even if they are tiny nibbles of the grand picture.

I think its sad that people cant admit that one person or another inspired them to try this and moreover not to copy it but make it their own, evolve the ideas into something thats uniquely theirs. Isnt that what it should be about? There shouldn't be a "MIIINNEE" philosophy...but I suppose there always will be as long as people are around.

Its funny people think I would be jealous to see someone surpass me in something I initially introduced them to. No..I would be happy to see someone else succeed...I know what a wonderful feeling that can be. Everyone deserves to feel it :).

*HUGS* see I ranteded back at you XD! *snugs*

[growing-rose.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I know how you feel. I got tired of someone treating me like art was the only way to gauge my friendship. So I dropped them. I'd rather have uber good friends at the "low" range who appreciate friends for who they are, than the people in the "high" range who only bother with me when the other "good" artists aren't online.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

It shouldnt be that way. I dont make friends based on what level of art I consider them to be at. Thats silly. Good people are good people, doesn't matter what talents they have. Ifn you are a fun person to talk to, Ill talk to yas :D!

*pet petFLOOF*

[azianwolfdoll.livejournal.com]

That's the thing about the online world with people. The inevitable question of--"Are they being honest about themself or is this all just a masquerade?" So far, I've not come across anyone of the like (to my knowledge). All I've got to rely on is my gut feeling & trust, & through that gut feeling, I've also met some awesome people & friends. Including you. You've never come across as fake or a conceited person to me & I do believe that you are just the same offline as you present yourself online,...if that makes sense. I, too, had the luck of met my best friend online, as well. Anyway, to put it simply--I agree with your philosophy about treating others online in the same manner as if you were speaking to them in person. BTW, I hope & wish to meet you in person someday! =D

About this question of wheather "people want art from me now because they really think Im that good or if its popularity"--I think it's a bif of both. You are an exceptional artist admired by many & I can only dream of growing up to your level of skill with realism. And to compare yourself to another artist is just seemingly pointless. Realism is realism is realism. How can you really compare one artwork to another if they're meant to be pretty much the same thing or genre, y'know?

There is something special & unique about your art, even if you can't see it through your own eyes. I don't think any artist can really 'see' into their own art, mainly because we all see things differently. But trust me--It's there. We all get this way at one point or another but don't let any of this fringe on your passion & sanction for art, Balaa. I can only say & do so much/little to try & console you. However, I hope your spirits have lifted up & that you find a smile somewhere in the midst of what I said. ^__^ Much love to you, my friend! ♥♥♥

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

It would be an absolute honor to meet you!! I remember how daunting joining even the tlk fanart archive was at first and yet ever since I first joined you were one of the people I looked up to and dreamed of being half as good as. You are genuinely amazing in your craft and only continue to grow in skill and diversity. If you want to do realism, trust me it should not be altogether difficult for you ;). The biggest obstacle I discovered is believing I could do it..once I conquered my own doubts about myself...it was easy. That and realism is tedious...it takes a lot longer than toony work ..even for a simple portrait. Sometimes I find myself wanting to give up on a piece in the early stages because it feels like its just..ugly...and not going anywhere. But theres something there that makes it worthwhile to go through with. So you do and in the end all the time and effort...and hours of frustration...pay off.

*HUGSYOULIKEFREAKINNUTS* You DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIID make me smile, everyone who said anything in responce to my incoherent rant made me smile Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Perhaps the day we meet is not as far off as we both think...after all..never know...life tends to throw its curveballs!

*floofles the one and only AWD* merrrrrr

[fyregryphoness.livejournal.com]

I know exactly how you feel. A lot of the time I get really downhearted about my artwork. =( Even when people say "oh! How pretty." or "Great job!" ect. Sometimes I really wonder if they're saying that to be "just nice" and they think something else or what. It bugs me at times, but other times I think "Hey, I've worked hard to get this far, and I'm going to keep on working hard!".

