TheDragonMystic

*cries over my certificate and Bachelor qualifications in Fine Arts and Design....* 

Because all other watchers died apparently.

I've always dreamt that one day, whatever I did with my life would be one of two things. One, I would spend my life working towards doing what I love: Art. And two, that I would dedicate my life to helping people in any way possible.

I am a firm believer that art can benefit people, change things and make a difference. There's nothing saying that it couldn't, and proof it can, so why not use it as a medium to help and even heal people?
I like the idea of using what I love to create to help heal people. Whether that means I sell off art work and donate the profits to charities, or I start up my own charity based off the profits I make, or I dedicate art works to people as a means of making someone's day brighter with a gift.

I've been having these ideas on how I can incorporate my two goals and bring them together. This has spurred from some experiences I've gone through on the internet. I have a tumblr account which I dedicate to not only myself and my art, but I also dedicate to helping other people. There is no lack of teenagers, or people in general, that use the internet as a means of escaping the real world and reaching out to other people for help - every single day I come across, or am contacted by somebody that just needs a friend, or someone they can talk to because they're in need. Sometimes it's heartbreaking what people tell me they're going through. Sometimes I'm someone who they need to convince them to come back from the edge. Sometimes they just need reminding that there is still good in the world.

Some of the things I'm committed to doing is sending compliments to people that are real and heartfelt. I'll visit somebody's blog of someone I may, or may not follow, who is having a bad day and send them something nice to cheer them up. More often than not I'm surprised about all the positive responses a simple 100 word message can receive. So I thought, if I surprise message can cheer someone up- how great would a simple piece of art work?

This could be a personal project I can put into place in the future, and who knows - maybe I'll make something out of it? Perhaps I could create a group of willing artists who would dedicate a couple minutes a day making a doodle or piece of work for someone who could do with a little something to smile about? I can't start now, as much as I would like to, as I am too busy - but would anyone (who reads this) think this is a good idea?

I may post some ideas on it on my second account.

Something to consider.

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Personal update: I'm in a really good mood today! Trying to be incredibly productive. At the point of time I'm swamped and stressed out, a lot to worry about, but it's nice to finally be in a mood to get things under way. More work to come soon! xx

Oh the art of procrastination: hello new journal!
And hello any prospective and live watchers! If you exist, that is.

I've been reflecting on a lot of developments that have happened in my life and are currently happening, which has got me thinking that I probably should update this thing. If you haven't known, I've been on dA for 4 years (soon to be 5) - and in that time I've gained A LOT of experience! Not only in life, education, my maturity of artist skill and understanding (not like any of you actually get to SEE any of that, feel free to berate me on my slack updates and lack of submissions) - but dA has been an experience which has actually influenced me greatly.

Although majority of readers/watchers/viewers wouldn't have a clue about who I am, what I do and especially my age (oh ha ha) there are some notable deviants on here who have stuck around long enough to find some of that stuff out. To them, I salute you! One crazy deviant in particular, Endivinity is worth mentioning - she was my first ever watcher and has been around ever since! A fellow Kiwi (however Aussie-born) I have to respect her for sticking around for my *ahem* interesting "art" over the years.

When I joined dA there were only about 5 million users, new deviations didn't have icons so you had to click each link and view them manually, the front page actually featured a decent selection of artwork - and it was all very new and exciting. I remember joining simply because I fell in love with an artwork by ShadowUmbre - and never regretted it!

Deviant Art has introduced me to an increasingly large spectrum of different art; styles, techniques, ideas, messages - from written, to animated, to painted or sculpted. The list goes on. It has been a place to visit for daily inspiration, to gain critiques and advice, to learn about what's new and how-to. Honestly, without deviant art I would have developed as an artist incredibly slowly over the past years. (And I DO promise I will get some ACTUAL art works up sometime! I'm a very busy art student!) I used to never have an actual love for art, but boy, having all the different kinds of art from all around the world available for viewing has DEFINITELY expanded my mind and encouraged a passion for the arts to grow.

Without art I wouldn't have anything else to my name. I'd just be Aly... the blonde girl. As opposed to Aly, the girl who really loves illustration and design and can draw really well! And having an opportunity to put out and expose any minor drawing/sketch/doodle for the world online, regardless of skill or content, and still be liable to receive comments and *gasp* favourites!? A huge motivator and inspiration! Especially for someone who is surrounded by people who can't relate to my passion, and for someone like me who didn't have any clue 4 years ago that I may have a scrap of talent for something after all! While I haven't posted anything in a long time, and started off drawing dragons - I have to give a huge credit for being able to start off on dA to get me where I am now.

This community has allowed me to grow as an artist, be introduced to new and exciting things on a daily basis, and has taught me new lessons time and time again. I think I'll be sticking around for awhile. I mean 4 years, what's 4 more going to hurt?

Now someone explain to me why my talent had to be so difficult - being an Design/Art student is NOT an easy experience! It's an oxymoron in itself - you can't help but love to hate it because you love it!

What's dA going to do next for me? Guess we'll have to see.

Thanks.

Any ideas about this? Thoughts? Questions?