j5 wrote:CD, you have a tonne of artistic integrity and I've always respected that, but let me offer a counter argument.
I view the derby as illustration on spec. Part of that spec (though unwritten) is to make a design that is appealing as a shirt. ("Waiting for the Sub" was an awesome shirt design, despite the sales figures)
I can understand using a derby theme to spark a notion to create art you enjoy and to grow and hone your talents, but I don't see the point in submitting the results here with full knowledge that it's not going to do well. Especially since you didn't design it to.
I offer, as an example, Ochopika's entry poking fun at gamer kiddies/kitties. It's spot on theme and makes a good joke without resorting to pop-culture crutches.
Well, I didn't actually have full knowledge that it wouldn't do well. But I expected it. But not because I thought it sucked as a shirt. I expected it because that's how everything I've submitted has ended up lately. So yes, expected. Like losing the lottery. You don't REALLY expect to win but there is a chance. I understand that the shirt isn't for everyone, but I don't think it's unsuitable as a shirt. Especially not when compared to a lot of things that get a lot more attention. I think it's fine, but I'm saying that I didn't care whether people felt the same or gave me the "It should be a poster instead" comment. As for "Waiting for the suB", that was another that I made because it's what I wanted to do. It just happened that others liked it too.
So, I had an idea for this theme, I was drawing it anyway. Why NOT submit it? These things are hit or miss. Sometimes you think it's garbage, it is. Sometimes it takes off. Sometimes you think you've struck gold and you do, or no one cares. Drakxxx and I used to sub things all the time that got the "Wouldn't wear it on a shirt" comment. But they still did well. But frankly the last few attempts have been the lowest ratings I've ever had. I notice the overall vote count is WAY down from the days when I was super active here. You would have 10th place with nearly 1000 votes sometimes. Now, 1st Place is winning with under 400? I have to believe that a lot of the people that liked the things that I do, have left as well. And while I try to make everything I do, look good, I can't seem to get on board with the current winning-formula. And even if you THINK you know what it is and were to actually try to produce something merely for the sake of winning, I think it would be like an out of touch person trying to "be cool". It just wouldn't work. So, I just stick to my own style and taste. I do appreciate the concern/compliments and everything else. Not sure when my next appearance will be. I guess if you care to keep up with what I do, I'd suggest Deviantart or FB. My site or the rarely used Twitter maybe. All of which share the same alias CrescentDebris. That's where I'll be. Thanks. Later.
