You ever have one of those days...

...where it seems that everything you do sucks?
Yeah, me too.
Sometimes I look at my work and all I see are my mistakes, stuff that is wrong, off or otherwise out of whack.
I tend to be my own worst critic. I think part of this has to do with being a creative person and knowing every single stroke of the pen or pencil intimately. I KNOW where all the mess ups are, even if the AD doesn't see it.

It's pretty rare when I submit a piece of work and am actually satisfied with the result. Usually I reach a point in the work where I have to draw a line and call it complete, like it or not due to my level of ability weighed against time constraints. I haven't had an AD come back yet that was unhappy with my work...or at least they haven't said so. I still work with all the ADs I've done work for in the past, so my assumption is that i must be doing okay.

That said, OKAY isn't good enough. I know I can do better. I draw every single day, and some parts get easier...some parts I still struggle with.

I think that the problem is just me: I'm never satisfied with my work. It really doesn't matter how well I do...I still see the flaws. I think that's why I do depend on outside critique (and kudos). I have a hard time patting myself on the back.

A couple orthos...

Subject matter is copyright Games Workshop. No threat to their IP is intended.

Sketchy Bits:

*Fan Art all:

Space Marine vs Eldar


The land of Ulthuan


Swordmaster versus Blackguard


*Fan Art. Subject Matter is Copyright Games Workshop. No infringement of their IP is intended.

Note all are WiPs and none are completed. Unfortunately I'm driven by a number of deadlines and have little time for drawing for ME and what I want to draw. Of course, fan art doesn't pay. Still...I could draw GW stuff all day long and I'd do it for FREE (well...or almost free). I just don't have the chops to make it to THAT level.


Yet.

Online Publishing for Hacks?

March of the Illiterati in E Flat

May 27, 2009

Written by Karen D. Swim

Original article is HERE.

Two weeks ago, my Grandmother retired her old school TV Antenna for a digital converter box. If the FCC had not mandated that the US switch to digital on June 12th, my Gran would have kept using the rabbit ears.

In the world of early adopters one might say my Gran is a no bloomer. Yet, her diehard dedication to “rabbit ears” is not unlike those who hopelessly cling to the notion that social media is worthless and digital media is solely for the illiterati.

In a recent conversation with an erudite writer, I listened to what has become a familiar litany:

People who publish on the internet are not real writers. I am a noted journalist/writer/editor and accustomed to spending 6 weeks, writing 15 drafts before publishing.

My crowd is very literate and will not possibly be on Twitter. ( I pull up Twitter screen) Oh, look there’s Bill /Jane/ Buffy, they’re on Twiter?

I do not have time to waste engaging in urbane conversations with plebian strangers.

Internet publishing is for hacks.

Overlooking the fact that I had just been called a moronic hack who spends time on inane platforms talking to a motely bunch of idiots, I patiently explained this new world that has “killed newspapers” and made superstars out of the unknown. I politely declined to point out that a truly impressive insult would have described “my people” as having brains as dry as the remainder biscuit after a voyage.

Alas, we no longer use insults such as: “Away!, Thou art poison to my blood.” Yet, in spite of the evolution of the English language we have managed to make amazing discoveries, and advances. Who’da thunk it? (See what fun online writing can be?)

Those who view online writing as a dumbing down of provocative thoughts and ideas are missing the point entirely. It is an expansion of creative thought, discussion and collective collaboration. While other forms of publishing aim to “talk at” digital publishers “talk to.” It’s the sharing and exchange of ideas and information in real time.

Literature, and great writing are not dying, we are simply evolving in the way we communicate. Many will hold on until the bitter end, until change has steamrolled over them leaving no other choice but the truly erudite will not only embrace the change but lead the way.

What do you think? Are we diminishing the art of writing with online publishing?

My Reply:

I’m an illustrator as my day job. I draw pictures. Do I have a problem with the millions of people on Deviantart, Flickr or who have themselves published via online zine or small press?

Not At ALL.
I can’t stand “gatekeepers” who feel they have some privilege of doing what they do; whether art, writing or basket weaving.

I see it that I nave absolutely NO right to tell anyone what they can or can’t do. I can however encourage people to do what they love…whatever that is. Please…show off your stuff! Get critiques, Improve! Keep doing it every day.

Does this in any way cheapen the work of a creative? Not one bit. Actually it’s the bunghole gatekeepers who ruin it for many.

Honestly, what is the difference between published writer/ artist/ basket weaver and the home published zine person? Honestly, I give less than a damn whether you’re published or not. That doesn’t mean you’re any good. It means absolutely nothing. There’s tons of really GOOD folks out there who aren’t published or are diamonds in the rough who should be ENCOURAGED and included instead of derided as “pft, unpublished” and excluded.

1. Who gives anyone the right to deride or dismiss anyone?
2. What is the difference between published and unpublished creatives?

Seriously…I think there is a sliding scale of skill and everyone is on the road (or should be) of improvement, regardless of whether or how something is put out for the world to see.

Honestly my own scale is dependent on skill, effort, natural talent and people who are willing to learn, listen as well as be frank about what they do. Let the work speak for itself and leave the ego at the door.

“Being Published” is largely a matter of “right place and right time” multiplied by “who you know”, plus an ounce of ability, a little bit of luck, and often a lot of hustling. Note that “skill” is the smallest factor here.

Reviews on Flames Rising.

Reviews up at Flames Rising:
Mechanicum by Graham McNeill.
Shadowrealm by Paul S. Kemp.

Should be posted any day now:
Tales of Heresy, Edited by Nick Kyme and Lindsay Priestley

Links to purchase these fine novels:
Tales of Heresy
Mechanicum
Shadowrealm

Previous Reviews on Flames Rising:
Road of the Patriarch by R.A. Salvatore
Promise of the Witch King by R.A. Salvatore
The Orc King by R.A. Salvatore