In most case, I see it as universal "Art Block" moment.

Take a break/stop drawing anything for a while and go enjoy other activity might helps.

But to be specific
- That can't be control. A way to increase will be harder overtime. Most I can think is participate in certain event or hop into certain community...but that need mind preparation.

- Try to make it done. And if it is against your taste too much, do make restriction next time. Decline to do is a choice, too.
Or else, charge for more.

- Criticized without consent is rude in my sense. But if during comm/work it is thing to consider. Adjust if you can do. But if it is pure negative without proper reason, it's not a criticize but negative energy you should ignore.

- Signal of art block / burn out. Distract yourself or create something to recover your sanity is a must. Do trust your followers are willing to wait for your return.

I think it's great that you have concrete solutions for taking care of your mind.
I guess you probably have very few worries about art.
I tend to be easily influenced by outside information and evaluations, so I want to always have solutions for that.
Thank you so much! X3

I draw to hone in my skills and try my best. best month is july for artfight.
For me, I am aware We don’t live forevet, best tactics try become the best version and make good memories

That's great. I want to focus on just drawing what I love.
Thank you! X3

Do you have any ocs you want me to draw for you. (Just for improvise and altruism to do art gift for your as your permission)

Wow! Really!? Thank you!
Are there any characters or situations you would like to draw?
I would like to know what you are interested in and what drawing techniques you are good at, so I would like you to draw what you would like to draw.
If there is no such thing, I would like you to draw "Tanuki" :3

When your number of favorites or followers doesn't increase...
- That's a tough one. When this kind of thing happens, it is a blow to my self-esteem, for sure. When it happens, I try to carry on and maybe draw something that I'm wanting to see. Draw for yourself, and anyone else that also likes it is a bonus! It's still hard though.

When you draw art you don't want to draw for money...
- Oof. I am lucky enough to have a full-time job and do drawing for extra income and for fun. The downside is I don't get much time to draw anymore, the upside is I get to be really picky. Unless you're really struggling for commissions, I would practise saying "no" to people who want you to draw things you're not comfortable with. If you have a queue of people wanting things you're good at drawing, and that you enjoy drawing, it's totally fine to send people away to find other illustrators.

When your art are criticized...
- Ignore them. Your illustrations are really good, and really fun. You'll always, always get people looking at things they don't like and leaving a dumb comment about how they don't like it. Pity them, delete their comment if you really don't want to see it, and move on. Don't engage them.
However! I will add that if someone has something constructive to say, such as "I think you could do a better job of the arm there if you moved it up by 20 pixels" or something like that (negative statement, followed by how to fix it), it can be worth considering what they've said. Critique is useful, critisism is not.

When drawing has become a chore and you can't enjoy it anymore, etc...
- Hardest challenge of all. If you can, take a break. Play some video games. Go for walks. Go out for the day to see somewhere you've never been. Touch the grass. There's plenty of free things you can do, even if it's just walking around the neighbourhood.
If, for some reason, you can't take a break from drawing, try doing a bunch of sketches of things you like. No serious work. Just try and bring back the fun.

I hope some of that is helpful!

I also find it funny that you'd suggest I have a 'pure mind', bless. My mind is like a fried egg at this point haha

These are concrete and sensible opinions!
I think they are very useful solutions for mental health not only for me but for many artists.
You still have a pure mind. Don't let it go!
Also, fried eggs are delicious XD

I'm glad that they might be helpful! I like to help. I hope you have a good day~ or good night, or whatever time it is where you are. uwu

Thank you! Good night! X3

Just curious, but what would you consider to be the difference between critique and criticism?

Also, what is your opinion on constructive criticism?

Ah, so I may have poorly phrased my thing.

Criticism is just useless negative comments. "This is bad.", "I don't like how this looks.", "I don't think you've drawn this very well.", etc. Criticism to me are comments that only serve to be negative and offer no positive aspect at all, and should be ignored. They are a waste of words, air, space, and time.

