I think it's time I've finally stepped to the plate and say a few things, folks.

I am not here to recap what scarecrow has said previously, but to supplement his discussion with a few things to make the community and much, MUCH, stronger one.

The one most aggravating thing I see on this community is the lack of any form of up to date resource topic for the artists on here to use. When you're a digital/traditional artist, sometimes having the proper resources is vital to being able to start any form of project. I would be nothing without having a site like Kuler or Dafont as a color coordinator and a font library to find exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes, having the ability to reference a model can be the difference of having mediocre and decent art. However, if you do not know what's out there, you won't ever know it's there (no shit, Sherlock). But, If new artists had the ability to actually know these resources were available to them, it would not only help them, but also be able produce something actually worth critiquing.

This same issue is followed by the lack of DECENT user created tutorials. The types of tutorials that should be out there but are not are the following but not limited to:
-Basic usage of specific programs (learning the UI; basics of tools)
-In depth use of complex tools, processes (Pen/Path tool in Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator; Cell/realistic Shading)
-Basics in Anatomy, Shading, Depth (Figures, facial structure)
Knowing these basics are absolutely vital to becoming a better artist. However, all we can simply do is offer written CnC instead of directing them to an in depth, well thought out tutorial. Do NOT get me wrong, having well written CnC is AMAZING, but nothing beats having something to physically see. I give props to those who go out that extra mile just to give the user a diagram.

So, I'm sure with all my incessant rambling, everyone is wondering where the hell I am going with this. I'm saying that instead of just being a community that just simply tells you what is wrong with something, why not be a community that can SHOW you how to do it. We need to be a bit more proactive with supplying users the How-To's and Step-by-Steps as to how to do things.
We need more art based tutorials, guys. That's something I would love to see coming out of those more experienced artists. And please, I am honestly not trying to be a bitch here, but If you are not the best at one thing, don't try to make a tutorial for it. I mean, If you are horrible at using Line, you would not be making a tutorial for Line, right? I will be the first to say I am no master at anatomy in any form. Period. I would not be caught dead trying to make one until I felt as if my skills and experience was good enough that I could confidently tell you something. I WOULD be perfectly fine giving tutorials on Photoshop, due to my 4 years of experience in a multitude of versions. The tutorials should be well written, well thought out, detailed, and written by those who truly know what they are talking about. Mods, I would like to see someone involved in coordinating also a resource roundup for ALL types of artists out there. One great thread full of all useful goodies people can use.

Every community I've joined I've seen the fall of MANY mentor programs. But why? Reasons like:
-Lack of organization
-Loss/Lack of Interest
-Lacking skills of the Mentors
-Lack of Cooperative Mentees
And so on...
If there ever was to be a return of any form of mentorship programs on SP, it needs to be very much thought out. The person running it should be completely dedicated to this task. I would love to have a hand in raising a healthy mentorship program once again. I feel like I meet quite a few prerequisites for mentoring in Photoshop/Illustrator/Inkscape/Gimp, ect. I think we need to find those who are actually proficient (I mean not only draw well, but KNOW HOW to teach their area very well). Which I found to be a lacking thing in many mentorships.

I probably could continue off of this, But I'm tired. Mods, If anyone is interested in starting up anything I mentioned here, do not hesitate to PM me. I would be glad to help/aid/ assist in any way.

And now, discuss.