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ProjectComment is a Group of many projects centred around comments, but, more importantly, constructive comments. We offer Members of DeviantArt a lot of opportunities to get comments, give comments, participate in comment projects, win points, get featured and much, much more!

Every month, we will be interviewing commenters and volunteers at ProjectComment , specifically revolving around their life on DeviantArt and, the purpose of ProjectComment , constructive comments.

We sincerely hope you enjoy reading the eighty-fourth interview of this series with SDA-MessengersOracle !

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Soon to be 30 in January, I’m a stay at home mom of a typhoon-tsunami-hurricane child who is almost 23 months. My passion is for serving God, lifting and building up others, and utilizing the talents God has given me in writing, singing, drawing, and several other areas as well. Teaching others how to better utilize their talents and encourage them along the way is something I particularly love.

What is it about DeviantArt that attracts you?
At first when I joined, it was the prospect of sharing my art and people taking notice of it. However, now I see it as a vast artistic opportunity to witness to others of God (sometimes I use words if necessary), as well as help others to grow and to better utilize their God-given talents.

What type of art do you do and how did you get into it?
I love to draw in graphite as well as use colored pencils. Though I desperately struggle with drawing people, I adore trying to render them with my pencil (take that as you will ). Animals are a close second.

I’ve always liked to draw and been very creative. With the stressful home life I had growing up, my drawing was my therapy (that and spending hours on horseback). Now, with a toddler running amuck in my house and trying to help me draw, I can’t do it as often. My art also comes through my words in story telling; something I’ve always done with ease since a young age. Drawing and writing are to me like breathing.

What kind of art do you like to comment on and why?
Sometimes it depends on my mood, and even the artists’ needs themselves. I like landscapes, some abstracts, people and animals, art that has any noticeable passion and effort put into it. I like anything that touches my heart or that moves me.

:thumb135806855:

What are your best and worst experiences with giving and receiving comments?
Awe man….I don’t really have a best per say, just moments of highlights. Some of the best comments come from artists that are well known who have maybe taken the time to glance at my artwork and comment. That’s always nice, but the comments that express how my work has truly effected them are the best. They (the commenters) allow me to share in their experience with what they say. Yes, that last sentence was probably cheesy…get over it and pass the crackers.

The worst…well, I’ve not really had any bad comments on my work, say for one, which was more of an answer to a question on why my artwork was rejected from a particular group. The answer/comment I was given is the reason I am so careful to choose uplifting words in my comments for encouragement, feedback and constructive help. It was a terrible experience like a flaming arrow to the heart.

Do you prefer critiques or constructive comments and why?
I’ll admit, I have a hard time with how people sometimes try to point out things I need to work on (that is, if I even get those comments). I’m a ridiculous perfectionist and am one of those that doesn’t even want to do something unless I can do it right the first time. I’m getting better about that though. I’ve never had a true DA style critique given (never been brave enough to ask for one—gotta work on those trust issues), though that could be interesting.

Constructive comments are probably better, even for me personally to give, being I kind of roll critique and constructive help all into one when I comment. I think the constructive comments may be the best because they tend to be more focused, more in depth on trouble areas, and they seem to do more to help someone grow and perfect their already noticeable talent.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having literature works on DeviantART, in relation to wanting feedback?
Ah, a lovely question though admittedly trying… I may not be overly qualified to answer this, but according to my experience, it’s 50/50. Either you get feedback, and what you get is actually helpful in some little way (depending on how you want to look at that), or you get absolutely nothing. DeviantArt isn’t the only site to get literary feedback from, so I have no idea what might be best, but with there being such a vast community here, certainly you can and will get feedback of some sort, somewhere along the way. Just put yourself out there and push for the feedback you’re looking for. I’m one that will answer that push if I see it…even if it may be a subtle push.

:thumb168425720: :thumb139570160: :thumb179320895:

Do you currently have any ongoing projects online or offline?
So many possible flippant answers, so little time. Well, the biggest project is keeping up with a child who’s no more easily contained than the wind, however she’s not an “art” project. I’ve got a few pictures I owe to people but they’ve become slow in progress (even slower with a toddler running about); they’re like 3 years overdue (yes, I’m bad ~shakes finger at self~).

For 16 ½ years I’ve been working on a novel that, come to find out in the past year, is going to be a trilogy. It’s gone through some major revisions and the plot has changed about 5 times. From just one constructive comment (thank you ProjectComment staff), I was able to correct stuff in it that has now added 5 chapters (including prologue) of back history, story, and dramatically improved plot before the original chapter 1 I wrote. That chapter is now ch 4 because the new first chapter has two parts. Anyway, this is why giving people comments is needed, if not critical; it helps them in ways you cannot fathom! @_@

Could you offer some advice for other commenters?
Why yes, yes I can, and will. Don’t just comment in the way that you’re comfortable with, but in the way that most meets the needs of the artist you’re posting your comment to. I like to apply Philippians 2:4 here.

Sometimes artists in their artists’ comments seem confident about their feedback desires and about their work, while on other deviations, the artist appears to be timid, unsure of their work.

Comment according to their need. How? Take your time. I like to visit their page, their gallery, their other deviations, to see what kind of a person they are (often I’m pleasantly surprised), what kind of work they do, and even how they react to, maybe, constructive comments (if they’ve received them in the past). Getting a feel for whom you’re going to help with feedback is very beneficial to you and them.

If you find some artists to be timid, unsure, and in need of some encouragement, don’t dive in with “this, this, and this, is wrong and needs help and here’s how (or sometimes maybe that help isn’t even offered)” right off the bat (I’ve seen this—don’t start with the negative). Instead, speak kindly, compassionately to them first and foremost. Build them up with all the things that are good about their work.

If there is a point of struggle that needs help, and you see they’re not confident, say something like, “I like how you did this and such, and I think if you did _________ it would bring out _____ or make this picture even stronger or _____ than it already is.” I’ve had nothing but good results from such comments, and those receiving them.

Also, forcing yourself to find the positive (even if your eye can’t stop gawking at the negative) is good for you, as it teaches you to be more objective and to remove a biased attitude when commenting. Don’t be biased, be objective. I should probably stop here before I write a book; I can be long winded if you couldn’t already tell.

:thumb193150710: :thumb494067614:

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Math really isn’t my strong point, I’d prefer to draw or write. Seriously though, I will say that commenting on deviations where an artist is noticeably struggling with their confidence can be the greatest blessing, for you and for them.

I remember running across a deviation shortly after my encounter with some rejection feedback (mentioned above in Q #5) that the artist was very down and out and contemplating giving up. A few of her friends had commented but she was really having a hard time with her picture. She wanted to stop drawing all together and it seemed like no one knew quite what to say. That astounded me (the lack of encouragement), but also her circumstances touched me, because I somewhat felt like she did right then. I commented with all the positive reinforcement, encouragement and hope I could give, and to date, I have never seen such a tear-jerking response from someone of rekindled hope and passion for drawing. It made me cry but also gave me hope too.

Your comments matter, and tenfold the way they’re worded. They can literally make or break someone so be sure you comment so as to make strong a person, because that blessing will surely find its way back to you.

Thank you SDA-MessengersOracle !

Thank you for reading.
3wyl , posting on behalf of ProjectComment

I think I've fainted. — Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

ProjectComment is a Group of many projects centred around comments, but, more importantly, constructive comments. We offer Members of DeviantArt a lot of opportunities to get comments, give comments, participate in comment projects, win points, get featured and much, much more!

Every month, we will be interviewing commenters and volunteers at ProjectComment , specifically revolving around their life on DeviantArt and, the purpose of ProjectComment , constructive comments.

We sincerely hope you enjoy reading the eighty-fourth interview of this series with SDA-MessengersOracle !

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Soon to be 30 in January, I’m a stay at home mom of a typhoon-tsunami-hurricane child who is almost 23 months. My passion is for serving God, lifting and building up others, and utilizing the talents God has given me in writing, singing, drawing, and several other areas as well. Teaching others how to better utilize their talents and encourage them along the way is something I particularly love.

What is it about DeviantArt that attracts you?
At first when I joined, it was the prospect of sharing my art and people taking notice of it. However, now I see it as a vast artistic opportunity to witness to others of God (sometimes I use words if necessary), as well as help others to grow and to better utilize their God-given talents.

What type of art do you do and how did you get into it?
I love to draw in graphite as well as use colored pencils. Though I desperately struggle with drawing people, I adore trying to render them with my pencil (take that as you will ). Animals are a close second.

I’ve always liked to draw and been very creative. With the stressful home life I had growing up, my drawing was my therapy (that and spending hours on horseback). Now, with a toddler running amuck in my house and trying to help me draw, I can’t do it as often. My art also comes through my words in story telling; something I’ve always done with ease since a young age. Drawing and writing are to me like breathing.

What kind of art do you like to comment on and why?
Sometimes it depends on my mood, and even the artists’ needs themselves. I like landscapes, some abstracts, people and animals, art that has any noticeable passion and effort put into it. I like anything that touches my heart or that moves me.

:thumb135806855:

What are your best and worst experiences with giving and receiving comments?
Awe man….I don’t really have a best per say, just moments of highlights. Some of the best comments come from artists that are well known who have maybe taken the time to glance at my artwork and comment. That’s always nice, but the comments that express how my work has truly effected them are the best. They (the commenters) allow me to share in their experience with what they say. Yes, that last sentence was probably cheesy…get over it and pass the crackers.

The worst…well, I’ve not really had any bad comments on my work, say for one, which was more of an answer to a question on why my artwork was rejected from a particular group. The answer/comment I was given is the reason I am so careful to choose uplifting words in my comments for encouragement, feedback and constructive help. It was a terrible experience like a flaming arrow to the heart.

