Circus Challenge Art: No Love for Omi

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

Well, I posted a few sketches for this challenge on my journal, trying to narrow down the choices. I'm just getting back into drawing so more than one piece of art may be a bit out of reach just yet.

One of the three sketches I posted got no love what-so-ever... and that would be Omi. And I've noticed, even here, that Omi doesn't get so much love. Nor does Goku for that matter. Or Nagi. Or anyone not Hakkai/Gojyo or Brad/Schu... not that I'm complaining. Just curious as to why. I know other shippers are watching... you know who you are...

Are people intimidated by the majority? Or have our beloved fandoms truly narrowed THAT far? Really - I'd like to know! I may be a heavy Schwarz /Brad/Schu shipper but I have little glimmers of inspiration for most of the characters in the series. Yes, most of what inspires me is Schwarz specific but I love the series - not just my ship.

So - what's your take on it?

In the meantime, have the Omi that will never see color... unless someone feels the urge to adopt him and try out their coloring skills. I'm totally down with that. :)

Comments

[smillaraaq.livejournal.com]

I'd like to think that at least some of the people who rail about the lack of comments and the unsatisfactory nature of kudos/faves are coming from a place of ignorance rather than malice; the mindset of those who are intensely, painfully shy or struggling with severe anxiety issues may be a pretty alien point of view to those who are more outgoing and confident (even if only online), and like I noted earlier I have seen at least a few cases where folks who initially had very negative attitudes on the subject toned down their stance when they heard from people who were immensely guilty and anxious over how hard they found it to write comments. But if anyone is made aware of these issues and still thinks their demands for ego-stroking are more important than compassion for their fellow fans...that's just beyond ugly, IMO. :/

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

100% agreed.

[obsolete-theory.livejournal.com]

Weighing in as one of those anxiety-ridden people, I think you two have hit the nail on the head. (Would you believe I dithered for most of an hour before committing to adding a comment?)

I personally would love to be able to leave feedback with more details than a kudos-type feature provides every time I read/view something that I liked. I know how hard artists and writers work on this stuff, and not getting feedback really blows. But! Aside from drumming up the courage to actually post something, there's this ridiculous (and pervasive) fear that I'm going to get my head bitten off for saying anything at all. Like I've seen people go off on other people because the comment--a compliment, no less--wasn't up to the commented-upon's exalted standards.

Or, as it's been mentioned previously, I'm really worried about interrupting other peoples' conversations. (Heh. And I feel like I'm doing it now...but this thread-within-a-thread was so interesting and of interest to me that I couldn't just say nothing.)

[smillaraaq.livejournal.com]

Awww, I'd believe it...virtual hugs if you want them!

And the "fear of interrupting" thing isn't always just the internal anxiety talking, because I have actually seen some people on LJ who act like subthreads are somehow "private" conversations and get a little shirty when someone comes along and tries to join in -- if someone's already anxious about speaking up to start with, having someone get snippy about an attempt to join in an ongoing conversation is not going to do their confidence any favors!

(I absolutely do not get that sort of attitude at all -- if you want your conversation to be private, why are you carrying it out in a sphere where other people can read and comment on it? If you only want to talk to one specific person with no risk of interruption, PMs or email or something other than a LJ comment thread in a post that more than one person has access to are the way to go.)

[obsolete-theory.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I think that attitude is some sort of skewed logic extending from the idea that "Hey! I'm online! Nobody knows who I am! That must mean everything I do on here is private!" Kind of a cover-your-face-and-no-one-can-see-you thing. (Seriously ridiculous. XD)

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

I glad you did weigh in! Like I said before, the more the merrier.

I agree that if people only want specific feedback, or if they want to maintain a private conversation they need to NOT do it in public. It's akin to having a sensitive personal conversation while on line at the grocery store... and then having that person look around at everyone staring at them and telling them to mind their own business. It does happen and I've had it happen to me in threads... and no matter how snippy, rude or outright abrasive the reply I always apologize and tell them that I didn't see their request for privacy in the thread which is passive aggressive of me but oh well. It's a public forum. There is no assumption of privacy and alot of people need to be reminded of that much too often.

Even the bravest sometimes needs to take that step back and try to figure out the mood or the feel of a thread before they reply or jump in. I'm lousy at figuring this out in real life and on line, with even less clues to go by, I've just given up trying. I sort of just jump in, politely, and hope for the best. It becomes clear rather quickly if I'm off base. Mostly it comes in the form of people just outright ignoring my comments. Occassionally I'll apologize and bow out. Everyone gets it wrong at some point so that bolsters my confidence. I'm not the only one having trouble deciphering intent from words on a screen.

For me, I weigh the possible outcomes. I know when I get one line and sometimes one word comments on something it tend to get discouraged from posting. If what I'm doing isn't connecting with anyone why would I put it out there? I'll just keep it to myself and not waste other peoples time. I know other artists and writers feel that way too. So, I err on the side of feeding the muses, keeping my favorites motivated and post comments. If someone clearly states that they only want positive feedback (or else) I won't leave a comment at all no matter how much I like it. I don't go around stroking strangers egos in real life, I sure as hell ain't gonna do it to a total stranger online.

