Well. It's a new year.  I'd say it's time for my yearly journal post but I can't even seem to maintain that, can I?  As with all new years, we (most of us) make resolutions-- and I am no exception.  Yes, I need to go to the gym more and eat healthier, maintain a happy state of mind and do well in school-- maybe go see a doctor for a change.

But really, what I truly want is to just be a better artist.  I don't want to maintain all of my art related websites for notoriety (obviously that's not going to happen) but for personal growth and connectivity to other artists.  This community, and every other art community whether it be as tangible as a gallery in Chelsea or as intangible as seventy-two-dots-per-inch-masterpieces, is unwaveringly important to our livelihood and friendships.  The amount that DA has influenced me in the last 6 years is probably the most anything has. Moreso even than my peers here at school, and that's REALLY saying something.

I watch over 500 people through DA and I can safely say that it's genuinely difficult for me to eliminate people, now. Believe me, I've tried. My taste has changed slightly over the years, yes, and some people I watch more for friendship than for talent-- but my god what a community.  People usually see DA as a dank, moldy breeding ground for the anime virus that has infected so many young artists, and to some extent that's true as they're part of the community.  But let me assure you: I don't like anime artists-- I think they're conforming too strictly to an aesthetic that doesn't allow for enough individualization outside of medium control, much like pop music; and on top of that, many of them base their art solely on the animations and not on the manga or illustration-- I don't like them and I STILL watch over 500 people on DA. This site has the most incredible talent bubbling under its seedy surface.  You just have to know where to look (favorites galleries, cough cough).

What I'm getting at is that this past year I've been a major slacker and my inbox has over 5,000 entries in it.  I can't get through that. I just don't have the time and patience required.  So I'm starting anew.  That's my resolution for deviantArt.  I'm going to keep watching my friends and enemies and peers and inspirations and hope to god they influence me, no matter how insignificant an amount, to be a better artist and illustrator.

Happy new years, all.  I hope you've been more productive and attentive to this community than I have.  Please, as always, leave me feedback on pieces as it is extremely appreciative and I will try and do the same!

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