Outside of Deviant Art, there resides a lack of respect for those who inhabit this community. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to belong to Face Book and My Space, DA is occasionally looked upon as a sinister stepchild. Why would anyone want to occupy a social site that features “Deviants?”

Here’s what those outside of this community are missing:

Expression!
Deviant Art is the perfect place to express one’s creativity. Artists, writers, and photographers can display and share their work with others. Deviant Art’s focus on art is far more specific than other social sites, which means members share a common bond. While non-artistic people might not understand the effort or skill required to create our work, those within the community can appreciate our efforts. Here in this corner of the universe, we are free to express ourselves, safe in the knowledge that, for the most part, we will be understood.

Individuality!
There are so many options offered on Deviant Art, both in the form of free and paid services. While DA may change the basic layout occasionally, we have the freedom to customize our home page, rearranging the elements to suit our needs and personality. We have our journals, giving us the ability to blog with the best of them. We can alter our Shout Board, send out Polls, and join clubs and forum discussions that strike our fancy. Without the intrusion of outside applications, we are given an enormous amount of freedom to be ourselves.

Friendships!
Without a doubt, the most important aspect of Deviant Art is its people. Our community is like a little family, and Deviants are very committed to their friends. Despite the distance in the physical world, we are close here on this site. We can join together on Deviant Art and share our passions, goals, and visions of the world as we see it. The positive feedback, the words of encouragement, the sharing of dreams – all of these things contribute to a sense of loyalty and belonging.

For me, a recent outpouring of friendship from my fellow Deviants really touched my heart. With two book releases in March, I was feeling overwhelmed, but my Deviant Art friends really stepped up to assist me. They spread the word with journal features, book reviews, passed out bookmarks, and ordered books. The response here eclipses all of my other social sites combined! That speaks volumes as to the quality of people within the Deviant Art community.

In the hustle and bustle of the real world, we occasionally need to stop and show appreciation for our friends on this site. We need to call attention to the unique qualities of our members and educate those outside if Deviant Art as to why Deviants are so special.

Treasure the friendships on this site. After all, we are not JUST another community site. We are DEVIANT ART!

Now I would like to present a special feature for some of the wonderful people who recently assisted me and touched my heart – you are all truly amazing! These people, like so many here, are what make Deviant Art special.











































Now!
What Deviant Art friends have made an impact on YOU?