radiohamlet

Wow, there are a lot of you now. Why don't you introduce yourselves?  What's your name? Where are you from? What is your favorite thing ever?

I just want to get to know all of you so I can love-smush your faces properly.

So, Mr. Hart has written a new journal entry and decided to stay on DA. He's also put a piece of his artwork up for open critique. I'm going to go ahead and call this one, and ask that everyone return to their regularly scheduled Internets. Whether Hart's approach towards criticism has really been changed has yet to be decided, but I think it's time for everyone involved to move on.

Hart never messaged me personally, unblocked me, or mentioned me directly, but that was never the intended goal in any of this, so that's fine. The overwhelming response has been positive and mind-blowing.  I never imagined I'd encounter so many wonderful, talented, and mature people through internet chaos, and I just wanted to thank all of you guys who have messaged me here and on my blog personally. You're the best!

I don't condone any of the hateful remarks posted on Mr. Hart's page, and wish that the situation hadn't degraded to name-calling on both sides. That said, you all have every right to your opinions and free speech--don't let anyone take that away from you!

Those of you who asked for my critique: you're precious and I'm really stunned by how many people think my opinion is worth considering! I'm going to try and get through all of them within the next few days, so keep your eyes peeled

I haven't been able to draw a lot in the past few weeks because of work and school, but here's a work-in-progress of one of the things I'm working on. And, as always, critique is encouraged! Tell me in the comments what I can change about it!

Hi, Everyone!
     So, it looks like a post about a crit I gave to has gone at least semi-viral.  One unintended consequence of this is that people are now posting on his main page and the deviation section about said critique. On the one hand, I'm glad that people see the flaw in Mr. Hart's logic and approach to criticism, but on the other I'd like to remind everyone to stay civil! You are all awesome with great heads on your shoulders, but don't get mean-spirited.  Mr. Hart's stubbornness only hurts himself in the end, and I don't want any of you getting in trouble!

     That said, there is something you CAN do:  critique! Ask for critique, give critique. Talk to people about shared difficulties or challenges. Go on forums and present your work to professionals. Get someone to tear you down so you can build yourself back up.  The more people who come to see artistic criticism as a tool for improvement rather than an insult, the less bad attitudes can harm us as a community.  I've got miles to go myself: backgrounds, shading, composition, all of these things will take me years to master, but that's really the most fun part of being an artist, isn't it?
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Separately, I think I'm going to open cheap commissions in a few days. I'm trying to save for grad school  and GameStop salary just doesn't quite cut it, haha. Stay tuned!

Thank you for all the comments and +favs, everyone! I've been bad about responding because of college, but now that finals are over I promise I'll get better. You are all amazing <3