Amen, amen, and a double-amen! You've touched a nerve here, Mike.

When you go to the page to post an image, there is a little check box - the one that says 'Comments and constructive criticism are welcome.' We all love the supportive comments - especially the ones where the commenters have included more than one word. But more than that, feedback on how our art - be it Poser, DAZ, photography, or a simple hand drawn sketch - can be improved.

I think many folks here - and I include myself in this as well - are afraid of offending or hurting feelings if we suggest something they feel might improve our work. So we leave a comment like 'This is excellent!', or 'cool work!' I know many of us lead busy lives, and not all of us can leave comments as insightful and detailed as Mark (anhataC) does when he's here. But a couple sentences can include what you did or didn't like, or what can be improved. That's why it's called "constructive" criticism.

For the record, and speaking for myself, you are NOT going to offend me if you see something in one of my posts - artwork or photography - that you believe could use some improvement. A great example was on my last T.N.A. post. A comment was made - in a humorous way - regarding how the shirt on one of my characters was rather interestingly (LOL) conformed. And looking at it, he was right! I was able to use a slightly different technique with the morph brush and make it look more natural. I love that kind of stuff because it helps me to improve as an artist.

Anyway, I hope you 'rant' is taken in the spirit you intended, Mike.

The only thing I want to know is which one of those critters is you? Before I try skipping down that street.... 😆

we all can get busy with real life and comment quickly to show that we support each other and forget to be too honest, I suppose. with that said, I like your monsters and I like the action in this scene. how about some more shadow at the big guys feet? he's big, his shadow should be, too.

I see George is attacking Bob again. I agree with Bakapo on the shadows. I notice they are under an overpass so the shadows may be absent. But there is a slightly darker patch in front of both figures that could be shadow. Also, Bob seems to be levitating a few inches off the ground. Otherwise, a very well done image.

Well said my friend and it end to use just s few words, I get so many one, two or three word comments I tend to return them, on ones that leave a few sentences or lime Rod mention of Mark. He by far comments with amazing detail on everything in a image more then anyone.

On critiques I do shy away from saying things at times, since I still don't consider myself one to judge much since when I'm not a pro at what I do. When someone uses a different software that I use its hard to tell them how to improve it.

On your image here.is cool, great action, but if you want critique, the one monster on ground seems his feet are not planted solid on ground. In poser I use many camera angles to see things like that. And the other the leaping creature needs to use mouthwash, can smell it from here.. snicker. Not offended by the rant, well said.

Maybe some will try harder.

I have to admit I'm a prime offender... If I don't like what I see in the thumbnail I usually just skip the image and if I do open it and see faults I either don't comment or try to be gentle with my criticism... Not all artest are as tolerant. But a fully agree that criticism, as long as it's constructive, is the best tool to improve our skills as artists... I also think if you are going to criticize something you should also offer suggestions on how to improve it.

Guilty as charged; I do tend to leave short comments basically expressing the fact that you (and others) have produced an image that attracts my attention. If I haven't commented on a picture then it is probably because (a) I missed it, (b) It wasn't quite 'my cup of tea' [includes many VIAWWAS type pix] or (c) I'm not up to date with commenting. I sometimes comment on the technique used but not how an image could be improved (in particular with regard to shadows; I'm not very good with shadows). OK; will try to improve; but one has to be very careful when commenting not to upset the artist with an ill-chosen word ...

I rarely leave critical comments - I'd rather focus on the creative design part or understand what the artist is wanting to convey. I guess I'm being selfish but I get more enjoyment from that and also learn more from others - it always amazing me how creative people are and so many times I say I wish I had thought of that!. I will say your renders have improved greatly since you switched to IRAY - but more important they hasn't lost that Mikey touch You are definitely going in the right direction so rant when you want but be happy too!!!

It is very good!

nothing else to add from my side .... you perfectly nailed it !!

Guilty as charged; I tend to leave short comments, basically English is not my language and it just takes me too much time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bravo mike! but, I may be just as guilty as others. when I look upon the work of others, me still being new in the 3D world...it is hard for me to critique in a professional manner. I do however really study every one's uploads. I wish I could say more but BRAVO becuase I am always looking to hear how I might have made a better image!

As I haven't a clue how, Daz, Poser, etc works, I cannot criticize on what I don't know about.
So saying that, I enjoy looking at all the art & wonder how its all done.

Hello dear mike, I never leave critical comments because do not want to offend the artists works, he must see on it's own if his image is a good or a bad one! Don't get excited about all this, what do you mean, how many graphics I've thrown in the trash can since 2005, because I thought I'd bore the other artists with it - The good old days at Renderosity are finally over, the word Family has disappeared from the gallery a long time ago, as you can see from the steadily increasing number of emigrants to Facebook and as far as the Faves and the Likes are concerned, you can also forget, here you've become so lazy in the meantime that you don't even take the time anymore to press the relevant buttons - Lol! At the moment I'm also just doing these comment pictures, for the simple reason that my two operated eyes don't allow me to write the comments for hours as usual and I'm just uploading my older (redux) graphics, because I can't work with the DAZ-Studio at the moment, because my eyes are still too tired (but I try to work with it from time to time) and on the other hand there's my own family, which shouldn't miss out! (Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator)

You got it, Mike! I usually shoot a sitemail rather than leave a comment regarding critique because that artist may have more questions that need answers and only if I feel that the other person is someone I can hold a normal conversation with. Also it's always good to double check your own work, top to bottom, in PS or Gimp (postwork) before uploading.

