Originally posted on the RA blog - [link]

So 2009 is almost over, and what a year it has been for me. I have previously talked through my highlights for this year, and I just wanted to reflect on the things that have happened over the last 12 months.

In the space of 365 days I have split from three partners, travelled across the USA, left my permanent job in chase of my dreams, realised that creativity is the corner stone of my left, met new wonderful friends, and generally learned a lot about who I am. In that time I have grown as a person, and come to realise that actually the things that hold value are not the possessions with own or the clothes we wear, but the inner self and the people you surround yourself with. Profound, or not, it has allowed me to see more clearly what I need to do, and that is fully round out my creative passions.

So what for 2010? The first thing is make sure the bills are paid and I get to eat, basic needs, then it is to make Random Acts a true nexus of creativity. I honestly believe that I have to put aside the idea that I can make a living as a professional in the short term, only because it is eating me up the idea that I have to let go of the giving spirit within me. Too soft, maybe, but actually it boils down to the fact that I value the spirit of who I am over other concern.

To answer anyone who knows me, yes I will make a success of getting paid in due course, but this will only come if I am able to give these gifts I have freely, without the fetters of business. I know that it is possible, but until I can commit my heart and soul to the endeavour I just want to enjoy my gifts with others. I love too many passions to ever loose this creative spark, and maybe that is the reason I have struggled for so long to find my place in the world. Now that I have found a small part of it 2010 is going to be epic for me.

To all my friends and family I raise my glass to you, and to all of you who follow me I salute your dedication to me. Here is to 2010, the year we rock this world.

Rachel

Please see our front page for our stock rules

Rachel's main art account -

Donations: We are always after donations to help expand our stock and costume range, and if you are able to donate even a small amount is really appreciated. Please see the front page for details.

Photographers: Rachel, Joanne, Lynette, Neal, Marcus, and Alex.

Models: Rachel, Joanne, Marco, Raj, Samantha, Declan, Mark, Stuart, James, John, Alex B, Lee, Natahsa, Shelly, Louise, Jaymie, Lynette, Neal, Natalie, Chel, Maxine, Rachael, Carlin, Becca, Guilherm, Sarah-Jane, Anthony, Ciddi, Hariette, Preya, Sabrina, Cherrie, Albina, Steven, Jackie, Kirsty, Lucy, Arielle, Linda, Vanessa, Ross, Abbie, Lizzie, Jessie, Jen, John, Kirsten, Mosh, Nei, Lyndsey, Johanna, Marcus, Sarah, Antonia, Erin, Vanessa, Ross, Abbi, Sara, Amy, Hazel, Sarah, Soledad, Amy, Carina, Gina, Amy, James, and Nasira.

Make-up artists: Maxine, Amandeep, and Laura

Designers/Labels/Clothing peeps: Ismail, Allegra Hicks, Upper Playground, Hurwundeki, Moth Goth

Tools: Photoshop CS4, Canon 350D & 400D, lenses (18-55, 70-200L series, 17-55is, 30 prime, 50 prime, and 10-22), light room.

All images are copy right of the photographers and Random Acts.

Here is a little game I like to play from time to time on DA, so that I can broaden my horizons and tastes.
- First, select a random image from your favs gallery
- click on the artist.
- click on that artists fav gallery.
- Pick one image from their favs gallery which you really like,
- click on it, then fav.
- Then go to that image and select the artist.
- Repeat process till horizons are expanded.

x

Please see our front page for our stock rules

Rachel's main art account -

Donations: We are always after donations to help expand our stock and costume range, and if you are able to donate even a small amount is really appreciated. Please see the front page for details.

Photographers: Rachel, Joanne, Lynette, Neal, Marcus, and Alex.

