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Getting the Most out of dA: CommentingUsually, when you read something involving 'Commenting', you think of deviations and the commenting platform that allows other members of the community to voice their thoughts and opinions on the art shown. However, what is pretty evident, and something that most of us may forget, is that deviantART runs on the ability to give and get comments, be it on pieces of artwork, our profile pages, +forums, and everywhere else in between.Getting the Most out of dA: Commenting3 months ago in Editorials More Like This
In a sense, without the ability to give and get comments, deviantART wouldn't be much of a website, much less #1 of online art communities around. Comments are not solely the cause of what makes deviantART what it is, but it has a huge impact on a lot of things. By giving and getting comments, not only do we interact with other members to really make this a community, we also have the ability to get our voices heard.
It's quite an odd concept with us all facing screens, typing out our thoughts and opinions, but one thing we shouldn't forget is that commen
PE: The Impact of Color1. - WHAT IS COLOR?PE: The Impact of Color5 months ago in Art Blogs & Mags More Like This
Color is the aspect of things that is caused by differing qualities of light being reflected or emitted by them, as received by the human eye and processed by the human brain. It is a function of light and biology, not an exact science, no two people can see it exactly the same.
The human eye and brain together translate light into color. Light receptors within the eye transmit messages to the brain, which produces the familiar sensations of color. Newton observed that color is not inherent in objects. Rather, the surface of an object reflects some colors and absorbs all the others. We perceive only the reflected colors. Thus, red is not "in" an apple. The surface of the apple is reflecting the wavelengths we see as red and absorbing all the rest. An object appears white when it reflects all wavelengths and black when it absorbs them all.
"Colors are the deeds of light, its deeds and sufferings."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
How to make a great Journal featureJournal Feature TutorialHow to make a great Journal feature4 months ago in Art Blogs & Mags More Like This
How to make a great Journal feature!
This article has been written for #projecteducate by `miontre.
Featuring other artists in your Journal is a great thing to do, because everyone wins! Not only are you supporting other artists by giving them some extra exposure, but you can also earn some exposure for yourself and make new friends too. Additionally, those who view your feature have the opportunity to find some new art and artists.
Therefore, it pays to make your Journal features the best they can be. Making a really good Journal feature can involve a lot of time and work - planning, collecting artwork, arranging the artwork in a Journal, publication, and promotion. Taking these steps instead of merely dragging in thumbs from your Favourites will result in an appealing and rewarding Journal feature. In this tutorial, we're going to produce a feature with images arranged like this:
Photography Troubleshooting: Winter WildlifeFor many parts of the world, Winter provides a beautiful backdrop for some of the best landscape and water scape Photography out there. Snowy hills, Frosty trees and more help to convert a world of vibrant Summer or Autumn into subdued yet awe-inspiring Winter. But what about the wildlife? Extreme weather conditions can make it more challenging to get out and about with the camera, but can also give you more opportunity to capture those elusive animals.Photography Troubleshooting: Winter Wildlife5 months ago in Community Relations More Like This
When I first started investigating Winter Wildlife Photography I thought that I would have to aim for things like Foxes, Deer and other wild and sometimes elusive animals. But actually, wildlife Photography and in particular in the Winter - can start right in the back garden.
Birds in particular get hungrier and needier during Winter months in England. I'm sure this is true for many parts of the world too. Depending on the kinds that frequent your garden, you could encourage them to linger pretty quickly or it might
PE: Getting Noticed in dAGetting noticed within dAPE: Getting Noticed in dA5 months ago in Personal More Like This
Everyday, millions of users from all over the world use deviantART, and it is really hard for new users to get themselves noticed. Oh yes, it is HARD. It can actually be a really disappointing experience for some of us. But, if you show some patience and work for it, you may just be able to crack through that wall standing between you and exposure to the community. Remember, all it take is patience. Lots and lots of patience. Oh, and you also need to trust yourself. Just because you couldn't get a huge fan base in several weeks or months doesn't mean that you will never get them. But, there are some really important stuff you need to follow first before getting there.
dA is also a community, just like any other community in the world. The only difference is dA is and online community and the others, well they are totally offline. So, this means there will be some standards to be held in there, or else it
Photography Troubleshooting: The Watermark FAQ"How do I protect my photography and art in general?"Photography Troubleshooting: The Watermark FAQ8 months ago in Editorials More Like This
~=Eitvys200
"As =Eitvys200 pointed out, at least 1 journal per month makes it to the top of the list and is about stealing art. Sometimes this is something small such as posting a piece to facebook, other times you see hoards of pieces on a website selling wallpapers or something similar. Regardless of how it happens, or where, it can hurt just as much to see your hard work disregarded and especially someone else profiting or taking credit.
