I don't mean to rain on parades, but serious people please listen!

[Ross Macintosh]

Mike, after you were finished what did you use to clean the scanner?? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Actually I think it is rather cool in a spooky sort of way. It communicates something...plus it is a signed work.

Regards, Ross

[Grafixman]

http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif. I like this one, Mike.
"Just doo it!" Great catchphrase, Ross. I think I'll make a banner out of it and hang it somewhere. Talk about deep shit.

[Ross Macintosh]

Swoosh on over to your washroom and hang your banner there!

Sorry for getting things off topic.

Regards, Ross

[RTK]

Oh, my... This 'off-topic' diversion is relevant for all of us...

Mike - http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif That one would look wonderful in frame, and hanging on a gallery wall!

I thought I would come up with my own... I had so much fun with this one, that I'm planning a whole series now...

Risto

risto@ristoklint.com

Visit my web site!

[Ross Macintosh]

That looks good Risto. It shows you are a man who appreciates all of life.

Ultimately we all share the same air, water, and food nuitrients and the same capacity for learning and experience. What we have that is unique is our imaginations. We don't have to share our thoughts but it can be a wonderful when we do. (Sometimes at least http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ). Thanks to all of you for sharing. Your 'art' gives us glimpses into those private imaginations and from those glimpses we get a richer experience of life.

Regards, Ross

PS - the violin music can stop now.

[OklaEd]

Very nice Risto. Mr. Hanky would approve http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
-Ed.

[RTK]

Mr. Hanky!

I have missed you! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

The show (South Park) got cancelled on the channels I get... http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/frown.gif I'm waiting for the complete/full/all-minutes DVD set to come out!

Love that show!

Risto

risto@ristoklint.com

Visit my web site!

[Grafixman]

Wow Risto, now THIS is fit to hang on a wall.
Post one shitty topic and it gets buried in it.

[MsOz]

While I can certainly agree with the level of aggravation at seeing an overuse of nozzles, lens flares, page curls, or any other type of "click N go" type graphic effects, at the end of the day, the point is moot. There are millions of people out there with oil paints, canvas and brushes who churn out stuff that you would not line your trashbin with. Do you fret and condemn them for being no-talent idjits? Of course not!

The same can be said for anyone with a copy of Painter, Photoshop, Maya, or any Graphic App that exists. To attempt to stifle or censor those, to whom simple effects are the mainstay of their creations, is akin to spitting in the wind. IT DOESN'T MATTER. Shit Art (ice cream analogies aside) is shit art. Get over yourself and move on...

As a "serious" graphic artist, I could give a rat's ass whether someone spends weeks on their second-rate, poor quality, overused effects work or not. It makes ME feel better about MY work, knowing that side by side, the average viewer (and client) will more willingly pay me for my work over theirs...

This discussion reminds me of a Yahoo! group for KPT users. There was one member whose entire focus was the creation of teddy bears. At least once a day, she would post her latest creation, a teddy bear of some sort or another, accented and/or enhanced with the various KPT effects...after about 3-4 days, I learned to skip the threads she started, knowing full well what my eyes would see. Should I have told her to stop wasting her time making shitty teddy bears with one of the most powerful plug-ins made? Hell NO! This little gal enjoyed what she created, and wanted to share it. Ditto for all the lousy oil/watercolor/pastel/charcoal/Name your Medium Here "artists."

Go over to www.wetcanvas.com and pick any artistic discipline Forum board you like. Look at the true shit some people post on a VERY regular basis. They are proud of what they've created. No matter whether anyone else thinks it is worth the electrons on your monitor to display it. Another truly horrendous example is Sal Marino's art. This stuff looks SO bad it can make you wonder why people are allowed to own graphics applications. He has tried on numerous graphics sites and forums to promote his artistic style, which he terms "funism," but I don't think he has yet to sell one piece of his work. The man is in his 50's...

Get over yourself as the guardian of the proper usage of software applications. There will always be those to whom a Lens Flare, or a nozzle brush are the pinnacle of artistic expression. And, more power to them. If creating something, no matter HOW awful others may view it, makes them happy, then let them enjoy their creation. Don't try to dissuade them. That is unproductive, and pompous, as you so very astutely observed in your original post. Go do your own thing, and stop trying to make others do theirs to fit YOUR expectations...

BTW, Risto's rhetorical question of "Where do you measure the length of your penis from?" Should be put on a tee shirt. It truly exemplifies the reality of everyone's POV as being valid. To them, if no one else...

[Jinny Brown]

To add to MsOz's eloquent post,

A good many of those folks who create less than skilled pieces of "art" are paying for the software which helps not only the software company, it helps all of us.

Because.. without people buying software, obviously, the software companies can't afford to continue developing it.. then can't afford to stay in business.

This is not to say that many who do less than skilled, exciting, or even mediocre work are paying for software. To my great surprise and dismay, I learned early on, on the Internet, that many grown women who should know better have no qualms about using pirated software and/or violating copyrights in other areas as well.

Not only kids are thieves!

So there! MsOz and I have had our say.. right, MsOz? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif