I don't think ANYONE here said it was WRONG to use filters here.

I LOVE them gotta have 'em! BUT...art you still must make...even if it is a simple figure (such as fruit)against a fairly plain bg.
Almost 50% of my work was rejected here...(www.darkseraphim.com) and I was one of the biggest cry babies here when my stuff got rejected... BUT...it made me WANT to be better and strive even harder...something sadly...some artists will never feel good about now because...well...now so much gets in. Before...it was like...almost elite to get your work in...now...*sigh*
BUT...people are giving you their time because they CARE...don't forget that. I care...I'm NO employee of this site but ah heck I am a loyalist even when I've gotten my sorry ass in trouble here. hehe
BIG TEXT on ANY art is a major no-no
My first walls were rejected because I had my copyright WAYYYYYYY too huge...hell I was a noob.
Everyone starts out a noob!
So with that said!
(((((((BIG HUGS))))))) AND WELCOME...
(I'm sure with the art you have done...you are gonna kick major arse eventually so don't you DARE give up)!