As you may have noticed, I started a poll some time ago, asking my watchers and audience how seriously they take their own art. For some time now, I have been wondering about this. Partially because I like to take my own creations very seriously, but also because I believe that as an art-community, deviantArt has a lot of potential. We are, after all, the largest collection of artists that ever existed. By far. And over the entire globe.

I have noticed however, that a lot of people I meet on dA do not take their work seriously. Either they make what they do because they enjoy doing it and would like to do something productive with their time, or simply because they want to get a few laughs from friends. Much to my surprise, these two are the least given answers on my poll. Perhaps it's because the people who enjoy my art are generally more interested in being serious about art themselves. It might be a matter of simple target audience.

Which means I'm on the right track. Because that's just the kind of audience I'd like to target and the kind of audience I think deviantArt should target. Still, I might be wrong. Perhaps the poll failed completely and do the answers mean nothing. I'm getting this impression because of some recent experiences with a certain willingness from deviantArt officials as well as private initiatives to improve the communication towards the serious art community on this site.

Last month, I mentioned a contest that is being held in Holland these months. I made a news article about it to inform the community about this event. Still, out of the hundreds of Dutch deviants, very few people seem to have taken note of this article. When I brought it to the attention of the Artist Relations team on dA, they were rather reluctant to promote the article or contest for purely commercial reasons. Eventually it was linked in a popular and well-read journal, but still there were very few replies or s from the community. Some people seemed reluctant because they believed their work was not good enough, which I personally think is the sort of false modesty that can hinder your work and career significantly.

Still, it might tell us something about how an average deviant looks at their work: without a clear perspective on the possibilities and reluctant to try these possibilities out. The funny thing is: I am finally aware that I am doing exactly the same. Perhaps in a different way, but I have to admit that I am not all that active towards publication or otherwise some sort of recognition outside the internet community. I am participating in the contest and occasionally make steps for exhibitions or something like that, but I'm sure there is much more that could be done, if only I went out of my way to do it.

A big part of this is fear of failure. Or rather: the fear of my work not being that which I'd like it to be. Disappointment. The reason for me to take the steps that I manage is that I really want it. I feel that I must overcome my fear and in a way can also see that I will loose nothing or very little by trying. Last year I participated in Het Vierkante Ei and it was a great experience. Very motivating and helpful, even though I didn't get further then the first round (which was still quite an honour). I had my doubts about participating again, but eventually I thought 'what the hell' and just send something in. Hopefully it'll get me at least as far as last time and if not, well, whatever. There will be more chances.

Still, and this is something I'd like to give to you all, every chance is one. Seize them when they come your way and if you have the time and courage, search for them. Het Vierkante Ei is a great contest and give you the opportunity to see your work hanging in a real gallery or museum, being judged by professional art-critics who are also very willing to give you their opinion personally as well as win a prize. The great part is there is no real punishment for loosing. Except for the one you might give yourself. The only punishment there can be is the one of a missed chance if you don't participate. See it as a free lottery if you have absolutely no faith in your abilities.

Just go to the site and send something in. Give some to the newsarticle so more people will know about it and you might meet some fellow deviants too. I would certainly like that. At the very least it can give you the feeling that you got off your behind and did something. Carpe diem and all that. No matter how hard it is.