Unoalexi's Politically Correct Guide to Gallery Etiquette

[Unoalexi]

After thoroughly searching the sticky topics, I have discovered we don't really have one of these. If we do, then the mods can lock/delete this or whatever.

 

 

 

Use Ctrl+F to find the section you need.

 

 

 

[hide=Table of Contents]Sec. 1............................................Introduction

 

Sec. 2............................................On Posting Artwork

 

Sec. 3............................................On Critiquing Artwork

 

Sec. 4............................................On Responding to Critique

 

Sec. 5............................................On Using Other's Material

 

Sec. 6............................................On Language

 

Sec. 7............................................Closing[/hide]

 

 

 

Section 1: Introduction (Sec. 1)

 

So you want to post artwork in the Gallery? That's wonderful. We really would love to see what you can come up with. However, before you hit that "Create Topic Button", it's best if you keep a few things in mind, things which will duly be explained later on in this guide. As for you "veterans" out there who think they know everything, even you could use a lesson in proper etiquette. Lately, I've noticed that a few people, though surely well-meaning in intentions, really haven't been giving the most relevant advice. I hope that this guide will correct this, and thus make us artists of the Gallery better as a whole.

 

 

 

Section 2: On Posting Artwork (Sec. 2)

 

Let's say you're new here, and have just created what you feel is the best drawing/signature/whatever ever made. You can't wait to create a new topic and show your masterpiece to the world. It's best though if you curb your enthusiam for a few seconds and really look over your work. Is it as great as you think it is? Did you spend an hour on it, or just five minutes? If it's the latter, then I really think you should spend a bit more time on it and review these points before posting:

 

 

 

1. Time + Effort=Gold. If you scribble out something in Paint and then post it, don't expect tremendous amounts of praise.

 

2. There will always be someone better. Try to tone down the ego a bit so you can view your art with an honest and level head.

 

3. Make sure you actually did something before posting it. Did you create the picture yourself, or is it just a Runescape screenshot of a bunch of your pking buddies? If it's the latter, then you'd probably want the Runescape screenshots thread instead of the gallery. More on this later.

 

4. Pixels are a special case. Pixel art is REALLY hard to do. Before even starting on your first pixel, review every example of pixel art you can get your hands on. Look beyond the complicated dithering and notice the color schemes, composition, ect. Then you can attempt the task at hand. If it only takes five minutes to make, go back and do it again. Trust me, any sig-sized pixel that was made in five minutes is generally crap. When you finally do post your work, expect to be pummeled by the droves of merciless critics. Expect and prepare yourself for the worst of the worst.

 

5. The same principles shown above can be applied to other art forms as well.

 

Section 3: On Critiquing Artwork (Sec. 3)

 

If you'd notice, there are many other topics floating around the Gallery. Some contain other's artwork. You may wish to view these, and offer your opinions on them. As you do this, it's best if you keep in mind the following points:

 

 

 

1. The author of the work has feelings too. Be polite and courteous at all times, no matter what the artwork looks like. Remember that not all of us have the same skill level, and angry comments may close the path of art to that noob forever.

 

2. Criticism must be constructive. Don't just point out everything that's wrong just to be negative. Mix in a few good comments as well, so the artist knows what's good and what's bad about it.

 

3. Don't post just to raise post count. If it's already been said, then don't say it.

 

 

 

 

Whether someone is a beginner who draws stick figures, or an accomplished artist who paints like Van Gogh, NO ONE deserves to have derogatory comments and flames posted about their work.

 

 

Section 4: On Responding to Critique (Sec. 4)

 

So a person said something about your art that you didn't like. Your very angry, and you want to yell at them for it. Don't. Keep a level head, and review the following points:

 

 

 

1. People can be insensitive louts. Some of them are just blunt by nature. Others like to hurt people's feelings-these are called trolls. If your dealing with a troll, whatever you do, DO NOT yell at them back! You see, trolls thrive on pushing people's buttons, and if you don't give the troll what they want, they will eventually leave you alone. It's best to not even respond to their rude comments.

 

 

 

2. Though you may not like to hear it, chances are it could be right. How are you supposed to get better if all you get is praise?

 

 

 

3. If people only point out your errors, don't get discouraged. Simply take their advice, and use it to create a new sig that is even better than the old one.

 

 

 

4. Don't use another person's topic to start a flame war with a critic. The topic is reserved for posts about the art on the first post-nothing else. If you really want to start an argument, there's always the PM button.

 

 

 

Also, you can't be selective about the kind of advice you get. If there is something wrong, people are going to critique it whether you like it or not, and saying that it wasn't what you were looking for is just lame.

 

 

 

Section 5: On Using Other's Material (Sec. 5)

 

So you found a sig you really really like. There's only one catch-it belongs to someone else, and was made by another artist. You really REALLY want to use it. What do you do? Well you comprehend the following:

 

 

 

1. ALWAYS ask permission! No matter if your actually using the art in another work, or simply using it as a reference, make sure to ask the original artist's permission first. That way, you always avoid stepping on other people's toes.

