so... I figure that this blog is my little place to rant to the universe.  Out of the few folks who actually are linked to it, I don't know that any will even SEE it...but I feel better getting to let my voice free, so to speak...

A few years ago, I was heavily involved with DeviantArt, the artist's community online.  I found it a distressing place however, in that the artists there, mostly hobbyists and young people, do not fully understand pricing their artwork and allow themselves to be taken advantage of.  A hobbyist who charges $30 for a digital painting, fully rendered, that may have taken 3-5 full time days to produce is undercutting professional artists by a LOT. Enough that I had to take a law firm to small claims court two years ago due to their refusing to pay for contracted work on the excuse that "they thought I was just a hobbyist).  For the nearly $1K worth of print quality work I'd produced for them, they wanted to pay me a paltry $100.  Upon blogging about this travesty in the dA community, I was informed by FoA (those in the know know to whom I am referring) told me that not only was I full of shit, but that my work wasn't worth what hobbyists charge, let alone standard illustration rates.

yeah...well guess what asshats?  This little gal who's work wasn't WORTH anything now works professionally as both product photographer AND lead graphic artist for a wonderful little gourmet food company AND...

...just landed a contract to product an album cover.

mmmhmm.  My work is indeed worth something, and I'm proud of it.

things I am grateful for...

just a few things I am very thankful for...

not being a douche pretending to be a friend

not being a bully who takes advantage of others

not being a liar who claims to be a good Christian but is a backstabbing Judas instead

having a brain and being able to use it

for being attractive without makeup or fancy hair dos

for having a tiny, svelte form that still fits into a size 0

for three AMAZING children

for the strength of my ancestors

for the strength of my convictions

for being a GOOD person (despite what some may think or say)

for being able to prove to one and all that, *gasp* I CAN make it on my own in the 'big City'

for having talent

for being able to put the needs and cares of others before my own

for having the support and love of GOOD friends

for having a loving family

yes...I have many things to be thankful for.

blessings to the good hearted.  For the rest... watch out... Karma will have it's way with you eventually.  ;)

honestly?

you know that stupid trust game they made kids play in school?  The one where you cross your arms over your chest and fall backwards with eyes closed... hoping the person behind you will catch you before you fall?

so much for trust in anyone

i'm done, i'm out