Yep, today my account here turned 4, ahh I've learned a lot in this time but I've done recaps on past anniversary journals so I'll pass on that this time, maybe when I turn 5
Unfortunately there are various things that have put me in a bad mood recently, while none can be blamed on deviantART or its users which have been going good for me lately. They seems to stem from a result of being here instead
Firstly I was introduced to the artists best friend
TinEye by =
2753Productions which is used to trace instances you art has appeared elsewhere...I didn't even need to reverse-search every deviation in my gallery to notice that one of my works has been stolen and used on a
CD cover while another makes a delightful promotional banner for an
online store - I can't help but wonder how else my work is being whored out for illegal profits around the globe
Adding insult to injury, I have been waiting about half a year to receive a fairly large payment for a commission I did and which was used for already for profits and it seems the comissioner just has an endless array of excuses as to why he can't pay me
My God, this is such a waste of time, people keep stealing my works and cheating me on commissions. I really don't know why I bother anymore, after 4 years the amount of money I've spent on this digital art hobby - programs, upgrades, tablet etc - has still outweighed what I've made off it. So unless I earn at least thousand bucks more, I still would have been better off not having done any of it
It also kinda bothers me how some artists that I became friends with on here, ones that started out at the same time, age and skill-level as I did have now all gone off and are doing very well for themselves, making graphics for games, animations, movies or are close-to doing so thanks to the fact they have the money to go to
college or simply live in countries with plenty of jobs that cater for digital media (anyone who lives in Australia knows that this is a TERRIBLE country to try and get such jobs in!
).
I thought I would have gotten further than I have now, but honestly my only artistic successes ever still remain here on dA, a Daily Deviation is still the most high-end honour any of my work has ever received, and seeing the state of some DD's that are given out - it makes me wonder if that really is a big deal
I try as hard as anyone else but I suppose something about my "style" or choice subjects simply have almost no commercial use (or at least not good enough to actually
pay me for!
) I shouldn't be jealous or even hostile to these artists but it's really hard to be happy for someone elses success when you havn't tasted your own, in my mind I'm more like "hey, congrats for taking a potential opportunity from me even though you already
have a job somewhere else" - and yet I still continue to see graphics in various places that make me wonder "how did THEY get the job?"
Do I really need to conform to the "typical digital artist" style? is it mandatory for me to draw alien spaceship battles, pretty CG girls, dragons or other stereotypes that you always see featured in magazines for me to get anywhere? that ain't my style man, I don't care for that stuff
My real life is lacklustre too, every day I'm bored, lonely, hoping for a change, and opportunity that never comes as I get daily lectures about "get a job", "make real friends", "stop wasting time on that damn art site". But when you are feeling hopeless with no sense of direction or change, what else is there to do when you lack motivation to do anything else, repetitive rejections and failures will do that to ya, I was even diagnosed by a doctor after ansering some Q and A that I suffered depression too, seems I went from bright and full of optimism to not caring whether I lived to see another lame-ass day
But like I said, my problem is not with dA or the community, except that I havn't been able to upload for the past two days, which I need as I'm going to put custom watermarks on all my best works, so no complaints, they are subtle and placed in appropriate areas
Now I'm off to clean my brother's filthy Guinea pig cage because my Mum is making me - highlight of my month so far
Clubs/Groups:
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
Sta.sh
Fave this journal (it will be your number)
Watch me IF you like my art~ ;v;
.......... The design MUST HAVE ONLY 2 COLORS; BLACK AND WHITE
.
Shitty 
Besides, I thought those were only for students anyway
When it comes to 3D ventures like games and films that are team projects, people rarely do "everything" but specialize in one area like environments, vehicles, architecture, character modeling, texture, animation, lighting, etc. Depending on how large the team project the more specialized the job will be. There are people that only do one kind of job. Of course it's good to show you are able to do this or that, but if you're good at one thing they won't care if you can't model aliens that well. They hire you for what you're good at.
A degree helps, but in the art world a good portfolio demonstrating your knowledge and skills can be just as good as a degree. If you really want to get a degree, you could look into a cheap local uni for a 2yr degree. I know quiet a few people that have gotten jobs just with that and a good portfolio (even if the company asked for a 4yr degree). Honestly, if you're self taught that's more impressive than a degree. Because it shows you'll stay up to date!
I'd think you'd could get a job doing 3D environment art, or environment concept art, and if that doesn't sound good... look into some other specific job types.
The best thing is to find a job that suits you, then research that job, figure out what people expect or require (like what programs, what skill set), then figure out what companies would hire that position. Set up an online portfolio and even if they are overseas send them your portfolio and resume. You might be surprised what you find. Even if you can't relocate, 3D work IS commonly outsourced. So it may be possible to get a work and still stay in AU maybe until you can relocate to somewhere more media savvy
I don't know where you've looked for work, but there are also freelance sites like guru.com Try setting up accounts here and there as a 3D artist or illustrator.
btw, as I'm sure you've learned... ALWAYS take money upfront on art jobs. That is considered proper way of business in the art industry. It is much easier for a company to protect itself than an artist, so it's perfectly acceptable to take payment first.
Anyway just some friendly advice from a passer-by, I only hope it was helpful. And forgive me if I'm stated anything you already know/done (I can't say I know you very well
Also, it's good to be flexible
I did do a two-year course, not at Uni or any of these high-end colleges that I frequently hear other artists my age talking about. Mine was the equivalent of a community college...I cheaper alterative that's a bit lighter in value, though I still amanged to get a degree...of some sorts
Right now though I'm having second thoughts, I'm not sure if working for a company would be best for me, I'd be more happier if I knew I got enough commissions (that actually pay something worthwhile) to make enough money to allow me to do something other than spend all day in my parents house
I think the biggest killer is the fact that all say "minimum 3 years experience required" and say "Must be able to use these programs" and there's a list of like - 10 of them, most of which I've never heard of. I can't get experience if no-one hires me, and next to having to download pirated copies - I don't have many of those programs they ask for either. I personally just got tired of unrealistic expectations and gave up