 

 

 

2. Don't simply change the name on the sig and post it someplace else. This is called ripping, and ripping is a big no-no. It's basically the same as stealing, and it can get you banned. If you do choose to rip, trust me.. you will be caught!!

 

 

 

Section 6: On Language (Sec. 6)

 

Language is a curious thing. Through the use of tiny symbols, we can communicate vastly different ideas. But how do you ensure that those ideas will be interpreted properly? Well, it's easy actually:

 

 

 

1. Be clear and precise with your words every time. Make sure to spell things properly, and use proper grammar and punctuation.

 

 

 

2. Preview every post you make for mistakes before posting.

 

 

 

3. Though English may not be your first language, do keep it mind that this is an English forum.

 

 

 

4. No dark sarcasm. The art of sarcasm has much to do with the voice and facial cues, all of which are absent on the Internet. It's best to avoid being sarcastic at all times. If you must use this, then always use the appropriate tags.

 

 

 

5. Swearing and rough language is highly frowned upon here.

 

 

 

Section 7: Closing (Sec. 7)

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed my guide. Hopefully, this will help people learn how to really critique things, and generally make the Gallery a much happier place. I wish you all the best of luck in the art world, and that you all continue to develop as artists.

 

 

 

Untill we meet again,

 

'Lexi.

[ThruItAll]

I'm sure this is aimed at me.

[Kaphias]

Great, now you made me quadruple-think about when to finally post that pixel I've been working on. :P

 

 

 

Thanks for writing it up.

[Dharockslayer]

Bravo, very well put =D>

[Estonian dude]

I'm sure this is aimed at me.

 

It is aimed on everyone. Here almost anyone has etiquette issues.

[Sam]

Makes me think tbh.

 

 

 

I've been such a [puncture] lately.

[Nom]

Etiquette issues? I call it roguish charm.

[hiimben]

People who seem insensitive are not trolls by default. This forum really has put all the blame on the trolls, as if they're Tif's one and only downfall. It makes me sad.

[Nadril]

Some of them are just blunt by nature.

 

 

 

:uhh:

[dsavi]

I think Uno just posted what everyone knows is true but no one wants to hear.

 

 

 

And I admit that I didn't look at much pixel art before doing my first pixel. That's why I only posted my second one here, after I had done some tutorials and stuff. :P The first one will not be seen by anyone else.

 

:uhh:

 

Ever.

[Harakiri]

good job...

 

 

 

Why are you n9ot at the library anymore? We need you!@

[Unoalexi]

good job...

 

 

 

Why are you n9ot at the library anymore? We need you!@

 

 

 

Dunno. Just forgot I guess. I might drop by for a spot of tea sometime...

[Harakiri]

good job...

 

 

 

Why are you n9ot at the library anymore? We need you!@

 

 

 

Dunno. Just forgot I guess. I might drop by for a spot of tea sometime...

 

 

 

Sorry, we only serve cold lagers.

[Moonshadow]

If you want to sound intelligent in critiquing, follow your high school art teacher's advice on critiques. Try to say "I like" as little as possible. This site has some good vocabulary to use for critiques.

 

 

 

You could follow a pattern like this:

 

 

 

Strong Points about the work:

 

Weak Points about the work:

 

What to do to make it better:

 

Misc. Advice:

 

End it on a good note with some kind words to make them feel all warm and fuzzy.

[ThruItAll]

I never give strong points, only weak points with solutions.

[Unoalexi]

I never give strong points, only weak points with solutions.

 

 

 

..maybe you should change then? Or are you too dead set in your ways?

[Kaphias]

Decided to go back and look through all my topics that I've made here in the Gallery. I found one in particular that really surprised me. I was 13 when I posted that, and it shows in my behavior. What really slapped me though is the fact that people were still giving good advice despite that fact that the pixel really did suck, and that many of the cc'ers were getting replied to in a negative way. If you look at the gallery today... it seems like we're becoming more of this elitist, strict community. I know there's not much to do, but hey. Maybe some of you will read this and reflect. ;)

[pryomancer]

Strong points are very valuable, how do you know you're doing something right if no-one tells you?

 

Weak points should be approached carefully, everyone remembers when they first started and received consructive criticism, it can seem like your piece is bad, but you need to learn how to take that advice to make your art better.

 

I would never just say something blunt like 'x part sucks, make it a better colour' or something similar. Firstly it's not detailed enough, and secondly it seems like I didn't actually look at the whole piece and judge its artistic value, I just zoomed in on the weakest part, which can be very demoralising for some people.

[dsavi]

Ben said this about the gallery somewhere else, and I think it's all too true:

 

The gallery at the moment reminds me of blogscape. I don't know if it's just me but theres seems to be an "in" clique in the gallery and one giant circle jerk, mindlessly praising others work. Thats just how I see it, not to say there aren't good pieces every now and then.

[rik]

I think Uno just posted what everyone knows is true but no one wants to hear.

 

Ever.

 

 

 

Good point :P

 

 

 

Personally I have always tried to help as much as I can, since the most people who actually try to help deserve the same back imo :)

 

 

 

Another thing: I'm back on the forums, so expect way to much c/c on the pixels :lol: