I just wanted to say a few words in respect to the wonderful and generous stock artists that we have here at dA.

Please support them! They are often the backbone of our community and our artwork. Stock art is the inspiration for many digital artists and photomanipulators here, and their work is just as much a part of our creations than the work we do ourselves. dA would not be as valuable a community without them, so if a Model stock artist needs help paying for costumes, don't criticize him/her. Most of them allow us to use their stock for free, and it takes alot of work and investment to create good stock that inspires the rest of us to work with. Many of them allow us to use their beautiful work commercially, Lockstock and Mizz-D Stock just to name a few. There are many stock artists that spend lots of money on costumes and props so that we can have beautiful, creative images to become inspired by.

Not everyone is made of money, and there have been some evil, hateful comments on dA lately about stockers asking for donations for costumes and props. I know several stockers who are creative, clever and very talented models who for whatever reason don't have the finances to buy expensive gowns or outfits and props, and I am very happy to donate money or do what I can to help them get what they need to continue to provide dA members with the highest quality stock.

Finances are tough now for everyone, and some folks don't have a trust fund or can't work 3 jobs to pay rent and keep their families going, so buying expensive props and costumes is a luxury. You can't judge another person until you've been in their shoes. If you like using excellent stock, then please support your favourite stockers if they ask, and if you can. Afterall, we are a community and we have to keep each other going.