Hello, I'm Cassandra. Finally joined, so excited to be here!

animatosoor

@CLCanadyArts I think whether you are posting your own art, providing feedback on others' art, or sharing your thoughts on some topic of interest, it is all going to contribute to a meaningful interaction - the kind you mentioned having observed in your original post. It isn't going to be spammy! Hahah

I'm fairly new here too, but I'd say a sketchbook thread would be great if you'd like a place to chronicle all of your sketches and artwork in a single spot. If there is a specific piece of artwork you are working on that you would like feedback on, I understand it is perfectly acceptable to create a thread for it in the "Artwork" category, with an indicator that you are looking for critique. It is also common to create your own thread in the Artwork category for a personal on-going project or challenge you might be participating in.

P.S: On the whole shyness thing: I love that you have been working in publishing, and wonder if the introversion/shyness has ever gotten in the way? For instance, would you say it was difficult to reach out to potential clients? I'd love to learn more!

Chip Valecek

Welcome to the forums! I love your work, that octopus is amazing. They are kind of my thing. There really isn't any rules around here. Its like the wild west of art. LOL You can create threads all you like. I have a couple threads I post my work to, sorta like a sketch book type thing. There are a lot of people here that do not follow me on social media. So its like another platform to share my work. Then people also have threads of pieces they are working on and want feedback. So really anything you want.

APHOTICMOTH

@animatosoor Thank you for the tips.

Yes, shyness has kept me from reaching out, it used to be debilitating, I was bullied to extremes when I was younger, and it took a long time to work past it. I have lost out on bigger work in the past because of my shyness, wouldn't open my e-mail over anxiety, or meet people in person..But e-mails are no longer daunting, and I can confidently meet people in person now . I still have a hard time partially because I have severe tinnitus (started when I was 11) and not always being able to hear what is said, makes people look at me like I'm dumb, or not paying attention. I read lips a lot to fill in the blanks, so phone calls are hard (harder to hear and no lip reading..), and many larger contacts want to speak over the phone. All of my current contacts have been formed over e-mail.

Getting past my shyness on posting now, it always felt spammy and like I was setting myself up for rejection in the past, but, rejection is ok, and a form of feedback. Not posting definitely hurts ones chances of growing.

I've never attended a con for shyness sake either, and I know opportunity can happen there too, including just meeting good people.

Being too shy can definitely hurt socially, and financially.

APHOTICMOTH

@Chip-Valecek Thank you, Chip. I like your catching a mermaid piece, silly creepy fun!

Good to know, seems like there is a lot of freedom in these forums. I like it. It feels relaxed, and fun.

Adrian K

@CLCanadyArts welcome welcome, great to have you here. I absolutely love your work, watercolor is a joy to work, with and the way you use it is just breathtaking.

APHOTICMOTH

@Adrian-K Thank you, Adrian! Your watercolors are amazing! Following for more.

APHOTICMOTH

I just signed up for monthly SVS!! Have been contemplating it for months. Not showing up on my account, but sure it will be resolved soon. I've seen nothing but positive reviews. Time to level up.

Jonas Zavacky

Hi! @CLCanadyArts Oh my I love your work!! Right in my taste! Welcome to the forums I am looking forward to see your future projects!

animatosoor

@CLCanadyArts This is really inspiring; thank you so much for sharing.

@CLCanadyArts said in Hello, I'm Cassandra. Finally joined, so excited to be here!:

wouldn't open my e-mail over anxiety, or meet people in person..But e-mails are no longer daunting, and I can confidently meet people in person now .

I can relate to this so much. As human beings we can have some really irrational fears, and it's a real shame that some of these anxieties have hindered someone as skilled in their craft as you. What's wonderful, though, is that you have overcome many of those hurdles. All the best on your journey; I can't wait to see you grow further!

APHOTICMOTH

@Jonas-Zavacky Thank you!

APHOTICMOTH

@animatosoor Irrational for sure. Feeling like the world would treat me the same as those around me. Had to get past it in person as well, created a general fear of people. I still meet bad people, and have even had some down right harsh bad clients, but it's much easier now. Sometimes cutting ties and dumping a job is better than suffering. I love reading the clients from hell page.

https://clientsfromhell.net/

Wish there weren't people like that out there, but it's part of life.

lmrush

Welcome, beautiful work!

shinjifujioka

Welcome! Glad you're stepping out of your comfort zone to share your work here

theprairiefox

Gorgeous work! I love the strength and depth of color and value.

Great to have you here. It is great to get new people in the mix and be inspired by each other.

djly

Love your work and admire your storytelling abilities. Welcome!

avfarrar

Welcome! The lighting in your rabbit piece is really good looking.

APHOTICMOTH

Thank you everyone.

Welcome to the forum Cassandra! Your work is amazing, I absolutely love that little white creature with the toadstools on your website All of your work is brilliant so I have no doubt you'll be producing amazing new work soon enough!

Sofie Schollaert

Welcome!! Just want to say i love your work. The last one (with the turtle) made me smile! Love how much color you use!

APHOTICMOTH

@hannahmccaffery Thank you so much. That little guy is a Birble - Bird, bunny, gerbil. I draw them often, so expect more. I have tons of art in progress, will be sharing soon.