Members Gallery FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does "Digital Blasphemy" mean?

I came up with the name Digital Blasphemy when I first started making graphics, long before this site existed. The feeling I got when I first starting making virtual worlds could only be described as godlike. I was adding (and deleting) worlds at will, and deciding which stars would shine and how bright. One of Webster's definitions for the word blasphemy is "the act of claiming the attributes of deity". Since this was exactly what I was doing on my computer, the name sort of fit. It's how I signed my images before I ever posted a single image online (or even had a modem).

No religious affiliation or outlook is implied. I realize that some people are offended by my use of the word "Blasphemy". This is unfortunate, because I can't really change it now. Even if I could though, I probably wouldn't.

How long does it take you to make one of these wallpapers??

It can take anywhere from a couple of days (for the simpler abstracts) to a few weeks for the more complex scenes. Since I work with 3D raytracing, my project time is dividing between putting the scene together and rendering. Depending on how complex the scene is (number and "softness" of light sources, reflections, refractions, radiosity, "volumetric" clouds, and more) it can take anywhere from a couple of hours to weeks for my computer to generate the final image.

Can I use the Members Gallery images on more than one computer?

Yes! Members can use my work at home, school, or at work. You can use my work on as many computers as you need. I only ask that you don't share my members-only images with others.

Will you bill me automatically when the time comes to renew my account?

UPDATED 7/12/15!:

Unfortunately I can no longer offer the $15 renewal rate per year that so many users have become accustomed to. If you are a returning Member, or a current Member whose account is set to expire on a certain date, you will need to sign up or renew as an Unlimited Member to regain access to the gallery.

What is the Pickle Jar?

The Pickle Jar contains variations on the images featured in my gallery. The image I'm happiest with goes in the gallery and the extras go into the Pickle Jar. The variations usually fall into three different categories: time variations (day/night), color variations , and evolutionary variations.

The name "Pickle Jar" comes from my days working at a preschool during college. The kids would play "duck duck goose" and when one of them had to sit in the middle of the circle they were said to be "in the pickle jar". I thought it fitting when setting up a place for images that didn't fit in my gallery.

Througout the Members Gallery preview pages you'll find "Pickle Jar" links which will lead you to thumbnail versions of the files.

Here are some examples.

Do images contain a watermark?

Unfortunately I am unable to offer my wallpapers without the watermark because too many people have turned around and posted my work elsewhere. Having the only non-watermarked copy is my only way sometimes to prove that I am the original author.

I do try to make the watermark as small and out-of-the-way as possible and there are people (believe it or not) who like the signature.

I hope it won't be a problem. Most folks don't even notice it after a few days.

Update: My Lossess Master Files are available without a watermark to Plus Level Members (and above) and my Lifetime Supporters. My main Members Gallery images still contain a small watermark though.

Downloading Member Images Using the Android OS

I apologize for the extra steps and I will be a happy man when the Android developers fix this problem!

Do you update the Members Gallery on a regular basis?

I enjoy creating new artwork and posting it for my subscribers. While I do like to keep busy honing my skills, and I like to keep the gallery fresh, I do reserve the right to take breaks from time to time. My creative batteries sometimes need recharging.

Can I purchase a membership for someone else?

Yes! I have a gift certificate system set up so you can purchase memberships for multiple friends (or just one). You can set a date for the gift notice email to be sent (great for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc) and you can include your own personal note. Right now this is the only way to purchase Memberships that aren't of the "Unlimited" variety (meaning they do not auto-renew).

Do you offer Lifetime Memberships?

Yes! They are now $250 however.

Do you offer student or military discounts?

Unfortunately my monthly/yearly rates are too low to offer anyone a discount..

Can I have a print made using "X" online service for my own personal use?

Yes, with a couple of caveats. I sell my own prints through Zazzle and collect a 30% royalty through my sales there. You are welcome to take my work to another printer if I can collect the same 30% royalty for each print. Simply add 30% to the price of the print(s) (not including shipping) and make the payment here. Please contact me first if you are interested using your print commercially.

In most cases my 4K images will yield adequate prints. I do reserve my highest resolution images (some up to 8K) for my Zazzle collection however. If you require a larger image than what I have available through my site please let me know. If I have a larger one available I will be happy to send it to you (watermark-free) provided you make your royalty payment prior to ordering your print.

If I have to render an image special for your print that will require additional compensation.

Feel free to write me if you have any questions, comments or concerns! I would also love to see a photo of the print once it is on display and I will be happy to share it with my fans through social media (with your permission).

Why do I have to pay to view all of your wallpapers?

I started the Members Gallery in early 1999, after I came to the conclusion that I would not be able to keep Digital Blasphemy open and hold down a full-time job at the same time. I decided to take a chance and quit my day job so I could make wallpapers full time. It has worked nicely for the past five years.

When you sign up to access the Members Gallery, you are paying my salary. You are paying for the bandwidth to operate my servers, for the software I use to create the images, and for the countless hours I spend in front of my computer creating the artwork. You don't work for free, and neither do I.

