Yeah, it might sound basic, but being a picky person I feel that I should set down the correct way to credit someone. Well, it isn't officially the 'correct' way, but it is the way I, and many others, prefer it.
When you credit
I find it ridiculous how many people decide to use a free icon or base but don't even read the artist description stating that they MUST CREDIT IT. It's pretty much implied that if you use a free icon, a base, or even a non-free (other than commission) icon, you should credit the original artist. Even if they don't ask for it, it is the polite thing to do. (And even if it is a commission, it still is polite!)
What to say
For a free icon, you should say: Icon made by :dev(username):
Not Icon made by username.
The :dev: makes this username a link to their page, and if someone really likes the icon they can just click the name. If it isn't a link, it can take time to track down the artist...not that much time really, but we artists are lazy ; ) Another thing, :icon(username): does NOT work in signatures, so stick to :dev:
For bases (and this is a PREFERENCE and pet peeve really), you should say: Base made by :dev(username): (same :dev: rule applies).
Why base instead of icon? Because there is a difference between a base and a premade icon. Unless you didn't edit the base at all, you added onto this piece so it wasn't solely made by the original artist..The icon was no longer made by them, it was made by you both. The base, on the other hand, was made by them...yeah stupid pet peeve of mine, so it might no apply to other bases, but it does to mine.
Where to credit
MOST people want you to credit them in your signature. Not your tag line, not your profile, but your signature
Here is how to get to your signature:
Go to "Deviant (your username)" at the top and hover your mouse over it. A little box should come down. Click on settings. It will bring you to a page with a bunch of boxes. The second box down should have your "Comment Signature"
There. Not so hard.
In this box type either "Icon made by :dev(ArtistUsername):" Or "Base made by :dev(ArtistUsername):
TADA
Now with the new knowledge of how to credit people, I will release you into the world of icons and bases with out the fear of you doing it wrong :') Make me proud
(Im such a dork omfg)
also thank you for informing me of this, it's very helpful!