Some websites you enjoy for their distinction. They're like no place else on the Internet because they serve one purpose, and they do it well. If you want to find out who that actor was in that show you kind of remember, you head to IMDb. If you want funny, interesting, or informative videos, there are a few options, but you're likely headed to YouTube. To get reviews on a local business or ideas on where to eat, Yelp is always a good resource.
At DeviantArt, we pride ourselves on being like no place else on the Internet, but the community also represents a cross-section of the world at large — a bustling and inspirational microcosm of society. We have Groups for everything from beginning artists looking for tips and tricks, to hobby artists coming together over a shared fandom, to artists who donate profits from their art commissions to charities. Whatever your passion, artistic or beyond, you'll find kindred spirits on DeviantArt who would love to talk about it, write about it, and art about it.
In response to my last journal (What is DeviantArt? Part 1), I heard from a few deviants who voiced concern around the site having too much of a certain type of art — whether it's anything from ponies to Mature Content. It may look like that on the surface, or if you go seeking it out, but we truly do reflect what's popular in the moment. Artists create these works, art-appreciators fave, comment, and interact with them, and Groups are built around them. With ponies, for example, DeviantArt houses everything from amateur sketches, to in-depth tutorial studies, to "My Little Pony" fans, including the show's creator. That's something to be proud of. DeviantArt is with you, no matter what the step in your artistic journey.
There is a lot of pop culture here, and DeviantArt embraces it. People interact with what they're passionate about, and the resonating blast snowballs. Someone might start drawing Sonic the Hedgehog as a 13-year-old, but by the time they're 30, their portfolio of work could have them poised to be creating the next epic video game hero. And even if they don't, DeviantArt provides that outlet, the community for the arts you call home.
What also makes DeviantArt a true microcosm is the fact that, when something happens in the world, our community jumps at the chance to voice an opinion and express passion through their art. Our artists have their finger on the pulse of breaking news, and often, the outpouring of heartfelt creations says more than any newscaster or journalist's blurb. When tragedies such as the tsunami in Japan or the death of Leonard Nimoy occur, deviants are the first on the scene, sharing their homages with all who look upon them. Happy things, too, like funny twists on topical memes or inspirational stories bubble to the surface to brighten everyone's days.
DeviantArt truly represents a cross-section of life, and there's not only no place like it in the world, but there's no community I'd rather be a part of.
~Heidi
P.S. - You are cool, and I am proud of you.
With gratitude:
Pony Anatomy Tutorial by secret-pony
MLPFriendshipIsMagic
fyre-flye
Llama levels by Sheepgirl145
Why we fall. by DanLuVisiArt
Skin by Dan Leveille
