This test has completed!
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in welcoming new deviants to the site! Core Memberships have been distributed to everyone who participated.
First impressions are everything. Everyone who participated showed new deviants how welcoming and open our community is. The impact was impressive.
From the preliminary stats, we're seeing that new deviants were:
- More than 5 times more likely to receive a profile comment
- More than twice as likely to make a comment
- More than twice as likely to receive a llama
- About 80% more likely to receive a deviation comment
- About 75% more likely to receive a favourite
- About 50% more likely to get watched
- About 15% more likely to watch someone else
Continue welcoming new deviants by visiting the "New Deviants" section of the Today Page!
Starting today, we’re running a few tests to help welcome new deviants to the DeviantArt community. These tests are follow-ups to our recent Encouraging New Deviant Engagement initiative.
Joining a new community can sometimes feel daunting -- like you’re on the outside looking in. But we’re working on ways to make it easier for new deviants to meet others and get involved with the things that matter most to them.
This new test builds a platform for community spirit by identifying deviants who are good at reaching out to others, and matches them with new deviants who might benefit from a kindred guide.
How It Works
We’ve selected a small group of deviants who’ve proven they’re community ambassadors and regularly welcome new deviants to the site.
These selected deviants will receive a special message in their Notifications prompting them to welcome specific new deviants.
If you’ve been chosen to participate, visit the profiles of your suggested deviants and introduce yourself! Give them a warm welcome! Share your interests and hobbies, learn about theirs, suggest groups to join, and how to best get started on DeviantArt. The aim is to form a kindred connection over time. (See below for more tips on welcoming.)
If you’d prefer not to participate, simply remove the message.
Rewarding Participants
If you’re one of the deviants we’ve selected to help, you’re eligible to receive a free one-month Core Membership as a thank you for lending a hand to new members. Simply welcome the deviants suggested to you in an authentic manner, and you’ll be awarded a free one-month Core Membership on March 16th. Remember, the aim is to build an ongoing connection between two people. Be yourself, talk about common interests, and have fun!
Please note: This test is only available to a specific set of deviants. If you’re someone who actively reaches and welcomes new deviants, you may be eligible for future tests.
TIPS ON WELCOMING NEW DEVIANTS
When making initial contact, introduce yourself and be friendly! Remember to be authentic and avoid using copy and pasted pre-written messages. Find out why they joined, ask them if they need any specific help, and find ways to connect with them!
Encourage Participation in the Community
Providing a few guidelines to getting involved in the community could help to keep that new deviant spark going. Here are a few suggestions:
Favouriting artwork and other artists. Suggest things like Daily Deviations and Undiscovered to get them started. Encourage them to share a thumbnail of one they've found that they really like. Start a discussion!
Creating collections is the step up from favouriting a deviation. Encourage them to post a status update or journal that links to their newly created collection and be sure to comment on it yourself!
Find out why they joined DeviantArt and suggest some groups for them to join or watch.
If they’re an artist, encourage them to submit a deviation and consider commenting on it yourself when they do.
Great Community-Made Resources
Here’s a short list of community-made journals that are helpful resources for new deviants. Feel free to share them with your new friends.
The DAWelcomeWagon group goes out of their way to welcome new deviants on a daily basis. If you enjoy welcoming new deviants, consider getting involved with the group!
