Not sure where I'd be if it weren't for deviantArt. Seriously; I've met some of the coolest people here who are nonstop sources of kindness, inspiration, and generosity. Their vision and imagination frequently astounds me. It's a wonderful thing to know so many artists. I can't imagine a world without art, I really can't.

In the four years I've been providing stock, I had hoped to do a number of things. One of them was to provide a resource for artists who were having as much trouble as I was finding the right stock. I never dreamed it would turn into what it has. It started me on the road to realizing my dream of becoming a photographer. I'm not the best; there will always be people better than me, and there will always be people who I am better than. One thing everyone has going for them is that they aren't me; They are who they are. And I am so very glad they are that. One of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced was the feeling of INSPIRING other people. I didn't expect that at all. I didn't expect that through knowing other artists it would encourage me to work harder at my craft.

A lot of people say that deviantArt is a social network with double standards and doesn't focus on art anymore. I know that sometimes I feel that way, too. I feel like some of the stuff posted here shouldn't be allowed here, but it's not my place to say so. I've given up on bigger goals. I can only help individual people at a time and hope that it's going to help, rather than trying to help a lot of people at once. The individual friends I have here really do make all of the negativity bearable, and that's really something. I've literally watched my friends grow and blossom into spectacular artists who are also realizing their dreams.  

I've seen a lot of people in a tizzy about stock art and a joint pay site for stock and all sorts of things, and I think it's still a wonderful idea. As you can see, the FREE stock gallery isn't going anywhere, and as long as there are artists it's not going away. Don't forget, stockers are artists too. We create stock AND art AND stockart. It's like being a triple threat, really. hehe. Yeah, I do create exclusive stock....but most of what I do is free. And anyone that's ever asked me about commercial agreements can tell you how easy it is to get whatever they want from me.

I hope that for the next year I can be more present for those people on here and in real life that mean a lot to me. Happy Holidays, guys.

P.S. If you want to be facebook pals, note me. Just be warned; I'm vocal and opinionated. Like this surprises anyone.

P.P.S. This year, my mother beat breast cancer, my little sister beat her demons and lived, I graduated college and am making my living as a photographer, I've grown spiritually and artistically, and have met some freaking amazing people. For all of it's sadness and heartache, 2010 seems to be a pretty balanced year.