Journals6
Newest
The Right Thing To Do
6 min read
Though I am frequently here at DA, it has been a while since I posted a journal entry. I have a blog (suruha.com) where I do most of my posting, so, this journal gets neglected, unfortunately. This is where I post my art pieces, but also where I obtain much of my stock. So, on that note, I have a couple of comments to make.
It is so very sad to see so many of the artists I adore pulling their stock off DA. I do not blame them one bit! Still, it is sad to see some of the wonderful stock images no longer available. There have been several artists whose images I frequently use and they are among those who have pulled their stock. That someone would come here and help themselves to an artist's images and use them without so much as a mention is ridiculous! It is theft any way one looks at it. I know this has enraged the artists, though they have been more than patient.
Looking through my own 'art', I realized that I neglected to list my sources on several. I have been 'a thief'. I am here today to fix that. I guess I justified my using the images with the fact that I don't try to profit or claim any of the images I used. But, that doesn't matter to the artists. I still took something they created and used it without so much as a mention. Doing photo-manipulations for the first time and using stock images was new to me when I started with DA. It never occurred to me to list my sources. I know that isn't an excuse, but, I do know better now. Once I realized my neglect in this, I began keeping track of the images I use.
I did one piece, then, had to change the model in it because I just couldn't find the image again. It is so important to note the source of the image at the time it is downloaded. Here, at DA, most of the images have the title and the artist in the file name, which is awesome! Other sites don't do this as much. I have worked out a system, though, to prevent my not remembering the source. When I save any image, I type in the artist's name first, then, the site's name or abbreviation. Finally, I type in the title of the image exactly as the artist posts it. An example might be, "johndoe sxc Image1'. The artist is 'John Doe', the site is Stock Exchange and the title is 'Image1'. This only takes a second, but, saves me hours of going back and searching for my source. And, it is the right thing to do. These artists put a lot of effort, and often expense, in creating images for others to use. That is the least one can do!
My memory and my only using the images for personal art aren't excuses, but, I didn't ever intend to take advantage of anyone. I am truly grateful for the stock images provided here and on other sites. I couldn't do what I do without them. As I am on a fixed income and do not sell anything I create, I must stick to the 'free' images sites. That is even more reason, though, for me to list the sources. That is my 'payment' so to speak.
I personally believe that some people 'neglect' to list the sources, relying on the 'anonymity' of the internet. They hide behind their pc, feeling quite comfortable that no one will know or care that they have used other's images. LOL Believe me! It matters! Once, I used some 'arms' that I had downloaded to my files to make a freebie 'collage sheet' for a group I was in. The 'arms' didn't have an identifying label, so, in my mind, it wouldn't matter. HA! The 'arms' turned out to be stock that a fellow group member had created! How utterly embarrassing that was! Thankfully, the lady was very nice about it and I pulled the collage sheet. Still, a few people had already downloaded what I made. It just wasn't right to use anything without knowing and citing the source. In my case, karma came back and bit me on the butt! LOL Fortunately, for me, the lesson wasn't too harsh. It could have been so much worse!
Throughout my time here at DA, I have heard some doozies where people have used and abused an artist's images. I think the one that stands out the most to me, though, is an artist who had her entire gallery of stock stolen and used to create a store on another site. There, they were sold, though, here at DA the images were free. The site was even named for the artist since her name was on every piece! Can you believe the audacity!? When the artist contacted the thief about it, her comment was to the effect that 'the images are online and 'available', so, what did it matter'! In other words, because they are 'there', they are 'fair game' and free to use as one wishes. The thief's store was on Etsy, I believe, and, finally Etsy closed it down.
Last year, there was another case of theft that affected a bunch of the artists here at DA. That thief was selling prints on his own site, complete with his own identifying label/watermark. He charged a hefty price for 'his' art and, I guess, he sold some of them, though, who knows how much he made on them. I just can't fathom how someone can take advantage of so many others, claiming that they are the artist who created all those images and profiting from them! What nerve! What some people will do for monetary gain is phenomenal! I sure hope he gets his come-uppance!