And it is very frustrating when people become condescending towards your art because their jealous or whatever other silly reason. =p My motto has always been "If you're not born knowing it, you must then learn it." Don't know how to cook? Pick up a cookbook. Can't draw? Take classes. But for pete sakes, people shouldn't go bashin' others art just because they don't want to bother to learn. We're not born how to read or write either, but we eventually learn. I mean, some poeple are natuarally gifted, but even they have to grow in their skill. :)

Anyway! Enough of my blabbering. ;) Just keep on doin' what you're doin' Balaa. Don't let people's rudness/stupidy/fakeness get you down. I think you're great with both your 'toon and realism work. Don't forget, practicing can only make you better at something, never worse! XD *hugs*

[celty.livejournal.com]

One thing I've noticed about the online art world is that people will always, ALWAYS compare. I don't know why exactly..even though I've done it myself. But it doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. As you said, people's pathways cross every now and then style-wise. It's sort of inevitable I think.. Although I haven't done it deliberately, I'm pretty damn sure a lot of other people's styles have been incorporated into mine (if you could call mine a style). Until I started looking around dA a lot, my art wasn't really progressing all that fast. Comparing it now to stuff from three or four years ago, I can see I've improved a LOT. But as I said, I'm pretty sure that's due to the amount of art I've drooled at on the internet these past few years. But yeah. Even if your art does bear a resemblance to others, you'll still always have your own style. There'll always be some kind of trait or somesuch that will distinguish it from other people's. And for the time being, I think your art has a LOT of traits that set it apart from other people's. In the past, I've seen your art appear on the front page of SA after it's been uploaded, and been like..that looks like Balaa's.. *click* oh, look at that, it is.. So nyeh :P

I've only just woken up, so..sorry if that doesn't make a whole lot of sense/stay on topic too well o__O

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

HAHA! sometimes I wonder if other people do see a Balaa trait in work. Like Ill be browsing deviant and Ill see a pic and automatically I will know "Thats Shaydes stuff..or Cat's etc" But I wondered if people could do the same with my work since I tend to err jump around so much.

I know there are bits and pieces of different styles in my toony work....unfortunately these days you cant readily admit that. Most of it is likely completely self conscious, a means to explore outside of the box. I got so tired of being labelled just a tlk fan artist and since I got my tablet roughly a year ago..Ive had the chance to explore more without being handicapped by paint shop pro. I delved more into photoshop and started unlocking its hidden doorways. So if my style resembles another..its not a matter of me malisciously trying to run them over...its me learning and growing with something still quite new to me.

I say bravo to places like deviant, just like for you...the place has been a goldmine of inspiration. It makes me just want to keep growing, keep trying new things.

[bi-ancha.livejournal.com]

The reason I got friends is with you it's cause you live in usa and you have a starbux around, so you might send me a frozen choclat milkshake XD


no, TBH, when I was reading 'censored' journal, I saw these mean things and bla bla bla about you, and I thought it was time I'd check it out, and what I saw is not what 'censored' said.
I saw totally the opisit, you are such a kind person, and I'm glad to have you as a friend
and I can agree on the point of friends loosing online can hurt just as loosing in Real Life

No I don't like you cause you are populair, I like you cause of who you are.
And if people like you for just being populair, so they can crick up their reputation, i suggest dump them
Cause they are nothing but bad people, and lie to you in your face.
REcently a friend of mine said: "well carrie you are quite populair"
and I ran off T°T
I know he's right, just a bit, but that's not what I want to believe
I don't want to be populair,
There once was this girl I admired(who's mighty and highly populair), and finally after one year of hard trying to get friends with her, (just cause she's got cool art and she seems so nice on her journals and bla bla bla)
I got to see the real her,
so mean, i never thought I'd think this of a person, but whenever I hear her name I say: "snake"
I remember her moaning on my aim saying, i want that neopetsbrush so badly

I started doing neopets commissions, (while people putted them online for their own contests) and made np's with it
at the end I said, : do you want them?
she: sure! i'd love to (via her bf's aim cause she was at his place)
And when I finally gave them, she blocked me
7 months later, I hear somany mean rumours about me, (wich she spreaded telling people i'm annoying, stupid person)
and I ask her in a mail:
Do you hate me? or are you angry at me?
she replied:
No I do not hate you, nor I'm angry at you, I just dislike you
you are so annoying and bug the crap out of me, so please leave me alone and leave 'bf's name' out of it.

