I realized that it took a certain style or way of thinking to get popular here on DA. I just seek to answer that question (how to get popular on DA) for myself. I guess I was trying to assimilate myself with others on DA, wondering what about the most popular artists makes them so special.

I suppose it's just technique technique technique. The poorer your technique, the less appeal your work will have on the general public. I have no question here that my technical skills are less than great. I guess it just pains me sometimes to go and look for the techniques that are most effective in the process of learning to draw.

I tried to experiment with views. I tried to understand what exactly gets people's attention. What about the works get their attention? Which exact elements?

And what about ideals? I guess I was a little unconfident about my ideas. I felt eventually that in terms of ideology, trying to appease others does little for my personal development.

Ultimately, being true to yourself is the last word. Nothing more. Nothing less. And learning mainstream techniques to give your work "class".