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Origami - Art of Paper FoldingOrigami is an art form that transforms paper into a sculpture through paper folding and sculpting techniques. Thus, cutting or gluing paper would not be considered to be origami, but 'kirigami' instead. The name 'Origami' is Japanese, in which 'Ori' is the Japanese word for folding, and 'kami' the word for paper.
It is generally believed that origami originated from Japan, but, as there are few records, this is not certain. Nevertheless, Japan developed origami into an intense art form that still exists to this day.
In the past, instructions for origami were passed down in spoken form and not written down. Some say that origami first originated in China in 1st Century, in which paper was then brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in 6th Century. Others claim that paper was made in the 8th Century by the Arabs, with Moors bringing the art of paper folding to Spain in the 12th Century. Spain then spread to South America, and as trade routes developed, origami was thus introduced to Europe a

Seniority Announcements - January 2013

This article marks the latest additions to the dizzy height of Senior members in our community. With just over 1000 deviants holding the highly saught after ` -- it's clearly a moment that deserves recognition.
:faq29:
So what does it take to become a Senior? That's a question many have asked and have never really been able to get a straight answer on. Some have gained Seniority as a thank you for their time spent as a Volunteer, or to recognise their contribution to a particular project or collaborative action. Some have gained Seniority because of their community spirit, providing help and assistance to many other deviants and taking time out to promote the work of others in the community. 
Some people have received Seniority because of their artistic endevours, having a positive influence on their peers by sharing resources, providing constructive criticism and by being a voice that stands out above the many other

Legacy of The LensMar 22, 2013by $techgnotic
depthRADIUS
Watch #depthRADIUS

A study in artistic diversity, Bernardo Medina embodies the renaissance spirit of the consummate artist, always inspired and inspiring artists around him to create and capture the rhythms of life and beauty in a

Seniority Announcement - June 2012

This article marks the latest announcements detailing the latest additions to the dizzy height of Senior members in our community. With just over 900 deviants holding the highly saught after ` -- it's clearly a moment that deserves recognition.
:faq29:
So what does it take to become a Senior? That's a question many have asked and have never really been able to get a straight answer on. Some have gained Seniority as a thank you for their time spent as a Volunteer, or to recognise their contribution to a particular project or collaborative action. Some have gained Seniority because of their community spirit, providing help and assistance to many other deviants and taking time out to promote the work of others in the community.
Some people have received Seniority because of their artistic endevours, having a positive influence on their peers by sharing resources, providing constructive criticism and by being a voice t

Gratitude

November 21, 2012
I believe in deviantART. Which is to more accurately say I believe in the concept and the reality of the deviantART community.
When in contemplation of the eternal wellspring that is the deviantART project and how it has become the engine keeping my heart and mind on a full burn as I strive to be an upstanding member of the community as well as a helpful architect and eager participant in the conversation -- my thoughts inevitably settle upon my attempts to define my concept of Gratitude.

Marma Lisa by *HenrySchreiber
No matter your medium of choice as an artist, your artistic intentions or the mystic guiding force that has led you to this community, there is one thing all constituent members have in common:
A first step into this world consisted of a simple return to the practice of

Celebrating Deviousness - January 2013Deviousness Award
Congratulations to `JoseFelipeM
Sta.sh Writer Tutorial
Delight
Pink Flowers

What is this Awesome Achievement?
The Deviousness Award is an accolade which is traditionally handed out on the 1st of every month to one truly outstanding deviant.

Missy as a Kitty

PE: Tolerance Towards Daily DeviationsIf you're like me, one of the first things you do every morning is turn on the computer to check the DDs for the day, if you make this a habit sooner or later you'll see something featured that you won't like at all, making you spill your morning coffee all over the screen.

Oh the crime! That poor coffee going to waste.
Before you hit the Caps Lock button and begin an essay about the drop of quality of DDs, stop. Take a deep breath, maybe walk around for a bit to cool down, and think about what you're going to do. To begin with, complaining about the DD leaving a comment is extremely disrespectful for the artist because most of the time, they didn't even ask to be featured. Instead, take a moment to consider why was it picked, DDs are chosen for far more than just being visually attractive, as the article Daily Deviations - The Myth and the Legend explained; we often look f

