×

5 Tips to Maintaining and Gaining WatchersFor those who have many watchers, and for those who don’t have many, it is hard to know how one retains that interest as well as receive more. This article explores the basics of watchers and how we react to certain situations. Although it does not affect some deviants, and the tips are generally common sense, we hope the article is a worthwhile read and that the majority learn something from reading this.
1. When uploading deviations, do not bombard your watchers. If you upload only one or two a day, or even one or two a week, you will get more comments as well as more attention. People will have more time to comment and more time in general, whereas if you upload all in one go, they will most likely delete and just comment on a few.
2. Spend time on your artwork. Once you’ve finished a piece, it doesn’t stop there. You’ve got to consider the title, which impacts the piece significantly and the artist’s comment. Is art ever finished? Ask yourself that q

How to Comment - Pointers and ExamplesThis guide was written by #ProjectComment as a Group, by deviants for deviants. Not only have we sought suggestions from our volunteers, but we have examples of constructive comments from the rest of the community as well, making this a true, collective effort. After reading this, it will be hard to not write a constructive comment.
Each category of art has its own set of pointers in alphabetical order, suggested by our volunteers. If you have any more to contribute, spot a mistake, etc. please feel free to contact us!

General Pointers for All Categories
(Contributors: !AGBBibag, ~Anjellyjoy, !art-acheiver-4eva, ~CyberChristFF, ~eldestmuse, ^Kaz-D, ~leannecoleman, *MachinesBleedToo, ^pullingcandy, !seventysevenpercent, ~xblackxbloodxcellx, ~Zombienvy, ^3wyl)

Atmosphere/Mood/Feelings created – Does the artwork evoke any feelings and emotions within you? What kind of atmosphere/mood/feelin

Comment Thread #1This Commenting Thread is a new initiative that's being started by #ProjectComment. Anyone is free to participate and feedback is guaranteed for all participants!

How does this work?
Find the last post on this blog.
Comment on a piece by that artist.
Post on the blog linking your comment.
Jump directly to the [Last Page].
This only works for users who view comments from Oldest First to newest.
Do not use if you view comments from Newest First to oldest.
Got all of that? Good!

A couple of quick guidelines and rules.
When commenting in this thread make sure to include a link to the comment you left. If you do not include this link, your comment will be hidden and you will be skipped.
Try to leave a useful and constructive comment. Don’t just say you like it. Say why you like it, how it makes you feel, etc. As a

ProjectComment: A Guide To CommentingHow To Comment: Quick and Easy Guide to Commenting
A lot of people put hard work into deviations only to receive "Cool!" or "Neat. That's awesome." (Or the occasional "Gross...")
While all of those are nice and sweet, and it IS appreciated, it only takes one moment of your time to say something a little more, to give insight into WHY you liked it, WHY you thought it was cool, or WHY you thought it was gross. Even the negative aspects of a deviation are nice to know so you have that reference the next time you work on a piece.
You don't have to tear the deviation apart, you don't need to critique it, but by stating why you like the piece you let another person know how much you appreciate their effort. It is unfortunate when people give up when they have truly amazing potential because they feel their efforts are in vain. As a whole, it's not your problem OR fault if they choose this route, but often times, one comment can change their entire perspective!
Too often do there are d

Project Comment InterviewsEvery two weeks, 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 sixty-first interview of this series with =astarayel! If you have a spare moment, feel free to

the news article, too.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello everyone!

I’m Lauren, a recent university graduate, movie aficionado, book-lover, and music addict. If you’re into Middle East relations, the Avengers, Michael Crichton, or classic rock, we’re probably going to be good friends. And if you’re not, we’re probably going to be good friends anyway, because I just like people.

