The majority of us are members of groups, and while we might have different reasons to join, and different things expected of our membership in said groups, it is important to be a respectful addition to a group, and to our community. Here are a few tips on how to be a respectful member of your groups, even when you become frustrated by whichever situation might come up.
In regards to submitting your art:
Of course submitting your art is one of the main purposes of joining a group. However before you jump into things and start sending out a million art submissions to various groups, you should pay close attention to each individual group's rules and guidelines! There is no room for assuming things when it comes to groups, each group has its own set of guidelines, and they might wildly differ from what you expect! So read the info they provide, or send a note to ask a question, but don't just ignore it all and spam your art in places it might not even belong.
- Before you submit, be sure you are sending your art to the proper gallery folder! Continuously submitting to the wrong folders makes you come off as careless and disrespectful.
- Pay attention to the group's description!! If the group if focused on "horror/macabre" for example, don't send them pretty pictures of flowers. If the group is photography only, don't send photo-manips! Furthermore, follow their rules, don't waste their time.
- Respect the fact that admins have a life too. If your submission has not been declined or accepted within 3 days, give it more time before you start asking them "are you ever gonna vote on this?!?!?". (and ultimately, don't ever phrase that question that way.)
In regards to your declined art:
When a group has declined your work, it is normal to be disappointed, and even a little bit mad! However, taking a deep breath before you leave a rude comment calling out the admins, can be quite useful.
Try to understand that everyone sees art and skill differently, also try to realize that as artists we should always be looking for ways to improve! So what are your options? How should you behave?
- Politely ask in the comment area of your submission, why your work was declined. Once feedback is given, accept it, even if you disagree! Arguing and implying that the admins are wrong will not get you anywhere.
- Accept the fact that perhaps your submission wasn't your best work, and keep trying until your work is finally accepted into those groups you love so much.
- Take the admin's feedback into account when creating and submitting work in the future. Admins want you to succeed as much as you do.
- Do not start a rampage of sending notes, leaving comments on the group's page, undermining the work of other members' that has been accepted, or anything like this. It will only make you seem resentful and rude.
- Do not re-submit your already declined work! It is disrespectful and makes admins think you do not care about the fact that there are rules, and cannot even remember what you submit to which group.
In regards to your overall membership:
Being a part of groups is a great way to find opportunities to showcase your own art, however, don't forget that a group can be many more things than just that! You should be an active participant in the groups you submit your art to. After all, if they help promote you, shouldn't you help them succeed? And if their members comment and fav on your work, shouldn't you return that?
- Respond to journals and polls to help the group gage decisions they want to make, and gage what you -the members- want from them. A group cannot improve without your input, help, and support!
- Go through your deviation stacks for your groups, and support the art you find, that you love! It's not all about you at the end of the day.
- If you particularly adore a specific group, consider applying to become an admin if the position becomes available, once again, a group cannot improve or even function without your help and support.
- If you encounter issues within the group, or have a problem with the admins or the way the group functions, consider sending a polite NOTE to them to address your concerns privately.
- Do not spam a group's frontpage comments with complaints about declined work, or anything else.
- If one of the groups you're member of hosts contests, challenges, or other events, support them and join in on the fun if you can!
- Consider getting to know the admins of a group, and even perhaps once in a while, thank them for all the work they do!