So, all said, my ignorance or memory or my being tired and putting it off or whatever is no excuse. I apologize for the neglect in listing the sources on some of my finished pieces. I am working to correct that and, if I can't find the source again, I will pull the pieces. Having gotten to know some of the fine artists here at DA, lets just say I have a better appreciation of what these good folks do. It is of utmost importance to take note of the artists and to give them credit, according to their terms. They post the terms of use just for that reason. It is their right! Many of them just like to see how their images have been used. In any case, it is the right thing to do!
It is so very sad to see so many of the artists I adore pulling their stock off DA. I do not blame them one bit! Still, it is sad to see some of the wonderful stock images no longer available. There have been several artists whose images I frequently use and they are among those who have pulled their stock. That someone would come here and help themselves to an artist's images and use them without so much as a mention is ridiculous! It is theft any way one looks at it. I know this has enraged the artists, though they have been more than patient.
Looking through my own 'art', I realized that I neglected to list my sources on several. I have been 'a thief'. I am here today to fix that. I guess I justified my using the images with the fact that I don't try to profit or claim any of the images I used. But, that doesn't matter to the artists. I still took something they created and used it without so much as a mention. Doing photo-manipulations for the first time and using stock images was new to me when I started with DA. It never occurred to me to list my sources. I know that isn't an excuse, but, I do know better now. Once I realized my neglect in this, I began keeping track of the images I use.
I did one piece, then, had to change the model in it because I just couldn't find the image again. It is so important to note the source of the image at the time it is downloaded. Here, at DA, most of the images have the title and the artist in the file name, which is awesome! Other sites don't do this as much. I have worked out a system, though, to prevent my not remembering the source. When I save any image, I type in the artist's name first, then, the site's name or abbreviation. Finally, I type in the title of the image exactly as the artist posts it. An example might be, "johndoe sxc Image1'. The artist is 'John Doe', the site is Stock Exchange and the title is 'Image1'. This only takes a second, but, saves me hours of going back and searching for my source. And, it is the right thing to do. These artists put a lot of effort, and often expense, in creating images for others to use. That is the least one can do!
My memory and my only using the images for personal art aren't excuses, but, I didn't ever intend to take advantage of anyone. I am truly grateful for the stock images provided here and on other sites. I couldn't do what I do without them. As I am on a fixed income and do not sell anything I create, I must stick to the 'free' images sites. That is even more reason, though, for me to list the sources. That is my 'payment' so to speak.
I personally believe that some people 'neglect' to list the sources, relying on the 'anonymity' of the internet. They hide behind their pc, feeling quite comfortable that no one will know or care that they have used other's images. LOL Believe me! It matters! Once, I used some 'arms' that I had downloaded to my files to make a freebie 'collage sheet' for a group I was in. The 'arms' didn't have an identifying label, so, in my mind, it wouldn't matter. HA! The 'arms' turned out to be stock that a fellow group member had created! How utterly embarrassing that was! Thankfully, the lady was very nice about it and I pulled the collage sheet. Still, a few people had already downloaded what I made. It just wasn't right to use anything without knowing and citing the source. In my case, karma came back and bit me on the butt! LOL Fortunately, for me, the lesson wasn't too harsh. It could have been so much worse!
Throughout my time here at DA, I have heard some doozies where people have used and abused an artist's images. I think the one that stands out the most to me, though, is an artist who had her entire gallery of stock stolen and used to create a store on another site. There, they were sold, though, here at DA the images were free. The site was even named for the artist since her name was on every piece! Can you believe the audacity!? When the artist contacted the thief about it, her comment was to the effect that 'the images are online and 'available', so, what did it matter'! In other words, because they are 'there', they are 'fair game' and free to use as one wishes. The thief's store was on Etsy, I believe, and, finally Etsy closed it down.
