In Recognition of Exemplary Membership and an Outstanding Spirit of helpfulness and mentoring within the DeviantArt community.
Introducing ikazon
In a very spontaneous turn of events involving a fateful tupperware bowl, my mom unintentionally met with a medium at a Christmas party when I was eight years old, and that medium told her (among other things) that I was going to be a writer someday. My mom didn’t tell me about this whole happening until several years after I told her I wanted to write for a living, but still, how crazy is that, right?
My name is Trevor, and I’m a happy-go-lucky Californian currently employed as a content writer and marketing associate. I first branched out into creative writing when I was fifteen because I told an elaborate lie about how I wrote stories so I could impress my then-girlfriend, which in retrospect wasn’t a lie at all since I went on to write the stories that I said I’d written, even though I hadn’t written any of them before I said that.
On the bright side, that elaborate lie put me on a path that I haven’t had to look back on in the time since, as it led to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, a career path that I’m happy with, and a place that changed my life tremendously, that being DeviantArt.
I originally joined DA in September 2007, more or less on a whim because some friends told me I should. If present me could tell the me who signed up for DA what would come of that action, I have to imagine that past me would call present me a liar. Thankfully, present me would be telling the truth anyway. I have made tons of amazing friends, been a part of so many creative endeavors, and have been introduced to memorable experiences that have taken me halfway across the globe thanks to this site, community, and the people that inhabit it. Without DeviantArt my life would undoubtedly be very different than it is, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything.
Things they don’t tell you.
When you wake the next morning, you still
need to get out of bed in time for work, you still
have to shower, dress yourself, eat breakfast, brush
your teeth and hair;
and when your mother calls
to check in, you have to comfort her because she lost
her dad last night;
and when you call your grandmother
your voice cannot waver lest you upset her, because
she lost a man she's known for seventy years and even
though she would never hold it against you, you still
feel obligated not to cry;
and when you sit down
to do your job, you will have to do it with all your heart
because if you cannot do it with all your heart you
won't be able to do it at all;
and when the sun
bears down on you as a testament to Wednesday
you have to accept that the sun will continue to be there
even after everything you love, even after you yourself
are gone;
- by ikazon
A New Cat
Our neighborhood stray is dead. I know this
because there is a black cat here I've never seen.
This cat is not the black splotch covered canvas stray
that clawed up and down my arm last winter
when I mistakenly tried to wrap it in a blanket
for warmth. This cat does not have the matted
fur that the stray did, does not deliberately stretch
out in front of my car tires the way the stray did
right before I had to leave for work, does not
chase lizards in the grass like the stray. This is not
the stray that aggressively meowed at me
when he wanted affection, nor is it the stray
that climbed our fence to try catching birds.
I'm certain this new cat must be lost, or else
looking for that same blotched canvas stray
that had become part of his family, too.
- by ikazon
Deviousness Award Winner
A deviant for nine years, ikazon is a monumentally influential member of DeviantArt. A champion of DeviantArt’s literature community, he’s contributed his own writing and journal skins to the community since he first joined DeviantArt. In 2011, ikazon became a Community Volunteer, shining a light on undiscovered pieces in both the DeviantArt related and literature galleries. His dedication to the community quickly made him a beloved figure on DeviantArt. Soon after, in 2012, he was hired as a full-time staff member, where he ran multiple community projects, such as the 2014 and 2015 Valentine’s Day Exchange!
However, ikazon’s contributions to the community extended past his time as a community volunteer and a staff member. From contributing journal skins to the CalendarProject to leaving encouraging comments for his fellow community members, ikazon’s supporting presence has been felt all across DeviantArt.
We’re proud to name ikazon as the Deviousness Award recipient for March 2016!
Community Quotes
I’ve had the honor of calling Trevor a friend for many years, and I’ve always been impressed by his energy and positivity. He’s the first person to lend a hand or a listening ear, and his commitment to the DeviantArt community is among the most genuine I’ve ever seen. Giving him this award has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate his years of support and service.”
