Photomanipulation News and Feature - 17 Feb 2013

Welcome!

Welcome to the February edition of the Photomanipulation News and Feature. I want to thank all the folks at CRPhotomanipulation and everyone around the community who wrote me with suggestions and requests; you made this newsletter possible. We have a lot of exciting things to share with you; let's get started!

Are you new to photomanipulation?

Whether you've been on dA for 1 month or 10 years, if you are new to photomanipulation, we want to hear from you. What kinds of resources do you need as you develop your skills? Do you want a place to network (make connections), share tutorials together, etc.? Do you want mentors? How can the more established members of the photomanipulation community work with you? Drop me (Aeirmid) a note personally or shoot a message to CRPhotomanipulation. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Food for Thought: Sportsmanship and Artistry

Can I speak metaphorically for a moment? Let's say you go to a football game to watch the world's best footballer play. He is amazing, scoring goals left and right! But, he keeps fouling the other players, and from where you're stood it looks like he is doing so intentionally. Is he still, then, the world's greatest footballer?

On one hand, yes: he still has the technical skill. But, is that what makes a footballer, technical skill alone?

Something similar is true with art and artistry. Artistry is about technical skill, creativity, and originality, right? I propose that it is also about dignity, pride, and graciousness. We can show good sportsmanship by reaching out to one another, congratulating each other on our triumphs, and working to improve our skills with every piece we create.

Upcoming Events and Projects

The biggest two things that are upcoming in our community are:

Photomanipulation workshops - TheDarkRayne and I are working to finalize plans for a series of 10 photomanipulation workshops to be held in the coming months. The workshops will be limited in space, so once we post the announcements please do sign up quickly. Our first workshop will be on light and shade, and we'll have a date for you ASAP. Be sure you're watching CRPhotomanipulation. If you want to get involved in the workshops as an instructor, please note us!

Future stars of photomanipulation - This is a really great old project that we are trying to reorganize. We will be featuring people who have been in our community less than 2 years who stand out and do amazing art.

Finally, I have been focusing on interviews over features lately, but I will absolutely start posting more features as well.

Current Contests and Events

Here is a list of current contests, to the best of my knowledge:

Official (Community Relations-backed) Contests
Rebirth and Renewal Contest
Anti-Cliche Challenge
Texture Your World contest

Other contests in the community
Two Themes Contest
Wings of Love Contest
Forgotten Dreams contest
Mystery & Magic contest

If I missed your contest, please note me about it, and I'll happily add it to this list!

Other Newsworthy Stuff!

Here are some other things that may capture your fancy:

Show your Creativity Contest winners
Dark Eyes tutorial
Stock-a-zine Project
Practical Photoshop - Poland

Feature

Random things I've added to my favorites recently, in no particular order. All had fewer than 200 faves at the time of this posting:



Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and humble feature. Please feel free to contact me (Aeirmid) or the team (CRPhotomanipulation) at any time if you have questions or concerns, or if you simply want to get involved.


Best wishes!

Jade