When I first came to DA, it was mainly to enjoy ALL the fanart! But then it slowly turned to fanfictions, other writings, photos, and anything else that interested me on the front page! :D Over the few short years that I've been here, I beleive that I've made some great friends, and met great people, but I've also lost track of some. :( Unfortunately, they've mostly gone without saying a word, and that is upsetting. But you can be happy in the fact that you once knew that person!
I believe that DA has also helped my art career along, as it introduces peers. They are what being on DA is about. Meeting them, and recieving their feedback, help