Photography Weekly: Edition Forty OnePhotography Weekly Header created by ~TouchedD
"Have no fear of perfection - You'll never reach it! "
~Salvador Dali"
Have you studied Photography? I'm intrigued to know whether or not a qualification in Photography has made you a better, or indeed a worse photographer. Or has there been no change? This week, The Photography Blog asks whether or not a Photography Degree is worth the paper it's written on. Graduation in any field these days doesn't mean that you'll immediately get a job in your desired area. Not these days. So is it worth embarking on study related to photography when in the end, you could get to the same place without the paper stating what you are capable of? Photography is one of a small number of job areas where what you've done speaks higher volumes than whether or not you're

The 365 Photography Challenge - How to Stick at itBefore I start with this article, a little disclaimer. I just finished the 365 photography challenge - known as a 'photo a day' but I blogged and took more than one photo on most days, so it was that little bit more challenging. So I'm feeling pretty smug right now, that I achieved it. But I am by no means toting myself as an expert. This is just my humble advice on how to keep going when it does nothing but rain, or when you feel like giving up.
Before 2012, some weeks would pass when I wouldn't even pick up the camera, let alone think about shots, or how to compose one. Photography still excited me, but I was lacking inspiration. So on the 2nd of January last year I decided to throw everything up in the air, and let go. That is to say, I stopped being precious about the camera (because you can't when you have to take a photo a day) and I forced myself to take rubbish shots, as well as half decent ones.

Start as you mean to go. Don't over-set yoursel

Hot off the Press - Our Vector CV is in Print!In case you haven't heard already, `ChewedKandi - our dedicated and definitely awesome Vector Community Volunteer has been working hard with Adobe! The result? Her book has JUST been published!
But that's not all - the book involves 30 emerging artists within the Vector Community and most of them are from deviantART! The book explores their work, their inspirations and some tutorial projects that will help those looking to learn a bit more. Whether or not you're seriously into Vector doesn't actually matter, because this beautiful showcase of works has something for everybody.
Huge congratulations to *shiropanda ~TraceLandVectorie03 =Asher-Bee `CrisVector ~Helbetico *BreeLeman ~Zzanthia *CQcat ~ivan-bliznak `j3concepts ~dimary ~lounge-acting *ChasingArtwork *grelin-machin ~roberlan ~FlowisKing ~Ryannzha ~cronobreaker ~lanitta ~rafahu ~shoelesspeacock *ssst *NaBHaN ~crowded-teeth :devlim

When to Google, When to ForumOne of the coolest things about dA is it's not just for sharing art, it's for sharing ideas about art. If you're stuck on a piece, or you'd like to learn to how to do something that just hasn't been clicking in tutorials or class, the art-related forums are a great place to look!
But the best part about the forums is also the riskiest part: anyone can answer! Which means you'll get opinions which contradict each other, 'industry facts' from people who heard it elsewhere on the internet, people who don't quite understand your original question...it's a mess!
So how can you back up all that different advice, or alternately open with a question that won't be confusing?
GOOGLE
Ignoring for a moment that I basically worship Google (hey, you try growing up with a 1000-page reference book as your only source of random facts), it's is an awesome, flexible tool.
Just drop your question into Google and see wh

Happy holidays from deviantART!
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through dA,
Not a troll was stirring, nor Grinch in his sleigh.
Deviations were hung in digital Galleries with care,
In hopes that +Favourites soon would be there.
The n00bs were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Daily Deviations danced in their heads.
And Fella in his 'kerchief, and +spyed with his night-light,
Had just settled down to log-off for the night,
When over in the Forums there arose such a clatter,
Fella sprang back online to see what was the matter.
To the browser window he flew like a flash,
Tore open the tabs and refreshed the cache.
When what to his art-loving eyes should appear,
But an animated sleigh and eight commissioned reindeer,
With a little old driver, so creative and slick,
Fella knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than broadband, his reindeer were famed,
After all his favorite art

Daily Deviation Suggestion Drive!Back By Popular Demand!
In January of 2012, the community was challenged by `thorns to do something about their complaints on dA. Thus was born this very group! But before the group, it was just a fledgling idea on `LiliWrites's account that began with a DD Suggestion Contest. The results of that contest were overwhelming. And so, under the prodding of quite a few Community Volunteers, we're going to do it again!

UPDATE: Less than 1 week in and we've already got 100 suggested DDs and 2 accepted suggestions!!