Critique, to me, is a more directed form of criticism that can be used in a constructive way, such as "I don't like how you've drawn that arm, because the lines are too thick and that makes it look out of place.", "The snout on that character is too wide and messes up the proportions.", etc. Still criticism, but actually thought out an explained. Can still be ignored if it's not relevant, but relevant critique can drive improvements in processes going forward. I view it as how a good, say, Movie critic will say what things they view are bad, and importantly why they think they're bad.

Constructive Criticism, to me, would be a more supportive critique of work that offers opinions on how to fix the thing that is "wrong". For example, "I don't like how you've drawn that arm, the lines are too thick and it looks out of place. Next time, maybe try building the line thickness from where the arm meets the shoulder, that way it's more obvious it's closer to the viewer.". This is how someone would effectively teach, and is the absolute best kind of critique, and, I think, the only way someone should ever be negative about someone else's work and efforts.

[awful] Criticism = useless, ignore.
[better] Critique = useful if the critique is relevant to the work, and person being critiqued can work out how to fix it next time.
[best] Constructive Criticism = useful if advice is relevant to the work and the advice is good.

Might have gotten the last two mixed up by dictionary definition, dunno. That's just how I view 'em. I hope that helps!

It does, thank you. :)

Rest. If you're at the point when it's not fun, you need a break if you can afford it.

When you get burnout your brain kinda breaks. I haven't made a comic in a decade and haven't drawn since last year. I've heard of programmers that lose their ability to think because they work past exhaustion, it's not pretty.

An empty pot can't boil.

Yeah! You're right! Thank you! X3

The most important thing is if it's stressing you out to do, then take a break. It can be okay to put yourself under some strain as part of developing yourself; it's never okay to hurt yourself.

As for popularity, measured in favorites or followers ... well, that's basically a random draw. There's almost nothing you can do to affect it. It's thrilling that sometimes it seems like you're catching on, but --- with the exception of someone already popular telling followers to follow you, when a couple might all at once --- it's luck. Don't ever beat yourself up for things that are beyond your ability to affect.

Draw things that you enjoy --- because you find them fun, or challenging in a creative way, or because you like being paid for them (and don't take commissions for drawings you don't think you'll enjoy) --- and share what you're proud you did. Take time to rest, and take time to appreciate the things that you enjoy and that you find nourishing.

Take good care of yourself. We're all rooting for you.

I draw what I want to draw, but sometimes I get confused by various information and numbers.
Every time this happens, I get depressed, anxious, and want to give up.
At those times, I will put my negative emotions into words and ask someone for help on how to recover.
Thank you! X3

I draw for myself first, then for my friends, and if I don't feel like drawing I don't push myself.
For motivation sometimes being with friends in discord and voice chatting while screensharing can help bring new ideas and having fun with it. That would be my recomendation, to try having fun with friends while you draw.

Also, the less you keep track of the number of followers and likes the better I think, specially if you're not doing this for money

Thank you for your opinion!
I feel like I've forgotten how to enjoy drawing lately, so I'd like to take a break and enjoy drawing again!
I look forward to seeing your art X3

I hope you find the joy of drawing and have lots of fun :3

And thank uuuuuu <3

The number one advice I can give you, in all honesty, is to go to therapy. Our problems for drawing, concentrating and staying motivated are caused by our deeply rooted insecurities, fears, assumptions, anxiety and lack of perspective. Psychological/ psychiatric therapy has helped me immensely to better understand my mind, lower the levels of anxiety and insecurity and build better habits for drawing and for other aspects of my life. It takes time, yes, but it's definitely worth it to maintain a healthy mind! I hope you are able to find what's right for you! I send lot's of hugs and strength, Peke!

Thank you! X3
I've never tried therapy, so it might be worth a try.
I want to be able to enjoy drawing while enriching my mind.
*hug*

I do hope you do! 🧡

I think therapy could potentially help.

Good :3