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Vexel Art > Vexel Chat > Vexel Praise Anyone? Page: 1 2
the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 04:24 am
 
Lately there have been a stream of "protests," if you will, against the style of realism. I noticed it being a rather big dispute.

I have to ask... being someone who strives for realism... do any of you LIKE realism? Do any of you prefer it? Do any of you go "Wow."

I mean, for me, realism is a style. It's the hardest one I've worked with and it constantly stumps me. That's why I stick with it. Realism is my style and I hope I won't be hated against for sticking with it even though so many seem to dislike it.
  

Angie
  17th April 2006 - 04:29 am
 
I like realism. What I don't like, is the fact that most realism vexels/vectors look exactly like the original image. I know the hard work that goes into realism and know that it's not something easy to do, however...just like ANY vexel I see, I'd like to see something 'different' you know what I mean?
  

the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 04:36 am
 
Well what would be an idea of "different." I mean there are things like my "Fiery Beauty" vexel where I simply changed the eye color...
  

painfullyuncool
  17th April 2006 - 04:37 am
 
i love realism. having done vexels myself, i know how much time, effort and talent is involved in making realistic vexels...i personally can't pull it off. i definitely go "wow." -- sometimes out loud!
  

Linda
  17th April 2006 - 04:41 am
 
I think a lot of people don't like them because they don't take much creativity. In all honesty, changing the hair color from brown to pink doesn't take much creativity either. There are plenty of non-realism vexels out there that use 0 creativity.

I love realism vexels, probably because it's something that I've never been able to conquer either. It is really hard so it is something I can appreciate has had a lot of work put into it and the results are beautiful, even if most of the "beautiful" credit should be going to the photographer/model etc. But you do have to do beautiful vexelling to get the uber realistic results so.. yeah. I so make sense :)
  

Seven
  17th April 2006 - 04:41 am
 
I wouldn't call it "protests", I think that's being overly dramatic. Personally I like realism, but I would like to see a broader range of styles. Everyone goes for the trendy thing, which now appears to be they lineart over realism thing. I also see a lot of people getting stuck in a rut and not trying anything new once they've hit on something successful.
  

Raelynn
  17th April 2006 - 04:57 am
 
I am only going to speak for myself on this issue, and it's not that I dont like realism. I do realism myself. However, people need to learn to use their talents of realism and think OUTSIDE the box a little bit. I understand pushing yourself and learning and conquering something like being able to do realism very well. I commend all that can.

However, it is the same with painting, drawings, sculpture. The most famous artworks are not those that are just perfect representations of life. For example, Van Gogh's Starry Night, or Michelangelo's David, or Dali's surrealism paintings. And you know why? Because a painting that is exactly like a still life is boring. If it wanted to look at an exact representation of something, I would just look at the still life itself.

Art is beautiful when it has style, and flair, and FLAWS. I think people have gotten so wrapped up in being so perfect that they have forgotten what makes this interesting, like plot twists in a novel.

I dont want to see perfect things all the time. If I did I would have my nose in an issue of Vouge all day filled with airbrushed size 0 models.

And guess what? It takes experimenting to learn what you like. Out of all the realism artists on this site, I wonder how many have tried landscapes, or tried simple lineart, or tried doing something else other than a famous actress or model for once. I bet it's a very small percentage. And part of the reason that people do perfect realism of pretty people is because it's guranteed comments and favorites and people are afraid to break out of that mold and try something new. THATS what upsets me. People wont even try.

And Im not saying anyone has to stop what they're doing, but take what you have learned and apply it to something new. Do you like fantasy? Pirates? Summer? The beach? Try and take a picture of someone and put it in a setting and actually create elements of interest in the piece. Like a tree. Or some steps. Or a brick road. Or a flower. Add a little zest. Break out of the box.

Im tired of typing, and if I cant get my point across with this little soapbox hissy fit, then I wont ever. So take it or leave it.
  

TooDarnCool
  17th April 2006 - 05:24 am
 
Katy, You took the words Right out of my mouth! Like honostly that is exactly what I would say. I mean I can't say that I don't like realism because I consider my work to have a certain degree of realism in it, I just am saying that I think there needs to be an increase in creativity. And its not like you have to vexel a house or a landscape or anything but like in my last piece that I did You Just Need Some Things I took what I like to vexel (a female) and tried to make a complete piece, not just a realistic girl with a gradient background, add some wit to it. I don't think realism should go away I just think people shouldn't settle and try and push the box and be more creative. I think you have misunderstood the point of the "protests" I think that they are just a cry for something new and differant.
  

