Some teachers at the Art Institute Pittsburgh are saying that Deviant Art and Flickr are not for serious artists or photographers... Hmmm... not serious?

Okay, yes I have seen some less than professional work on both sites, but to paint both sites with a broad brush like that is a very narrow and parochial view that insults the great talent on both sites.

What defines a "Serious" artist or photographer? Do you do it for a living? Is it something you eat, drink and sleep? Is it the overriding passion in your life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I'm thinking you are serious.

I guess if one is serious about their work, they should have their own web site, with that I agree. Taking that step will set you apart from the herd and help establish you as a "Serious" artist or photographer, but I would never write off or discount the social networking or the great friends I've made on both Deviant Art and Flickr.

Deviant Art and Flickr allow anyone, amateur or professional to interact with other amateur and professional artists and photographers from all over the world. It's a great tool that allows your work to be seen by as many people as possible, I think that means something, "serious", yeah, I think so.

I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1977, I have worked at all levels of graphic design from production artist to designer and illustrator and while I don't consider myself a serious photographer, I do get paid to take photos all the time. With over 30 years experience, I wouldn't trade the experience I've had here on Deviant Art anything.

Reporting live from the Aluminum City...
-YD