Okay first, let me admit to a few things before I type the rest of this entry. I'm not a hot shit artist who wakes up late, draws and paints all day and then actually gets paid for it. I don't always put the time in to developing my craft or connecting with other creative people in the world to share ideas. I wish it were all so. And I realise that all of it comes with time spent and drive. But it's just not happening. I admit my laziness along with a pinch of "woe is me"...but just a pinch. I get it. Work more and get better. So, now that my admission of guilt is out of the way, I'll explain the title of this post.
I joined flickr for two reasons. To get inspired and network with illustrators. I'm sure thousands of people use the site for those very reasons already. But for some reason I fell into some sort of bizarre ego stroking cycle that neither encourages creativity nor connects people on any meaningful level.
The cycle goes something like this:
- I post a picture.
- I hope to get comments. Hundreds of comments! Then surely my insecurities about my abilities are supressed!
- So I visit some of my contacts and type really nice, positive and supportive things in the hope they will visit my flickr and do the same.
- Yay! I get a few positive and supportive comments on MY picture. Whether they are meant or not, who cares? Comments are currency baby...rack em up!
Remember, I admitted I'm lazy in the first paragraph. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that I'm not using flickr effectively. It is up to me to make meaningful connections. But I thought I would highlight this phenomenon. I can't be the only one who has noticed it?
So I'm done with all of that. If I comment, I'll do so with substance. If I recieve comments I will say thank you and try connect further.