Linda
  17th April 2006 - 05:40 am
 
What ever happened to vexelling what we want, how we want?
Nobody is trying to be the next Van Gough. Why should someone change their style and go out of their comfort zone just to please a few people. That would be just as lame as changing just to fit in with the norm :\

How do you know nobody tries? I've tried a lot of things, only to delete it half an hour later. Nobody sees it, but I did try it. I'm sure I'm not alone there..
  

the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 05:51 am
 
I'm right there with you Linda. Good points too Raelynn and TooDarnCool. But I'm with Linda. I've had SO many attempts of line art. I've try to vexel water. I've tried to do an animal. And I've not once been happy with my results (look at my Teddy Bear for the Christmas Collab). So I delete them or move them to my untouched "Unfinished Vexels" folder.

Also, as for the placing the girl in a different background... I think that's actually really cool! I like that a lot. Problem is... when I finish the person, I'm just like "God damn it, I can't stand to look at this for one more second. ::inserts gradient::" By the end... I don't want to vexel a whole landscape... I guess that's why my backgrounds are so lame.
  

Seven
  17th April 2006 - 06:23 am
 
Quote Linda
What ever happened to vexelling what we want, how we want?
Nobody is trying to be the next Van Gough. Why should someone change their style and go out of their comfort zone just to please a few people. That would be just as lame as changing just to fit in with the norm :\


It's not about pleasing people, it's about growing as an artist. Every artist takes risks, even if they're a complete flop they help you to learn about your artform. Even if someone isn't planning on being some big fancy "artiste", obviously they're posting their work here for a reason. They want advice on how to improve and get better. If we were just doing this for ourselves we wouldn't be posting it online. I'm assuming every person here takes their work seriously enough to keep spending hours and hours working on a vexel to post it here and have it critiqued. If not, you're probably wasting 12+ hours of your life.
  

the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 06:33 am
 
Woah... guys, I didn't want this to turn into another debate! I just wanted to know who likes realism!!!

EVERYONE SMILE.
  

Echoia
  17th April 2006 - 06:47 am
 
The reason that there was a thread made on it was, I think, because people were genuinely wondering why realism is SO liked. I would say most of these ( http://www.vexels.net/gallery.php?sort=favs&timeframe=all&perpage=25 ) are realism... so I don't really think there needs to be asked, 'Does anybody like it' since it's extremely plain that people do.
  

the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 06:53 am
 
Well, I mean, there aren't many on that page that are RECENT. Which is why I asked. Because although people were wondering why it is so liked, there were a multitude of people who kind of lashed out against it. This wasn't supposed to be an attack on anything, really... I don't know why everyone is getting so defensive. I was just wondering.
  

Echoia
  17th April 2006 - 06:57 am
 
Sharing your POV isn't really getting defensive... ?

A vexel isn't likely going to get into the top 25 favorites on its first day, so being recent seems irrelevant to me.
  

the2slayers
  17th April 2006 - 07:01 am
 
You're right. But, just in case, so that I don't stir up any trouble with anyone...

::goes to corner; pulls out pale; hides underneath::
  

Linda
  17th April 2006 - 07:13 am
 
Quote Echoia

A vexel isn't likely going to get into the top 25 favorites on its first day, so being recent seems irrelevant to me.


Unless you're Natalie :P
  

Joaris333
  17th April 2006 - 07:29 am
 
Idk. I think if it's your style, stick with it.

There are artist that are praised for having a certain style and doing it WELL. It's nice to branch out but if something makes you happy and you're damn good at it (that being realism), then as an artist, it's your duty to express what you enjoy - not to compromise and give in to trends or opinions of others.

I absolutely adore realism (as most would know) and I also agree with Raelynn and others. Doing different stuff is nice, but it's not really right to get frustrated with the masses when they don't flow with the new style that you're trying to get into. All artists may feel that way when they try something new but we really shouldn't. We get frustrated cause it's human nature... Some things catch on as quickly as others.

but I guess this is the bottom line: do stuff you enjoy, even if it doesn't mean you're expanding. expanding is a personal artistic transitition. and I guess if some people aren't ready for that, it's fair to understand that. yeah idk if u understand what i'm trying to say but that's my bit. now i'm gonna go back to studying.
  

