Deborah Parkin

Maxhamish, 3 months ago

You have pretty much summed me up to be honest….My confidence has gone through the roof, I spend every minute viewing everything in a different way…....I just look forward to creating ‘something’....I am hooked and I hope this feeling never goes away…

All the best…

Darren

Deborah Parkin in reply to Maxhamish’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Darren – i hope the feeling stays for you too :)

Redtempa, 3 months ago

I’m happy for you Deborah… I’m a big fan of all your black and white photography and have always thought your work is of a very high quality, so I’m glad to hear your getting the recognition you deserve.

Ben

Deborah Parkin in reply to Redtempa’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks so much Ben – mutual admiration here then :) Hope Rb is doing good for you too :)

Mark Gardner, 3 months ago

As for me, well my confidence has grown, along with my overdraft !!
I saw myself as a ‘happy snapper’ with little confidence in my work, i thought it was’ok’ but thanks to the comments and advice on here i now see myself as a photographer.
There is no doubt that my images have improved since being here and i have actually sold work which is a great buzz.
I am now looking into all different types of photography and learning all the time, people actually ask me for advice !!!
This site is wonderful for nurturing talent so long may it continue

nickowen, 3 months ago

I know I am only a Jonny come lately
But I would like to be thought of as a friend. I love your work
and admire you as a woman and mother from as far away as Oxofordshire

I am delighted RB has helped you come so far.

Flickr did the same for me taking me from amateur to professional and more in poetry and pictures.

Richard Veal, 3 months ago

I agree Deb. I too, have become a lot more confident in myself as a person, and I feel I have become a better photographer, learning by looking at your work for a start, which has helped me enormously in my B&W, and everyone else’s work. This is a great community, where people help and share, so lets hope this site continues to grow, and be here, for a long long time.

Deborah Parkin in reply to Mark Gardner’s comment, 3 months ago

That’s great Mark – that is exactly how i feel :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to nickowen’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you so much nick for your lovely comment and sharing your experience too :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Richard Veal’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Richard for sharing (sitting with big smile here) and here here to it growing too :)

Denzil, 3 months ago

Oh Deborah, how wonderful to read your account of your experience with RB. I have also met new friends, both virtual and real, I love being part of this community, I love the arguments and the agreements, the support and the discord (although there’s not very much really), I love being part of pother peoples’ growth, as reflected in their work and their journals, and their reports of sales. I appreciate the comments made on my photos, and value so much the energy that everyone has for each other. I have always ‘fancied myself’ as a photographer, based on nothing really, except a belief that I had a good eye and that I could ‘see’ images well. Being on RB has really allowed me to test that. Sometimes it’s true – at other himes, it’s just self-delusion! But I hadn’t ever tested my view before. I ‘m out there now, letting people look at my photos, comment on them, accept and reject them, and although I consider myself an amateur/hobbyist rather than an artist, I find I have refined my vision considerably as a result of the interactions with other people on this site.

How wonderful to hear of your development too, and your deserved success. You were one of the first people I came across on RB, and I ‘ve always been drawn to your work.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Rebs O, 3 months ago

i was just thinking of writing a journal like this this morning. it seems you have a life like mine!!! i’m due to start photography in college this september and i cant wait!! the community here at redbubble is amazing. I appreciate all the encouragement and comments and it has definately build my confidence and i’m exploring my creative side more and more. I’m buying a new camera next week…CANT WAIT!!! and i have lots and lots of people wanting me to do photo shoots with them!!

thank you redbubble and all you wonderful people in this community.

rock on!!!

rebecca xx

petelangman, 3 months ago

Deb you are a legend in my eyes… it is your work that has pushed me into my dirrection, as i admire it greatly. i too am growing with my images and maybe one day wiil want to take it further. i wish you all the best for you future in photography, health and happyness… i’m sure i speak for many in saying keep the fantastic images coming.

Ian James, 3 months ago

Its challenging me to take better images…..I certainly dont think that much of the work I have submitted recently is anyway near to my best work. I don’t have the time at the moment to put the effort in but can’t resist adding images. Once I have more time I really want to step it up, I have lots of ideas just no time.

Its been great to get feedback and to get inspiration from others there is so much great work. I just wish there were more hours in the day.

