PAST dsg needs help!

[davi]

Hello over the past month dsg has windled down. The artists who used to post vigoriously aren't even showing up now. Dsg has lost it's new car scent.

We need ideas to make the dsg more interesting idea. So, I come to the community that made dsg what it is. I come with an opened mind.

What do YOU think could be done to help make dsg come back to life?

[cucaracha]

kill my teachers :rolleyes:

seriously, some people like me are just missing them because of school/work.

Maybe a "Best of DSG"-gallery (where the artists are.. kinda honoured) on the new site and announcements on the index-page will help (w/ direct link to the gallery and a link to the DSG-board)

cu

[nexykun]

we need to get craig mullins to post here

thad get some peoples attention

[Orban]

We already have some big artist who has been here : hardcorepix, frost(who still post :p) Glen Southern... not bad, since there's normally 5,6 pics each days.

One thing to consider is that we are at the end of the school year for some of us - hard time for them :p

Davi a thing that could help is a webirc - not everyone as the time nor the envy to dlw mirc/ircle and so on... I dunno if asylum irc has one(since most network have one).

I hope I can try some next weeks... If I'm not busy :p

[cucaracha]

sparth, bengal and prometheus participated as well :)

But I understand that they have to work and want a bit social life after it :D

I think it just needs to become more popular through the new fantastic site.
(as I said, together with this gallery etc...)
cu

[Schwoassamoasda]

I agree with cucaracha, its not the idea, its popularity. people dont have time to participate every day so there have to be more people. I'm just trying to encourage friends to participate, too. If everybody gets one more person to participate sometimes, dsg would flourish once more! God, I'm so smart!

[Capt. Fred]

I second that stuff about the end of the school year. I've loads of exams now.

PLus, IRC stuff, waht's with that? I'm not mega into all the techy stuff and I can't be bethered seing how to get IRC working on my mac or wahtever I need to do or needs to be done. (I don't even know what irc is. something about online chat like AIM is it? something liek that.)
Could be simplifed by taking this part out of the picture.

Maybe if the sketch group threads are open for new posts each day rahter than just a couple hours each day. I think i already read somewhere else about how people's opinions vary on this issue and so I'll just shutup to avoid the risk of getting some emphatic opposition.

I don't post in DSG and never have for the following main reasons: I only discoevered this recently (during exam time -- not enought time); I don't know when they being and start and when i'm supposed to upload the times don't necessarily match my free time; I know nothing about this irc stuff which I get the impression is an intergral part of the DSG; I dunno when or how long it's all going on for... well look, I think maybe it's over complex. There are too many conditions controlling the way it works: so in short I think it needs to be simplified.

I am likely wrong so feel free to ignore
me.

Like, if DSG was simply a new speedpainting themed thread each day I can't see how it would worsen -- compared to the current state of minimal particiaption at least.

It would certainly get me posting if I knew that all I had to do was paint a speedpaiting/sketch based on today's theme and stick it up on the web.

[Fipse]

Hi Fred,

here´s a link for you that can help you with your Mac and that worked with mine: http://www.shadowirc.com/ . IRC is a kind of chatsystem - oldfashioned and anarchic but it works. Every information you need you should find in the "sticky" section of the DSG-Forum.

I think for many professionals (and I´m counting myself a little bit into this direction as one of the notorious AD´s from hell) there´s always the time-problem. When DSG starts here in EU (9 pm - in GB 8 pm) I often just come from work and my Lady wants to lead some kind of social life (can´t imagine why, but she sometimes even wants to talk to me before sleep :D). For other working people who sometimes even have a family there´s the same prob. I suppose in the beginning there have been more professionals around because the DSG-thing was new and exciting. But one day "normal" life comes in and you have to set priorities.

At the moment there´s for me a kind of mental barriere to post lately when the DSG is over. There are often interesting topics but maybe we should encourage people to post after the official DSG so we can get more entries even if they are not in time.

I personally will participate again from time to time when I´ve got some breath for it - hopefully after Pentecost.