SoContagious
  17th April 2006 - 09:31 am
 
Quote Linda
Quote Echoia

A vexel isn't likely going to get into the top 25 favorites on its first day, so being recent seems irrelevant to me.


Unless you're Natalie :P



hahaha =P

I LOVE realism. But I also love vexels that are more 'simple' and more creative..
I think realism is more appriciated, cause it takes a lot more work, and most people are just like 'WOW' when they see it, it's just beautiful and everyone wonders how you can possibly do that.
'Perfect' realism = LOTS of faves
  

Mattness
  17th April 2006 - 10:44 am
 
*SMILES*!!!!!!!!
That first. Let's not get into a heated debate and start hating. :D

Okay, well. I love realism. But, as some others said, when realism is simply a sort of reproduction of the image, I don't really admire it. Creativity is love.
I know realism takes lots of time and everything, but it is too popular, IMO, so that other vexeling styles get overlooked.
  

Raelynn
  17th April 2006 - 12:44 pm
 
Quote Linda
What ever happened to vexelling what we want, how we want?
Nobody is trying to be the next Van Gough. Why should someone change their style and go out of their comfort zone just to please a few people. That would be just as lame as changing just to fit in with the norm :\

How do you know nobody tries? I've tried a lot of things, only to delete it half an hour later. Nobody sees it, but I did try it. I'm sure I'm not alone there..


Ack, I was just making a reference to a respected artwork that is creative, I never said everyone should try to be Van Gogh. Making analogies makes people understand my opinions easier, and referencing things people are bound to know makes making analogies easier.

And like I said, I think the percentage would be small for the amount of people who try other things. I didn't say it would be zero. Im sure some people do try. But I also think some dont. Im not presenting my opinion as fact. And Im not saying someone has to try everything and upload it, but Seven made a great point in saying that if someone tries something different, and uploads it, and they can get feedback on it, and hone different skills.

Im going to make a better artist reference here, of http://enayla.deviantart.com - she combines portraits of beautiful characters with scenes and forrests and fantasy, etc. She is a great example of realism used in an interesting way. Im not saying we all have to become masterpiece artists, thats not the point. But I think some peopel forget that the skills learned in vexelling can have tremendous weight someday out there in the real world. Learning how to use photoshop and create what we create on this site. I think some people underestimate that. I have definately learned a LOT by doing my vectors. And the more you know how to do, the better. Thats another benefit to trying something else.

Im definately not trying to force anyone to do anything. That would be totally against the grain of my thought here. If you want to continue doing exactly what you're doing, that is your creative freedom and I respect that. I just cant help feeling there are so many doors out there left unopened because are timid of their abilities. I dont want to feel bad for wanting people to push themselves and become something greater, so I wont.

Also to clarify: I love realism, but I feel the way in which it is used is the problem right now.

And dont worry, Im not heated anyone :P I am just passionate about stuff like this, even if it's something like vexels. I still love Linda and everyone else, and they still love me (atleast I hope.. I think.. did someone say coooookies?! :D)
  

Carina
  17th April 2006 - 01:00 pm
 
I love realism. It only bothers me when people think that realism the only good thing. 'Uh, it doesn't look real'. 'More layers'. That bothers me.
  

Echoia
  17th April 2006 - 01:26 pm
 
Quote Carina
I love realism. It only bothers me when people think that realism the only good thing. 'Uh, it doesn't look real'. 'More layers'. That bothers me.


Yeah, I really don't like seeing 'more transition layers are needed.' I think a lot of new members/casual surfers think we're ALL striving for that 'most realistic reproduction' award- and I'm just not. It took me a long time but when my brother was visiting and shifting through my sketches it hit me that I -SEE- things in a kind of wobbly cartoonish way (hard to explain, but if you plowed through my sketch pile (that's right, it's a pile, no books for me!) you'd see a bit of it. That's how my vexels turn out. Now, I know that I can make really smooth and realistic gradient vexels but once I started I kind of felt unsatisfied by it. Don't get me wrong- the first one floored me. I was soo happy and all of the comments! woo! But .. the more recent ones that I've submitted make me happier now. Like, http://www.vexels.net/vexels/7557 that's probably the one I'm proudest of. There's one really big error on it (can anyone find it? Hmm?) but it makes me happy to look at it and ... that's what's important to me. I'm not bashing realism and I didn't start any threads doing so, and yeah the first few I saw I really thought they were the bee's knees but then it just got old to me.