Trevor is someone who brings positivity and care into everything he does. Whether it’s through an insightful critique, an innovative idea to improve DA, or the hard work he has put into his many projects, evidence of his love for the community here is immeasurable. Congratulations, Trevor, you’re truly an outstanding deviant!”
Trevor should come in bottles, as the secret sauce to brighten your day. There’s just the right amount of warmth and genuine depth, plus that touch of sass that hits a mildly sexy note without it all turning awkward. Everyone loves a splash of Trevor
”
As a long-time deviant, ikazon knows DeviantArt like the back of his hand. With his knowledge of how the site works and its history, he’s been a huge help to the community and the site’s development. ikazon is a caring and passionate person who has truly made a positive impact on the community over the years. His personality, positive spirit, humor, and eagerness to help other deviants, make him a well-deserved recipient of the Deviousness Award.”
If the community is the lifeblood of DeviantArt, ikazon is the heart. Not only a talented writer in his own right, he is an inspiration to artists of all types, a helping hand to those in need, and a true friend to all lucky enough to call him one. His contributions over the years are larger than the sum of their parts, and he’s a shining beacon of positivity on an Internet that can sometimes be confusing and scary. My every congratulations go out to him, as he very much deserves this award!”
ikazon is an imaginative writer who evokes a sense of visual images through his descriptive work, he is an inspiration to many and he doesn’t fail to produce some kind of emotion through his work, Congratulations on your deviousness, you deserve it!”
Trevor has been the voice of reason in the lit circle for as long as he’s been part of the site, and he’s probably singlehandedly kept every lit CV from being thrown off a cliff by the community, so the impact he’s had runs deep. Plus it’s about time that someone gets deviousness after being dressed like a luchador by Moonbeam13 for cheap laughs at a wedding, let’s be real. Thank you for your mentorship, friendship and co-whining for the last ten years and congrats.”
ikazon is one of those deviants who strives above and beyond for this community. Not only is his literature so inspiring, but his heart and soul are equally as matched. He’s one of the kindest deviants I’ve had the honor of knowing throughout my time here on DeviantArt. Let me tell you, his enthusiasm and positive personality is infectious! He shares his passions with everyone around him with the greatest of heart! Thank you for all you do ikazon! You truly deserves this, congrats!!”
Trevor has been an outstanding example for the community for a very long time. He’s funny, inspirational, knowledgeable, and keeps a level head when the rest of us feel like gathering the pitchforks. It is great to see someone who has had such a great impact on myself, and many others, get this recognition.
I hope Trevor realizes how fully he has earned it.”
It’s easy to see how DeviantArt has grown and changed over time, but the one constant, the one true light, has been Trevor. I’ve had the honor of knowing him before his senior-ship, which he earned through compassion and positivity, before he was a volunteer, where he championed for literature, and worked alongside him as staff on DeviantArt, where there was no greater truth than Trevor’s love and compassion—he always worked with the community in mind. Creativity, skill, and inspiration are just a part of what he brings to DeviantArt, but certainly his heart and generosity towards the community—every single person—is what makes me so grateful to know him.”
ikazon was my first introduction to the haikai aesthetic and Japanese poetry in general. He introduced me to the kind of poetry that’s open and friendly; that’s playful with a good sense of humor; that welcomed you in then helped you see things about the world and about yourself. I’m not only talking about the poetry, of course, I’m also talking about the person. ikazon is one of those positive and generous people who make you feel involved. When you’re in a conversation with him, it’s not only his words that matter—it’s yours too. His writing often is a conversation albeit one with depth and wisdom. You can see that in his works: his words are mindful of their influence on what surrounds them, aware of how they sound and how that affects the reader. This is characteristic of Japanese poetry but what I find most striking of his writing is how, unlike the usual brevity of a single vivid image found in Japanese poetry, his stories are instead a stream of images. His works hold the experience of events as a clear river of moments. A hint to his inspiration can be seen in his favourites and the DDs he’s featured: a varied mix of digital art, photography, and literature that leave an impression. He also has wonderful music taste and I’ve discovered a lot of good music from what he shares in his journals. That’s what he does. He shares. ikazon, thank you for all you’ve done, not just for me, but for everyone.”