I agree with you Mike.You are right. I had to see this post to understand the recent one as I remember you as a true gentleman. You should tell it in every post that you really want criticism that will help you to improve. I tell you this because in here People don't see it that way. Someone told me that is because they don't want you to improve and be better than them. Also because people don't want to hurt someone's feelings. I remember a long time ago I wrote a critic comment and many people message me asking me to removed the comment because that in here was not well see it. Since that I don't do it. Lately things has taught me to comment only what I like. If I see something that is wrong I better not comment instead of telling a lie. But I really like your position. It really should be the way you say. In this render you should place the standing monster better on the floor. Also needs more shadows. I would move the camera up and then do a zoom of the characters. As always excuse my English.

Death to Ming! All hail Flash Gordon ... the good guys do win in the end :-)

I certainly do agree with your statement. It is always nice to have folks take the time to view one's work, but really, some of the comments are so banal one has to ask "Did you actually see" the scene or is this just a way to "ask" for a reciprocal visit? There are many talented people who place their work in these galleries, but I feel that too much attention is placed on whose work is being shown rather than the quality of said pieces. It is more about a personality contest than quality of work. For the greater part, folks don't seem to read a comment presented by the artist either--they are in such a hurry to paste their usually worthless comment and on to the next individual's work. Another bugaboo of mine>>I like to make a comment or created a little story to go along with my work--provide some background, meaning to my work. I can always tell who did or did not take the time to read it. And I detest those damned pictures folks use to make a comment--they are the height of mental laziness.

Now for that constructive criticism: I agree with Bakapo. Some shadow would help the image--give it some depth and realism...try using a "shadow catcher."

Every well put! I for one am guilty of this. I don't take criticism that well, specially when I've worked so hard on some thing to only see the big mistake I've made... but then again I'm still learning. and by this I for one don't like critiquing anyone's work! since I'm in no way an expert at this, or a pro. I like to see other peoples work as they are, and sometimes watch as they get better!

Then again there are some people out there that don't really critique, what they do is nitpick the smallest things... really one thinks... how does this help... but that's my take on this. I for one have always like your work, though I don't comment as much as I think I should still enjoy them very much.

Have a good one!

Some of my post are meant to be cheesy and not artistic, I'm just having fun and doing what I like...It's the ones who just plain slam our work for no reason that irk me. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone I say...

I think each of us has our own reasons for posting our art. I do it to keep in touch with the friends I've made here, and to hear how their day is, how their weather is going, etc. I really don't care what you may think of my art. I really do create for my own pleasure, I agree, that if you let it be known that you really want to be told how to make your images better, then you should get it. But please remember, that what I may think is good, someone else may think is not. If you no longer want me to visit your page and just say "cool", then I won't.... no hard feelings. I do think that the whole" I'll comment on yours because you commented on mine" is stupid, but again, to each his own. In the end, I won't judge your desires as long as you don't judge mine....Peace.

Leapin' lizards!!! I'll keep this short and sweet, in contrast to your other commenters, who found time to write a novel on the subject. Art is all subjective. I don't want any criticism on my stuff, so let it be as it is.

criticism is fine and appreciated, however there use to a few that wanted to demean some artists work in a rude and vulgar way, even slanderous.

I am glad that they have been "weeded" out by the staff here.

some that has criticised does not even post any art or what they posted was at the best poorly done. we all can learn and there are so many artists here than are far better than myself

Sooooo fantastic !!!! well done !!!

You're doing great Mike. Just keep looking and learning. Give that standing monster a commode to hold and put his hand on the handle like he is ready to flush it. Have the lid up with a sign that says, comments here. Got the idea. Feedback can be good, but do not get too bogged down in the suggestions others make. A lot of times it does not help. You have to embrace your art and make it be what you want it to be. Others can help point you in the right direction with useful comments but in the end you have to decide what is worth listening to and what needs to get flushed.

bravo bravo. you nailed it exactly my friend. I like your rant. Rant on!

Aha, so you want it the hard way? Oh my goodness! I think you are making so much progress with DAZ Studio. Before that you had mostly photographed. I always like your pictures because you have great ideas. You can also click on DAZ Studio on "Put Objects on Ground". So that the figure, no matter how big, really stands on with the mainstay on the ground. Best regards Elke

Well I think all of you are great artist moi ! not so much I just have fun once some artist that was on here said something like Hey Evie the sun is not on that side this time of day in a landscape I did ,I answer okay Dave I will change it but I will wait till the sun goes down ..lol I don't know if I ever said anything thing bad about a post in my eyes I come here to see your work not mine: And this is great! Rating 5...from me

This is a good render certainly some shadow would be the icing on the cake give it more dimensoin and depth Mike!!

