Renderotica

I don't think I can get myself into too much trouble participating in this thread, so I'll play... ;-)

I'm proud of each of my images at the time I finish them. I consider each image the best work I could achieve at the time I created it, while never truly being happy with any of them... which I'm sure is the case with most artists. I usually think of my last image as my best work since I'm still learning and improving.

Since I tend to be a perfectionist I spend a lot of time on my images and therefore don't post images that often. I'm constantly amazed by how many images a number of other people post here. Other projects, work, and life in general simply won't allow me to be that productive. (I'm also very hesitant to share my work for a number of reasons.) I'll keep trying to post when I can, though.

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The image I am most proud of at the moment is "Little Asian Dragon Tongues".

The next image I'm proud of is "Lil' Bo Loses More Then Her Sheep" because there were a number of firsts for me in this image. This was my first nighttime scene, first time using fur in DAZ Studio, and my first time really employing dForce on clothing extensively. Having created this image for the 2021 Halloween Contest, and running out of time, I don't consider this image to be truly finished, but there it is.

Not really proud of any of my images TBH, most of them are poorly done, but I get enjoyment out of doing them, even when they're not popular....

Originally Posted by: Fixer

Not really proud of any of my images TBH, most of them are poorly done, but I get enjoyment out of doing them, even when they're not popular....

Your stats say something else -- 980 posts, some images with more than 1,000 views and 60+ likes.  Most present a coherent storyline and aren't just pinup posts or anatomy displays with no background.  There's some work involved that I, for one, appreciate. It appears that your audience does not think they are poorly done.

Originally Posted by: Bumper2

Your worth is not your view count, likes, or comments. We all look and hope for more, but they're not. Why don't you like your art? Is there a specific reason? You can PM me if you feel more comfortable that way instead of an open forum.

Absolutely correct.  Plus, bear in mind that those who post in the Gallery make their hard work available for free.  No charge.  No subscription.  Free.  Did I mention free?  If viewers don't like images or quibble with how one does lighting or rendering, they are free to compose and post their own images.  The wonderful variety of free images provide inspiration and ideas that everyone can use in their work.  I just hope this place does not close due to lack of support by volunteers, artists or viewers. 

Originally Posted by: Fixer

Thank you, I had no idea you followed me... As to why I don't like my images..... I think it looks right when I post it, but when I see it in the gallery, I just see fault with it, usually I think I have the lighting wrong, or a pose looks off and not natural.....

I always thought your lighting was your own stylistic choice. To me, it looks like the old grindhouse movies. They look gritty and rough, a style I love. Your poses are also great - exaggerated and slightly performing - like all your characters are hammy actors in something that would go on 'Mystery Science Theatre 3000'! Final thing: I fucking love your recent Waiting for the inevitable. I haven't liked it because it won't let me. I'm guessing it won't let others either. It's in my favorites though. Don't trust the like counter.

@ Bumper2, Blir, Plasticz, and wurger... Thank you for posting links to your best (most proud of) artwork. Here is hoping more people do so. :-)

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Originally Posted by: Fixer

Not really proud of any of my images TBH, most of them are poorly done, but I get enjoyment out of doing them, even when they're not popular....

@ Fixer... Yep. An artist is usually never happy with his or her own work. Your images are definitely worth posting, though. I find myself agreeing a lot with what others have already said here in this regard. Keep producing and endeavoring to improve. It is a never-ending struggle, but worth it if you enjoy creating and making your visions a reality artistically. But you probably knew all this already. ;-)

I've never paid that much attention to the “Likes” and the 'Number of Views” here. It certainly is a pleasure and validation to receive a lot of Likes and Views, but I'm not going to worry if I don't , or let it stop me. I'm not in a competition with other people's art but rather in a competition with myself. The general audience here can sometimes be a bit fickle and prefer things that I don't, and I'm perfectly OK with that.

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WARNING: Going a bit off topic.

Originally Posted by: Bumper2

Ciaran, Perfectionism can be a brutal thing. It makes you always looking for the next detail, the next improvement, everything you can imagine that you might think others might perceive. Sometimes it helps to take a step back. That being said, your images are FIRE. The first picture of yours I saw was "Lil' Bo..." during the contest. I was so impressed I clicked on your gallery that I imagined MUST be extensive. You only had "Test A1"... which is incredible. I thought to myself 'Either their a longtime artist who created a new profile, or I just really suck comparatively." If you don't mind me asking, why are you so hesitant to share? You can answer in a PM if you're more comfortable that way.

Thank you very much for the compliment.

Yes. Perfectionism is a double edged sword. On the one hand it pushes you to learn and do better, and on the other hand it can make it difficult to finish and let a project go. I've gotten much better over time at loosening up in this regard, and not needling a project to death.

Why am I so hesitant to share? OK,,, Do you have your tobacco pipe and notebook ready? Should I lay down on the couch? ...I 'm joking around a bit... sorry, bad psychiatrist reference, but seriously... and I'll try and keep this brief...

1. I am an “Introvert”, and I don't use that word lightly. I use to have panic attacks when dealing with social situations. For example, I'd freeze up in classrooms when teachers asked me questions or when interacting with other students. Couldn't talk. I do not generally get lonely. I'm happiest when alone, or with family, or with a significant other. As I grow older I find myself more willing to interact with others. I also find myself always worrying about making social mistakes since I have so little proper experience in that regard.

2. I grew up in a bad neighborhood with some of the worst public schooling in the state (think institutionalization in the worst sense of the word rather then education). I knew this because I was able to occasionally escape and compare other neighborhoods in the area. This, however taught me not to trust or even like other people when I was younger., which is a hard thing to grow out of. Later I was able to attend a private school with a much better class of people; socially, morally, and culturally.

3. When I was younger having an artistic talent and not being good at anything else often led to jealousy in others and increased bullying, or people trying to take advantage of my skill in unacceptable ways. If that was going to be the result of sharing my work, then why the F would I share. Again, its just something I've had to grow out of. These days I really just worry about piracy of my artwork on the Internet.

Sorry. I didn't mean to be depressing, nor do I ask for any sympathy or replies... but you did asked. ;-) ...No worries.

Wish everyone well. :-)

Lets get back to sharing artwork!

Edited by user Monday, February 14, 2022 6:46:42 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Pesky grammar and spelling