Good morning, afternoon, and evening, fellow Bell Tree users. Another important announcement here for everyone that frequents the beautiful (and quite full-to-the-brim) museum!
Please remember to be courteous to your fellow users. Some people do not want critique, and will explicitly state so in their opening post. Others welcome it. Please be sure to read their first post to make sure you know what they want out of their shiny galleries. If you're in a thread where you find that you just -have- to say something that could be interpreted as cruel, remember that not everyone is an art student, professional, or has spent years perfecting their craft. We should all be encouraging growth of a skill that truly takes years to fully master, not pushing those away that wish to give it a try.
If you cannot say anything nice at all in a thread, you need to leave the thread without posting.
If you cannot say anything helpful at all in a thread, you need to leave the thread without posting.
If you find yourself having a hard time being a decent human being, you need to leave the thread without posting.
This includes shops as well. Artists have many different styles and techniques. Some may not be up to your standard, or some may not be attractive enough for what you're looking for. That's okay. Someone else may be more interested than you are. Please see the 'leave the thread without posting' points for more information on this handy little rid-bit.
Critique
Now, this isn't to say that all threads are created equal. Many artists welcome critique. There is a very large difference between critique and criticism, however. For one, critique is defined as the helpful truth with suggestions that encourage growth with compliment towards a strength that should be emphasized.
For example, a sketch artist has a very good use of lines in their work, but their shading could use some work. Compliment their lines, and let them know some of your favorite tricks and tips for getting the shading down that may make the piece look better. They don't have to follow it, after all it's usually just an opinion, but for every negative thing you say, make sure to back it up with one equally positive thing to enforce good sportsmanship and all-around good feelings. It may also help an artist solidify a style!
Giveaways/Shops
As stated above, not every thread is created equal and you may not be a fan of some work that another user must absolutely have. If you are not interested in the style or artist, please politely excuse yourself from the thread with no statements. It's rude to enter a shop just to criticize someone's work. See Critique for a more in-depth explanation.
Scoping for Compliments
Please, please, please, remember that when you post here you are now an artist or a requester. You need to have integrity as one of those things. If you draw something and gather the courage to post it online, it will be online forever. Deleting something doesn't delete memory. Instead of saying 'this sucks lol: picture.png' you should instead say 'I drew this. These are my tools ____. I'm trying to become better at _______. Please no critique, I'm not comfortable with it yet. I will get better!'
The more you think of your art as something you can be proud of, the more your art will mean to you and those that browse your gallery. People do not want to see someone self-hating their own work, especially when they've put time into it for any reason. Have some integrity, have some courage, and if you're scared of getting constructive feedback/critique, then please make that clear. You should, however, always take a good critique to heart. These are people that sampled your work and desire to help you on your road to artistry!
Multiple Threads
Please try not to have a mod close your thread after just opening it. You should never see anything artistic as a 'scrap and redo.' If you want multiple threads because of clutter, or separate subject matter than that's fine, but do not make it a huge habit. You're still cluttering the forum in the end.
Also, if you're making a gallery, keep your gallery to one thread! I have 3D models, paintings, sculptures, sketches, signatures AND digital work in my thread. It's a gallery which is for multi purpose. If you find that to be too restrictive, remember that we do have the Blog tree as well!
All-Around Good Ethic
This is self explanatory. If you host a giveaway, follow through. If you offer to do something, do it! Circumstances arise, but make sure your peers know what is going on, and keep things moving smoothly. Don't make a new thread for every time you decide to stream. Don't be awful to people who appreciate your work. Don't bump your thread every few minutes.
Do be patient, kind, and respectful. It will come back to you.
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