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But my only problem is that I have a different style than most. I dont have a since of completion with my work, its more on the lines of, its finished when I like the way it looks. I dont care if its messy, or the edges arnt strait, its what I like.

But Rob you have to remember style usually comes after you know the right way of doing something and then you distort and personalize to create your style. The "because I like it" arguement won't hold up with people who know good craftsmanship.

It's like the fact that Picasso was a master draftsman/painter before he went into abstract. He understood the rules at the highest level and then broke and manipulated them to create his art.

ed

A more informal version of that idea is that you do what you're supposed to. How you do it, being the decisions you make and your process itself, is what your style is. In that version it's a lot less conscious and is more of a fingerprint of your artistic abilities. But it still needs to be done well, and followed through. I went to high school with a kid who was assigned a landscape to paint, and he got all kindsa hell from the other kids because he turned in 4 green squares on a manilla canvas with some tissue dashed around. I know what they were thinking, because sometimes I think it too about modern art: You'll have to explain that to me, because it just looks like an absurd joke you're trying to get away with. But you know what? As bizarre as it was, it was FULLY bizarre and very well done at being bizarre. And his technical prowess in carrying out the idea was flawless.

Why is that people think someone has no talent if his/her art isnt PERFECT. Every 90 degree angle has to be exactly 90 degrees? Why cant things be the way the artist wants it. Its just a view I have. THis may not be true its just a question. I see some work and say its really good, but someone else will see it and say this could be different and this and that and so on.

If we do some art and show it to grandmas she will pat us on the head, say "its lovely,dear"..........and that'll be it.

Because grandma's usually know zilch about art.

If you show some professional artists, or someone very schooled in art, the same image they will be able to evaluate and offer criticism based upon the consensus of what is "good art".
Typically in animation this consensus holds that linework, structure, shapes, colours and solid masses ( ie: blacks) together form the idea behind what we all call appeal.
If the drawing is less acomplished at any of those categories, it takes a hit.
If the drawing shows some commonality with drawings done by acknowledged skilled artists, then its typically considered to be a successful (good)drawing. Professional animators are almost always called upon to draw in styles not their own, and have to learn to master other styles very quickly.
This leads to that comparative mindset.

However, that is the distinction I have found in a professional environment.

In a personal artistic environment, the aim is to not necessarily strive for comparative skill, but rather for personal indulgence. You can do art simply because it makes you feel good--and you don't have to be accountable to anyone for that. If its for an audience of one, you need answer to no-one, If its for an audience of more than more, then eventually, the work will answer (be critiqued) by someone.

I like what Ed said. In support of that, so many people hide their shotcomings behind what they call "style".

There was a great line from a RUSH song that says "So much style without substance, so much stuff without Style, It's hard to recognize the REAL THING that comes along once in a while".

I think that nails a lot of contemporary entertainment, including fine arts and animation. I look at Power Puff girls and just shudder at how much STUFF and STYLE it is but no real substance whatsoever.

Picasso had his substance down to a Tee. He then went on to develop new techniques and style, he revolutionized the art landscape. It's the same with animation, you have to be a master at those principles before you start burying it with style. That's why life drawing is so important. In an article from Andreas Deja, he stated the most important part of animation is mastering your art, your draftsman skills. Once you have those, you dont' have to worry about drawing, you just animate. I can't tell you how many animators I know that get hung up and frusterated while animating due to their shortcomings in drawing and draftsmanship.

Foundation First. Then you can build the House. Then you can paint it.

But Rob you have to remember style usually comes after you know the right way of doing something and then you distort and personalize to create your style. The "because I like it" arguement won't hold up with people who know good craftsmanship.

It's like the fact that Picasso was a master draftsman/painter before he went into abstract. He understood the rules at the highest level and then broke and manipulated them to create his art.

ed

Hmmmm. Wise words indeed Ed! I'll take those to heart. Thanks!

It's all a part of putting your stuff out there for public consumption. For example, my website has evoked a variety of responses: everything from "tripe" to "genius". Everyone's a critic; some are just being spiteful while others are trying to be constructive. After a while you'll be able to spot useful comments and weed out the nonsensical useless ones. Sometimes it's painful but a thck skin is a good thing to have. If you think someone's criticism of your work is unfounded, tell them diplomatically and in most cases (sadly, not all) you'll get a diplomatic response.

But kudos for putting your stuff out there. No matter what level you're at it's a brave thing to do.

There's a universal idea for perfection. Usually when everyone-- experts or laymens couldn't add or subtract from the the given object. Like the ubiquitous , timeless masterpieces of art, the most perfect art that you like..( I think you can fill in the blank here) It's true, ART contains subjectivity. Good doesn't always mean good to others. As we approach the next level, we're talking about the certain bar of perfection or call it the accepted "standard" in art translated to business. Like when you present your artwork to a studio-- they rate your art in a way that could compare to their standards, there's a certain language ... They'd hire you if you could "use" you, your art and how you adhrere to their standards.. Disney/Dreamworks/Pixar being the highest---- not many artists could make it in, and the hand full that made it are subjected to "adapt" to any given style, any discrepancy or bad attitude are canned. Not only 90 is 90 but, 180 x 360 multiplied by 100.. at this point, it's their way or the highway! You can however, set your own standard, make your art the way you want it.... the way you want to express-- it does work, there is no harm trying but then, when you expose "your" art out there-- be prepared to take all kinds criticisms. a reaction en masse. This can also make or break you. Sufficed to say, when you have clients or working with other artists-- it's always a good idea to be flexible, it's all part of the learning process, especially in an animation studio--- most studios have the meanest bad ass critics around, if you think your teacher or brother or friend are harsh, you're in for a big surprise! ALL of what you thought you knew shatters in a micro second. It wholly depends what you want and where do you want to take your art. A rough world out there, If you don't have a thick skin, don't ever think of entering the ART business, the competition is really fierce, REALLY fierce!

Just believe in yourself and utimately decide what do you want in life. Are you a Picasso, pikachu, or timbuktu?