Why are you on deviantART?
Initially, I joined deviantART as a way to get exposure and feedback on my own art—I’m incredibly shy about showing

An Observation of deviantARTI've come across many complaints in posts or journals or comment threads from people concerning their lack of visitors or comments.
One friend in particular compared my stats to theirs, wondering why my page views and such were so much higher when they had been on dA far longer than me, and at the time had just as many deviations.
I'll tell you all the same thing I told them:
Put yourself out there.
If all you do is post things on your own page, whether it be art, writing or journals, or reply to comments made on your own work, the only people who will ever know about it are those who are already watching you or the few who stumble across your work during searches.
You know the old adage 'what goes around, comes around'? It's true. Take it to heart and put it to use.
You want visitors to come to your page? Visit other pages. Your name appears on their visitor list and they may get curious.
You want comments? Comment elsewhere and your comment may garner replies. If your comment

Guide on How To Receive Feedback & Critique:iconprojectcomment:
This is an editorial written and submitted by $namenotrequired on behalf of #ProjectComment, a group founded by ^3wyl that aims to encourage deviants to seek and provide constructive feedback that can help you to better yourself at your art.
What's in this article

1. Encouraging people to comment

2. Getting comments through #ProjectComment

3. Other places to get comments:

4. More related guides
Encouraging people to comment

Make clear in your artist's or author's comments that you're looking for feedback. You can also ask specific questions to potential commenters about it (“Does this character come across as realistic?”, “Please tell me what you think of the composition/colours/...” etc.).
More about using your Artist's/Author's comments effectively can be found in our article

'Get Familiar' Comment Project [#2]The aim of this project is to comment on deviations from categories you are unfamiliar with. It's ongoing, so there is no time frame for completion. As [#1] was pretty successful, we have decided to update the list by taking the past three months' requests and putting it in this list, as well as those who commented. This ensures we are as up to date as we can possibly be. If you are removed from the list, comment below to let us know!
There are two parts to this project, but everyone wins!

Receive Comments!
Sign up to receive comments on your pieces! You are not guaranteed comments, as such, but you have a chance to have deviations commented on.
Just reply to this blog with the category of art that your deviations belong in that you would want more comments on.
Example: Your gallery consists of literature and photography, but you want more comments on literature, so...
^3wyl - Literature
..

'Get Familiar' Comment Project [#3]The aim of this project is to comment on deviations from categories you are unfamiliar with. It's ongoing, so there is no time frame for completion. As [#1], [#2] was pretty successful, we have decided to update the list by taking the past three months' requests and putting it in this list, as well as those who commented. This ensures we are as up to date as we can possibly be. If you are removed from the list, comment below to let us know!
There are two parts to this project, but everyone wins!

Receive Comments!
Sign up to receive comments on your pieces! You are not guaranteed comments, as such, but you have a chance to have deviations commented on.
Just reply to this blog with the category of art that your deviations belong in that you would want more comments on.
Example: Your gallery consists of literature and photography, but you w

How to Write an Artist's (or Author's) CommentsNearly all of us, if not every single one of us, have come across a deviation that just has a disappointing '...'. Conversely, some of us have even come across a massive wall of text.
Whether we are the people who ask ourselves, "Is that it?", or whether we are the people who ask ourselves, "What can I say?", this guide will hopefully provide you with some insight in how to go about writing a good description for your deviations, a.k.a. your Artist's (or Author's) Comments.
~IIIXII has already written a beautiful guide here. He mentions a great point and that is that your artists comments are the only thing that might motivate a reader or viewer to comment your work
How many of us want constructive comments, critiques and, most importantly, feedback on our pieces?
Thus, is it only fair that if we want something back, we have to give something as well?
Background

PE Feedback: ...But I don't know what to say?Critiques: What to say when you don't know what to say
Hiya, everyone!