I did get offended by a positive comment I received - but I learned manners. i didn't bite anyones head off, or even bother to contact the offendee - I know she didn't mean it to BE offensive. I just took it as the comliment she intended it as a wrestled with my moral dilemma in private. Serious - life is too short for drama. People that are intentionally offensive, trolling for responses get laughed at and/or ignored.

So, basically, if you are feeling ganged up on or threatened in a thread, feel free to call on me. Having a posse does help with the bravery part. You always have good things to contribute to a conversation from what I've seen - I'd be glad to help find a way to ensure we get to hear more from you! ;)

[obsolete-theory.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the offer of posse. :) Not that I find myself needing a white knight rescue, but you never know.

If someone clearly states that they only want positive feedback (or else) I won't leave a comment at all no matter how much I like it.

This! It's ridiculous when people are basically holding their creative works hostage. The only people they're hurting is themselves. I'm a firm believer in concrit, and anyone who can't handle it is likely never going to grow or thrive as a creative person. (And if you're only in it for the ego rubdown, then you aren't really invested in your work, I think.) Not that hearing nice things isn't gratifying, but it's like eating candy. You can't live on candy.

I should probably say something about your sad clown Omi pic now. (I'd meant to before, but I had a little trouble pinning down my opinion.) I love all the little details: the flowers, the hat, the neckerchief, and so on. At the same time, the clown make-up gives me pause. It's the beard-paint, I think, that's tripping me up. For me, it's a shade too close to hobo. (I know there's connections with clowning and being down-and-out, but I find the makeup goes too far away from the circus.) Maybe it's just that it's a black-and-white? I might try coloring it--I know you said up top that you wouldn't mind--and see if/how it changes my perspective.

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

(And if you're only in it for the ego rubdown, then you aren't really invested in your work, I think.)

No happy ending here buddy... try your hand next time... NEXT! (sorry, couldn't resist.)

I'm glad to thought into the details I put in the sketch. Usually I think way too far into things and you sort of called me out on every single detail I think!

My original 'instant' idea was that of a once popular Sad Clown velvet painting. In the more modern sense, it is now a paint by numbers version. I am not claiming originality of this sketch... it was all parody and concept on my part. Speaking more to my opinion of Kapitel Omi more than anything. There are four 'types' of clowns - the Hobo type is one of them and this is specifically supposed to be a take on that classic paint by numbers type.

http://www.allaboutclowns.com/types.html

That site has paint by numbers versions of the three main types of clown... you'll see this Omi is a clear homage to the classic sad hobo clown. I was going to put Omi in classic hobo clown clothes too BUT I happened to remember how he seemed to swim and look generally like a kid borrowing his older brothers suit for his date with Ouka - it's that suit - royal blue, the neckerchief a teal color. Al lthe other little details are just homage to the canon details, his goggles, the freesia in the hat, the dying flower in his hand is a lily, from the bouquet he delivered to Ouka's apartment before the party - and the main reason for his sad face. I couldn't come up with analogies for all the other tragic reasons given the poor boy in canon to be the saddest clown ever...

A silly simply sketch shouldn't need that much explanation (or research!)but now you have some idea how the smallest simpliest things work in my brain... and why my ideas take so long!

So - definitely no hard feelings if you don't 'like' it... it wasn't really intended as an 'awwwwww' moment. It may get colored yet so we'll see.

[obsolete-theory.livejournal.com]

Ah, research. Such a staple! :) (I figured it had heavy roots with the hobo-type clown.) I like getting the inside track on a work, though. And also, I think you've definitely made me think, so that's an art win there.

[balljointedomi.livejournal.com]

'the dying flower in his hand is a lily, from the bouquet he delivered to Ouka's apartment before the party - and the main reason for his sad face'

I love symbolism in art. Thanks for mentioning it.

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

Glad it actually meant something to someone! Thanks!

[summerbutterfly.livejournal.com]

Weighing in on the...weighing in? (Belatedly, because apparently I'm not the only who sat here and agonized over what to say and if I should say it.) I don't consider myself socially anxious, but I've had enough bad experiences with the internet to make me pretty gunshy. Not all on fic or art, but most relating to fandoms. As a result, I tend to back away from commenting more than I should. I usually have a ton of things to say in my head, but 90% never goes any further than that.

On the other side of the coin, as a writer, I'm one that really likes the "like" and "kudos" type features. I think they say a lot without saying much at all. It shows me someone is reading, and that they liked my work enough to give me a "thumbs up." It's encouraging. To use a sports analogy, it's like someone from another team or an outsider you don't know coming up and saying "hey, great game" or "that was an awesome race." It feels good and is a nice, gentle confidence-booster.

Now, on Omi up there, I have to say my interest has grown reading the other comments and the responses regarding the lily and the other symbolism. And as someone upthread said, this seems like it could fit into the oddity of Weiss canon. I do hope he finds some color. I would like to see how that enhances/changes/compliments/distracts from his sad-kitten-ness.

[oracle-dreams.livejournal.com]

And I'm glad that you did weigh in! :)

Omi may find some color yet. nuraya may possibly be toying with him so he may be back. Omi has always gotten under my skin with all that crying. He's an assassin for gods sake! So, it is my somewhat biased homage to the little bugger.

Glad he grew on you!