Fipse

[danielh68]

I've noticed the dwindling submissions, and it's a shame. It's been a two or three weeks, but yesterday I finally posted a couple of pieces. I personally don't have any excuses, I feel I can always muster up 15 or 20 mins. out of my day for something I love to do. However, I do agree with Capt Fred about the timeframes: I hardly ever submit my piece on time because of my choatic schedule. I really don't see why that should be important. I mean, when you start getting more people posting on DSG saying "Man, I'm too late again and I really like this topic...oh, well next time." instead of posting pics...something is wrong. Frankly, I post mine anyhow. The whole point is to improve your skills and share your ideas. Unless there's an official judge and jury, I feel the hour contraints should be replaced with a daily theme.

[dustbomb]

DSG is one of the features I joined for so i could improve myself, but when it starts I'm taking care of my Daughter and my evening free time sometimes wont start until 8:30pm (mountain). So if it was encouraged to post, even late, as metioned before, I know I would try to join in. When ever i could get on in the evening, I could see the DSG subject for the first time and time myself and post it. It would just have to be on an honor system. There are no prizes anyway so if someone cheated and took longer than an hour and a half they would just be cheating themselves. Just my thoughts about what would help me to be a part of this...

[ShadeOGreen]

I may not be someone who posts often, but I check the DSG every day (twice really). I sometimes work on the topics for my own practice, but I dont post them because I am still learning, and want to take my time. I really wish that the groups were just for the day, and not a set time frame. Just change the rules so that entries can be posted throughout the day, but leave it up to the poster to say how much time they spent (or put a cap on the amount of time you can spend). I think this would help a lot. I know many people see the topics too late, but would post something if they still could/ thought people would still be checking the posts.:)

[WildSpruceMoose]

End of school year I don't have much time and when I do it may not always be at 9 at night *hint*hint* I'm just suggesting an extension of subimission times...just an idea, but in about 3 weeks I'll be posting almost every night ;)

[thomasaurus]

I apologize, Ive simply been way too lazy to participate in recent DSG, and really want to get back into it. After school finishes I promise I will work harder.

[jmascho]

Throw a topic up in the morning, let people do it when they have the time. Lock threads at beginning of next day. ??

jus' an idear

[ShadeOGreen]

Yes, I agree with Jmascho.:cool:

[KARL]

I'm agreeing with Jmascho as well, but im sure as hell gona participate in DSG no matter what as soon as i get a new scanner, cuz I dropped a printer on my old one...:bash: and that's been a major reason why i'd never really posted any art since i registered.

[HellTaxi]

I think the daylong DSGs arent a bad idea either...wed get a way bigger turn out, and we wouldnt have to have the DSG|EU. Say no to segregation. Thank you.

[KARL]

word brother...:D

[Fipse]

What I like most on the DSG is the direct contact to fellow artists on IRC, speaking with them when they posted their work. You normally don´t get them together at one time in "normal" Chat-Mode.

Maybe a compromise would be to have "hard" dates for the original sketchgroup and one day afterposts ... maybe at least worth a try. If noone bothers anymore for the IRC than we could change completely to a daily mode. But so far I personally wouldn´t like to give up the DSG and DSG EU because otherwise I don´t have many possibilities to talk directly to other paticipants in the chat.

Fipse

[miasmak]

DSG lost me when the times shifted, it shifted to put the kid to bed timeslot :(

Same as Fipse, what I liked lots about DSG is the everybody suffering together in IRC and then seeing what everybody comes up with. It would be a shame to loose this. On the other hand there have been times where I wanted to post a pic after the fact. Compromise sounds good

A practical suggestion - have some indication of that we are in a DSG time slot at the moment, how many minutes left and the topic up on the web page so it is visible, say where the current DSG lnk is in the top right hand corner. Perhaps more people will jump in if they see that there is one when they surf past. That way they don't have to be connected on IRC either.

[ShadeOGreen]

There is a chat room on this website, so why do you choose to use IRC? I linked up for DSG a couple times on IRC, and frankly it just seemed like to much of a hassle for people not familiar with it. Why not just set up "Chat times" in the web based chat room as a stand alone thing, or just to go along with DSG?:confused:

[GhostofMacbeth]

I don't really like IRC when I got it to work on my Mac and deleted it a long time ago. Don't have the time sometimes and scheduling would be wonky but I really just don't like IRC. Not that big a fan of chat room things anyway. Perhaps a daily theme or even a weekly one would be cool. I know I am new and it is just my 2 cents but there you go.