Ohhh my goodness!!! I came across with ikazon’s page when he was working for DeviantArt and all I can say is that I fell instantly in love with his personality, his helpfulness and the sweetness of all his interactions!!! I don’t see him as a person, I see him as force whose amazingness is absolutely “Larger Than Life”!!! He’s always been there for everybody, supporting people who need DA-related guidance, but also as a friend, he’s indeed a beacon in this place!!! And when I thought I couldn’t get more at “awe” for his amazingness, I had a look at his writings … (gasp) … what can I say? He rocks!!! And I’m thrilled to see this recognition bestowed upon him today!!! I LOVE YOU TREVOR!!! with all my heart!!! CONGRASUPERTULATIONS, my friend.”
What can I say about Trev? He’s like a midwife for words. And a postpartum care specialist for wonderfulness. In the, gosh, six years we’ve known each other, Trev has always been there for me. He’s helped me develop my writing, he’s been an fabulous friend. He’s reached into my life and flicked some switch that reads “make things better”. And he’s done that for so many people. I haven’t even got started on how amazing his writing is, but I should. It’s like a kite that leaps and flows and when it comes down the sky is never the same. I’m so proud of my bud and I could say so much more, but I’m not going to because I want you to stop reading me and go start reading him.”
Monkey (former Monkey?) has been a community pillar for a long time, sharing not only his work but the process and, in doing so, inspiring others to create. Literature on DA wouldn’t be half as much of a presence without his involvement.”
Trevor is a ray of light in our community. He has done so much to build people up, to stay positive and to help other deviants over the years as both a volunteer and a staff member. The Thanksgiving Note Project was what first introduced me to him, many years back and I think it’s a great example of his positive outlook and willingness to always give back to the community by telling people that you appreciate them. Congrats Trevor!
”
Most of us need no introduction to Trevor, and that speaks volumes already. Trevor has been there for most of us when we struggled, when we had questions about DA, and when shenanigans are happening. Trevor’s positive attitude, witty humour and terrible puns are infectious. We love him even when he’s getting all the trivia questions right and stealing all the prizes or winning all the kiribans. There are few people who have done as much for the community as Trevor has, and I’m beyond delighted that he’s getting the Deviousness Award.”
ikazon Is a beautiful soul and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the honor. For several years, he has graced the Literature community with his talent and heart. I am sincerely blessed to call him my friend. Trevor is selfless: he defines what it means to be devious. His radiating, giving spirit always serves as a positive example to others, and I personally know how loving, hard-working, dedicated and loyal he is. He can also be counted on to raise you up: with his sweet smile, the contagious ring of his gentle laughter and the tenderness of his inner heart. There are few who possess his rare gift of unpretentious gregariousness. I have had the rare honor of being close to him as a fellow writer and faithful friend since early 2008, and in watching him grow as an artist. Every day, Trevor makes a difference – in simply by being himself, and in shining an optimistic, magnificent light that follows him wherever he goes.”
Some years ago I became a CV and it was Trevor who became my partner in crime. Until that day I didn’t know of him and had no idea if we would get along well. I was a bit worried, but it was totally unneeded. Being able to say anything negative about Trevor is impossible. He is one of the most positive humans I have ever met. His smile makes you happy instantly and he supports the people around him in any way he can. Whatever he does, he does it with 100% dedication. Be it his job, his literature, his friends or projects he works on. Rock on, mindful coyote (hey, you are a monkey!) and make sure to celebrate with lots of cake and glitter. You totally deserve this and so much more! Stay as awesome as you are!”