Last year, there was another case of theft that affected a bunch of the artists here at DA. That thief was selling prints on his own site, complete with his own identifying label/watermark. He charged a hefty price for 'his' art and, I guess, he sold some of them, though, who knows how much he made on them. I just can't fathom how someone can take advantage of so many others, claiming that they are the artist who created all those images and profiting from them! What nerve! What some people will do for monetary gain is phenomenal! I sure hope he gets his come-uppance!
So, all said, my ignorance or memory or my being tired and putting it off or whatever is no excuse. I apologize for the neglect in listing the sources on some of my finished pieces. I am working to correct that and, if I can't find the source again, I will pull the pieces. Having gotten to know some of the fine artists here at DA, lets just say I have a better appreciation of what these good folks do. It is of utmost importance to take note of the artists and to give them credit, according to their terms. They post the terms of use just for that reason. It is their right! Many of them just like to see how their images have been used. In any case, it is the right thing to do!
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
A long, long way...
3 min read
How things evolve just amazes me. I look at where I began and see where I am now. What happened in between!? I know I have learned so much! But, my journey has taken me to some very interesting places and I've had the pleasure of meeting some awesome folks along the way. All I know is that I can do this forever and never get bored.
What the hell is she talking about? LOL A few years ago, upon obtaining a pc with Photoshop already installed, I decided to explore the program. I was recently 'retired', with a disability, and had ample time. I had also decided to set out on a journey of discovery. I wanted to learn who I was and what my purpose is to be. I did both. I incorporated Photoshop learning into my own discovery.
My art seemed to follow what I was learning about myself. It depended a lot on who and where I was interacting with at the time. Different websites I meandered on to taught me things I never thought I would ever learn, much less be interested in. I learned more than I can ever relate back here.
What I found is that I am very spiritually driven. I'm as Pagan as they come, believing in the spirits of the earth and all the wonders there in. I learned this through the arts. I spent a lot of time in different communities around the web. Eventually, I found myself driven towards certain types of sites. Obviously, Photoshop has an endless list of fans/followers and, thus, all the different support sites that have come along for tutorials and resources. I have subscriptions to an endless array of these sites - design, freebies, tutorial and anything else Photoshop. It is almost a given that, if you use Photoshop, you know these sites well.
At the same time, due to some unusual experiences in my home, I turned towards some of the paranormal sites. Who would have thought a 'shadow being' in my house would lead me down a path of spiritual awakening? But, it did just that. The paranormal groups I visited had members who are also very experienced in many different aspects of the spiritual realm. Here is not the place to discuss religion or politics, so, that is best kept to myself. Suffice to say, I know me now.
From pc to Photoshop to digital scrapbooking, where I learned so very much from the wonderful folks in that community. From scrapbooking I ventured into digital design, since I like to design my own scrapbook elements and papers. It wasn't a far stretch to get into digital art. Scrapbooking is fun and the people are great, but, there is not much appreciation for one's artistic abilities. I found some websites and groups involved in the type of things I enjoy, mostly vintage, Goth and fantasy, and joined, getting in on their challenges, and I love it!
Several years of this, much research, a few online courses and some great friendships later and I am a completely content person. I have figured a lot out about me. I'm nowhere near being done, though. So, I have a lot of living still to do. But, I know how to live it now. When I am creating something, I am in a state of meditation. In this state, all is right with the world and myself. What more could anyone ask for?
What the hell is she talking about? LOL A few years ago, upon obtaining a pc with Photoshop already installed, I decided to explore the program. I was recently 'retired', with a disability, and had ample time. I had also decided to set out on a journey of discovery. I wanted to learn who I was and what my purpose is to be. I did both. I incorporated Photoshop learning into my own discovery.
My art seemed to follow what I was learning about myself. It depended a lot on who and where I was interacting with at the time. Different websites I meandered on to taught me things I never thought I would ever learn, much less be interested in. I learned more than I can ever relate back here.