Keep up the great work guys and gals. Please remember that you need to leave a link to every deviation you suggest in this journa

Artists on Writers - No. 1
Apr 26, 2013•Issue No. 1 By $techgnotic•Watch #depthRADIUS
About Artists on Writers
Writers will always find inspiration in the visions of artists, always feeling compelled to tell the stories behind the moments captured in artists’ unforgettable images,
Just as,
Artists will always find inspiration in the words of writers, always feeling compelled to lend visual reality and habitat to the characters described in the scribe’s haunting words.
•••
I was inspired to create this series by =naikki while looking through her gallery of diverse artwork and reading through her journals which are focused on her favorite inspiring writers and thinkers. I felt certain there must be beautiful artwork in the form of portraits and tributes to these writers and their stories. I found most of =naikki's choices of quot

Photography Troubleshooting: Winter WildlifeFor many parts of the world, Winter provides a beautiful backdrop for some of the best landscape and water scape Photography out there. Snowy hills, Frosty trees and more help to convert a world of vibrant Summer or Autumn into subdued yet awe-inspiring Winter. But what about the wildlife? Extreme weather conditions can make it more challenging to get out and about with the camera, but can also give you more opportunity to capture those elusive animals.

When I first started investigating Winter Wildlife Photography I thought that I would have to aim for things like Foxes, Deer and other wild and sometimes elusive animals. But actually, wildlife Photography and in particular in the Winter - can start right in the back garden.
Birds in particular get hungrier and needier during Winter months in England. I'm sure this is true for many parts of the world too. Depending on the kinds that frequent your garden, you could encourage them to linger pretty quickly or it might

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Submitted: December 31, 2012
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Dedication to a New Year

Mon Dec 31, 2012, 4:39 PM

Which brings us to each year’s communal celebration of the passing of our lifetimes:

New Year’s Eve

So what did you “actually get done” in the past year? How closer are you to a grand goal in life? An assessment is made and then the inevitable Step 2 of the yearly process is engaged, which is often a word for word repeat of last year’s Step 2:

The New Year’s Resolution

There seem to be two main strategies that emerge at this point of facing the New Year, a “brand new morning.” The lone wolf quietly acknowledges goals not yet reached, and is even more secretive in the “new plan.” “I’ll show them,” becomes the new private mantra. It works for some people, but my experience has been that I’m splurging on Star Wars memorabilia by Valentine’s Day.

I’ve found that rather than making secret contracts with myself, a much higher success rate is always achieved as a combination of two other elements.

Pablo Picasso

To a truly worthy vision, maybe even one that cannot be achieved in a year, but in a lifetime, is just the sort of quest that engages the starving soul so much more than the common shaving a few digits off of the weight scale. (I personally implemented the "no cookie left behind" program this holiday season so I might want to think about that one too.) But the truth is, New Year’s comes but once a year. It would seem better to me to go big or not at all. Pick projects of real importance in your life – ones that require the more personal attention and dedication to the better.

Should not be a dirty word in the strategies of personal achievement. It has been my experience that the more genuinely useful support I’ve received from the like-minded (as well as the merely curious) has always gone a long way to keeping my Big Picture from faltering. When the potholes in the road forward begin to resemble archeological digs, as it seems they usually do, there’s nothing more heartening in being able to take it all in stride than a word of admiration, advice or encouragement from a fellow dA community member.

In his book "Outliers" Malcolm Gladwell outlines the 10,000-Hour Rule, the thought being that spending ten thousand hours practicing a particular discipline is necessary for mastery of that skill. He also brings up the importance of support in the from family, friends, and mentors in the ultimates success of an individual. No one achieves the highest summit's of success alone. No one. Even the most unique vision requires the nurture of human camaraderie if it is to be developed to it's fullest potential and efficacy.

I find myself thinking about recent achievements as well as a grand vision currently in formation here at deviantART, and how much the atmosphere of this community – how much dedication to art and artists, and how much they are supported and support each other – and I can’t wait to see where life will take all of us in this new year. A tough statement to put out there, considering the unbearable horrors that have recently rained down in our world from weather catastrophes, classroom atrocities, civil wars and the violence related to a radically altered political landscape around the world. But it’s true. I am still hopeful. I am still ready to rededicate my dreams on New Year’s Eve. I’m not sure I’d be making that statement were I not now ensconced and engaged in the deviantART community. But as Kurt Vonnegut used to say, “So it goes.”

For the Reader

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?

Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?

What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?

What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?

Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?

Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?

More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?