Trevor is a little big hero. He might be little in stature but grand in heart. He’s simply put, one of the nicest (and goofiest) persons I know and I’m not talking only about DeviantArt but in general. I’m actually surprised he didn’t received this award sooner because he’s always one of the little people that first come to mind when I think of who deserve it. There are many little things I would like to say about him and there is a large list of little reasons why he deserves it, but if I had to mention just one I would say: he’s genuine. It’s always refreshing to know someone who is consistent in what they say with what they do, someone who genuinely cares and is also an amazing little friend, someone who will equally make you laugh and will empathize with you if you’re feeling sad, and you know you can count with at any time. So my little friend: you deserve it! So happy for you, have a little hug!”
Trevor is the living example of everything that I’ve come to believe the DeviantArt community should be. He is welcoming, inclusive, classy when called for, goofy when called for, and blessed with the perspective and wisdom of a person far older than his years. In the many roles I’ve seen him play for this community, he has always shown imagination, enthusiasm, a tireless work ethic, discretion and taste. Trevor is an asset to DeviantArt, a professional, and a good friend.”
Trevor, Monkey, GaioumonBatou, lightningmonkey wreckling, ikazon, and a few other names. premium member, beta tester, senior, volunteer, staff, and back to senior. I’ve actually not encountered a person who doesn’t like him… I mean at points people have been upset with him, but personally never been around anyone who didn’t at some level get along with him. I’m lucky to count him among one of my closest friends, and he’s been a constant in my dA experience. I’m a fan of his writing. I’m always amazed at his capacity to make friends, bring people together, and hammer out projects with quality work behind it. Personally, I feel as far as what the deviousness award stands for, Trevor embodies it. Passion for art, caring for fellow artists. He highlights the success of others, and has handed out Daily Deviations to this end. A leader (he’ll hate me for saying that) among friends to get projects accomplished. Generally just a really outstanding deviant. He may not be as old school as some users around here, but he is definitely in the woodwork of this place. I could go on for so much longer, but I promised I wouldn’t write a 10 page essay on the praises of this amazing person. AT LONG LAST HE IS DEVIOUSNESS INCARNATE >__> for at least a month.”
Trevor isn’t someone that I know on a personal basis, but certainly someone I feel compelled to say something about. You don’t have to know him personally to know that he is a dedicated, passionate and generally amazing person. The many years he has dedicated to DeviantArt have not gone unnoticed, and I certainly have so much respect for that. I’m happy to still see him around DA, so I can secretly stalk what he’s been up to. All this to say that this award is certainly incredibly deserved, so congratulations man!”
Trevor is one of the most awesome, down to earth deviants I know on here. He has faced some difficult transitions both as an artist and person on here and has taken them all in his stride with positivity, always ready for the next adventure. He is someone many deviants of all art forms can appreciate and understand that as long as you are true to yourself, nothing can get in your way.”
ikazon is one of the reasons I became serious about writing -- and I know I’m not the only person who he helped inspire. His never-wavering support, heartfelt critiques, and unyielding optimism pushed me through so many drafts I would have otherwise abandoned. And he would do the same for any writer. He is at the heart of the dA writing community, and I could think of no one more deserving of Deviousness.”
I’ve been reading Ikazon’s work for a while, but it was his piece 'Things they don’t tell you’ fav.me/d9h4bhk that really stuck with me. I think we’ve all lost people close to us, and there’s a tremendous amount of moving forward and carrying on that happens whether we want it to or not, things that we do or don’t do, say or don’t say to satisfy expectations or the needs of others, and I’ve never seen this captured with such honest fidelity as Ikazon did here. In the closing when it’s pointed out that everything will outlast even you, it puts the loss in a much needed perspective. It’s this clarity of language, this open and honest exploration of ideas and exposed nerves that makes his writing such a pleasure to read, even when it pulls open things you thought were healing nicely. He’s always a pleasure to read, both in his poetry and prose and in his comments, always a calm voice of considerate reason and helpful advice. An integral part of the community and another of those things that contributes to making this place such a fantastic environment to contribute to and develop in.”
