Well, I am officially done with the social media project. I was not sure in the very beginning what this was all about but in the end I have been able to answer one of the key questions that I presented at the very beginning. My conclusion is that Roleplaying is indeed artistic expression. There is a large amount of people who play City of Heroes and they have complex, original character ideas. Are the characters an extension of themselves even though many claim that roleplaying is about assimilating to a role and not being yourself?
I feel that it is. And I feel that people claim they disassociate from reality when it comes to their character as means to project something that is important and highly personal. It also made me have to look in the mirror about my own art. I kept it personal and protected for a very long time, but after soul searching a bit this project provoked a realization; my defensive nature with my art is not about protecting something fragile it’s honestly about a fear of rejection. Subconsciously I had talked myself into believing the opposite. Now don’t get me wrong, my art is still very personal but there is no need for me hide it or even to avoid the idea of someday selling my art.
The bottom line is that whether one is roleplaying, drawing, writing a book, painting, etc..Make it for yourself and do not fear the opinions of other people. Be who you are.
This project has made me reconsider my major. I think I am going to go deeper into gaming environments and the psychology behind virtual worlds and fantasy.