[DarkORB]

I have to agree with shade of green. if we're going to have artist to artist contact it should be fairly easy to do. down with IRC in my opinion.

[RONIN]

I want to throw my hat in the DSG ring as well, and at the risk of being redundant, I also have a time schedule that does not allow me to log into IRC at the specific times. I do check the DSG first thing in the morning and later at night so the idea of the topic posted early and locking the posts at midnight would be great.

So the question is: Has a decision been made? And, what is it?

[HellTaxi]

I for one, love IRC and think thats its a big part of the DSG, though not all of it.

[Rusty]

The DSG is one of the main reason i visit this site...time factor`s the reason why i hardly attend,im sure its the same with alot of others out there too....1 suggestion,maybe hold a topic for 2-3 days or more...many a time ive gotten ready 4 work,quickly looked up to see what the DSG topic is so i can psyke myself up.lol,long day of work,come back home an tada, the topics changed!!..result is alot of middle finger movement..then some sleepytime...then the nasty cycle starts over again.

ah well

Rusty

[tyboogie]

irc takes a total of 15 seconds to log onto (hardly a hassle)

and for everyone making excuses that they dont have time

why dont you just do the topic at ANY point in the day and post it late

the most important thing is that your excercising your brain and wrist on a concept everyday--even if you can only make 30 min for it

Im not dissing people that have full time jobs doing art--i know it can be difficult to do extra art on teh side--but all the people posted in this thread cus they seceretly feel guilty for not contributing more often

DSG is just a great way to force yourself to do a new concept everyday
Its like working out/exercise--if you have a strict regiment/schedule that you stick to your gonna get results
faster


BTW davi--you could post more often too

[sirchced]

Hi everyone. I am very new here... I just found the site and signed up for it.

For what it's worth, my opinion is that we have the day to submit our works. When I read, "daily sketch group," I was turned on by the idea of getting inspired daily just to draw and keep up my skills. Upon hearing that we have only an hour at a specific time of the day I was turned off. Honestly the only reason I even signed up was because you allow late submissions and someone started this thread.

[DarkORB]

glad you signed up....that's one cool avatar. what's it from?

[danielh68]

So, will there be any changes due to this thread? It sounds like there's a lot of us that would prefer to have a real daily thread....meaning the artist has a span of 24hrs to post their one hour sketch. Do the higher powers plan to take action or, is this thread just a debating exercise?

[DarkORB]

well, since the threads stay open all the time, in a way there was always the option of doing the sketch at any pont in the day...but you would miss out on the IRC chat...if that matters to you.

[danielh68]

Good point. However, from reading all the posts, there's definitely two different camps of thought:

1. Those who like the specific timeframe and the IRC.

2. Those who have busy schedules and wish for a 24hr span to submit work.

Personally, when I do submit, it's rather late, since my schedule is dependent on the time I'm released from work, amount of traffic on the road, etc.

I have to admit though, when I submit late, I do have the feeling like I missed the party. With that in mind, it seems like there's a demand for the 24hr DSG, so why not fill it? Or, at least test it.

[Capt. Fred]

I second that: 24 hour, themed speedpainting-threads.

Yup.:)

[grey]

nah keep dsg 90 minutes and live, there's plenty forums w/speedpainting & daily exercises -- dsg's unique hell it's the main reason I upgraded to dsl

the irc thing's a hassle tho for mac users, the only good programs have fees but once you sort it out it's generally worth it -- makes a difference to know other artists are cranking away same time even if most of the chat is gibberish

the drop in posts is because of workload; I'm a full time AD and freelance illustrator and right now I'm swamped, I know at least one other guy in the same boat, soon as our schedule's clear we'll be back:chug:

[Landmate]

the topics have kept me away lately.

things like "exploding moon base with aliens and large chicken tacos" are getting a bit out of hand. I think the topic database should be seriously re-evaluated

[sic1]

I'll be more active seeing as how I need to learn to paint badly. As Landmate said, the topics are a bit whacky... but I think it can be good and bad. For instance, last night was one it took me a bit to think about, but I still managed to get something done.

[tyboogie]

the bot quit. he got fed up with everyones lack of passion, packed his bags and went to florida with some chick named chiquita.

so anyone that doesnt like the topics should come into irc and give some input on a topic choice.

anyone could make topic suggestions



as far as the 24 hour versus the 90 min thing--


i think the 24 hour thing could be cool---i think we could try posting a topic in the morning and everyone could do theyre entry duriong the day, and check others work at night


im sorry to all that like the 90 min --irc chat part of it--but the fact is theres only a handful of faithful people really doing dsg--and if the people WHO ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO DO DSG want a 24 hour thang we should do it--it may make more room for others to participate


WHAT if we all met at like 9 or 10 pm on IRC to give feedback to eachothers work that was done in the 24 hour period each day?

[Fipse]

9 or 10 p.m? What area? I prefer Central European time ... :)

Fipse
(Old world, quite north of bavaria)

[Nimrod]

Arrgghh! I am in the land of teh 14.4 mo-dems! I shall return in victory to save the dsg singlehandedly sometime in August, when I am back in Cable-World!

*sinks back into abyss*

Seriously though, I agree about a 24 hour period for everyone with perhaps a specific 'meeting and discussion time'. I really very much enjoyed the direct and instantaneous feedback offered by a chat room, rather than a forum situation. Also I think maybe some of the topics are getting a bit crazy. I think the one rule for topics should be 'open-ended'.

BRB

[chudzta]

Hi Kids

During school, yea scheduling was the prob. i didnt have a prob with irc, but truthfully i didnt find a real advantage except for the fact of the bot

At ozoneasylum, a place that seems moreso programming with some photoshop, they have a weekly speed painting thread. the topic maker chooses the topic, everyone can post as many as they want under the time limit, then the topic maker chooses his favorite and that person makes the next week's thread. i guess the whole pick who gets to do it tmrw could be intersting, but also unreliable. maybe if the new guy doesnt post a topic in time then a moderator or some addicted shmoe can whip one out of their ass

as far as the idea, without involving the above complication i just mentioned,


i think the 24 hour thing could be cool---i think we could try posting a topic in the morning and everyone could do theyre entry duriong the day, and check others work at night

yeppers. start time and end discussion for those who want discussion. if u get ideas of things to discuss while makin ur pic, then just write down a quick note. i think this is an Excellent idea if done correctly... i just wish someone in charge would make a decision. :) - ry

[danielh68]

That's an interesting idea about the topic maker choosing the topic and, also, the next topic maker.

[The Supreme Um]

Daily DSG sounds like a good Idea. People working to have their art noticed always helps.

[soup]

first off, does antone still read this thread??
and secondly, I am still a noob, so feel free to laugh whole-heartedly at my suggestions.

I like the idea of the DSG, (I havent posted yet because i need a scanner) But what i would also like to see is a WSG, a weekly sketchbook group, not to replace the DSG, but to complement it, if a topic was given out on monday and due on friday i think we would see some pretty impresive stuff, and a week (or 5/6 days) would be ample time to create a master peice for those out there capable of doing so, but it would also give alot more time for budding artists like myself, to pan-out some thing submittable, im sure there are alot of lurkers on here who just dont feel comforatble posting something they did in 90 miniutes.

this would also be more accomidating to those of us in school, or people with demaning work schedules.

another thing i would like to see, is people being more friendly, i know it sounds silly but when you browse through some of the art on here it can be very intimidating, some might even get the impression that the people who post art here are elitest, when infact people here are very helpful.

hope to hear what you tink of my idea

[Tanem]

Hi I just found out about this web site and I think this is best resource I have found on the net for concept artists.
I would like to add some new blood to the DSG, but how do you post picts?

-Tanem

[mcotie]

I've been out of commision for the past month. I'll be getting back on line this week.

mitch

[MrSmith]

i would hate to lose that "oh crap i only have an hour and a half to finish" feeling of dsg, and a daily thing would ruin that. a daily DSG would just suck, IMO. there are tons of daily speed threads out there already. but how about this::

when the topic is set in IRC, someone posts the topic here at the same time. that way those that arent IRC savvy will still be able to do the DSG.

i dont understand why people keep complaining that they cant be here at the specified time. so what? just do it later, people do it all the time. its no big deal. no reason to have rigid rules, its all just for fun anyway.

and i agree with bri about the topics really sucking lately, i say keep it simple and direct. no need to get too specific or abstract with the topics, davi!