2,319 Comments

Dedication to a New Yearby $techgnotic

Journals / deviantART, Inc. / deviantART Blog

New Year's resolutions are often secret and private -- a contract made with yourself. But what if you could increase the chance of your resolution becoming a success by incorporating a combination of two other important elements: discipline and success.

love 203 203

joy 425 425

~footinadream Jan 3, 2013 Student General Artist

1-yes
2-it depends on who is helping and how they are "helping".
3-to get into a very good masters program. also, to form an institution bent on encouraging activism in art and an anti-anger/violence/hatred art movement. the later seems far fetched right now, but I'm sure I'll learn how to do it better as I work towards it.
4-to read more books
5-yes, I think it's super important to forgive yourself and rekindle a belief in yourself
6-If you have an idea, don't just do one painting and move on to the next, do a series of pieces. It helps bring context and conveys importance. also, "kill your darlings", stripping myself bare and starting over is something I do every so often to strengthen the concepts in individual pieces and in my direction as a whole.
7-drawing something, anything, daily helps to get in the art zone. don't become a fanatic about it though, I actually got tendinitis from being too strict about that and pushing myself to hard. I guess I would say to just do what you are able to do, and listen to your body. if you make a resolution to do a speed paint everyday, but your hands/arms are telling you no, then stop.
Happy New Year!!!!

~icrazy3477 Jan 3, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

1. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?
I don't normally, because it seems like a waste of my time. If I decide to do something ahead of time, it never gets done, so most decisions to lose weight or something like that are spur of the moment

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?
The more the merrier I always say, instead of forcing myself to do something, I force my friends to do it with me and it becomes more fun than tedious.

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?
Upload more on DeviantART. Lol, I know it's terrible, but I'm in the last few stages of high school so I'm trying to focus on getting my work done and getting into my colleges of choice.

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?
Eh, see the answer above.

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?
Well, I try every year, and I seem to get better at it every time I try. One of these days though I'll make it a regular thing.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?
No music. No internet. No Books. I know lots of people find inspiration in music and the like but it's a distraction. Sit in a room by yourself and remove as many distractions from your field of vision as possible and get started.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?
I know this doesn't help but find your own balance. I learn easily and my teachers know that, so for most of the class period I sit and draw after they know I've gotten the concept. That won't work for everyone, so maybe you can set aside some time just for drawing, writing, painting, etc.

~sarani-chan Jan 3, 2013 Student Artist

1. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If not, why not?
Generally no, cause I can't think of any that I really think I would see through

Plus you don't have to make a New Year's resolution to make changes throughout your year ^^

2. Does a goal achieved with the help and support of friends in any way diminish the power of that achievement, or does it become something made all the more memorable and special because of the participation?
I think it makes it more memorable in lots of ways, but there can be satisfaction in making something happen with just your strength

Just depends on the situation I guess

3. What’s the most farfetched resolution you’ve ever declared?
Hmmm that's tough XD I can't really remember, cause I haven't made one in several years, and I forget stuff easy. Another reason not to do the resolution things. I would just conveniently forget haha

4. What is your yearly resolution that has still never been achieved?
Hmm actively going out of my way to lose weight, like getting more exercise, dieting and stuff like that. I have no will power XD Maybe I should make a resolution to fix that?

5. Do you think it helps to rededicate oneself to a cause, no matter how large or small, regardless of how many times the attempt has failed?
Yes, if you have a goal than you should strive for it

You just have to recognize when you would be hurting yourself too much to reach your goals, and possibly lose more than you gain. There is always a place someone should draw the line.

6. Can you share with us the personal discipline system that works for you as an artist in bringing your work to a next level?
Hmm I don't think I really have one at the moment XD I guess I try to take my time, and look my work over before moving onto the next step. I also ask for lots of input from others, since a fresh perspective can really help your work.

7. More specifically do you have any tips for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities along with our creative endeavors?
Just remember not to let yourself become too overwhelmed, and learn to take a breather once in a while

Become good at time management and self-discipline.
Ahh if only I followed my own advice more often

~joyfullyblessed Jan 2, 2013 Student Artisan Crafter

Answers to questions above:

1). I do make New Year's resolutions. I have made terrible decisions long before and resolutions make me feel that I can redeem myself.

2). It depends on how my friends helped or supported me. If they did it by doing something I could have done for myself it diminishes it but if they just gave me words of encouragement, reminders, or helped me with things I could not do on my own then it makes reaching the goal more memorable and special.

3). I do not remember the most farfetched resolution I have ever made.

4). My yearly resolution that still has never been achieved is to make a business with my art.

5). It does help to rededicate to a cause. Every time a person fails to reach her goal she learns what else not to do next time

6). To bring my work to the next level I experiment and look at the works of others. When looking at the works of others I decide which works are better than mine and make works that compete with them or I may see works that inspire me to make more art which gives me more practice.

7). When balancing multiple responsibilities along with creative endeavors time management is most important. It is best to get the other responsibilities out of the way so that you can fully focus on your artistic goals when you take time out to work on them.