David Harris, 3 months ago

You know what Deborah? All we ever hear on the news and in the media is bad news! So it lovely to hear a story like yours, which is full of hope and promise and achievement and happiness! I am so pleased for you! I echo your sentiments regarding growing in confidence and meeting some amazing people who have really inspired me and helped me in life! I wish you well in your degree in September! A talent like yours should be developed and I am sure you will achieve anything you set your heart on!

Best Wishes

David

Scott Ruhs, 3 months ago

Have to agree with Mark regarding the overdraft. lol. I’ve grown a lot as a photographer as has the list of quality gear. I still have a lot to learn. I like many types of photography and art for that matter, so it is difficult for me to focus on one direction. I like doing landscape/seascapes, portraiture, staged images, live music, nature, etc… On top of that I play guitar in a blues rock band, Under Pressure I also enjoy creating images in Photoshop, and in the past have been known to do pencil sketches. Due to the normal day to day stuff I don’t always get to do these things as much as I would like.
The best thing about being on RB is “meeting” really cool, friendly, and talented people. I am always amazed when people ask me for advice as I don’t consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve only been doing photography for the past 2 or 3 years, but if what I do know can help someone else I’m glad to do it. That about covers it for me.

Alan Watt, 3 months ago

Well my esteem is stronger and I feel more creative.
This is not just photography either….tommorrow I am meeting up with Jamie Olivers Sous Chef (the guy from fifteen) and I am hopefully gonna do a bit of work and training with him.

I have still not sold on RB….oh well…..onwards and upwards!

Matthew Walters, 3 months ago

Congratulations with the book, I’ve bought from Blurb before and they look great. This was a really uplifting post; all I can say as a relative newbie on RB is that posting images on the internet for comment (on other sites) has definitely made me up my game.

I too am a fan of your B&W work, you get a great tonal range throughout.

Deborah Parkin in reply to Denzil’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you so much Denzil for sharing – great to hear it:)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Rebs O’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Rebecca for sharing and good luck with college in September – will have to let me know how you get on :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to petelangman’s comment, 3 months ago

Bless you Pete – you are the sweetest – and yes you are definitely growing (not meant to sound patronising of course lol)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Ian James’s comment, 3 months ago

couldn’t agree more Ian – thanks for sharing:)

Deborah Parkin in reply to David Harris’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks so much David – very kind of you :) I just felt like doing something positive today :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Scott Ruhs’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Scott – and don’t worry about the overdraft – see it as an investment :)

vonne, 3 months ago

WOW I think its great your going to school to do what you love. You have a passion that shines in your work. Never stop moving forward! = )

Deborah Parkin in reply to Alan Watt’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Alan and good luck for tomorrow – makes selling a card not seem so important doesn’t it really? :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Matthew Walters’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you so much for sharing Matthew and thanks for the compliment too :) really appreciate it.

Deborah Parkin in reply to vonne’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Vonne – you are one of those that helped me get there will all your support – thank you :)

Graham Dean, 3 months ago

When I was a kid, I thought it adventurous when Mum and Dad took us down to the local phone box to make a call. Now I send pictures, video, text etc on a contraption I keep in my pocket . As an apprentice I would go out with my mates on fri, sat nights, but spend sun. in the National Gallery looking at pictures artists made forty – four hundred years ago. Now I can see the works from so many brilliant artists as soon as they’re ready to display their work, and I can exhibit my own any time I like. RB gives you so much creative power and the ability to follow the artistic journey some wonderful minds. The RB team are heroes, and what a great question to pose Deb.

Deborah Parkin, 3 months ago

Thanks Graham for sharing – and to think without RB i wouldn’t have met you or got your wonderful artwork sitting in front of me (in the flesh as well as the screen) – there is nothing more thrilling for me to know that my work is sitting in someones house thousands of miles away too :)

Gaurav Dhup, 3 months ago

It’s been just 3 weeks for me since I joined and can already see the change happening :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Gaurav Dhup’s comment, 3 months ago

that’s great Gaurav – thanks for commenting :)

Nicholas Averre, 3 months ago

Its been nearly a year since I joined up and I can honestly say RB has changed my life. I remember one of the first comments I received was from your good self and I thought to myself Wow.. this wonderful artist thinks my picture is good and has taken the time to comment, since then my confidence and thirst for bettering my photography has become a major part of my life. What was a hobby in my spare time has become a true passion and presented me with a new career, it has also kick-started my wife in to following her dreams of writing, collaboration heaven!! RB is a wonderful place and it is the artists like yourself that inspire people like me.

