digitalgil

So they actually did it. They said they were and now everyone is on Eclipse. I mean, I get it. DeviantArt has been one of if not the biggest repository of amateur and professional art for decades. And in DA's 20 year history we've seen other websites and applications fulfill functions that DA once did for us. ArtStation was built for online portfolio prep and professional networking. Instagram offers artists a wider social media presence. Websites like Patreon provide a way to commoditize artist's creations. All functions DeviantArt did and for the most part still does for many many artists. And as newer websites handle only a portion of what DA may have once did for them, they come onto the scene with a fresher coat of paint, a cleaner design, and a clearer sense of purpose for those artists.

DA's biggest strength and weakness may be that it attempted to be all things to all artists. Because of this, they had always been about just giving everything to you and making things as visible and accessible as possible. Want to create an online portfolio of your work --no problem. Need a place to store your artwork to link back to other social networking pages --no problem. Want to sell an ugly fridge magnet or mug with your art on it, got enough points? Want to post your artwork that sucks, no problem. Want to post your art that's beautiful, no problem. ...and for the most part DA delivered. The only problem with this approach is that though it provided a tremendous depth and variety of tools and features to the DA user, it also made DA look incredibly desperate. It's like that kid who's parents bought him all the best toys, so other kids would want to be his friend to play with their weird kid. I mean, you know all too well the kid eats paste and always has a slight smell of urine, but he has the damn USS Flag in his basement. But now the kid is getting older, the parents have taken away all the cool toys, and telling the kid he needs to dress better and work on his personality.

That's Eclipse

There isn't a single feature I've discovered about Eclipse that provides richer information, enhanced clarity, or simpler activity over the old stie. Eclipse fresh coat of paint simply makes it look more in line stylistically with what most other art platforms are providing. It's a way DA wishes to remain relevant to those new to DeviantArt, looking for an online platform for their artwork, and in doing so maybe attract back those who left years ago. It's about future growth, not about making longtime users happy.

For the most part I'll get over it. With any luck they'll address the bigger complaints users are facing (especially regarding navigation, and information gathering), and we'll be in a happier place in the near future.