extollere said:
I have a general question about what is and what isn't accepted in regards to diversity in art styles here on Danbooru. I've noticed that while the majority of all works posted are directly influenced by eastern and anime art styles, some are not.
Consider, however, that in the early days of the site there was little moderation; we still have pictures from back then that would never get approved now. Posts with low ids should not be mistaken as proof that something is allowed.
Also, "influenced by anime styles" is already too broad. I'd be unhappy if people started posting "anime-style" DeviantArt stuff drawn by random American kids.
While I love and appreciate well done anime art, I also appreciate more representational art, as well as art influenced or inspired by other cultures and methods. So what are the limits on this? I generally understand that we shouldn't be uploading things like say; fine art, classical art, "toons", and modern or post modern art, but what about concept art, illustration and fantasy art? Here are some examples of these styles and genres I am talking about:
I'll respond with my personal opinions:
http://fischart.com/assets/art/artwork/Prints/SeraAvenger.jpg
I think I saw that on a Magic card many years ago. Although I did play MtG at one time, I have no use for fantasy illustrations like that.
http://jonfoster.com/illustration%20images/illustration%20images1%20copy/vampirates_1.37%20copy%20copy.jpg
That's silly. What are Hokusai's waves doing in that picture? And... "Vampirates"? Just no.
http://goodbrush.com/cpg146/albums/commercial_projects/book_covers/exile_kiss.jpg
Cel proceling. I like this one.
http://justinsweet.com/GALLERY/DETAIL/002_finalice2.jpg
I wonder what happened to his shirt, and why he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt in that weather in the first place. But thought-provoking as they may be, I still don't need random fantasy pics.
http://jamesjean.com/illustrations/thefallfinish.jpg
I don't know... there's dynamism, but that seems like the wrong frame for depicting the fall. Anyway, it's not something for danbooru.
http://s186734871.onlinehome.us/web_gallery/galleries/2004-2005/slides/tiger_infantry_small.JPG
Why would you use tigers for infantry? Is it even feasible to keep that many of them? And how would they be used? Each soldier holding his tiger on a leash as the ranks march towards the enemy? I could accept "special tiger unit" or even "tiger cavalry", but "tiger infantry" just makes no sense. He looks more like a warrior than a soldier, anyway. A warrior with a broken leg.
So what are your feelings on this? I'd like to know what you think. Especially admins and mods. Are these types of art styles acceptable? If not then what are the limitations to the styles of art in the images we can upload? =)
Danbooru is focused on japanese artists, with a special attention for hobbyists. It works well for what it is. I think that diluting its focus would make the site and the community less useful for everyone.
That said, I think you can post other kinds of pictures as long as they're very interesting, and few (no floods). Note that I said "interesting" (to the community), not "high quality"; quality is just one of the factors.
You've been posting a lot of great stuff, so I'd like you to continue like you've done so far, without opening the floodgates of fantasy vampire-pirates riding tigers. :-)