All of us have heard about feedback events during our time on deviantArt. Many of us have participated in them, while others have declined to do so for various reasons. Some of these reasons include fear of receiving critique on one's own work, fear of being attacked for critiquing someone's work, fear of not knowing what to say, and feeling inadequate to critique a deviation from someone who is perhaps more skilled than we are--especially if the deviation is created using a medium to which we are unaccustomed.
We especially want to focus on this last reason.
Here is a conversation that we had recently in a dA chat room (names have been changed):
Us: We are planning a cross-medium, dA-wide critique event for Project Educate!! Will you participate?
DeviantX: Hmm. I don't know.
Us: Why not?
DeviantX: I'm a photo

The Feedback ChecklistGuidelines updaed by ~Ludjia
Rules: http://gimmefeedback.deviantart.com/journal/GimmeFeedback-Updated-Rules-Please-read-313576084
This checklist's been written to show everyone that giving good feedback is not hard

Here are some simple key points to keep in mind along with detailed descriptions on why to apply them to your critiques and how.
Remember you want to help someone improve their work, think like a teacher.
1) Show your respect.
Be criticial, but be nice. Feedback is a gift, your way of supporting a fellow artist. Talk like you would to a friend.
2) Discuss why you like at least one good thing.
Remember, feedback is not about giving praise. If you like something, explain why.
3) Discuss at least one thing to improve.
Avoid phrases like "I don't like...". Rather say "I think ... can be improved." Tell how you would improve things. What would you do to make it better if it was your picture?
4) You can give feedback on any aspect of the art.
The

PE: Giving and Receiving Quality Feedback

Giving and Receiving Feedback

One of the most useful things on deviantart is the option to give and receive feedback. There are different kinds of feedback. This article aims to inform you on how to give quality feedback and hopefully receive it.
Types of Feedback

Comments

One of the quickest ways to interact with others. From journals, to forums, to art, to profiles, comments are used everywhere. However, the quality can range from spam, to constructive.
Critiques

Any deviant can write them,(~,*,=,`,^ etc.) but only premium members can request them. Constructive comments can substitute for these. Critiques take some time to write, and really provide insight. If used correctly, can be a wonderful way to give/receive constructive criticism.

Giving Feedback
This is important to receiving feedback. If you give, you are l

A Guide on (Offending) CommentsThis guide will, hopefully, tackle the issues of how to show the disadvantages of a piece to an artist without turning them down, how to handle comments received, no matter how good or bad they are, and how to reply to the comments received, particularly if you don’t understand or you are bothered, which may lead to unnecessary drama.
How to show the disadvantages of a piece without turning the artist down (and making them feel worthless)
Tone
We all have our own perspectives, and so we all interpret things and, most importantly, comments differently. If Person A wrote a comment and thought they sounded quite calm, Person B could take the comment and perceive it as Person A attacking them.
One way to show the disadvantages of a piece is by reducing the accusing and insulting tone by introducing words such as "maybe/might", "perhaps", "I think", "could be", which softens the overall tone and make you sound less blunt and "in your face".
Additionally, putting

Comment Thread #2Comment Thread is a new initiative that's being started by #ProjectComment. Anyone is free to participate and feedback is guaranteed for all participants!
How does this work?
Find the last post made on this blog.Comment constructively on a piece by that artist while listing #ProjectComment somewhere in that comment, e.g "Commented on behalf of #ProjectComment".Post a link to your comment on this blog.
Jump directly to the [Last Page].
This only works for users who view comments from Oldest First to Newest.
Do not use if you view comments from Newest First to Oldest.
Got all of that? Good!