Protecting work is a huge deal for some people, and not for others. It depends entirely on your outlook - how you view your work and indeed whether or not there needs to be some constrictions on it due to the content being a child, or family member. But how do we protect our work properly from art theft and wrongful use? The simple answer is you can't provide for every eventuality. Even if you upload your work to a website where right click -> copy is disabled,
It's All About Presentation (Mostly)As more and more people start taking pictures of their nether regions on their iphones or posing myspace style in front of their HTC's - the competitive world of getting a Daily Deviation gets just that much harder...It's All About Presentation (Mostly)7 months ago in Community Relations More Like ThisI kid. But... daily, I am bombarded with awesome suggestions (which I love) and I'm not complaining about. But there has to be a criteria of sorts, that sets an image above the rest. Here are a few things I look for that you might not have noticed before... The first thing I look at when I stumble across an image or view a suggestion from somebody, is how the artist has presented their work to the deviantART Community.
Title
Your image isn't everything. Not anymore. In the past I have given Daily Deviations to pieces with titles that are a combination of random letters and numbers, or that are very obviously still the source file title - or that tends to be just a keyboard mash-up. Everyday CVs are sent many many notes suggesting pieces o
PE Art Features and Daily DeviationsDaily Deviations:PE Art Features and Daily Deviations3 months ago in Editorials More Like This
As per :faq61:, The Daily Deviation is a daily feature chosen from galleries here on deviantART.
A small assortment of submissions are chosen each day by a select group of staff/volunteer members who wish to showcase an image which they found impressive or otherwise interesting enough to deserve being brought to the attention of the community-at-large.
Benefits of suggesting Daily Deviations:
helping artists gain more exposure
deviantART is such a large website with many members, often great art can fall through the cracks and go unnoticed as a result. Daily Deviations are usually a wonderful way to put a bit of a spotlight on a particular piece or artist. Often people like to focus on the lesser known artists, though it may be worth noting that even deviations uploaded by popular artists can at times use more exposure as well
PE: Organizing Projects and ContestsProjects and Contests are amazing ways to get more involved in the community and branch out to the community, be it that you are running the project or contest or that you are simply taking part in it or even helping out with it in any way. Below will detail some of the ways to better get involved with Projects and Contests.PE: Organizing Projects and Contests3 months ago in Editorials More Like This
Interview with ^SanguineVamp
^SanguineVamp is well known within our community for running fun and out of the box Projects and Contests. Jade heads up #Arts-and-Health, ran the #Halloween-HQ contest this past Halloween, did a month long #projecteducate on Photomanipulation, and has ran several other successful contests and projects just within the past year. As such I felt she was the perfect person to interview in this article.
How can members get their projects/contest seen so that more people will get involved with them?
OK my first piece of advice would be to partner with the
PE: Power of PerspectivePE: Power of PerspectivePE: Power of Perspective4 months ago in Editorials More Like This
Perspective is the angle and depth of a piece of art. Changing perspective allows for drastic differences. There is more than one kind of perspective, and all of them allow for more dynamic pieces of art if used correctly.
There are three common choices, and these are explained later.
Usually perspective deals with how close things appear, and correctly rendering perspective adds depth to an image and increases the impact of the composition.
One Point Perspective
One point perspective is where there is one vanishing point in a piece. . A vanishing point is essentially the in-the-distance-until-you-can'
t-see anymore point.
You see this perspective often, images of roads, or landscape often have one point perspective.
Examples of one point perspective:
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The 365 Photography Challenge - How to Stick at itBefore I start with this article, a little disclaimer. I just finished the 365 photography challenge - known as a 'photo a day' but I blogged and took more than one photo on most days, so it was that little bit more challenging. So I'm feeling pretty smug right now, that I achieved it. But I am by no means toting myself as an expert. This is just my humble advice on how to keep going when it does nothing but rain, or when you feel like giving up.The 365 Photography Challenge - How to Stick at it4 months ago in Photography More Like This
Before 2012, some weeks would pass when I wouldn't even pick up the camera, let alone think about shots, or how to compose one. Photography still excited me, but I was lacking inspiration. So on the 2nd of January last year I decided to throw everything up in the air, and let go. That is to say, I stopped being precious about the camera (because you can't when you have to take a photo a day) and I forced myself to take rubbish shots, as well as half decent ones.Start as you mean to go. Don't over-set yoursel
PE: 9 ways to overcome (artistic) Frustration.9 ways to overcome (artistic) FrustrationPE: 9 ways to overcome (artistic) Frustration.5 months ago in Art Blogs & Mags More Like This
Everyone has heard of it, everyone fears the very sight of it, but if you are an artist, there is a good chance it creeps at you regularly, more often than a flu, in various forms and intensity; in psychology, Frustration is a common emotional response to opposition / obstacle, is related to anger and disappointment and its strength depends on the size of the established challenge. When Frustration calls you more often than your mother does, it's time to take an action!