What I found is that I am very spiritually driven. I'm as Pagan as they come, believing in the spirits of the earth and all the wonders there in. I learned this through the arts. I spent a lot of time in different communities around the web. Eventually, I found myself driven towards certain types of sites. Obviously, Photoshop has an endless list of fans/followers and, thus, all the different support sites that have come along for tutorials and resources. I have subscriptions to an endless array of these sites - design, freebies, tutorial and anything else Photoshop. It is almost a given that, if you use Photoshop, you know these sites well.
At the same time, due to some unusual experiences in my home, I turned towards some of the paranormal sites. Who would have thought a 'shadow being' in my house would lead me down a path of spiritual awakening? But, it did just that. The paranormal groups I visited had members who are also very experienced in many different aspects of the spiritual realm. Here is not the place to discuss religion or politics, so, that is best kept to myself. Suffice to say, I know me now.
From pc to Photoshop to digital scrapbooking, where I learned so very much from the wonderful folks in that community. From scrapbooking I ventured into digital design, since I like to design my own scrapbook elements and papers. It wasn't a far stretch to get into digital art. Scrapbooking is fun and the people are great, but, there is not much appreciation for one's artistic abilities. I found some websites and groups involved in the type of things I enjoy, mostly vintage, Goth and fantasy, and joined, getting in on their challenges, and I love it!
Several years of this, much research, a few online courses and some great friendships later and I am a completely content person. I have figured a lot out about me. I'm nowhere near being done, though. So, I have a lot of living still to do. But, I know how to live it now. When I am creating something, I am in a state of meditation. In this state, all is right with the world and myself. What more could anyone ask for?
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
When I Grow Up....
2 min read
My problem is that I love all of the art, images, designs, whatever, that I see on DA. My name is Su and I am an addict. LOL It doesn't help that I am in the midst of such marvelously talented people. I want to look at it all. I want to see what was done, how it was done and, sometimes, see a meaning or two. If art was a language, I'd never speak again.
I like to spend a little time at different sites that interest me. Sometimes, I get lost and spend hours. But, by getting the 'feel' of the site and reading and viewing what is there, I get an idea of what interests me. Thing is, I have to limit the time I spend or I will never leave there.
It just amazes me to see what people create. I start out skimming over the pieces and wind up scrutinizing them all. I open Photoshop and start tinkering. There's a few things I've done that I am particularly proud of. But, there is not a style that one could say, "Oh, that is Goth, or cute, or whatever." I tend to lean towards the dark arts, Goth, grunge and abstracts.
So, I've decided that I will try what I can, glean some ideas and/or inspirations, and take it 'one day at a time'. LOL I'm still learning Photoshop. (Do you ever learn it all?) I'm still feeling my way and developing my own style(s). I dearly love the digital scrapbooking community, but, I don't want to do that forever. I like to design. No, I LOVE to design. Perhaps, one day, when I grow up, I'll find my niche. LOL
I like to spend a little time at different sites that interest me. Sometimes, I get lost and spend hours. But, by getting the 'feel' of the site and reading and viewing what is there, I get an idea of what interests me. Thing is, I have to limit the time I spend or I will never leave there.
It just amazes me to see what people create. I start out skimming over the pieces and wind up scrutinizing them all. I open Photoshop and start tinkering. There's a few things I've done that I am particularly proud of. But, there is not a style that one could say, "Oh, that is Goth, or cute, or whatever." I tend to lean towards the dark arts, Goth, grunge and abstracts.
So, I've decided that I will try what I can, glean some ideas and/or inspirations, and take it 'one day at a time'. LOL I'm still learning Photoshop. (Do you ever learn it all?) I'm still feeling my way and developing my own style(s). I dearly love the digital scrapbooking community, but, I don't want to do that forever. I like to design. No, I LOVE to design. Perhaps, one day, when I grow up, I'll find my niche. LOL
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
I'm a Geek!
2 min read
They say that, if you can remember the 60's, then, you weren't there. They got that right! I've been a free spirit all my life, marching to a totally different drummer than the rest, it seems.