Cheers
Nick

Rebs O, 3 months ago

yeah Deborah, likewise you will have to let me know how you get on too in college. (anyway we could let the redbubble people see this journal… i’m sure they would appreciate it and it would make them smile!!)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Nicholas Averre’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks nick for that lovely comment – so pleased your wife is following her dream too :)

Christopher E..., 3 months ago

deborah, kudos to you for creating a awesome journal, and for accomplishing more then expected goals for yourself
that is what is so awesome about this site, is the support and confidence building of each other.
those who really care will contact someone to pass it on, help out
of course there are those who rather complain about “quality”, not giving that person the chance to improve. im glad the majority of people here are one’s who like to pass it on
this site for me, was a god send when i got here. trying to build a photography business, being on any and every site i can imagine. having left one site that gave me ill feelings in the pit of my stomach because of the way it’s run, and the egos on it.
the administration i do believe plays a HUGE part in making all of us feel Good about being here, they listen, they respond, they act and re-act
i think due to them its made everyone of us feel comfortable, knowing in the back of our mind if we send a email to them, we WILL get a response
i have met some excellent and awesome people here, and their support is priceless, and im looking forward to meeting more
so two thumbs up to you, for bringing this up, two thumbs up for your growth and accomplishments :)

Ken Mucke, 3 months ago

Hey Deb..Im glad that you have discovered what has maybe laid dormant inside of you for a long time….the talent you have is something rare and really can not be taught in a classroom….one either has the gift or they don’t and you certainly have it…sometimes it takes different situations to really bring it out in us….that for sure is the case for me…It has only been 3 years that I have really opened the inner window to let my art come out….mostly because of my mentor…Cole Thompson…I think in all artisits….it is one person that will usually inspire us to come out of our shell….I still see so much more potential in you that you have not even tapped into yet…..I think once you do…you will really start to soar to new hights…..You are a great person Deb and an amazing photographer that I know the world will one day get to know….Im more than glad to be able to call you my friend.

Joanne Bradley, 3 months ago

Congratulations on your acceptance to university for photography! Way to go!!!!
Yes, I have only been a member since February 2008. And I find the difference in my own photography remarkable and I can only attribute it to the inspiration, encouragement and support from other redbubble members. I constantly strive to do better! I find myself much more confident with what I have learned so far and I am using my little point and shot camera to it’s fullest. I am now saving my pennies for a better camera and I find I challenge myself to think and consider elements in the world differently. Friends and family have commented on my new attitude! It’s true that Redbubble becomes addictive but I can’t think of a more positive one! I too, have truly made some new friends and love being part of this wonderful community! I admire your work and will look forward to seeing your accomplishments as you move forward.

Deborah Parkin in reply to Christopher Ewing’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you Christopher for sharing – really appreciate you stopping by and hearing your story :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Ken Mucke’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you so much Ken – you are one of my ‘behind the scenes’ friends that i was referring too – you have no idea how much you have helped me and inspired me – i can’t thank you enough. Thank goodness for RB otherwise are paths may never have crossed – I have wanted a mentor and i found one :)

Stuart Chapman, 3 months ago

I think you already know Deb, wasn’t this journal about 3 months in the making?

It’s great to see how much you’ve come on and how inspired you’ve been, by others around you.

What i’ve got from RB is having the privelage of makings some magnificent (virtual) freinds (and getting to actually meet 7 of them in the flesh so far!) with similar interests plus a whole slab of inspiration from people who take a lot better pictures than myself.

Other things i’ve got from RB (mostly indirectly);

1. the knowledge that times such as 4.00 in the morning do actually exist – I have seen it happen on too many an occasion now for it to be just made up;
2. people who tell you that you need constant breaks from the pc are wrong. I have no ill effects from staring at a screen for 9 consecutive hours;
3. increased coffee production in some far off country to combat lack of sleep;
4. discovered Australian slang – Ask Rhana – apparently i’m a larrakin!;

But you’ll be impressed also Deb. 1st time on today and it’s nearly 3!

