I have been tracking a situation that came up with Brohawk and I would like to record one of my posts on the subject. Specifics on the situation may be reviewed on Brohawks page.

Here is the post:

I am amazed at how Dave has become the criminal in all of this. I'm not siding with Dave. I'm supporting truth.

Every artist has, at one point or another in his development, "copied" or referenced someone else's work. I'm a graphic designer/illustrator of 13 years and am now employed as an Art Director for one of the biggest art departments in the country and I still reference teachers like Michael Golden, Alan Davis, Jack Kirby, John Buscema, Walt Simonson and some new guys like Bruce Timm and, yes, even David Williams. I study their work and try to determine their process so that knowledge would improve my artistic voice. Its the same as in certain fine art schools where they try to "swipe" the masters to understand what they were thinking and utilizing that in their own work.

This is not what Skywarp was doing and he needs to know that. The guy literally took the art, manipulated it in photoshop and then called it his own. Thats called theft. (I sware I'm going to have to do a series of before and afters)

This is the kind of thing that will drive pro's like Dave away from sharing his work on sites like this.

There has never been a time like now, with the advent of the internet, where there has been so much free exchange of artistic expression and access to so much professional insight. When I was a kid I would have killed to send a message to John Buscema or Frank Frazetta and get an advice or critique from them. Dave has opened himself wide with step by steps and insight into his creative process. This is precious and it is our responsibility to protect it or we will lose it. Instead we assault these guys and I really think we're missing the point.

We are a community and we have to police ourselves and each other. All Dave did is hold Skywarp accountable. It's called integrity.

What all this has done is expose how many on deviant find this sort of behavior acceptable or minor and that is chilling to me. I know there are thieves out there but when you call yourself a "friend" on deviant, it should mean community and trust.

There are lots of folk out there with alot to offer there. I hope this sort of thing doesn't scare them away.

I just want to take the opportunity to apologize for being so backed up on responses. The day job can be so challenging and striking a balance sometimes feels impossible. But, I'm working on it and it's getting better.

I really look forward to contributing here on deviant more often. This is a great site and a great community of artists. I've never seen so much talent at one place before. Cudos to all you guys!

So, thanks to all my watchers (wow, that sounds creepy) and for all the fav's. You guys are awesome....

Elliot Fernandez