If you're anything like me, sometimes you'll be sitting in front of the computer, browsing around the site, and sort of...run out of things to look at, as far as what you might usually explore. When that happens, instead of doing the homework that's collecting dust on the desk or washing some of the scores of dirty dishes piled in the sink, you do what only a seasoned deviant does: start hitting the "random deviant" link!

The idea of running across someone spectacular on chance is really pretty brilliant, which is why i propose we take it to the next level with

the Ultimate Random Deviant Project

How does it work?

From now until the end of March, any deviant can submit themselves to the Randomization List. On April 1st [no fooling], I'll put all the usernames through a randomizer and pair you up with another deviant on the list.

For example, if, when the list is randomized, =bewarecalamity is number 11 and =PonyAnarchy is number 12, they are now officially a Random Deviant Set. I will post a list of the names of all the RDS's as a news article, and that's when the fun really begins.

What do RDS partners do?

Step One: Get to know each other. How? you ask. With a mini interview session! You can both fill in this template and note it to each other:

Username:
Name:
Where are you from?
Where are you headed?

In a nutshell, who are you?
What do you do beyond deviantArt?
What are some little-known or random facts about you?

Art galleries you submit to:
Art gallery and category you submit to most often:
Tools of the trade:
Show me three deviations from your gallery that best illustrate who you are:
What motivates or inspires you?

How did you get started with the type of art(s) that you do?
Who are your favourite artists or inspirations in this area?
How did you find out about deviantArt?
Are you involved in any clubs or projects in the community? If so, which ones and why?
Do you know any of the deviants on dA outside of the site?

What are your music habits?
TV?
Movies?

Say you're in charge of dA for a day. What would you do?
Is there anything you'd change?

And finally...do you play croquet?

Aww, we're all such good friends!

Step two: Browse each other's galleries. Very self-explanatory. I hope.

Step three: Comment on something. Give a really thorough, constructive, detailed comment on one or more of your partner's deviations.

Bad example: Good composition. I like the colours.
Good example: I love the way you framed the shot to show the surroundings but still bring the viewer's eye to the intended subject. It's a great use of natural framing. The complimentary colours also make this shot really eye-catching...etc., etc.

Step four: Feature your new friend! Whether you're a subscriber or not, you can give some journal space to your new-found buddy. I'm not going to stipulate how much to feature or for how long to do it; just show them some love!

Step five: Report back, priavte! We'll open a forum thread so you can tell us all about your experience--who you met, what you learned, all the fun you had, and how, in one way or another, the experience helped you to grow. We'll have storytime! :]

Details:

This project is not gallery-exclusive. No matter what "kind" of artist you are, you can be on the list. We may just be surprised how much fun it can be to get a vector artist and a jewelry crafter talking.

I don't care if you're the most popular person on the site or you've got three pageviews--everybody is in. One way or another, we can all benefit--whether it's from getting good critique, learning to give better comments, finding a great new artist, or just making a friend.

The important thing: how to join the list.
Simple! Just leave a comment on this article saying "I want in!" and you will be.

And another thing--the more deviants we randomize, the better. That's more people who get to know each other and get feedback on there work. So spread the word!

Let's randomize.