Advice?

[ImaNoodle]

I'm aspiring to be a professional photographer, but it seems I haven't
been able to expand my art that well, online and offline. I've tried
everything from deviantART, to entering school contests and I don't
seem to be getting anywhere.

So since I know that there are many artists on the NDK boards (at least I think there are :p)
I was wondering how you guys get your art around and whatnot :]

I'd love some feedback. ;]

[toadstoolssecretluvchild]

Im in the same boat. I myself love DA. Much like any other community of the arts, its just about networking. I've met some cool people on there and done some lil things here n' there for some just so they know Im around and alive You gotta just keep doing what you do, but do it more and more and more and more etc etc etc.... A while ago, I wanted to get back into art stuff and I wasnt getting any 'exposure' so I joined DA too. I'm getting some love, but not much, mainly because I'm not 'there' yet like  some are out there on that site. You gotta go your own pace, eventually it'll come around. Also, those DA Groups have helped a lot. DA is one of those sites where you get what you give.

Other than DA why not try doing things for people around your world and do 'freelance/ commission' work. maybe just little projects til things pick up and get rolling yo   Dont charge much, you might have to do things just for free, but it may work. I wanna try that route too, but first I still need to fine focus my style a bit

One thing I would think you'd wanna do is start going to conventions and take cosplay photos there and just start that avenue going. There's so many different styles and character personalities thrown about the cons that photo taking should be a good way to get some decent work captured and posted for others to see too.

Whats ur DA account name so we can check yo skillz 

[ekormekolindo]

I, too, am in the same position as an artist but Toadstool is right. It is all about connections. To gain this, you gotta be proactive in marketing yourself and making a name. Jump at absolutely every opportunity. I agree with everything Toad covered and I echo the idea about the conventions and cosplay photos.

Why not offer services for cosplay photoshoots and, I mean, not just at the convention. My friends and I have made some days just for a cosplay photoshoot. Sure, we know how to run a camera, get the frame set and all but we need someone to take the picture (I don't trust the timer) and I'd love to have a photographer that knew what cosplay was and could help with the camera as well as good pose positions and even locations!

Another route, as mentioned before, is freelancing or offering your skills. Volunteer. Just ask around and see what people could use your skills for. Even if that means something that you are not terribly a fan of. Gaining portfolio material and experience is always a good thing.

[ImaNoodle]

Im in the same boat. I myself love DA. Much like any other community of the arts, its just about networking. I've met some cool people on there and done some lil things here n' there for some just so they know Im around and alive You gotta just keep doing what you do, but do it more and more and more and more etc etc etc.... A while ago, I wanted to get back into art stuff and I wasnt getting any 'exposure' so I joined DA too. I'm getting some love, but not much, mainly because I'm not 'there' yet like  some are out there on that site. You gotta go your own pace, eventually it'll come around. Also, those DA Groups have helped a lot. DA is one of those sites where you get what you give.

Other than DA why not try doing things for people around your world and do 'freelance/ commission' work. maybe just little projects til things pick up and get rolling yo   Dont charge much, you might have to do things just for free, but it may work. I wanna try that route too, but first I still need to fine focus my style a bit

One thing I would think you'd wanna do is start going to conventions and take cosplay photos there and just start that avenue going. There's so many different styles and character personalities thrown about the cons that photo taking should be a good way to get some decent work captured and posted for others to see too.

Whats ur DA account name so we can check yo skillz 

Thanks for the great advice! :]
xXFangirlLovexX

I know, it's a terrible user name Dx
But I made it a while ago.

I, too, am in the same position as an artist but Toadstool is right. It is all about connections. To gain this, you gotta be proactive in marketing yourself and making a name. Jump at absolutely every opportunity. I agree with everything Toad covered and I echo the idea about the conventions and cosplay photos.

Why not offer services for cosplay photoshoots and, I mean, not just at the convention. My friends and I have made some days just for a cosplay photoshoot. Sure, we know how to run a camera, get the frame set and all but we need someone to take the picture (I don't trust the timer) and I'd love to have a photographer that knew what cosplay was and could help with the camera as well as good pose positions and even locations!

Another route, as mentioned before, is freelancing or offering your skills. Volunteer. Just ask around and see what people could use your skills for. Even if that means something that you are not terribly a fan of. Gaining portfolio material and experience is always a good thing.

That's a good idea. I've been putting some photo shoot ideas out there with my friends,
but that's going a tad bit slow. Dx

I'll give it a shot though! ;]

[toadstoolssecretluvchild]

see if reading this helps ya

http://warrenlouw.deviantart.com/art/Your-Key-To-Infinity-143284930