More rumours have spreaded, and finally her friends are talking to me and more and more, but i keep wondering, are they talking to me, to make the mock out of me? or to see if she's right?
or are they really talking to me ... for me?

Ever since I hate populair people, they are exeptions, cause I know them like 2-4 years
But, that's why I feel down about everything lately,
you know what just happend with you know who
and yeah...
I just don't know who to trust anymore

*huggles you* I know i can trust you with it :3

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*HUGS YOU* you are a sweet wonderful person and I talk to you not because of popularity but because, simply put, you are a fun easy going person and the type of person I prefer to be surrounded by.

We will always be met with people that show us one face and behind our backs act completely different. Its unfortunate but it doesnt reflect poorly on who WE are. As long as we know and are comfortable with who we are...thats all that matters and in the end people will eventually realize we arent pretending to be someone we arent..we are just being Carrie and Balaa...simple as that.

*snugs* life is too short to hate...to hurt...to lie.

[teh-scotty.livejournal.com]

I don't know about the whole Daisy situation but i'm sure there's no harm meant by it and I understand your point of view and although it is probably true that a minority only want art from you because you are one of the most popular artists around on the net at the moment the majority want your art because they appreciate how good it is. I am always staggered to see how great your new pieces are and if I had the money to spare of course I would commission you, not because I could say "omgz looki balaa drew a pic 4 me!!!11 its uberli guuurrrddd" because I would value your art work and your talent and ability enough to pay for it.

I do feel that maybe Daisy might be a little rubbed up the wrong way because you are right she has been doing the realistic stuff longer than you but that's not to say you can't do it either, I think it's fair to say you are a more popular artist and thus more artists have your pictures in their faves and have you on their watch list. Your art is spread around the interent, or word of it at least, more than others and that's why some people may associate the whole reasilm thing with you rather than Daisy. I myself would be irritated if somebody said my work wassimilar to somebody else who had only had the same style for a shorted time than me. Don't worry i'm sure it's not serious as with most things on DA it is the fans that stir it up with their stupid, pointless comments. :)

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

I know no harm was meant by it..this just kicked up old matters that had remained buried for a long time. I dont vent often but sometimes stuff just tends to come out at random. Guess the bottle can be corked so long before the pressure blows it open.

I respect Daisy highly and dont hold any ill feelings towards her..quite the opposite really. But I know how someone saying 'your art looks like so and so's" can be kinda painful..especially in light of recent events where saying that is almost an accusation. Even though in this case likely it was meant as a compliment...though to us who have seen one too many times unwanted drama kicked up..a compliment like that can easily kick up bad memories.

*SNUGS da sweeeet Scotty*

[ty-parsec.livejournal.com]

Hey, girl. ^_^ You know what? The only reason I'd ever want to buy (if I could afford it) a piece of art from you is simply because it's some of the most beautiful stuff I've seen. Truely. And those icons. . .Oh. . .I can't get over how marvelously you can make them look. It's unbelievable to me that you can do it so easily.

You have a very special talent there. And, if there were possibly any sub-motive I'd have for buying one of your art, it would be because you're simply a great person and deserve the support. But, I say, never stop doing your thing. I, for one, believe that what you have is quite a gift and it fully deserves to have the kind of attention it does. I think people know talent - and heart - when they see it.

The thing that makes these pics unique is not only the talent you have, but YOU, girl. I can see alot of your TLC put into these artowrks and it translates to those who are looking at it. It takes much dedication to do realistic pics like the ones you do.

I say, if you like it, go with it! Who cares what others think? As long as you're having fun with it, it'll always come through in the end result. That's what I see, anyways.

Lovely person = lovely art

Simple as that. *hugs* Take care - and much floofs from me. *gives you floofs* XD

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*SHNOOOOOOOOOOOOOGLES O GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

You are a lurvely person too...I really need to find time to do special gifties for people. There are so many people I want to pounce and floof to death XD

*floofflllesss you to death with lurf*

Thank ya for the encouragement...I wasnt trying to sound like a whiney pity whore XD

[shahila.livejournal.com]

Well.. there is not much I can say that others hadn't before, so I'll make this simple; Your art is gorgeous and unique in every way, as well as Daisy's in her own way. Don't you worry, sweets.. some people are silly on the net.. but some, like you (and like myself, if you care to know) are pretty much the same online as IRL and well, if they want to go on and think something else, so be it.