As I mentioned to you before, the 3d-rate comic in me wanted to do a slew of comments after this that said, "don't take it the wrong way, but this sucks!" (Or blows. Pick one.) Or, "I've seen better art on an underpass!"---but the rest of me decided it's 1) not funny, and 2) it's been done to death, I'm sure...so I've spared you the bad comedy. I fully understand your feelings. If you read my descriptions of my own art, you'll see enough self-critique to fill up a book: I rarely feel great about my art, often have to push myself to post it (incl my writing!); and I spend a lot of time taking it apart. I do understand the importance of critiques.

I would say from my long experience with artists (most of my life), that many artists are not as big on words as they are on images. And some of the reason you don't get critiques is that they'd rather create/view than analyze.

Then, unfortunately, there are artists with damaged egos, who stab into other artists with a special venom---I don't think there's alot of that here, luckily: But if you work in the pro world, ay ay ay, do you see it! They seem to have hidden fangs; and while their critiques may be valuable, they're delivered with such trump-ian ego, you don't want to show them a scribble after that.

What you want, however, is the genuine stuff: And I see you got a number of responses since posting this (and you've tried them out). Some may work, some may not: But there are 'universals'---techniques that effect us all. And that's, I'm sure, what you're looking for.

I'm not very good at that, in print. Only because I've done it with artists in person, or sometimes on the phone; where we brainstorm for hours; but I've not done it much in print. I'm guilty of not even knowing what I would change in someone's image, oftentimes. I think my comments are about what I 'see', something I sense at the artist's core: That may not be helpful with their mistakes, but I hope it'll help them dig deeper into their inner light as an artist. I hope. And then, not coming from 3D, I'm useless at its techniques: I can only speak in 'general' art-terms: Light, color, composition, etc.

So if my comments lack suggestions, it's not because I can't give them; it's just that, when writing, I tend to go for the inspiration in the artist, and don't even think of what I might change. (Emphasize "I". What I'd change might be miles from what the artist would change.)

So here: I didn't even notice the lack of shadow under the viaduct! I was immersed in the confrontation. I might lower the top of the image a little (crop it closer to the viaduct) to intensify their action---the idea being that space can diffuse action. I might give a little more light to the left-side monster, to let his intensity shine more (he's intense!). If I'm repeating other suggestions, I read them days ago, so bear with me. But I feel the core of the image: its suddenness, the equal forces of the attacked beast and the attacker. I feel the heavy detail on the attacker's body---all those tube-like muscles. And the light on that wonderful yellow, decayed wall. Whatever lacks for you, this has your way with confrontational moments, and your mix of big beasts with pedestrian walls, roads, etc. And as a portrait of how you felt when you made it? Got it, lol! Message received! It came across loud and clear.

Something else: don't know what you look at online, but there are videos by artists, some of whom discuss how they tackle these issues...and some are pros, like with hollywood or art studios; some have taught. And also: I truly think 3D artists (because they make portraiture all the time) could gain from studying the painter masters (and sculptors): Because, even though they worked in painting, they tackled the same issues as all of you do. In fact, I sat down before going to bed last night, took a few jpgs of the old masters (one Picasso), and wrote some analyses, trying to relate them to the problems you and others tackle every day. Same problems, different techniques. It was just an hour or so, and maybe it'll open a door or two. (This was one way we learned, years ago; and I continue to, now.) Keep in mind: When you go back centuries, you get a lot of christian art: But I addressed the art, not the religion. So I'm giving you a link---it's good for 10 days: Download it if you want, and read it at your leisure: Maybe it'll inspire something. (Go from 1 to 3...they're in order.)

I see such magical sense in your work, it has such freshness and freedom and juxtaposition, and so on. I hope you get helpful suggestions from now on; riffing off of artists is a great fire. I did it for years. (That comedy piece I posted yesterday? I greatly appreciated your reception of it. But each time I post a piece like that, I think: This is the one that'll convince people I'm gone. Kaput. No more. "Mark used to be funny, but now? Sad....") (Sounds like a Trump tweet...) I see core in the artists I love: But in my work? I can't see it for weeks after. I create as a "call," and I correct till I can't do anymore. And I hope the core will show up. So I understand critiques. I hope you get helpful ones! Here's the link if you want it:

https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/r9gB5Zkqs7

I'll comment on more later today. Have a good sunday, Sir M!

Not much left to say Mike.

I remember begging n pleading with you when I first started out here.

I didn't have a clue and your encouraging words helped me keep going.

I only do fractals, Frax HD and Dream images with some or a lot of photo shop alterations.

I have no clue how you or the others do Daz, Poser etc. so cannot critique the renders.

In the end I agree with Quiet Riot--- we are on the same page as it were.

With that being said I toally understand what you are asking of your fellow Artists.

Construstive criticism is always a good thing and makes one aware of minor mistakes and how to make improvements.

Way back when --- I was taught to pick one litte piece of a project, make a postive comment and move on.

Especially when the image is way to complicated or overwhelming for viewing.

In the end I truly admire all your work, and renders, please keep up the good work and I'll try and keep up with

my meager comments..

Thanks for viewing my input Mike.