Of the ones with the most favorites - http://www.vexels.net/vexels/1188 I think that is my favorite one. It would be -my- goal to create things beautiful like that but without a reference. Yeah, that would be heaven ~sigh
  

Haley
  17th April 2006 - 04:01 pm
 
Quote Carina
I love realism. It only bothers me when people think that realism the only good thing. 'Uh, it doesn't look real'. 'More layers'. That bothers me.


Exactly. There are so many vexel out there that don't get there "time of day" because they aren't realistic. In Emily (koolsharkz) newest vexel, there are people saying it isn't a real vexel because there's no shading or depth. Uh, hello, not all vexels have to have great shading and all. Yes, I love realistic vexels. They look amazing and take tons of effort and time to make. There are vexels out there that have no favourites and not even a little comment. It's as if they're hard work was just...ignored. Look at most favourites and most comments...Most of them are realism. Look at "No Comments"...none are realism and most are peoples first/second, the time point in their vexel making time when they'd need the most support.
  

Haley
  17th April 2006 - 04:10 pm
 
Also, I made a vexel that I was -aiming- for non realism and simplicity. Here's a comment I recieved.
Quote
The skin is a bit choppy and the hair needs detail and the lips aren't great.

Marleen's style is super choppy and favoured by everyone. Berit makes hair solid without tons of detail often.
It seems like when people comment/critique your vexels, they compare it to realism..
  

Mattness
  17th April 2006 - 04:30 pm
 
Quote Haley
Marleen's style is super choppy and favoured by everyone. Berit makes hair solid without tons of detail often.
It seems like when people comment/critique your vexels, they compare it to realism..

So true. That's probably why some people are now making non-realism vexels, protests if that's how you want to call it, to show vexels don't have to be realism. :)
  

Andrea
  17th April 2006 - 07:39 pm
 
At times I don't like realism, at times I do. I just don't like the image that people have of vexels, that is has to be realism, that it has to look perfect, and that every vexel that doens't look like that is just a sad attempt. Or something. I know, not all people think like that, and there are a lot of people who also like different styles. Verucasalt's vexels are one of the most popular ones on the website, and it's not realism by far. But then, she mastered her style perfectly. :P But I get the feeling that newbies who begin vexelling are always gonna do realism, and then as realistic as possible.. just because when you browse through the gallery and look at the amount of comments for each vexel, it's like vexels are supposed to be a recreation of reality.
  

Joaris333
  17th April 2006 - 08:37 pm
 
Quote Andrea
But I get the feeling that newbies who begin vexelling are always gonna :P do realism


well yea i think you're right there. But i think that's because the tutorials all show people learning how to "follow the posterized lines" to say. I guess that's the only way you master the pen tool and such, without having to be concerned with whether or not it'll look like a person. and in that respect, all people who are beginning are trying to get it as close to the original.

after the artist feels like they have mastered those techniques, then i guess that's when they look into other areas. you know, to throw some new stuff into the mix
  

AcidDoll
  17th April 2006 - 08:39 pm
 
I <3 realism. I think it looks beautiful, and even if a vexel is an exact replic of an image I don't think that'll stop me from liking the vexel. But of course a original realistic vexel is incredible.
I do agree with the2slayers, that lately a lot of people have been saying they are bored of realism and all that. Even if I do like realism, sometimes it does get boring. That's why I love artists as Marleen, who can actually completly transform one image into another thing. But that doesn't mean realism is bad. It just means is different.
I think that any style can look awesome if you know how to pull it off. But people usually tend to focus on only one style, and I do find thatrather boring, most of the time.

So yay for all vexels !! Realistic or not ;P
  

SamuraiNinja
  17th April 2006 - 08:42 pm
 
I love realism vexels.

It may "not take much creativity" but it takes talent and time.
  

Vexel Art > Vexel Chat > Vexel Praise Anyone? Page: 1 2


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