Models: Rachel, Joanne, Marco, Raj, Samantha, Declan, Mark, Stuart, James, John, Alex B, Lee, Natahsa, Shelly, Louise, Jaymie, Lynette, Neal, Natalie, Chel, Maxine, Rachael, Carlin, Becca, Guilherm, Sarah-Jane, Anthony, Ciddi, Hariette, Preya, Sabrina, Cherrie, Albina, Steven, Jackie, Kirsty, Lucy, Arielle, Linda, Vanessa, Ross, Abbie, Lizzie, Jessie, Jen, John, Kirsten, Mosh, Nei, Lyndsey, Johanna, Marcus, Sarah, Antonia, Erin, Vanessa, Ross, Abbi, Sara, Amy, Hazel, Sarah, Soledad, Amy, Carina, Gina, Amy, James, and Nasira.

Make-up artists: Maxine, Amandeep, and Laura

Designers/Labels/Clothing peeps: Ismail, Allegra Hicks, Upper Playground, Hurwundeki, Moth Goth

Tools: Photoshop CS4, Canon 350D & 400D, lenses (18-55, 70-200L series, 17-55is, 30 prime, 50 prime, and 10-22), light room.

All images are copy right of the photographers and Random Acts.

Please go to the news page - [link] - leave any comments

Hi guys,

It's that time of year again, and as the end of the year draws neigh I want to take a few minutes of your time to highlight some of the best stock that I have seen in 2009. Stock is one of the most profound gifts that a photographer can give back to the community, and many, many hours are dedicated to making sure these images are of good enough quality to let other artists use them. I know they do not do their art for awards or recognition, and for this reason I think it is all the more important to recognise them.

As both a stock provider and CGI artist who regularly uses stock I feel it is important to recognise those images that have made an impact in the last 12 months, and also show the sheer diversity of these wonderful resources. I have used the following criteria to reach my decision:

1) Was the image produced between 1st January 2009 and today?
2) Did I favourite the image or artist since January 2009?
3) How much of a wow factor did they evoke in me when I first saw it, and when I reviewed the image today?
4) Finally, what was the reaction of the rest of the community to the image/artist?
5) It can't have come from our gallery.

Here is the list of winners, and congratulations to each of them for their deserved award:

Highlights of 2009:

These are pieces which have made us smile, and generally inspired me and the team. All these works have made is want to follow the artists involved, and indeed many a cool idea has been art from these wonderful pieces:


Standout image of 2009:
by because when I first saw it on the cover if Imagine FX I was blown away by the sheer coolness of it. It sums up the richness of the 2009 scene, along with the sense that art in all its forms is getting bolder and funkier.


Stock Series of the year 2009:
'Banner stock' by . This is a very special series, and I am more than sure it will have ignited the imaginations of many deviants since it was uploaded on to the site.


Break Through Stockist of the Year 2009:

I have selected Cassandra as I think she is going to make a big impact on the stock community in 2010 if she continues to produces the awesome stock she has so far uploaded.


Best Newcomer 2009:

Fab and funky stock are the hallmark of this pair of stock artists, and I think there stock speaks volumes for their creativity and great ideas. I look forward to seeing their ideas and stock in 2010.


Stock Model Of 2009.
Cody is a fantastic model, and her modelling skills are second to none. Her photographs are always fun and fresh, and always inspire a reaction. Personally I always enjoy her work, and I hope that she is able to produce more stock along side her other work in 2010.

Stockist of the year 2009:
This is a hard catagory, as there have been so many great stockists continue their work in 2009. Unlike last year where the choice was easy for me, 2009 has seen a massive explosion in awesome stock. This is the toughest choice, and I really wanted to pick about five people to win this award.

Nominees:


2009 stock of the year goes to:
Simply put his male stock makes your creative juices run, and he is setting new standards for stock in this area. A brand new deviant for 2009 his stock is sure to make you think, and then use it for all the wonderful ideas you'll have. Indeed, I dare you to take up his super hero challenge for 2010.


Stock highlights of 2008, and nominations for the Best Stock Image 2009 are:


Stock image of 2009:
by . The sheer exuberance of this image is so eye catching, and it stands out from all the other images that caught my attention this year. Personally I love the energy within, and for me this is why I feel it is the stock image of the year.

Best Use of a Tigg-Stock stock 2008 award:

This award recognises artists who have used our stock over the last 12 months, and is awarded to an image which uses at least one piece of our stock. With over a 1000(!) images to choose from it has been another hard choice to make.

