This is a reprise of an earlier article!
We have a lot of newbies to the photomanipulation community, and I wanted to welcome you and address some important tips for helping integrate you into our community.
1. Watch or join CRPhotomanipulation. This is the hub for all official photomanipulation contests and activities. It is also a place where you can submit your artwork (1 per week) to help get exposure. This is a great way to bring art to our attention. We really want to get to know you and your work!!
2. Watch your photomanipulation CVs. Right now that's me and AbbeyMarie. This is not a sad plea for attention or fishing for watchers! We have information about things going on in the community at-large that might not come through CRPhotomanipulation. We are looking out for you!
3. Hone your craft. DeviantArt has a lot of really spectacular tutorials for you to use. There are also other great sites out there that have tutorials. It is important to know the basics of photomanipulation in order to grow as an artist. Take a moment to learn more about Photoshop or your program of choice. You'll be surprised how quickly your art improves! Don't forget to show the tutorial artists some love by faving and crediting their work!
4. Credit your stock. Over the past few days, I bet I passed 50 deviations that deserved a DD but had no stock credits listed. Not crediting deprives you of a feature and is really disappointing to me when I want to feature you. Also, don't say, "Credits shortly." If you don't have time to credit your work, then maybe you shouldn't upload it. Give credit where credit is due. If your images that you used are your own photographs, please just say so; it saves much confusion.
5. Always pay attention to (and follow) the rules that the stock providers have for using their stock. If they don't want their stock used in dark photomanipulations, don't do it. If they want you to credit both the model and the photographer, do that. If they want to receive a note saying you used their work, send them a note. It is the least we can do to show appreciation and respect to others who allow us to use their work for free (or, in some cases, at a low cost). And besides, you don't want to have to take down your work for violating their stock rules!
6. Ask for help when you need it! When you are uncertain about something, whether it be how to navigate DA or how to achieve a certain effect in your manipulations, ask someone. I've had very good luck with noting advanced artists and asking, "How do you achieve this effect?" Most people will respond and help you. Some will not, but that's life. Abbey and I are always here to help mentor you if you have questions about DeviantArt or the photomanipulation community. Don't be afraid to ask.
7. Get involved! Keeping to yourself is not conducive to positive community spirit, and it will make your experience with DeviantArt less interesting. There are many groups out there with many different themes and styles. While some groups only allow advanced work, there are plenty of other groups that allow more beginner and intermediate work. Groups are a great way to get to know people and their art. Another way is to fave and comment on people's work. Over time, by making your presence known in the community through supporting others, you will gain friends and even watchers. A third great way to get involved is to participate in contests and other community events, like chats and projects. You'll meet new people, especially during collaboration projects, and you'll get your own art exposed.
8. Don't flame or gossip. Posting a flame journal about someone who has upset you is not only immature, but it also hurts the overall energy of the community. If you have a problem with that person, take it up with them. You can also block them (under Settings) and report them to the Help Desk if they are harassing you. Of course, there is also the good old-fashioned IGNORE. Saying bad things about people and associating with those who gossip is hurtful both to the person and to community morale. Why not choose to be drama-free? It requires much less energy.
9. Get critique frequently. It's the best way to improve your art very quickly. If you don't want to use the Critique function on your deviations (accessible by subscribers only), think about submitting your work to a critique group. Digital-Mastery is a critique group for digital artists, including photomanipulators. There is also a critique thread for digital art on the Digital Art Forum.
10. Have a positive attitude. Critique people constructively when asked. Leave supportive comments on others' art and profiles. Offer a hug for no particular reason. Encourage creativity and promote kindness.
Anyone have anything to add?
Thanks for reading!
Jade / Aeirmid