Keep that chin tilted up and the tail pointing to the sky, and everything will be alright. :)

Much luv from the snowy side,

Shahila.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*keeps chin and flooferrific tail tilted up to the sky and walks along the snowy side* Thank you hun, its nice to know there are folks like you out there!

[hawk-17.livejournal.com]

I'm just going to keep it short-

You and Daisy are both brilliant artists, who I consider to be friends. And although there are slight similarities, you both have your own signature styles and they're not that much alike that I would ever mistake one's work for the other. I like daisy's art for what it is, and your's for what IT is.

*big floofy hug*

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*returns the floof* I whole heartedly agree...this rant was more in reference to a lot of past stuff that was brewing that got kicked up as a result of that for some unknown reason x.x

[dapplet.livejournal.com]

I can't say much more than has already been said, but I completely respect both yourself and Daisy as individuals and as artists. You two's work is incrediably inspiring and just a fasination to look at, and you should rightfully be doing it for yourself. Not for your millions of watchers and fans - though it is nice to get feedback. It may not all be postive or nicely said or accusitory, that may be when you find your real friends.

I can't say that I can relate to the situations of being compared to someone else or the popularity, plainly because it has never happened to me, and in no way am I great enough to be commissioned or anything like that. xD But I still could never imagine you or Daisy, even, being accused of ripping off someone's work or style. I think both of you have a wonderful talent as I said before, and are brilliant artists and people.

And I love how the both of you don't ignore certain issues you feel need to be addressed, and just expect them to blow away in the wind. I really admire the both of you^^ <3

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGStodoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom* you are such a sweetheart..and trust me popularity isnt all its cut out to be..even so..you will have it..you just amaze me in how much you grow with each new piece. You truly do have many many great things in store for your future. I am only lucky to be surrounded by people like you, who not only have talent but are simply put..wonderful people!

[hibbary.livejournal.com]

*stumbles in late* Ah, I'm probably also going to be a repeat of a lot that's already been said here, and also of things we've discussed one-on-one, but I may as well say them all the same. *tries to collect muddled thoughts*

First of all, there's a lot of truth to the saying "There's nothing new under the sun." Try as we might, we can't come up with something truly unique, especially in the art world. Everybody's art is going to look vaguely, sometimes even suspiciously, similar to somebody elses. And for some reason, some people feel it's their place to point out the fact. Personaly, it annoys the ever-loving crap out of me to hear how my character looks like so and such, or my style looks like whozitswhats's, so I can understand Daisy's irritation. But that doesn't mean that both of your respective artworks aren't entirely valid.

On the matter of realism, or really, pseudo realism, because I don't think either of you do a true realism (your strokes and color has too much personality), you're not going to help but get something similar. True, they have more of you in them than they would if they're photorealistic, but to the untrained eye, the 'styles' could look identical.

Now, popularity is a funny thing. And personally, I find it to be a cruel temptress. Oh, sure, it's fun to have a lot of people to talk to, and it's nice to have comments for your art, but it also brings on ill-will from others for whatever reason. And then there are the people who attach themselves to you, not because they want to be your friend, per se, but because they want to TELL everyone else that they're your friend.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about those kind of people. The best thing to do is remain blissfully ignorant of your own popularity, and to remember to just treat people like people, even though there are about a hundred of them now to the ten before. XD And you're always going to have asshats who feel the need to compare you to other people. Best to ignore them as well. I'm sure Daisy isn't angry at you.

I'd always wanted to think that artists had more sense in their heads, but I'm afraid that human beings are human beings, and you will never escape jealousy, betrayal, and dishonesty, no matter where you go. No community is a sanctuary. But I can tell you that online communities really don't reflect true artist communities. Most of the fine artists I've met IRL have been extremely helpful, and are very generous with their ideas, time, and 'style'. Online communities, however, are oftentimes far too commercial-oriented, not art, and ideas, in the commercial world, are meant to be guarded jealously, and bought and sold, not shared.