Nominees:


Winner:
by . On reflection 2009 has been a great year for images using our stock, and while I was putting togeher the nominees this images jumped out at me. Personally I connected with the emotion of the piece, and this is the primary reason I choose it.

Tigg-stock Deviant of 2009:
There have been so many wonderful artists who have both inspired and helped me this year, and you all know who you are. For me this award is especially hard this year as there are so many artists who deserve this award.
Winner:
This is a bit of a left field choice for me, but on reflection I think it is the right one. I think his work has captured my imagination more than any other artist on DA's, and out of all the people who I have had the chance to showcase he is the one that I really want to highlight in 2010. Personally I always find myself imagining stories behind his art, and his dragon series in particular are awe inspiring.
Here is a showcase of his work:


Face of 2009, which recognises a model/artist/stockist who encapsulates what 2009 was about artwise for me personally:

I am giving this award to , as I feel that feel that she is both a fantastic person, and a kickarse artist to boot. Having met her in June when I was in LA I can confidently say that it is my absolute pleasure to call her my friend, and if you are ever indeed of an art pick me up her gallery is one of the the best on DA. She'll probably blush at the waxing lyrical, but for me she sums up what is best about art - creativity, passion, and a willingness to share it with others. Here is a selection of Nei's work:


Summary:

So this is it for 2009, who knows what wonders 2010 will bring? Hopefully the new year will bring a bucket load of great stock and art, and I look forward seeing all the great pieces you produce.


Rachel
-x-

Please see our front page for our stock rules

Rachel's main art account -

Donations: We are always after donations to help expand our stock and costume range, and if you are able to donate even a small amount is really appreciated. Please see the front page for details.

Photographers: Rachel, Joanne, Lynette, Neal, Marcus, and Alex.

Models: Rachel, Joanne, Marco, Raj, Samantha, Declan, Mark, Stuart, James, John, Alex B, Lee, Natahsa, Shelly, Louise, Jaymie, Lynette, Neal, Natalie, Chel, Maxine, Rachael, Carlin, Becca, Guilherm, Sarah-Jane, Anthony, Ciddi, Hariette, Preya, Sabrina, Cherrie, Albina, Steven, Jackie, Kirsty, Lucy, Arielle, Linda, Vanessa, Ross, Abbie, Lizzie, Jessie, Jen, John, Kirsten, Mosh, Nei, Lyndsey, Johanna, Marcus, Sarah, Antonia, Erin, Vanessa, Ross, Abbi, Sara, Amy, Hazel, Sarah, Soledad, Amy, Carina, Gina, Amy, James, and Nasira.

Make-up artists: Maxine, Amandeep, and Laura

Designers/Labels/Clothing peeps: Ismail, Allegra Hicks, Upper Playground, Hurwundeki, Moth Goth

Tools: Photoshop CS4, Canon 350D & 400D, lenses (18-55, 70-200L series, 17-55is, 30 prime, 50 prime, and 10-22), light room.

All images are copy right of the photographers and Random Acts.

I pondering this the other day, and I realised that the little dynamo within me that like to whir and spit out all sort of funkiness is the central hub of my life. Weird to say, but all the really cool things about me stem from this creative spark deep down inside.

Indeed, all the wonderful things that flow from me are a result of my inner need to express this side of me, from the gregarious exhubrance of my personality to the fact that I rarely finish anything (which is due to the next super cool thing in my head). All the fab art, photography, writing, and musings that I have produced over the last few years stem from this, and this is why I really want to focus on the creativity and unlock my potential.

So why share this with you? Well part of this spark all wants to inspire people to be creative, to share my gifts and talents with others, and to be honest I really enjoy giving my gifts away to those who need them, hence why I started Random Acts.

Hugs,

Rachel

Please see our front page for our stock rules

Rachel's main art account -

Donations: We are always after donations to help expand our stock and costume range, and if you are able to donate even a small amount is really appreciated. Please see the front page for details.

Photographers: Rachel, Joanne, Lynette, Neal, Marcus, and Alex.