Deborah Parkin in reply to Joanne Bradley’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you Joanne for stopping by – loved reading your story too – thanks for sharing :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Deborah Parkin’s comment, 3 months ago

LOL!!! Stuart – got a bit nervous when i saw you made a comment LOL!!!

shawhouse, 3 months ago

Congratulations, Deb! I’ve made a handful of very nice friends & honed my typing skills making comments.

mariemadeleyne, 3 months ago

without RB i wouldn’t have met the nice lady you are,
some others I have been talking on the phone, some others I will meet,
and some whom from I still learn photo…... and I wold not have found Friendship.
Keep on doing your wonderful job.

Stuart Chapman, 3 months ago

Deb, not only do you not know what month it is, you’re now replying to yourself LOL.

Maybe RB has also made you go a bit funny today LOL

Deborah Parkin in reply to Stuart Chapman’s comment, 3 months ago

lol Stuart – if you could see what i am contending with at home you would understand lol!!!

Cadence, 3 months ago

This was a lovely journal, Deb :) I’m so excited to hear about all the wonderful things you have accomplished in just a short while, and I bet many share your feelings on RedBubble and how it has built confidence and helped many artists grow in their craft :) Not everyone started out as good as you, though, I don’t think!

shawhouse, 3 months ago

Having read Ken Mucke’s remarks, I’m reminded that your work and suggestions of other photographers to check out have helped me a great deal. I’ve been doing photography for a couple of years now and plan to stick with it for the duration. Your example & encouragement are, in all likelihood, responsible for that. Big public thanks & good knowing you whatever rb participation is left in me…

JLHopgood, 3 months ago

The main part of rb that I receive is looking at all the inspiring work out there that I would have otherwise missed.

I’m really pleased for you Deborah, it’s wonderful that you’ve done so well.

Deborah Parkin in reply to shawhouse’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks Phil – ditto back to you – you are a constant source of inspiration for me :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to mariemadeleyne’s comment, 3 months ago

Thank you Marie – i think friendship has been the most important part of rb – and like you I am constantly learning and trying new things.

Deborah Parkin in reply to Cadence’s comment, 3 months ago

Bless you Cadence – you always have been the sweetest :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to JLHopgood’s comment, 3 months ago

Thanks for stopping by Jo – really pleased you did :) I agree – going on Rb can be like visiting an art gallery without leaving your house.

photosan, 3 months ago

Before redbubble…I was an aspiring photographer with no direction…Now, because of all the experience I’ve gained from so many pros and amateurs on this site, my skills are now in demand by many of the Gardens in the area, and others…I do portraits, weddings and almost any kind of photography in need…thanks redbubble for just being here…

Deborah Parkin in reply to photosan’s comment, 3 months ago

that’s brilliant photosan :)

photosan, 3 months ago

....and thanks to you Deb for posting this…

Jo Hoden, 3 months ago

Hi Deb,I think RB is great,it is wonderful to be surronded by so much beautiful work,it is a really good way to promote your art,I us it to showq clients and it is great for getting printing done which I could not afford to do without RB,the cards I then take with me to show the people where I will be exhibiting,it all helps with the work.Not forgetting the lovely people on here that are so supportive and encouraging.So I get heaps. :)

lonebearimages, 3 months ago

Deb, I’m not surprised at the turn your ‘photographic life’ has taken; not one jot. You are; and really always have been; incredibly talented. It is your innate ability to ‘see’ your world in black and white and then execute it flawlessly with your camera that has led you to this point. RB has probably been good for your confidence in getting those visions out there and gauging public reaction; but it all was there, in you, to begin with. What you have done over the past year or so is learn how to harness and focus those creative bursts of energy in assembling a very beautiful and eclectic collection of artistic images. Simply put, Deborah; you are a wonderful artist with a great future ahead of you. I truly wish you the best with your education; listen and learn; but never let that creative spirit be guided by anything but you and your own curiosity. I look forward to continuing to follow your blossoming career! Keep up the great work, Kiddo! Cheers! Chris

Deborah Parkin in reply to lonebearimages’s comment, 3 months ago

Chris you say the most wonderful things and make me feel very humble – i am always amazed at the support people like you show towards my work – i have a lot to learn but the nice thing is that i hope to evolve around encouraging people such as you – thank you so much Chris :)

Deborah Parkin in reply to Jo Hoden’s comment, 3 months ago

Well said Jo – i really agree with you :) Thanks for commenting and sharing.

