HOME | DD
Mrs-Durden — Why do we join art sites?
Published: 2016-06-08 18:32:14 +0000 UTC; Views: 909; Favourites: 8; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
I've been wondering about this lately as I've become frustrated with my photography and I don't know if it's because I am not pleased with it personally, or if it's because I compare myself to others too often therefore lowering my self esteem and bumming me out. I haven't felt like this about my photography in a long time and I'm not sure where it's coming from but I'm wondering if being on art sites has anything to do with it. Do I make art for myself, or in the hopes that strangers on the internet will like it? Do I do it for my own pleasure, or to have my ego struck by strangers to make me feel good about myself and my skills? I'm trying to make sense of all these feelings and wonder if I should be on art sites, or what the point is, and why I'm here, in terms of my own art, not in terms of what I do as a volunteer. I just wonder...what's the point of be posting my work, what's the point of me even doing what I do?Related content
Comments: 15
Im here because I love looking at pictures...I could do that all day and I learn from other peoples works what kind of picture not to take. I personally take pictures for myself and submit to share what surrounds me and what gives me pleasure and never compare myself to their work. Your work and the shots u take are amazing and don't know why u feel your self lacking. I have joined many sites and rarely submit.....probably out of laziness. Im here for fun and love looking at the world from my comfy chair.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
The one reason I stuck around on dA is the strong community we have going here. That is such an important factor for me on artsites. On 500px I've never felt much of a community, to me that is more a place to showcase. Here we write journals, share thoughts, have groups, and so on. It's the people and my friends that kept, and probably will keep, me here.
One thing you definitely shouldn't do is compare your work to what others do. Everybody has a different vision, so even if we were to take a picture from the exact same spot of the same subject, it would end up different, because we are different. So comparing work will not help you feel better about yourself and your work, and I know it's hard to step out of it, but when you do, things will be better. I know, I've been there.
I have hugs available if you need them!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Both
but if you think about it
doing it foe others to like it also means you're doing it for yourself
so you're ding it for yourself
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I think you should take it positively that you're not satisfied with your own work; this only indicates that you want to be better and that's all what we all live for. Don't let negative thoughts get you while comparing yourself with others; you are yourself and have your own style. just try to get inspired by others but never feel bad that you're not as good as they are because you're not them and you are not copying them. you will find satisfaction soon when you can drop the negativity.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
First off I will say that I can only hope to call myself a photographer someday. I am a picture taker. Someday I hope to be even half the photographer you are.
Having said that , and speaking only for myself, we all have egos. We all want and even need some vindication for what we do. I got my first digital camera about eight years ago and was happy just taking photos for myself. Then I felt like I needed some feedback. Tried the National Geographic photo site. Way to crowded. All my work was lost in the "noise." For all its faults dA is the best place to meet people that will give you honest opinions and helpful advice. I learn more all the time.
I hope that you can find the joy that you lost.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
If you see it like that, whats the point in anything? D:
I mean, just do it if you enjoy it/have fun ect. and if you dont enjoy it, dont do it.
- I think people do it for both sides - hopefully first for themselves but also for the "fame".
(Fun Fact: My first and actual reason to become a dA member was boobs 
Anyway, I hope you will find your answer sooner or later.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Nina, always do it for yourself. Yes, it's meant for others to see, but don't worry about numbers. Even if it's just me and Steve who see it (and trust me, it's hundreds-thousands of others), you've got an audience.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I wanted to improve and the only way i thought i can achieve that is by connecting with better,
more skilled and experienced artists.
Looking at this site in peticular i think all of the thinks i mentioned first still apply but the human factor
now plays a role too. There are people on this site that i genuinly love to to talk with and consider to
be friends!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
To share passions of creations I sometimes try to please everyone else I am not a pro at anything really But when I,am just trying to please others it seems to make me feel yucky
and when I start doing stuff for myself I feel much better I think one needs to feel happy with what they are doing ( I think you do wonderful Photography )
but yes I think doing Art and photographs you need to do for Yourself first, it will make a big difference when you make yourself happy with what you create whether it be Photo's or Art
I wish so many times That I can be like all you Amazing Photographer's, But I am not and most likely never will be
but it makes me happy trying, I have low self esteem in everything I do but I have to keep telling myself I can do it and just enjoy it whether I am good or not ( But you are very at what you do )
Sorry for babbling on so much. 
Lol I can't even spell right Lol have to keep editing.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Try to use it to learn from others, and to teach others. Don't compare yourself to other artists, their journey was different than yours. Doesn't make it better or worse, just a different path.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Ahhhwww. Thats the wrong way to approach it really. Have you ever heard of a thing called G-Schedule. It is designed to get you out of a negative spiral. Looks to me you have lost contact with what you wanted here in the first place. If you can find what that is, and still want it, everything else is not really important. You go for it regardless of what hurdles you encounter.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Nina,
Ultimately we have to do art for ourselves, but it sure is nice to have other people enjoy it, too.
Let me think a bit more and try for a more substantive answer. I deal with the same questions.
Steve
👍: 0 ⏩: 0