Quick guidelines and rules:
When commenting on this blog, make sure to include a link to the comment you left. If you do not include this link, your comment will be hidden and you will be skipped.
Try to leave a useful and constructive comment. Don’t just say you like it. Say why you like it, how it makes you feel, etc<

Browse More Like This

Featured in Groups

×

Project Comment: 0-5 Comments // Issue 34

by Nobody, Oct 31, 2009, 11:21:40 AM
Journals / Culture / Projects

:thumb125475192: :thumb125475192: :thumb125475192:

Featured Deviations

Digital Art
^{~featured by ~Zombienvy, ~toxicjinx and #ProjectComment}

Photography
^{~featured by ~beccainlayton, ~TazzyDee and #ProjectComment}

:thumb139961559:

Traditional Art
^{~featured by ~leannecoleman, !AGBBibag and #ProjectComment}

:thumb131690368:

Artisan Crafts
^{~featured by ~xblackxbloodxcellx}
:thumb135068073:

Literature – Prose
^{~featured by #ProjectComment}

100. RelaxationStarrk was tired; exhausted, if he would say so himself, although for some odd reason, Coyote Starrk couldn't find sleep. Restless and sore, the troubled man could only focus his mind on one thing. Every time the brunette shut his cool slate gray eyes, the same blonde, slim figure appeared. His eyes snapped open once more as he sat up in his bed, running a hand through his wavy, slightly messed up hair. Starrk gently lifted himself from the bed, sauntering over to his bathroom to examine his hair.
''I doubt a shirt is worth putting on…'' He muttered, glancing at the clock. Three thirty in the morning. The tired man quickly decided that

Utopian DystopiaA Utopian Dystopia

A young man sat at a table. His hair long and unkempt and his eyes hollow and cold. He watched as an old man paced back and forth in the room they both shared. The old man was well kept a suit a tie everything in proper place. The young man painted a much different picture torn and tatter jeans, a black shirt with some band logo on it, clunky boots that had seen better days and a cheap wal-mart special watch. For a moment the men's eyes met but quickly the old man looked away.

"Son, what have you become? You sit there with the fires of defiance burning brightly in your eyes and the look of one who does not care of :thumb140425089:

Literature – Poetry
^{~featured by ^Kaz-D, !art-acheiver-4eva and #ProjectComment}
:thumb138221079: :thumb98281169:

Hints of AdventureShe would look up at her older brother
And wonder if he'd take her with him
On all of his adventures
Because it's all she wanted.

She would follow him around backyards of summer light
Carrying the prettiest flowers she could find
Just to see him smile.
It was a rare occurance, but she could always do it.

Her golden hair would fall long and he'd play with it
As he stared absent-mindedly into the distance
Thinking about stuff she didn't know about,
But wanted to.

And his mouth would set in a grim line
As he thought about the tremmors that ran through his chest
And the fact that it was getting worse every day
And attempted to push

Cartoons & Comics
^{~featured by ~Anjellyjoy}

Manga/Anime
^{~featured by ~xbrittx102}

:thumb138588040:

Fanart
^{~featured by !sabbs95, *ChaoticSkye and #ProjectComment}

Fan Fiction
^{~featured by !Iluvocnj2006}

A Cold Evening: Chapter 3Chapter 3 – Distance And Familiarity

They started to make their way away from the hideout when she suddenly remembered that she should probably heal the cut she made on his arm, just in case there was a trail of blood behind them. She had no idea if his partner was a good tracker or not, but having a trail of blood would make it possible for even a genin to track them. She totally forgot about it, as she healed hers instantly after she's put more blood over the 'battlefield'. She stopped abruptly and he did the same almost immediately after, undoubtedly because he hadn't taken his eyes off her since they stopped fighting which she hadn'

Many MasksGenre: Drama/Action
Characters: OCs
Length: Oneshot

Three days. It had been three days since Jorak Zoon, Knight of the New Jedi Order, had arrived at the planet Farstine, become acquainted with Governor Sorcia, and learned that the mysterious assassin who had tried to take the governor's life was still on the lam. It was all rather exciting for Jorak, who had been knighted not more than a fortnight earlier.