Models: Rachel, Joanne, Marco, Raj, Samantha, Declan, Mark, Stuart, James, John, Alex B, Lee, Natahsa, Shelly, Louise, Jaymie, Lynette, Neal, Natalie, Chel, Maxine, Rachael, Carlin, Becca, Guilherm, Sarah-Jane, Anthony, Ciddi, Hariette, Preya, Sabrina, Cherrie, Albina, Steven, Jackie, Kirsty, Lucy, Arielle, Linda, Vanessa, Ross, Abbie, Lizzie, Jessie, Jen, John, Kirsten, Mosh, Nei, Lyndsey, Johanna, Marcus, Sarah, Antonia, Erin, Vanessa, Ross, Abbi, Sara, Amy, Hazel, Sarah, Soledad, Amy, Carina, Gina, Amy, James, and Nasira.

Make-up artists: Maxine, Amandeep, and Laura

Designers/Labels/Clothing peeps: Ismail, Allegra Hicks, Upper Playground, Hurwundeki, Moth Goth

Tools: Photoshop CS4, Canon 350D & 400D, lenses (18-55, 70-200L series, 17-55is, 30 prime, 50 prime, and 10-22), light room.

All images are copy right of the photographers and Random Acts.

2009 has been a wonderful year for me, both personally and artistically. Though things right this second are up in the air I feel as if this year has been both productive and a major learning curve for me. There are many things which I am proud of, and here is a selection of the high lights for me:

- Firmly establishing Random Acts, and building on the roots we put down in 2008.
- Realising what I want to do with my life, which is to be a creative bunny.
- Meeting so many wonderful people, many of whom I am proud to have kept in contact with.
- Doing new and fab photography. Indeed, 2009 has been the year in which I learnt a fantabulous new skill, and found myself enjoying a new strand on creativity.
- Getting a third of my novel written, and the impetus to get the rest done.
- Realising that Jo is a warm and wonderful person, and I am honoured to call her my best friend.
- Knowing that no matter how bleak life looks, if you keep your chin up then you will find a way through.
- Finding Confident Ladies, and realising that there are like minded people out there.
- Finally, and probably most importantly, getting a huge kick up the arse by the people that matter to me, which has shown me what I need to do.

Random Acts will grow and develop in 2010, and I am sure that by this time next year I will have plenty more things to cheer about. In the mean time I want to say a big thank you to all the people who have given their time, energy, and effort for me, and I hope that in return I have given them something to be proud of as well.

I raise my glass to you all, and say a toast of heartfelt thanks.

Rachel

Please see our front page for our stock rules

Rachel's main art account -

Donations: We are always after donations to help expand our stock and costume range, and if you are able to donate even a small amount is really appreciated. Please see the front page for details.

Photographers: Rachel, Joanne, Lynette, Neal, Marcus, and Alex.

Models: Rachel, Joanne, Marco, Raj, Samantha, Declan, Mark, Stuart, James, John, Alex B, Lee, Natahsa, Shelly, Louise, Jaymie, Lynette, Neal, Natalie, Chel, Maxine, Rachael, Carlin, Becca, Guilherm, Sarah-Jane, Anthony, Ciddi, Hariette, Preya, Sabrina, Cherrie, Albina, Steven, Jackie, Kirsty, Lucy, Arielle, Linda, Vanessa, Ross, Abbie, Lizzie, Jessie, Jen, John, Kirsten, Mosh, Nei, Lyndsey, Johanna, Marcus, Sarah, Antonia, Erin, Vanessa, Ross, Abbi, Sara, Amy, Hazel, Sarah, Soledad, Amy, Carina, Gina, Amy, James, and Nasira.

Make-up artists: Maxine, Amandeep, and Laura

Designers/Labels/Clothing peeps: Ismail, Allegra Hicks, Upper Playground, Hurwundeki, Moth Goth

Tools: Photoshop CS4, Canon 350D & 400D, lenses (18-55, 70-200L series, 17-55is, 30 prime, 50 prime, and 10-22), light room.

All images are copy right of the photographers and Random Acts.