Do you prefer critiques or constructive comments and why?
I’ll admit, I have a hard time with how people sometimes try to point out things I need to work on (that is, if I even get those comments). I’m a ridiculous perfectionist and am one of those that doesn’t even want to do something unless I can do it right the first time. I’m getting better about that though. I’ve never had a true DA style critique given (never been brave enough to ask for one—gotta work on those trust issues), though that could be interesting.

Constructive comments are probably better, even for me personally to give, being I kind of roll critique and constructive help all into one when I comment. I think the constructive comments may be the best because they tend to be more focused, more in depth on trouble areas, and they seem to do more to help someone grow and perfect their already noticeable talent.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having literature works on DeviantART, in relation to wanting feedback?
Ah, a lovely question though admittedly trying… I may not be overly qualified to answer this, but according to my experience, it’s 50/50. Either you get feedback, and what you get is actually helpful in some little way (depending on how you want to look at that), or you get absolutely nothing. DeviantArt isn’t the only site to get literary feedback from, so I have no idea what might be best, but with there being such a vast community here, certainly you can and will get feedback of some sort, somewhere along the way. Just put yourself out there and push for the feedback you’re looking for. I’m one that will answer that push if I see it…even if it may be a subtle push.

:thumb168425720: :thumb139570160: :thumb179320895:

Do you currently have any ongoing projects online or offline?
So many possible flippant answers, so little time. Well, the biggest project is keeping up with a child who’s no more easily contained than the wind, however she’s not an “art” project. I’ve got a few pictures I owe to people but they’ve become slow in progress (even slower with a toddler running about); they’re like 3 years overdue (yes, I’m bad ~shakes finger at self~).

For 16 ½ years I’ve been working on a novel that, come to find out in the past year, is going to be a trilogy. It’s gone through some major revisions and the plot has changed about 5 times. From just one constructive comment (thank you ProjectComment staff), I was able to correct stuff in it that has now added 5 chapters (including prologue) of back history, story, and dramatically improved plot before the original chapter 1 I wrote. That chapter is now ch 4 because the new first chapter has two parts. Anyway, this is why giving people comments is needed, if not critical; it helps them in ways you cannot fathom! @_@

Could you offer some advice for other commenters?
Why yes, yes I can, and will. Don’t just comment in the way that you’re comfortable with, but in the way that most meets the needs of the artist you’re posting your comment to. I like to apply Philippians 2:4 here.

Sometimes artists in their artists’ comments seem confident about their feedback desires and about their work, while on other deviations, the artist appears to be timid, unsure of their work.

Comment according to their need. How? Take your time. I like to visit their page, their gallery, their other deviations, to see what kind of a person they are (often I’m pleasantly surprised), what kind of work they do, and even how they react to, maybe, constructive comments (if they’ve received them in the past). Getting a feel for whom you’re going to help with feedback is very beneficial to you and them.

If you find some artists to be timid, unsure, and in need of some encouragement, don’t dive in with “this, this, and this, is wrong and needs help and here’s how (or sometimes maybe that help isn’t even offered)” right off the bat (I’ve seen this—don’t start with the negative). Instead, speak kindly, compassionately to them first and foremost. Build them up with all the things that are good about their work.

If there is a point of struggle that needs help, and you see they’re not confident, say something like, “I like how you did this and such, and I think if you did _________ it would bring out _____ or make this picture even stronger or _____ than it already is.” I’ve had nothing but good results from such comments, and those receiving them.

Also, forcing yourself to find the positive (even if your eye can’t stop gawking at the negative) is good for you, as it teaches you to be more objective and to remove a biased attitude when commenting. Don’t be biased, be objective. I should probably stop here before I write a book; I can be long winded if you couldn’t already tell.

:thumb193150710: :thumb494067614:

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Math really isn’t my strong point, I’d prefer to draw or write. Seriously though, I will say that commenting on deviations where an artist is noticeably struggling with their confidence can be the greatest blessing, for you and for them.

I remember running across a deviation shortly after my encounter with some rejection feedback (mentioned above in Q #5) that the artist was very down and out and contemplating giving up. A few of her friends had commented but she was really having a hard time with her picture. She wanted to stop drawing all together and it seemed like no one knew quite what to say. That astounded me (the lack of encouragement), but also her circumstances touched me, because I somewhat felt like she did right then. I commented with all the positive reinforcement, encouragement and hope I could give, and to date, I have never seen such a tear-jerking response from someone of rekindled hope and passion for drawing. It made me cry but also gave me hope too.

Your comments matter, and tenfold the way they’re worded. They can literally make or break someone so be sure you comment so as to make strong a person, because that blessing will surely find its way back to you.

Thank you SDA-MessengersOracle !

Thank you for reading.
3wyl , posting on behalf of ProjectComment