Just a thought. Over at 3DC they've opened an art critique gallery, especially for people who want constructive criticism. That was done because, while everyone recognized the need for positive crit, no-one really wanted to do it for fear of upsetting their fellow members. IMHO it's working very well. If you want a pat on the back, you can always post to the main galleries. IF you are looking for crit, you post to the crit gallery, and well - you takes your chances. It's not the same as WIPs. It's for images you think you have finished. It's very useful, not just for the artist who posted, but for everyone else, to see how others see things, and what's important to them. Now it might seem like pointless duplication to have such a gallery... but what do folk here think of the idea?

I second that, how else would you improve without constructive criticism. JV

hmm... that could be very productive, especially for people like me who suck at this.

I don't think that would be nessessary here, people have the option of turning off comments. by separating the gallery there would still be no way to prevent critcal comments in the "just tell me how great I am" gallery. We don't need the comment police. I would rather that the galleries be separated by theme. (or at least a separate gallery for cheesecake images, it's getting a little monotonous looking at naked chicks all the time)

Can you provide a link to CDC? Being a new user, I don't know all the everybody... but I do condiser myself an 'amatueur', and in a good position to learn from those who are willing to teach.

CDC? the Center for Disease Control?? why would you want that? oh, you mean 3dc...

I agree with shadowcat, categorize the galleries, who can we contact with that idea, vicky is a beautiful character but enough is enough

I agree with the need for a critique forum.. I actually had suggested this before but there did not seem to be much support for the idea .. I am not sure why not , one can learn a lot from a well done critique. I suggested that this area not be public .. members only type thing since perhaps folks might be shy of getting their image taken apart in public so to speak .. and this would prevent any out cry that potential clients might come across it. At any rate I think getting an honest crit is worth it's weight in gold. You may need to bite down hard on a stick to get through it but I have found that I learn sooo much from this type of process. NO image is perfect .. there is always ways to improve. Not only will the artist get a chance to catch any obvious problems (and maybe a few that are not so obvious)butI also find that giving a crit is a learning process.. Giving a good critique means you have spent time and energy on that image .. not just viewing it but really thinking about it, what programs were used .. what lighting was used and so on. WOW am I long winded ;-) .. but I really do feel this is something that could benefit the community ..as long as there was a good strong moderator for the forum and we were all willing to learn HOW to give and TAKE a critique ..

When writing the text to accompany your picture in the gallery, you can always specify what kind of criticism that you want, if any.

So that link would be...

3DC sorry, let me be literal if not obvious...

Attached Link: http://www.3dcc.com

Natch.

Or was that the Commune you referenced?

oh, put the beefcake with the cheesecake (make it a balacnced meal by adding in the fruitcakes even)

Attached Link: http://3dcommune.com

The 3D Commune is at: http://3dcommune.com

One very important concept to know is "Constructive Criticism." Let's break that down: "Constructive" means something positive. That is different than ripping something or someone apart. "Criticism" is giving your critical view. You combine the two, and you get the most desired result. Unfortunately some people equate honesty and criticism as a license to hurt others. I've said this time and time again, and am always amazed at how many folks don't understand. Ron

I'd like it, if the constructive criticisms (sp?) were limited to technical issues as vs. subject matter. I don't think subject matter should be an issue

OK, folks I understand how you feel about the galleries. But how about the real topic at hand: Constructive Criticism?!

Attached Link: http://www.3dcommune.com/3d/gallery.mv?Art_Critique+tms

A critique "gallery" would be great--anywhere. Considering myself a newbie, I like getting another pair of eyes on my work to point out flaws that I've overlooked so I can learn. I believe a separate area for just this purpose would help folks focus on that and reduce flaming. I also think a critique gallery should also help the critiqer focus their comments by prompting comments for "composition," "technical," etc. Here's the link for the critique gallery at 3d Commune.