To the person who said my digital art wasn't real art

Recently I was sent a "Facebook  user" message that stated very clearly that I was a fraud because I did digital composites with photography.  That how could I call myself an artist when I was just using Photoshop.  I was a fake and a thief. 


This hurt to start with and then I stopped and thought about it.  This person obviously had no idea what went into each composite.

Let me explain.. first off I take the photo .. yes that is right you dipstick I take the original photo. And its normally on a day when I am shooting at a cosplay event for oooo 8+ hours. This can be a two day event, most often a three day event.  I then have to edit the 600+ photos that I take per day.. general edits you know make them look up to standard.  Process them at full resolution and a social media resolution.  Once that is done I then start analysing to see which ones I want to composite.  Once I have an idea of that I then go on an inspirational hunt to find images.  You know other peoples art because that is where most artists get inspired from.. work that is already been done. Its a fucking shocker I tell ya .. we all appropriate and subvert art !  We are thieves and frauds .. OMG !!!!

So moving on ... From this point having got inspiration I then start looking at the techniques that I want to use to achieve what is in my head. This can take up to another 3 hours easily.  Then I start the creation process of actually putting it together.  On average that can be about 8 to 12 hours !  And I don't break in that time, that is me going hard core focusing on what I want to achieve and make it look how  I want it too.

so lets add those hours up should we .. there is 40 hours per con of shooting, plus another 12 hours approximately of editing the photos for the cosplayers and those requiring them.  then lets add the research and the technique search ooo that is another 3 to 5 hours so lets say 4 on average.  On average 10 hours to do a composite .  So in total for one composite of photography art to be done I am looking at 66 hours per composite piece of art.  WOW - that is more than this person probably does in a week.. and then on top of this I also have school (I'm a graphic designer student), I'm a mum to two children, one who is autistic, I'm a wife and run a photography business, work for a magazine and do commissions. And that is all in an average week !!!

So you little coward who had to remove your account after being a twat, there is more to art than the medium that is used.  Many artists use many mediums, paint, pencils, pen, ink, clay, guitars, pianos etc .. My mediums happen to be Photoshop, Lightroom and my camera.!!  Next time you want to insult me and fuck me off come do it to my face because I'll more than happily tell you to your face what I think of you!  There is a difference and it is a huge one, between critiquing someones work and insulting someone because of their work. 

Anyway let me share some images with you of my work, my passion and what I love to do  :)

 Original photo taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand 2018

Original photo taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand 2018,  Stock imagery used (royalty free) 

Original image taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand, 2018.  Stock imagery used (royalty free) 

 Original image taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand, 2018.  Stock imagery used (royalty free).  Three cosplayers used in this image, one model.

Original image taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand, 2018.  Stock imagery used (royalty free)  

Original image taken at Wellygeddon in New Zealand, 2018.  Stock imagery used (royalty free)











So there you have it, this "fraud" makes art out of her photos .. I am not the first person to do it, I won't be the last.  I am thankful for those that do support and believe in me.  My small group of "fans" that encourage me, my family who believe in me.. and my son especially who sees me leading from example " to follow your dreams, make them goals and then turn them into reality"

You are never too old !!!!