[MrSmith]

forget this . read the next post.

[MrSmith]

is anyone even reading this thread anymore or care?

an art director isnt going to say "hey! i need you to design something based on the word 'reflections'." and many of us dont want these wide-open abstract topics that are nothing like real life concept design.

most concept design is simple: environments, creatures, characters, vehicles, etc. you could either balance these aspects evenly or even better you could give a few more character/creature designs since thats what seems to be the most popular.

just keep it simple and maybe people will start participating again.

am i talking to myself here!!

[n0thing_]

I can see where Mr Smith is coming from...this is a concept art forum after all. Nevertheless, I don't think variety is necessarily a bad thing...even if there isn't a full shift to concept design, it may be feasible to alternate topics from each day from concepts to more abstract themes. I guess it boils down to personal preference here and that may allow people to "choose" what area they want to work with. Just an idea...keep talking.

[OLSEN]

Hi,

I havent posted here in a while, ive been too busy doing stuff in the dull real world. Hopefully that will change in a week or so.

Anyhow, conserning DSG, i dont care if its twice a day with a timelimit, or weekly or whatever. But someone should really go thru the topics and get rid of the really abstract ones (Davi perhaps?).

The reason i feel like that is that its really no challenge if its too loose, and i just realised im about to repeat what MrSmith and some other people been saying been saying, but anyhow:

Example 1:
DSG EU 115: Imagination = do whatever you want = No challenge

Example 2:
DSG 123: Futuristic Hitman/Bountyhunter = Character Design = Challenge (atleast for me)

You get the point. Peace.

[davi]

I'm taking the time to add more topics tha are more specific and less vague, but i better not hear people complaining that something is "too hard" when they've never attempted to do it before.

a daily dsg maybe happen in the future when we get our main site up, but i think it's cool as is being not uber mainstream.

[grey]

Originally posted by MrSmith
when the topic is set in IRC, someone posts the topic here at the same time. that way those that arent IRC savvy will still be able to do the DSG.

I second this - given a slow day at work I can take a shot at DSG/EU (god bless corporate america), but can't set up IRC thru the company's network (curse corporate america) - waiting for the first post to get started kind of blows

[dajovion]

I would make an even more obvious button at the top. I had totally forgotten about the whole thing. I don't have time to participate, but I'd love to see what everyone else has got going.

[Frost]

I agree with Mr.Smith's comments on the topics, as well as the 1h30 deadline pressure.

"im sure there are alot of lurkers on here who just dont feel comforatble posting something they did in 90 miniutes." (Soup) -- I agree, but I think more than 90 minutes is a waste of time. The idea is to be on your toes, creative, and cultivate a quick mind. Daily postings of images that took 3 hours to do (for example) would be senseless in my oppinion. Personal challenge and sharing with friends your ideas is the point... 90 minutes for concept, design, rendering... I think I've written this before, but, I don't think the idea is to render things in full color and such... as this is ConceptArt.org, it should be the ideas and designs that count the most, not the rendering. If some people don't feel confortable rendering colors and lighting in 90 minutes, then good, it's not a requirement of the DSG I think. I myself think I'll spend more time designing stuff and try to keep from rendering... work on my drawing skills more. Neole did a lot of "pencil" sketches for a long time, and just recentely started doing color works in the same amount of time... proving that DSG was good practice for him, becoming more productive and faster at his stuff (great work Neole btw!). -- anyway, just my 2 cents really.

Btw, this was not necessarily directed at Soup, but his phrase was a good example of what I wanted to discuss and slap my fat and ugly oppinion on. =]

[cucaracha]

Yep, I'm with Frost and MrSmith -

everyone here knows that the DSG is a daily sketch group, otherwise it would be the DFGLIG daily finished good lookin' image group, whatev, I think you get it :)

I can only repeat the thoughts that were written here,
DSG is about ideas, concepts and design, to improve your working speed, to challenge your mind. It really trains your brain.

We're here to learn and have fun, not to create fancy images just to show off (I hope these are the right words to say what I mean :p)

cu

[Pencil Soldier]

hers an example aobut why it would be good to post the topic of the dsg as soon as it starts in here.