Now, that my generations looking at retirement, the last thing I ever expected I would be is a computer geek! It is beginning to look that way, though.
Last year I got a computer. After e-mailing everyone I know, conquering games and designing the perfect MySpace layout, I discovered the world of digital design. I acquired Cs3 and I haven't been the same since.
My family knows where to find me, these days. Not puttering in my garden with my cats. Not sitting in my rocking chair knitting. Not even at the bingo hall. For, I can be found, right here, adding Gaussian Blur and resizing to an image with Photoshop on my trusty Dell desktop.
Actually, I am taking a bit of a hiatus from designing to learn the program. I've played around with some design challenges from the forum of a website I frequent. Being a granny, I found my way to digital scrapbooking early on in my PS career. I thought the two would benefit each other. I could learn and scrap my scads of photos. That was short-lived, as I am just not quite the type. I prefer the design process.
Then, a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. As it turns out, the forum I write of is Magickal Scraps. This place is not your typical scrappin' site. The folks there are Goth in much of their designs. That was what attracted me in the first place. Much of what takes place is learning new techniques. My style reflects the style of what goes on there.
I can't get enough. I live and breathe to create meaningful layouts that reflect an art style that I love.
Now, that my generations looking at retirement, the last thing I ever expected I would be is a computer geek! It is beginning to look that way, though.
Last year I got a computer. After e-mailing everyone I know, conquering games and designing the perfect MySpace layout, I discovered the world of digital design. I acquired Cs3 and I haven't been the same since.
My family knows where to find me, these days. Not puttering in my garden with my cats. Not sitting in my rocking chair knitting. Not even at the bingo hall. For, I can be found, right here, adding Gaussian Blur and resizing to an image with Photoshop on my trusty Dell desktop.
Actually, I am taking a bit of a hiatus from designing to learn the program. I've played around with some design challenges from the forum of a website I frequent. Being a granny, I found my way to digital scrapbooking early on in my PS career. I thought the two would benefit each other. I could learn and scrap my scads of photos. That was short-lived, as I am just not quite the type. I prefer the design process.
Then, a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. As it turns out, the forum I write of is Magickal Scraps. This place is not your typical scrappin' site. The folks there are Goth in much of their designs. That was what attracted me in the first place. Much of what takes place is learning new techniques. My style reflects the style of what goes on there.
I can't get enough. I live and breathe to create meaningful layouts that reflect an art style that I love.
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
Blog Sites
1 min read
I've been experimenting around the web to find the right site format, or layout, to suit my purpose. I need a place to write about and post my artistic endeavors and interests.
I have a website, www.freewebs.com/suruha/. … serves my needs to a point. I like the blog style site, but, they don't serve all the needs. It's like you either get a cool blog site or a cool site to post your pics, but, not both.
Rather than have half a dozen, or so, different sites for posting photos, blogging and/or general web stuff, there a few blogs, that I keep up regularly, that express my artistic attitudes and experiences.
They are:
The Artistic Me:
suruha.blogspot.com/
suruha-freespirit.blogspot.com…
The Spiritual Me:
suruha.wordpress.com/
aladyinflorida.wordpress.com/
I'm enjoying this. I love seeing what other folks are doing. The journey, here, is the feature, not the end result.
I have a website, www.freewebs.com/suruha/. … serves my needs to a point. I like the blog style site, but, they don't serve all the needs. It's like you either get a cool blog site or a cool site to post your pics, but, not both.
Rather than have half a dozen, or so, different sites for posting photos, blogging and/or general web stuff, there a few blogs, that I keep up regularly, that express my artistic attitudes and experiences.
They are:
The Artistic Me:
suruha.blogspot.com/
suruha-freespirit.blogspot.com…
The Spiritual Me:
suruha.wordpress.com/
aladyinflorida.wordpress.com/
I'm enjoying this. I love seeing what other folks are doing. The journey, here, is the feature, not the end result.
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In