Conniecat do tell me yotu observations. I am not afraid of criticism. As much as a ego stroke is good it often does not help in your ability to improve. I try the praise sandwhich idea. Tell what you do like and then the things you think can be improved. Often there are style differences and well a mature artist can recognise that too. I am not after flawless realism my inspriation is from traditional media so I tend to back off the realism a bit.

   I am of a similar mind as Teyon Poser is a useful tool that is abused in many hands. My only real complaint is that most poser users do not bother to look beyond the poser galleries. Try looking at the Maya or other pro app galleries you will see some great stuff with very few views. It is a culture problem here. My cure is to also post elsewhere where it will be appreciated although it will be critiqued too. You need to be able to handle that in order to grow as an artist and also to be able to sort out stylistic differences from things that really need improving. You need to be able to see your inner vision.

I have used poser before so I know the amount of work that goes into a pic I also make my own and I know the difference. I also know where I am weaker and what I can improve for the most part. I can't do everything and those people who are really good I certainly appreciate and I tell them so. I don't like to praise mediocrity. I know the culture here is different in that real criticism is looked down on and if you offer advice to some it is seen as an attack.

Have fun enjoy what you do and don't cheat yrouself out of the real fun. Often I hear it again and again I can't model. Then you need to try. The programs are too expensive. I use wings which is free. You need to go to Gnomon or anothe rexpensive school. No there are pleanty of resources on the net to teach yourself ask questions get some advice. I'm self taught.

Start small and then go large. Measure your progress against where you were before then measure it against the community. Make friends find a mentor and later when you have some experience mentor someone else.
     

The wit of a misplaced ex-patriot.
I cheated on my metaphysics exam by looking into the soul of the person next to me.