Im at a relatives house at a really boring party. I would love to do the DSG in this time, but i dont know the topic becuase IRC isnt on here, and i cant dl to this computer cause id get my head bitten off.:D

mabye not a good example, but i thought id share.:p

[Dodge]

i third or fourth, the notion the the 1 30 time limit, its the best thing about dsg, just the right amount of time to lay down a foundation and more. The topics are sometimes off but you can never please everyone all of the time.

Its a great way for newbs to join in the forum too you can post in the group and not have the pressure of your own thread.

the work you do from dsg gives you something to work on if a piece turns out then you can give it more time, and expand on what youve already got. Which leads quite nicely into my next idea. A thread where people can post dsg that they have worked into more, i do it myself and i reckon others must do it too. Just an idea??

[MrSmith]

if i'm around i'll post the topic when it comes up. i'll try to get others to follow suit.

[Pencil Soldier]

Its a great way for newbs to join in the forum too you can post in the group and not have the pressure of your own thread.

In a way, its almost more pressure :p. Becuase we have our crappy sketches surronded by awsome art.

[helix7]

Just did my first DSG today and I had a few thoughts based on this first experience and other people's comments here.

For starters, I think the 90 minute time frame is perfect. I wouldn't change it, simply because if it were longer there would likely be less people participating. Just about anyone can find 90 minutes (or less) in a day to do some drawing.. or at least they should be finding the time everyday to draw and keep their skills sharp, so why not do it in a DSG session.

Second, I just want to echo the sentiments of a few others about the unnecessary pressure to do a DSG topic drawing within that exact time slot. I personally don't care if someone posts their work long after the DSG is over, and I think it might be interesting to even see a post of a work-in-progress at the end of a DSG session and then another more finished version posted later on (if someone felt like continuing past the time limit). This should also be made known to everyone to encourage participation. Try to get people to finish in 90 minutes, but let them know that they can still post later if they choose.

Also, the topic should definitely be posted here at the start of the DSG, because there's really no reason not to, right?

Finally, I think that the DSGs lack enough feedback after everything is posted. Alot of the threads end when the last image is posted. I think feedback might encourage people to return to the threads and keep them interested.

[OLSEN]

Does DSG still need help?

If so, i have an idea. We keep the original daily 90min as it is. But at the end of every week, we randomly select one of the DSG sketches that the great and not so great artists has made during the past week. This one sketch is then posted in a new thread, called "from sketch to fully rendered super painting", or whatever.

Heres the funny part. Its now up to the artists of DSG and everyone else thats interested, to do a new piece based on that sketch, and not the topic it was based on. They have one week.

The point of this is, and im making this up right now to justify this idea, but nevermind, the point is:

1. Its good practise to do work based on other peoples sketches.

2. Someone pointed out that the DSG art looks bad compared to the rest of conceptart.org. If we get a chance to to take the art of DSG one step further, this wont be problem.

3. Its good for those that have trouble making it to DSG during the set times. And it will please those who wants a weekly assignment.

4. I believe it will be fun.

5. Those of you that cant find the time to do both the ordinary DSG and this, well, you dont have to. Your sketches will be appreciated just as much if not more.

How about it people?

edit: If this idea has been posted before, ignore me.. :)

[nBT]

olsen i like that idea
it would allow people to properly render thier work. its not really dsg anymore, but it is a part of drawing that needs attention.

ill try and post the topic as soon i can.

i like the 90 minit treat, and i need a timer with it, else i get lost in thinking about detials. wich consumes alot of time. irc provides that timer.


i have another sugestion: create 2 dsg's, could be with fun or boring (abstract) topics or a 90 minit and a days time. or as olsen sugested, redo someones sketch.
just today the topic changed because someone didnt like it. it might be just me, but i see dsg as practice. there will be hard things and there will be fun topics. at least grade the topic heap.

nBT

[danielh68]

Olsen,

That's an insane idea. I like it a lot! I hope it's implemented soon.

-Dan

[DraigAthar]

Originally posted by helix7

Finally, I think that the DSGs lack enough feedback after everything is posted. Alot of the threads end when the last image is posted. I think feedback might encourage people to return to the threads and keep them interested.

That's a very good point, Helix. I will try and give more feedback in the DSG threads from now on, and I hope others will do so, as well!

Oh, and Olsen - what a great idea!!!

[davi]

something new is coming