So much for being left alone, though, the solitary Zabrak had lamented when he learned that he was to be at Sorcia's side at all times. Even sleep was restless for him, as he had to remain vigilant, constantly feeling out with the Forc

Wedgie Time: VengeanceA young kunoichi with blue hair peered at a pink haired girl from behind a fence. Actually she wasn't peeking; she was glaring at the other girl as she attempted to flirt with a dark haired boy who was about the same age as the two girls. The said pinkie had crossed the line with her, even though she didn't do anything to her personally. The blue haired girl's name was Hinata, and she was plotting vengeance on the pinkie for disrespecting her Naruto-kun.
She watched as the other kunoichi named Sakura kept up her vain attempts to flirt with the boy named Sasuke. Hinata saw Sakura try an old corny move by 'accidently' dropping a kunai behind h

Anthro
^{~featured by *MachinesBleedToo}
:thumb139470114:

Featured Deviant

What I BelieveI used to believe, I'll tell you why,
What made me change, what made me cry,

I was made to believe a story of lies,
It's what they do, what I despise,

All this nonsense about peace forever,
It made me think, we're not all that clever,

Belief is a strong word, that's all I'll give you,
Many in the world, that’s what they pursue,

But in the end, we all give up, belief keeps us going,
Till the end is near...When we just get scared and hide in fear,
Remember now little one; don't get caught up in lies,
Just read this again and it'll tell you why.

13 YearsI've had a weird 13 years, yes, I must say,
Not too much work, and not too much play,

Once I popped out, they couldn’t find a name,
But I couldn't be normal, no, not the same,

Eating red berries, seriously don’t do it,
You might find yourself in a massive fit!

It’s inevitable that you experience death and despair,
But at an age you don’t understand, you’re not that aware,

The next years of my life, full of exams and stress,
It’s not really surprising my life's such a mess,

If you’re getting to my age take life in your stride,
Before you know it, you'll become a bride!

So remember now guys, not to

ImaginationImagination brought us here,
Imagination brightens our life,
Imagination is our creative mind,
Imagination makes us hide in fear,

Imagination is everywhere we go,
Imagination keeps going,
Imagination developed the world,
Imagination can bring us down low,

Imagination can top the limits,
But it can also take us down, down, down…

Meaning of LifeIt lifts our lives,
More than we can imagine,
Your feelings pour out uncontrollably,
Passion, Honesty, Loyalty,
Soon, smiles drift away,
They turn to frowns,
Love is pain,
It succumbs to your soul,
Never leaves,
Until,
Heartbroken.

Wasting Away Problem songs full of loathing,
No-one knows what to think,

Ups and downs, the left and rights,
Their minds and souls on the brink,

Life, you electrify my life
Do they need to see a shrink?

Looking at them, with love, with passion,
Staring back, I catch a wink,

This life could be the last,

Suggestions? Want a guaranteed constructive comment? Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Thank you for reading!

#ProjectComment

16 Comments

93

52 16 0

Project Comment: 0-5 Comments // Issue 34by #ProjectComment

Favourite

Description Details Share

Details

Stats

Submitted on: October 31, 2009

Views: 93
Favourites: 52 (who?)
Comments: 16

*NaterRang Nov 4, 2009 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Hey thanks a lot for the feature!

I really appreciate it! ^^

Reply

!rosettealina Nov 3, 2009

wow thanks for the feature ^_^ and nice work to all the features they are beautiful

Reply

~Reddari Nov 2, 2009 Student Interface Designer

Thank you very much for the feature! I'm very glad aboiut that!

Reply

~carostar680 Nov 1, 2009

Thanks for the feature!

Reply

=Deslaias Nov 1, 2009 Professional Digital Artist

thanks for the feature

Reply

~ggagatka Nov 1, 2009

Thanks for feature!

Reply

~astrozombiesss Oct 31, 2009

<Lsup>how does one go about being featured?

Reply

=GirlWithAHat Nov 1, 2009 Hobbyist Writer

You go to *ProjectComment, read the suggestion guidelines and follow them.

Reply

Flagged as Spam

=GirlWithAHat Nov 1, 2009 Hobbyist Writer

Spam.

Reply

Previous
1
2
Next