Nikki Trexel, 3 months ago

I’d say that I’ve, of course, been inspired by a lot of great work. i’ve learned a lot about what makes a good picture, and been given an incredible high when something sells. but the main thing is that i have been driven to improve my own work, seen myself improve in small ways, and kept ratcheting up that standard of what i would consider acceptable for my own portfolio. not that i have anything too spectacular or technically perfect, but i’m generally aware of weak areas as well. thanks Deborah for your amazing pictures and your inspiration. glad you know there is nothing wrong with being a housewife, it is a noble and difficult challenge in which fewer and fewer women see value.

Julie Langford, 3 months ago

Redbubble for me, has helped me grow and to look at my own work with a more critical eye – hence, helping me improve. It has provided friends, and well meaning individuals, who I know hold very dear to me and who will stay my friends forever. This is just a couple of examples of the benefits of joingin RB, but the best thing for me, is finding that common goal that I think everyone shares on here, where everyine tries to inspire everyone else through creating work, and then viewing and commenting on others work – the exchange of imformation that the site provides has opened up a whole wide world of communication between us – that really does it for me.

Michael Oubridge, 3 months ago

Well Deb, i have certainly grown in confidence since joining RB, at the start i was that unsure of my work that i used an alias, as did quite a few others who like me have since started to use their real names as confidence grows…. I have also really apreciated the advice i have recieved via BM as well as in comments on individual pieces of mine.
I hope in the near future to meet some North East UK RBlers, having already met seven nutters at the UKRB meet earlier this year, then there is all of my virtual friends. This community is wonderful.
The few sales i have are just the icing on the cake :)
Keep the work coming Deb and good luck to everyone else on RB

Gordon Cable, 3 months ago

AND!!!!! To top it all,
She is the most wonderful, sensitive, nice, pleasant,........(I could describe her more if you want).....person you could ever meet.
Gordy.
xxxx

Sean Farragher, 3 months ago

congrats,,,,,,it has been great i have picked up little bits and big bits along the way,,,people on here are fantastic

Paul Louis Vil..., 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing Deb!!
You are a true artistic gem! :D

Deborah Parkin in reply to Gordon Cable’s comment, 3 months ago

LOL!! Gordon – i am sitting here blushing like mad :) So sweet of you to say so – ditto back – see you tomorrow – i’m off to my bed now – have a good night.

Martin Derksema, 3 months ago

RB made me start making art again. After a period of more than 20 years of doing nothing but writing. Also, RB gave me the pleasant feeling of belonging to a great and uplifting community. Like you, I met a couple of people behind the screens that became very dear to me. That is a great harvest, I think.

StacyLee, 3 months ago

It’s so refreshing to read a positive Journal Entry!!! hugs for you Deb!

Darren Stones, 3 months ago

“What has Redbubble done for you?”

Many things, Deborah.

Printed my cards
Printed my laminated prints
Printed my matted prints
Printed my mounted prints
Printed my canvas prints
Printed my framed prints

Also the opportunity to take the piss is highly regarded. :)

Melinda Kerr, 3 months ago

Hey Deborah, cool words. Great to hear a happy story. For me? Well it’s helped me raise some money for a far off land called Democratic Republic of Congo. And hopefully helped my photography (I’ll let others be the judge!)

Sharon Hammond, 3 months ago

WTG Deb. So glad RB has given you the confidence to grow. I’m not sure if I’ve “grown” but seeing the art (so much of it spectacular) from this site has certainly encouraged me to try harder. xx

red addiction, 3 months ago

One day I stumbled across the rebbubble site and thr the death of me I cannnot remember how. It just happened. I seriously believe that things do happen for a reason. I believe my reason for being here was to discover more of me. I don’t think it was an accident, redbubble found me. A passionate question of mine was answered and I was brought here. I was brought to here to express me to this wonderful site of imagination. Here I feel comfortable, welcomed and appreciated. I have found something in me I thought I never had. Drive, that’s right, Drive! Because I have made friends here who give me the boost to keep creating. I have been excepted for who I am. I love everyone here. I love all the ideas. Especially the ones who have followed me through since my first day. I have an addictive personality and I dont have to worry about that here. I noticed a huge change in me. I have found a variety of strong minds here. I am a competitive person and here has advanced me into teaching myself many things about art and how to produce art. This is a place of investment. A place of creativity living forever. We are all kindred spirits and we have found each other through this amazing path in our lives. I look forward to seeing new works, I look forward to creating everyday when I wake up till I go to sleep. I dream of you and I would eat you if I could. Thank you so much for making a better me and thank you for making it so easy and so much fun!!!!!!!! Hugs!

