Commenter Focus - Issue 04

ProjectComment is a Group that provides Guaranteed & Constructive comments for the deviantART community.

In order to support those efforts, we encourage dedicated users to give comments too. For those who are critics, artists, or just helpful in the community, we now offer something in return for all that you do - be it helping the participants of ProjectComment, or the group itself! This article focuses on awesome deviants, who have given fantastic comments, through excerpts of those comments, artwork by the deviants themselves, and an interview and chat event to come!

" First, I want to say that you did a great job with this piece. The color tones of the sky, water and landscape are great! I would like to give a constructive comment on the moon though if you don't mind. The reflection of the moon on the water and trees is beautiful and vibrant, however, when you look directly at the moon it seems a bit dull compared to the light it is supposed to be giving off. Maybe just a little more vibrancy or variation of color would make the moon "pop" more. All in all, you did very well with the blending of the piece and overall mood - great job!"

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kpep sacrifices the length of her comments with the amount that she posts. Although, usually, quality is better than quantity, she still manages to make her comments constructive and helpful to artists. kpep has been someone who has continuously posted at ProjectComment, demonstrating her commitment, enthusiasm, and more in between, even though she hasn't been a deviant for long!

• How did you get into commenting on deviantART?
  
  I was initially looking for a group where I could receive some constructive criticism on my work as I am a beginner photographer.  I found this group by searching for “comment” groups under the group search.  Once I started getting involved with the group, I realized that there were a lot of people looking for the same thing that I was.  I wanted to give others the same feedback that I was looking for and also discover great art in the process.  
  
  The more I became involved in the group, the more I received back on my own work.  I also began to feel a sense of pride (in a good way) that I was able to help and/or encourage others with the suggestions and positive comments I gave them.  I continue on with this group because I believe in what is going on here and I appreciate all the resources that are pulled together to continue the growth of artists and their work.  This is a great community of people who are willing to both give and receive constructive comments.  It’s a place that betters the life of DA!
• What do you focus on, usually, when commenting?
  
  I’d like to say that I focus on both tips for improving and giving positive feedback.  I think it’s important as an artist myself to receive a nice comment from someone about what they like about my work.  That’s the fuel that keeps me creating art.  At the same time I want to grow and learn from other artists here no matter what skill level so I appreciate all the constructive feedback I receive as well.  I want to see others grow with their art and think it is important to give my view on their work and offer any suggestions I see for improvement as well.  I think it’s an even balance between the two.
• Out of your pieces featured, which is your favourite and why?
  
  Out of my featured pieces I think that “Paper Wings” is my favorite.  It reminds me to consider all the small things in life that people would normally pass right by.  A quick look at a dandelion and people think it’s just a weed that they have a hard time getting rid of in their lawn.  Take a closer look and you will find beautiful color and details such as the little “curlies” on the top that you wouldn’t see unless you took time to actually look at the dandelion.  It reminds me to take a moment and appreciate the beauty Mother Nature gives to us no matter how big or small.
• What do you think about comments and its relation within :devgroups:?
  
  To be honest, I see a lot of neglect as far as comments go.  With the amount of “favs” I receive, about half or less of those actually get a comment and even less receive a constructive comment.  I do receive a lot of “nice shot” or “beautiful job” which I do appreciate, but it would be nice to receive great feedback on every favorite that is made.  Although sometimes I don’t get a chance to comment on everything, when I “fav” a piece of art I always try to leave a good comment.  If I don’t then I will place it in my favorites so I can comment at a later date.  I think commenting is an important part of growing in your art and needs to be more of a focus here on DA.
_{If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to join us in
ProjectComment on May 28^th for a Chat Event with kpep.
There will be more time for discussion as well as an open critique session!}

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_astarayel

Commented on Melancholy by ahoofbeataway.

"This photograph is so exceptionally beautiful!! I'm not particularly familiar with photography or horses, but one of my good friends has a horse and I've learned quickly what distinctive personalities they have. I think that's what attracted me to this picture in your gallery--it demonstrates perfectly that these beautiful creatures have personalities, emotions, thoughts, etc. just like we do! [...]"

Here is a selection of work created by the Commenter, astarayel.

_{Have a browse of their Gallery!}

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_Sirieht

Commented on Summer - Since that day by glasscoloredsnow.

"Great job on the perspective and I love how you drew the open door. My only critique would be that I would have made the piece less bright and more melancholy, to better show the true mood. I do like how it is concentrated gray around him, if you wanted to go with that idea you could have made it a larger grey area so it would be more noticeable. [...]"

Here is a selection of work created by the Commenter, Sirieht.

:thumb208545109:
_{Have a browse of their Gallery!}

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_SaraJ3an

Commented on Practice by T-Elmiya.

"I would love to start out by saying that this is an amazing drawing.
I love how you can really feel the passion of the subject though your work it has a very exhausted yet happy feel to it, and it make me remember times when I have felt like that. Very emotive and I adore that in a drawing. I can barely draw a stick person so seeing this is a breath of fresh air to my usual photography. [...]"

Here is a selection of work created by the Commenter, SaraJ3an.

:thumb209393441: :thumb206530294:
_{Have a browse of their Gallery!}

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You will get the chance to talk about everything and anything to do with comments with our Spotlight Commenter kpep and the Admin Team of ProjectComment. Whilst that is going on, we will be commenting constructively on deviations and be on the lookout for the next batch of Featured Commenters!

Artist, Commenter, Critic, or general Deviant, you are all welcome to join and take part!

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We need nominations of deviants who you think should be featured!

1. Send us a note with the subject "Nomination" and the following information.

   The name of the Deviant you are nominating.
   
   Link(s) to the deviation(s) on which they commented. (The more, the better!)

_{This is great way to give back to a user who has given you an exceptional comment!}

• You can suggest anyone and everyone (except yourself ) at any time and include as many nominations as you want in one note.
• The news feature occurs once every month and all nominations will be taken into account.
• If your nomination isn't featured immediately, it may still be featured in a future news article!