Because I think theirs bit.
I went through EVERY SINGLE SUBMISSION. Newest to oldest. A couple of these were chosen. Most were not. But of all of them these IMO followed the rules, were original and unique, professionally executed and well thought out. The files (unlike some that were chosen) are clear and you can see all of the design. The technical skill is stellar. There were other great entries. But I felt these were stand outs that were overlooked. If you doubt it look at what WAS chosen!
Here:
[link][link][link][link][link][link][link][link][link][link][link][link]Now you tell me. :\ And no none of them are mine. Personally I was totally out of my purely fantasy element. But these guys deserved to have Shane Acker see their concepts and work.
It's MY opinion!
Honestly one didn't match any other thing in the persons portfolio. Not in skill level, technical execution, style... nothing. I don't think it was the persons work. One just submitted things they did MONTHS before the contest was even announced. I won't mention names... but I get the feeling the judges just got sick of going through so many submissions.
Again it's just my opinion. But after more than 20 years in the business and on the circuit I have a kiss of experience.
EDIT: So one of the finalists has now come forward and admitted to the *judges* after already being outed that he didn't design his entries specifically for the contest. They say this will be fixed. Sadly the judges have already compromised the legitimacy of the whole process by not making sure each of the final entries followed all the rules. Unfortunately it makes one wonder what else they overlooked in their rush to be done with this.
This is to rich!
Respons to me:
"Wow! Talk about being a "Debbie Downer."
Despite your “this is only my opinion” caveat, your posts are just dripping with sanctimony, judgmentalism and ridicule for anyone who doesn't see this contest as you do."
ME: Has nothing to do with ridicule which is why I didn't mention names. I could not care less than I do. The final judge can't forward my carrer in the area I want so it means nothing to me. And I certainly make enough to buy all the "prizes" if I wanted them. This has to do with more than 20 years of judging contests and at the VERY least making sure the entrant followed the BASIC CLEAR rules of entry. So EVERYONE had an equal chance and the end result could never be questioned
Artists, especially self-taught, T-shirt selling ones, who try to make a living in the open market, should know firsthand that "Artistic merit is a subjective judgment that is often based on how a given piece of art feels to an individual" … or, customer, or judge, for that matter.
ME: Yes art is subjective. Professionalization is not, and neither are rules for entry. You guys just don't like it unless there is zero criticism of anyone even marginally connected with running DA. "Everyone makes mistakes" yeah... but most of us have the humility to feel really bad about it and try to correct it in a timely manner rather than being mad at the people who pointed it out.
That’s why smug proclamations from you impugning the skill level, technical execution, style and creativity of finalists you dislike appear woefully hypocritical. I dare say you must think that your art is a shining example of the very best of the elements above. And, it’s a safe bet you’d be hurt and resentful of anyone who accused it of being amateurish, “knockoffs”, “questionable” or “just bad frankly.”
ME: you are the one who said art is subjective. I've certainly had many many pieces trashed over the years and didn't whine about it. If someone bawls because I said their art was badly executed, blurry, needed work, had low skill level, didn't match their other work or looked like a knockoff then they are in the wrong field. And you guys should get rid of the critique request option as it will hurt oh so many feelings.
However, based on your popularity ratings in DA and the fact that you aren’t a household name artistically, it wouldn’t be surprising if many people may think just that. But, even if they do, so what?
This community should be encouraging of one another, not backbiting, bitter and disparaging.
Me: Encouraging is one thing, but in the field if a person just can't take a negative comment on their art they are in the wrong field. Popularity on a site like this means nothing in the art world. Anyone with a million friends and notebook paper can be popular here. So I agree with you there.
I’m not the least bit apologetic that the entry I worked so hard to create made it to the finals … and no other artist who made it should be either.
Me: I think that explains a lot.
We should never let negative people take the joy out of creating art that pleases us. If our art happens to please others as well, so much the better.
Me: I agree
P.S. For those who, like God, know exactly what Shane Acker would have chosen should he have had access to all the entries, you are free to send him the link to the field of entrants so he can back you up.
Me: If I manage to run across his email I most certainly will.
Some friendly advice and more
Content
Passionate