Jan Piller, 3 months ago

it’s given me sores on my hiney from sitting in front of the computer all day…..

red addiction, 3 months ago

Oh I hear ya on that one!

nodrogart, 3 months ago

it has encouraged me to push my boundaries and step out of my comfort zone, no longer to do the standard sky and landscape shots, but emotive portrait and architecture (which i am in love with)

Jules Campbell, 3 months ago

Congrats to you D- well done!
I feel the exact opposite..my confidence in my own abilities couldn’t get any lower since joining RB!
I have the photography diploma AND degree as with High Distinctions and honours I thought I was pretty good-harh! (held exhibitions, awards rar rar rar)
All I see is absolutely stunning talent all around me from people with very little experience (photography and art wise)!
But I am left depressed and defeated…I should be better than I am or perhaps my crap was never that good to start with….
ok am going back to my closet now….........

Brett Keith, 3 months ago

RB has given me the opportunity to meet some fantastic people and i have made some great friends thanx to RB..My involvement with Gallery26 was also a time i used to meet and learn..Though my work ( job ) has interferred with my social life, 2008 is a year of change and a year for me to get off my butt and move onto the next level of my journey…Also Deb, you only live a couple of Km’s from me, it’s a wonder we have never run into each other…

Juilee P Pryor, 3 months ago

well done Deb and so good to hear that you are going to take your photography further …I’m sure you will do really really well at it….. can’t wait to see what you do…...:)

WizardOne, 3 months ago

Great work and wonderful to hear that your association with Red Bubble has had a positive effect on you and your work. I am a newbie around here and while I have not done much up front here to date I am readying myself to be far more involved in the Red Bubble community. I have recently elected to perform volunteer work at a nationally known zoo hopefully leading to some great photographic opportunities as well.

It is always good to hear positive and uplifting stories and this journal entry has clearly brought out much enthusiasm. Keep up the great work and enjoy everything you can to the fullest.

Deri Dority, 3 months ago

Deb,
What an awesome story. I think that you have really summed RB up well. RedBubble is a community that grows on you and strengthens you. I have been on RB since Aug. 07 and I am always amazed to see the positive change in my virtual “buddies” portfolios.
For me, I have had many RedBubble role models that helped shape and change my images. Just a few days ago, I cleaned out my portfolio and was really amazed to see how my images have evolved. I am now taking on-line classes and just starting to delve into portrait photography. Since I joined RB I have taken 6 photography classes. Had I not been a RB member, I wouldn’t have had the motivation to do it.
My newest class that starts tomorrow is “How to make Money off your photography” (from Betterphotos.com). I am hoping that will move me to another level.

Lelia Thomas, 3 months ago

Having looked at your photography, I can see why others are pushing you to go into the industry. You should. I think you’ll do very well.

For me, RedBubble gave me my first significant award for my artwork in the Unleashed 07 competition. That’s encouraged me a lot. I can’t say how many doors I was entering, only to get turned away each time, so it’s good to know some people like my work.

I’m still trying to figure out what it is I need to do in a number of ways, but RedBubble is quite the encouragement for me, at the very least.

David Stuart, 3 months ago

Wonderfully inspirational post Deborah !

Pal Gyomai, 3 months ago

Well, where should I start? It’s mostly good. The only “negative” is that I haven’t sold any of my pictures so far, but hopefully it will happen soon. All other things are positive. I have found many kindred spirits on RB and the support we can give one another is just wonderful. I certainly have gotten a lot of it and Deb, you are a big part of that. Besides your kind comments your work really inspires me and makes me want to do more of B&W which is my favorite. I am very happy for your success with your books. You have a wonderful family (your husband & kids, RB is only 2nd) and I’m sure that is a great support for you. Keep up the good work and thank you for being a part of my photo-world.

Naturegirl, 3 months ago

It has allowed me to share the joy of living with others…because that is my true passion… good clean life…and the beauty it offers to all of us… Redbubble is a fantastic place to be… I am glad to have stumbled upon this through a friend on face book… thank you for allowing me to hang out…. .* I don’t make any sales … but my hope is that I can inspire others to create and believe in their talents…. * that is an art too… Naturegirl…a true fan….