1. - TAKE A WALK
Try to get your feelings straight by walking it out of your system. Is it raining or snowing? Even better, get soaked and dry out.
2. - SHIFT YOUR FOCUS
Sleep on it. Make yourself busy with small repetitive tasks, watch a good movie or comedy, play a game, visit your family or a friend, cook a new recipe, get a haircut, tidy up your room or house, watch a documentary, have a chocolate, take a horse ridi
Getting the Most out of dA: GroupsGroups are a platform on deviantART which allow you to share your art - what it is primarily used for. Immediately, once your art is accepted into the Gallery, your art is sent to the message centres of many members of that particular group, gaining you instant and wider exposure. However, to really enhance your deviantART experience, and to get the most out of deviantART, +Groups shouldn't, and aren't, simply used for that.Getting the Most out of dA: Groups3 months ago in Editorials More Like This
There are many roles you can play within a group. By taking up a role, you immediately get more out of deviantART than if you had not done so.
Let's start with being a...
Member
Not only do you get the chance to submit your art to the group, as a Member, you alsothe many happenings within the group too. This means you can read about the immediate happenings as soon as they are launched through the group, such as contests, projects and more in between. As a member, seizing the
PE: 5 reasons to believe in yourselfSuccess is not a measure of how much money you earn or how popular you are, rather, it is being able to find your passion - one that makes you happy and ultimately, one that you would be happy to leave as your legacy. To make a step forward to reach your dream takes smarts and guts but why couldn't you? Here is five reasons why you can.PE: 5 reasons to believe in yourself4 months ago in Art Blogs & Mags More Like This1. Everyone was born equal
More-less, this is true, some people are born more challenged than others but we all possess skills and ability to learn. It is possible to build something out of nothing if we really want to. It all comes down to our preferences and decisions.
"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Eleanor Roosevelt
By constantly challenging yourself, you can get rid of fears that used to follow you. You will no longer be worried, you'll know you can count on yourself.
"If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right."
Mar
Project Educate: Being a People PersonSo you've got the equipment, you've got the top notch camera, the lighting, the studio, the backdrop and even the perfect weather - everything you need for a portrait photography shoot right? Wrong. The key behind all photographs that contain a living and breathing subject is to have the natural look. Just like the key to a conceptual shot is having the idea, the key to portraiture photography is having the eye. Co-operative subjects help too!Project Educate: Being a People Person9 months ago in Community Relations More Like This
I have especially found in the past, that people develop a pained and strained look on their face when the camera is pointed in their direction. Interestingly enough, it happens more often at Weddings. The bride and groom quite often develop the look that they might have when they've just finished writing out the cheque for me to photograph their big day...
Then, quite suddenly one day, I got it. It was when a stunning bridesmaid at a wedding lifted her hands in front of her face and squealed when I clicked the camera in her
Photography Troubleshooting: Capturing SnowThe best of the Wintery weather conditions often come later on in the season, especially here in the UK. The next week or so will hopefully provide many photographers with the chance to capture those snowy scenes. So what’s the best way to achieve them?Photography Troubleshooting: Capturing Snow4 months ago in Photography More Like This
I’m sure many will agree that snowy landscapes are amongst the trickiest things to photograph. Exposure is the common problem; temperature is usually a close second! If your camera has a snow or winter setting then this will help override the auto white balance and lower the exposure, so you are already set to go. But if your camera doesn’t have these functions, then you might find these tips handy:
1.Before you head out, check your equipment. The white skies that often accompany a snowy scene are the most likely out of any shot you’ll take, to show up the dirt on your lens. Give it a good clean beforehand or you’ll be spending a long time with th
Photomanipulation vs. Digital Mixed MediaWhat is this series?Photomanipulation vs. Digital Mixed Media5 months ago in Digital Art More Like This
The "Fix that Miscat" series has been designed to help educate deviantART members about the different galleries to which they can submit their art. Tired of submitting to a particular gallery and having your art moved to a different one? We will help minimize this occurrence by examining pairs of categories that frequently get confused and doing our best to clarify them for you.
What is a Photomanipulation?
What it is:
On deviantART, we define photomanipulation as "two or more PHOTOGRAPHIC elements that have been combined to form something NEW."
This means that:At least 2 elements must be from photographs.
What it is not:
PE: Daily Deviations - The Myth and the LegendDaily Deviations, or DDs . . . for some deviants, receiving one is the epitome of awesomesauce in the deviantART world. For others, they are a nice way to show off the work of lesser-known artists. Still others treat them as a special way to bring attention to great art that exemplifies works being done by a particular gallery or community.PE: Daily Deviations - The Myth and the Legend9 months ago in Projects More Like This
Perhaps because there are so many different ways of conceptualizing DDs, there are also many myths and misconceptions. I would like to address some of those myths by responding to the ones most frequently heard. Please note that these opinions are mine and reflect my experiences with the photomanipulation community, but perhaps they will be informative nevertheless.
Myth 1: DDs should always be perfect.
To many of us, the ideal Daily Deviation goes to an artist with amazing talent whose work draws you in and makes you think, "Wow, everyone needs to see this!" A DD should move you, inspire you, and provoke you to think, b
PE: A Guide To Vexel ArtPE: A Guide To Vexel Art4 months ago in Editorials More Like ThisWelcome
Welcome to Vexel Art week with Project Educate! I am ^TheLastHuzzah, your host for the week. Today I am introducing you to Vexel Art, and digging nice and deep to aid the understanding of this fantastic media. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have, so if anything confuses you or you’d like clarification, please don’t hesitate to comment!
Vexel Art takes a great deal of time, patience and skill, contrary to public opinion. This misunderstanding has arisen because, sadly, it is often (incorrectly) said that vexel art is simply tracing a posterized photograph. While I do agree that this is a way that many people start off in the media, and a small number of people continue in it, vexelling is a form of drawing, in the same way as any other media. The vexel artist may sketch out an idea, and then work using the pen tool to digi
PE: Browser Scripts + Extensions and User StylesWhat are Browser Scripts & User Styles?PE: Browser Scripts + Extensions and User Styles2 months ago in Community Relations More Like This
Browser Scripts & Extensions
These are Browser Scripts that add new functions or modifies existing functions to change your deviantART experience. These scripts are often installed through script managers such as Greasemonkey (Firefox) and Tampermonkey (Chrome).
Examples
User Styles
A User Style is code that modifies the appearan
Project Educate: Improving Spontaneity Spontaneous PortraitureProject Educate: Improving Spontaneity9 months ago in Community Relations More Like This
Here on deviantART there is a whole gallery for your casual, candid, secretive shots. I don't mean fetish. The Spontaneous People & Portrait Photography Gallery is where you should go if you are wanting to things that are less arranged, less planned and much more spontaneous. Have a browse here to see what's popular but keep in mind that miscats are in abundance, and that's why these education weeks exist - to try and educate and put the record straight.
I prefer to shoot all of my portraiture and people photography as candidly as possible. I believe that capturing people unawares gives them no time to organize their facial expressions and consider arranging their emotions. Eyes, are the windows to the soul - as they say, and if you're making someone stand and pose (which works well a lot of the time) you're closing off the honest
The dA commUNIty and YouThe dA commUNIty and YouThe dA commUNIty and You5 months ago in Editorials More Like This
When first stumbling upon deviantArt, whether 5 months or 5 years ago, we decided to join because we wanted to share our art. We wanted our work to be seen, to be appreciated, to be understood. However, it can be a long and difficult journey from obscurity into the spotlight. Many newcomers and even long-time deviants are sometimes overwhelmed and discouraged by a seeming lack of interest and/or exposure for their work. After all, that's what dA is for, right? Not necessarily - the answer to that question is a bit more involved than a simple "yes" or "no".
Society in general has become used to instant gratification. Want the new album by your favorite artist? With the click of a mouse, you've got it! Need to get in touch with your cousin who's moved to Italy? It's easy -- just Skype! The college you want to attend is across the country? No problem, they offer online courses!
You may be wondering how this is relevant to dA. Well,
Back to Basics Photography - CompositionLately I've seen quite a few photos that have potential, but need some work. Composition is one of the most important parts to taking any photo (and making any piece of art really) and so I thought I'd share a few basic rules and tips. The word composition simply means 'putting together' and so, with any piece of art, it's how the piece is put together. With a bit of practice while keeping these tips in mind, you can create a more impacting, pleasing to the eye piece of work that will draw the viewer in and keep them interesting.Back to Basics Photography - Composition4 months ago in Photography More Like This
You could crop your images afterwards when you get them onto the computer, but it'd be lovely to have a great image right off the boot, right? By keeping in mind the things below, you'll be well on your way to taking better photos. And don't forget, it's always better to know the rules before you start break themA few tips before we start;
Look around using the viewfinder every time you take a picture.
Look at each element and how it impacts the overall co
Sta.sh
