balaa | A Rant about what else? Art

A Rant about what else? Art

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....

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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!!!

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 ^_^

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.

*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.

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.

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.

*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.

HAHA! good for you, vent away..it peeves me too..a LOT more than I tend to admit to to most people. Because honestly? WE DIDNT grow up in a vacuum(like sighthound said) and no matter how unique you think your style is, someone is goin to have something similar. It comes down to being comfortable enough as an artist to not let it bug you. Just keep creating, enjoying the art you weave from your imagination.

It just frustrates me to see adults..GROWN people...act like absolute children. But then I guess it shouldn't...everywhere you go grown people act immature >_>

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

What I think is funny is that most of us started off drawing by copying a style... That's a way people learn how to draw.

Yes! I agree!

And we are a community here, we exchange ideas and inspiration, the internet is a fantastic place for it, never before have so many artists been able to share work like this, we should all build and learn from each other. It can be such a wonderful and supportive community but the drama just gets out of hand at times. And the egos.

I think we tend to forget that there are real, actual people behind the screen names.

Yes, anyways, rambling...

About the prints, it was just somebody that was showing your stuff off because they wanted people to know about you. That's why I remembered your name. ^_^ They weren't selling them or anything, they just wanted people to know of your artwork because they thought it was wonderful! I don't remember who it was, though. I wanted one of the pictures but they weren't for sale or free or anything.

I'd love to do a trade or something if you ever want! I've wanted to draw Balaa, anyway. ^_^ *hugs!!*

Yeah, I'm pretty shy in person. o_o I'm alot better now but people that know me can tell that I'm really nervous around new people. Maybe sometime we could drive out to see you? I love driving out there. Also, when you are able to drive up to Seattle to visit Sarah, if it feels like too long of a drive you can always stop at my place which is half way from where you live to Sarah's home, I can drive us the rest of the way.

Glad I could help cheer you up. Take care, hun. ^_^

*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

That might actually be nice...bout stopping at your place. At least the first time. I havent driven in a while..kinda a house hermit the last few months so Im nervous to tackle seattle again...specially areas I dont know. Its funny I never had problems with driving until recently, not sure what it is with me...I think I just need to get out more...force myself to. I know my way around seatac and seattle center but thats about it XD...and when I told meh fiance James which exit her house was his responce was "Have fun" and I was like O______@?

Humm...err I was gonna ask where you live but Id rather you not divulge that here. Did I add you to my yim buddy list? I dont remember if I did or not....meh and my poor memory...I just cleaned out my yim list so I wonder ifn I removed your name x.x;

*pokes self in the eye for getting so jumpy* Im sure the person wasnt selling it..urgh feel bad for assuming so....but wow Im flattered that someone would be out there trying to get my name out there O_O. Must find them and give them a hug.

YES! Its funny but the very reason I improved as much as I have in such a short time is because places like deviant give me such a HUGGEEE drive to create. Its like when you are in the same room with a bunch of artists you just get this incessant drive to draw..to improve. Its kind of the same idea. I think kids growing up in such communities are very lucky and are given a GREAT early jump start. I remember when I was 12-15..I didnt have the advantage of such a great resource..muchless wonderful programs like photoshop. All we had was craptastical 2500 baud modems and ms paint. HAHA!

It truly does help a great deal and I find myself always eager to do the next piece, see how I can do this or that different or try this. Its unfortunate there is so much jealousy out there..people who are so rabidly defenisve over what they think is their turf. *shakes head* I guess I just cant understand that mindset...I just can't. I understand wanting to preserve your individuality..setting yourself apart. But what these people dont understand is that they are ALREADY unique...and no one can take away that essence that makes them who they are.

Will do and the same to you..don't let your little brother drive you too batty ;).

*feels a looot betttteerrr*

Heh! Yeah, the exit to get to Sairah's house is rather weird! I know Seattle rather well since I have lots of friends living around there. The West Seattle Bridge can be kind of hard on the nerves if you are not familiar with the area. *laughs* I like that... "Have Fun."

My house is a little weird to get to since I live 10 miles off of the freeway but it is a much calmer drive than anywhere in Seattle. I'll tell you in email or YIM where I live. ^_^ I think you did add me to YIM but I don't see you online. I'm cyahnna on there.

I'll try and find out who that was that was trying to get your name out. I vaguely remember.

Yeah, I thought about how lucky kids are these days! There are so MANY talented kids out there because they can learn from other people on places like DA! I know I know I wasn't that skilled of an artist until I got the internet at home and saw what other people were drawing. I think I was in high school when I finally got the internet.

Oh! My absolute FAVORITE thing that people whine about is "pose theft". Like, do they ACTUALLY think that they were the only ones to ever draw a person standing in that pose before? o_o I mean, some forms of copying is looked down on but some people take their uniqueness a bit too far.

NO KIIDDING!! How can you steal a pose? I meeaaan geeze..thats going WAAYYYYYY too far. People still write me and ask if they can use this pose or that or write me and tell me "this picture looks like yours but I swear I wasnt trying to copy you" and I tell them I could care less..I know they werent trying to copy me and even if they were inspired by my work..big deal. As for poses, I just tell them to go for it..I dont believe in 'pose theft' thats just..ridiculous.

As for the internet..in an odd way its like college...better in many ways because erm its a LOT cheaper >_>. Ive learned more online than I have in all my art classes combined. Kinda sad what that says for our educational system XD. Hell back in college I basically TAUGHT the drawing class because when the professor explained the days work, he left everyone confused so they came to me and I explained it. Finally they would go "OOOHHH I get it". BTW That professor HATED me..and ironically enough that was the only class I got a B in in my entire College career...sad.

*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 =)

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!

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.

<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*

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

*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.

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A Rant about what else? Art

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

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