AlienVisitor, 3 months ago

Well said, if I can get even one person to view my creations thats good.

Redbubble as given me that “one” and added thousands of others.

Its also nice that I can view great art and be inspired.

The learning curve for me at Redbubble continues…....

AV

AndyReeve, 3 months ago

Same for me Deborah with one addition – Awareness. Before if I wen’t somewhere..well..I just went somewhere. After RBs inspiring pics from other Bubblers I see things I never saw before. May be a branch sticking out of a hedge or a strange cloud.
P.S. I apologise to anyone following me in a car when I jamb on the breaks and leap out with the camera.

PhotogeniquE IPA, 3 months ago

Hey – firstly, congrats on being accepted to do a degree. That’s brilliant!

When I first came onto RB I thought I was a reasonable photographer. But seeing what other people were doing, and more importantly, finding out how they were doing it, has been inspirational.

I was looking through some of my early shots, which are no longer on RB, and I can see how much my photography has changed over the last 8 months, I think, for the better. The challenges remain; be better and better.

david malcolmson, 3 months ago

Deborah, I am so pleased to learn that a publisher wishes to use some of your images. Cant’ say it surprises me. I wish you all success with your new course. David

Jenny Haskey, 3 months ago

Wow – what has RB done for me? Well aside from making my insomnia even worse – & causing my little laptop to burn due to constant bubbling… RB has given me confidence together with the drive and ambition to do new things. It has introduced me to a circle of fantastic friends, & given me the opportunity to meet some of my new virtual buddies – oh the poor things I was the whirlwind that whipped in on Saturday. & on top of that (wow yes there is more) it has introduced me to the most talented and lovely bunch of artists who continue to inspire me everyday – not only through their amazing images, poems & writings – but by their wonderful journals such as his that continue to remind me about this fab little bubble we all live in for a large number of hours everyday!

Congrats on the degree hun – you deserve it & thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work and thoughts with us!

genevieve m, 3 months ago

it is an inspiring place and it is great to get feedback on work that otherwise might not be exhibited. Hope the book goes well!

Katja Fønss, 3 months ago

Hiya,
First of all I wanna say that your pictures are really great. It’s great hearing how a “simple” website can do so much for you on a personal level.
I only discovered RB about two weeks ago, but already now, I feel that it’s a very special place. It’s great that we can try to sell our art (I’m still trying). But even better than that is the whole ommunity on here. So many people take the time to write comments, and then you get encouraging e-mails from people out of the blue.
I try to comment as much as I can, on other peoples art. I always have a look at the pages of the people, who leave me comments. I have made it a must to check out new members pictures, and words, and I love it.
RB is just a lovely place, I’m so glad I found it!
It’s great to hear about your succes, and good luck in the future too.
KF X

Ian Porter, 3 months ago

Its great to get comments on my work from around the world. RB has also introduced me to new friends (some of whom live locally!). A great site for motivation and learning. It would be nice to sell more, though …

Stephen Mitchell, 3 months ago

My response got so long and intricate that I posted the article on my RB Journal .

Melanie McQuoid, 3 months ago

Brilliant, so happy for you!!!

berndt2, 3 months ago

Firstly, congratulations on your many accomplishments over the past year – very well done and very well deserved!

For me, last year was a year in which my photography progressed very pleasingly, both as a result of Redbubble and other sites. Redbubble in particular has served as a source of inspiration and also a source of challenge. With such a great level of quality among many of the members, it’s driven me to look at my work more in terms of its absolute quality : both artistic (though that’s subjective) but also technical. I take thousands of photos with my camera(s), but only the smallest percentage of shots ever make it to Redbubble, and that’s testimony to artists such as yourself and others who instil in me a desire to do better.

David Parkin, about 1 month ago

It is nearly 3 months now since I stumbled upon RedBubble and the amazing community within. I have been on the net since 2001 and this is without doubt the best place I have ever been a part of . . . and yes, I do feel part of something when I am on here. In the short time I have been here I have spoke to a lot of people from all around the world and have made a lot of friends . . . I have even been fortunate to sell 11 different photographs (every penny raised from my photographs goes to The Meningitis Trust), and that is something that I never imagined would happen . . . didn’t even think I would be able to give them away, unless somebody wanted one to put on their bog wall to keep the flies out. lol

This RedBubble family is great, and I feel great cos I’m part of it.

Thanks

-David