I've been contemplating my membership here on dA for the past few months. I don't really feel like I am getting what I deserve. Since dA is an art community, I feel like I deserve some sort of justification with my artwork. Maybe when it comes to dA, I have different expectations.

Yes, I've already joined clubs and have become a forum whore. The best club I have come across so far is #GimmeFeedback. This is exactly what I wanted - genuine, honest, constructive feedback. It's sad that it's just a club. It's not an entire website.

Also, the DDs. They seem to be handed out left and right to those who are already popular or have multiple DDs. I think that is so because their artwork is viewed by a lot more people and thus suggested a lot more. I believe the DDs should only be awarded to those who have never had one before and once you get one, that's it. There are so many great artists on dA who are over looked because of the more popular deviants. For example, I love the work from ~MadameFatalite, =automotive-eye-candy, & ~circushead. I get excited when I see their work in my inbox. Granted, I do love more but those were the first that came to mind.

It has become very, very, very annoying when people just fave the hell out of my work because OMGZ!1! The kittah iz so cUtE!!. I want comments. I want to know what you like, what you don't like, if there's room for improvement, etc. I feel like I should get something like that from dA, and I don't. Granted, there are a select few who are always there to comment on my work and give me wonderful feedback.

I think this also plays into my insecurity as an artist myself. I was thinking about this earlier today after a photoshoot where I left feeling as though I didn't accomplish anything. I could've just been a relative with a point-and-shoot camera for Chirst's sake. I feel as though recognition would be a key helper in increasing my self-confidence. Because I am insecure, I believe it shows in my work..and that's not good.

Maybe my art isn't good enough. Maybe that's what it all comes down to.
This could all be from PMS or actual feelings I have. I am thinking about taking a break from dA and just working on my artwork alone. That is tough though because I don't have people near me to comment and critique my work.

A special thanks to *MuzikInMyBlood, *GarnetKate, ~addicted2cyanide, & =CSnyder who give me honest feedback on most of my work when I submit it.

=PhotographersClub held a "Make Me Laugh" contest.

1st Place

*lucky-april
with:


2nd Place

=katon241162
with:


3rd Place

*ajhop
with:


Popular Choice

~MaplerofSyrup
with:


Congrats to the winners!

So, today I noticed that my deviation R-Y-A-N was removed. It was just pictures of the boyfriend upping in the air and spelling his name out with his body.

Anyway, not sure why it was removed. Maybe misplaced into a wrong category?

I really wish dA would let us know when they decide something like this. Or note me and I'll move it to the correct category.

Ugh. Oh well. Anybody have any ideas?

Hope everyone is doing well and having a good week so far.

hosted a conceptual contest - Odd One Out.

As promised, I have a feature and a 3-month sub for first placers.

Photography:

First Place

Break the Mold by *ImprisonedBeauty

Second Place - TIED

Stand Out by ~SurrealiseMe


Ice-Cherry by ~funnyzzz

Third Place

Love Wins Anyway by *turquoiseMellow

Literature:

First Place

Cendre et Poussiere by *echelon-maniac

Second Place

Odd One Out by ~meganwayxo

So, a big congrats to the winners.


My entry -
Other entries - can be found here

Apparently, October is Self Promotion Month here on dA. Evidence.

1. Who are you?
I'm Jessica Wood - 22 year old crazy cat lady extrodinaire.

2. What is your artistic passion?
It is photography, obviously. I really enjoy taking pictures of animals and nature. I've just recently stepped into portraits/fashion photography. Currently, I kind of suck at portraits, but oh well, I'm still learning.

3. Why did you get into art?
It was actually because of my first boyfriend, Shane. He an amazing painter/artist and did some photography on the side. He was so creative and that was drew me into him. I was awed by his talent. He inspired me to begin photography. Five years later, here I am.

4. How do you inspire yourself?
I read this question in the forums sometimes and have never had an answer. I still don't. I usually just take my camera where I am and shoot. Maybe its my surroundings that inspire me. I tend to look at the world in patterns (thank you 19 years of piano!). So, if I see something interesting, I'll go for it.

5. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
With a degree in English, teaching high school English and married (no kids please!). Also, I know I'll still be promoting suicide awareness. I'd like to think I will still be doing photography as a hobby (or if my business is up, then working as a business).

I recently started my business j-woodphotography and am hoping to get the ball rolling with that.

Some of my personal favorite shots -