The bottom line is that I need to earn a living. I have a family to support. I can either use my talents creating artwork for you, or I can get a job creating artwork for private clients. I would rather create artwork for you.

Please sign up and support my work!

Can I sign up using PayPal?

Yes, the sign up form is here. Select the PayPal option and then continue to confirm your details before submitting to PayPal.

Can I pay by check or money order?

Unfortunately no. My Unlimited Memberships can only be purchased by credit card or PayPal.

Will you spam me once I have given you my personal data?

Absolutely not. I will not sell or provide your information to any third parties. I do send an email to my Members when I have posted a new project and/or very important site news.

How many images are available inside the members gallery?

As of 7/12/2015 there are nearly 1000 images in my gallery. Some of my works have extra versions and they are not counted in the gallery total.

Do you offer any screensavers for download?

No. I used to offer slide-show screensavers, but I decided that it was much simpler and efficient if I just offered my images for download. There are hundreds of freeware slide-show screensaver programs available into which you can feed my images once you are a member.

How do I set up your dual/triple screen wallpapers on my system?

I don't run a dual or triple screen system myself, so I can't really help with setting them up. If you are having trouble with your multi-monitor setup I would recommend you ask around the Multimon forums or, better yet, download and install Ultramon (the ultimate multi-monitor manager).

Do you offer wallpapers for triple-monitor systems?

Yes I do. You can preview them here. I also offer dual-monitor wallpapers which you can preview here.

Do your offer wallpapers for projector setups?

Yes, these wallpapers will work with any projector setup. Just make sure your projector’s resolution aligns with the dimensions of the wallpaper. You can learn more about projector resolutions from this guide.

Do you do commission work?

No, the members gallery keeps me too busy to accept any outside projects. I set up the members gallery so I could work for the public. Since they pay my salary, I would be cheating them if I took time away from the members gallery to work on outside projects.

Do you take requests?

I prefer to use my own ideas. I don't do images based on movies, video games, books, TV shows, or other copyrighted works. Of course, I am happy to listen to your idea, but I make no promises that I will use it to make a wallpaper.

I just made this cool graphic, can I email it to you?

I'd rather you didn't. My email software doesn't give me the option of downloading or not, so I generally don't accept emails over a certain (very small) size. It's not that I don't want to see your work, I just don't like downloading attachments of any kind.

If you want me to look at your image or file, please post it on the web somewhere and send me the URL. Thanks!

Do you accept feedback from your members?

Yes, I welcome feedback. Each new image comes with an email link which you can use to send me comments. Most of my works are not yet "finished" when I first post them, and I am usually open to suggestions. I do not host an online forum at this time though as I would rather keep interaction on a one-to-one basis.

Can I use your images in my project/on my website?

If you purchase a 1 Year Personal Membership you can use my work on your personal (amateur) website. If you purchase 1 Year Plus Membership you may use my work on your commercial (professional) website. In either case, if you are going to be posting hi-resolution files for download, I require that you only use the images from my free gallery. I do not allow my Members-Only images to be offered for download outside of the Members Gallery. (this includes using them as your web page background).

How many artists work for Digital Blasphemy?

Only one: me. My wife handles the finances, my Mom helps with licensing and marketing, and my son Ian helps by being cute and making us laugh. I handle all the artwork, web site design/coding, and answer most of the emails. This is a family business.

I do post the work of other artists in my User Gallery. Other than submitting their work for my User Gallery, these artists do not work for Digital Blasphemy.

Can I download the "color_changing mushrooms" on your home page? Do you offer animated wallpapers?

I started offering animated wallpapers (including a color-shifting version of "Fluorescence") in 2007. You can preview them here. The animated wallpapers are 1920 x 1080 (1080p) and are designed specifically for Windows Vista Dreamscene. They will work on other OSs with special software however. Non Vista Ultimate users can, for example, use VLC to place the animations on their desktops.

I was looking for an image in your free gallery, but I couldn't find it. Is it still available?

All of my work is available inside the Members Gallery. I try to keep a collection of around 40-50 images available for free on my Public Site. When I add new images, I remove older ones. If you visit a week or two from now there may be a new image available, and one of the older ones will have been removed. Members have access to my entire collection (including my Holiday and Seasonal images) year round.

I'm sorry, but I can't send you single images. You are welcome to purchase them a la carte however if you aren't a Member.

What resolutions do you offer?

Most of my single-screen images are available at 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 1024, and 1152 x 864. If you run a lesser resolution then Windows can stretch the image down to fit your screen. Some of my oldest work is only available at 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600. Widescreen images are offered at 2560 x 1600, 1920 x 1200, 1680 x 1050, and 1440 x 900. Dual-screen images are offered at 3200 x 1200 and 3840 x 1200 (dual widescreen). I also offer a variety of resolutions for different mobile devices.

This really cool movie/book/tv show just came out. Can you make a wallpaper based on it?

I'm sorry, but no. Copyright issues aside, I would just rather create original works.