So I'm realizing as I'm playing around with my pencils, paints and markers that I'm having fun but I don't have a focus. I'm learning stuff, but I'm not developing a style.

I've found that I'm ADDICTED to deviantART, and I surf it a lot for inspiration, motivation and admiration. As I review some of the pages/artists I admire most I see that they have a "style", theme or focus to their pieces, something I lack. Looking at my online gallery I see that I am all over the place.

The only "style" or theme I had to my artwork before this was fashion illustration and apparel technical flats (part of my previous profession), or the odd inspired (but technically unsavvy) decorative/artistic piece. Even in the crafting side of my creative output I am all over the board - knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, card making, paper objects, etc. None of the techniques relate to each other in color, theme or style.

If I'm ever going to manage to make some money on this art thing of mine, I might have to hunker down and develop a style. Can a person be successful if there is no cohesion to their portfolio? Guess I'm gonna need to do some posting in the forums to see how others operate, see if I can find a model or method that works for me.

Ah, well, at least the journey is so much fun...

Finally gained access to dA (IP address had been blocked for some reason). Been lurking for over a year, and have found myself motivated by all the deviants. Hadn't picked up a pencil to draw (other than mundane necessary sketches) in a few years, but a few months ago got a strong urge to release some creative juices again.

My main goal on this site is not to "collect" friends. I'm really just hoping to receive some constructive critisism on my submissions, and would like to be able to comment on others works, to offer encouragement, support or expressions of awe.

I'm currently looking for a new career path, and am exploring the possiblity of generating some income through art in the (hopefully relatively near) future. Joining this site is one of my first steps in putting myself "out there". Prior to this my main source of feedback has been family and close friends. As many of you surely know, they sometimes are not the best source of feedback (either they "love" anything you do, or have no real interest and therefore lackluster comments). Hopefully I'll be able to generate more informative comments here.

Peace...
HiHo