That would be a shame if you left the fandom. I for one feel you are a welcome addition.

If you're interested, I have a few friends I can introduce you to who are in a similar situation such as yours. :) They're pretty cool people and very well grounded!

I really don't want to leave I just feel I'm not really fitting in. I think my stuff is more suited for non furries. Outside of furry I did very well. i actually got recognized an appreciated for it. Heck, Scholastic Books had showed interst in my art and stories several times, Orville in particular. I've had their Research and Development people drop by every time at comic con just to see my progress. I should have submitted something but I got distracted by "Furry" ventures. Now I really regret not persuing that.

However, I am glad for the people I have met in the fandom here like you and several others.(you know who you are hehe) Part of the reason its hard for me to leave is because that I know I would miss you guys, but this has becoming stressful more than it has been fun so thats what I've been struggling with.

I would be glad to meet some of your friends. Thank you for that. I appreciate it.

i,d hate to see you go i find your art very enjoyable

Thanks Dark I appreciate your kindness. I also have replied to your note. let me know if that is ok with you. Again thank you.

Drama without details? "If you try to be professional and have any kind of ethics and morals in what you do, people want nothing to do with you." What does this mean? What happened? Without relating specifics of what you feel is stupid, won't this sound like a rant? Did someone ask you to draw porn objectionable to Christian morals? Sure, there's stupid in any group of people, not just furry. Feels like the larger the group, the greater the stupid. Witness U.S. political elections. How can women vote in favour of their oppressors? Log Cabin Republicans join forces with their oppressors. W.T.F., Mate?

People are stupid. Nothing you can do but learn to live with it, avoiding stupid when possible.

Sorry about not being specific, I just don't want to air dirty laundry here is all. I'm trying not to upset specific people thats why I was vague. I do agree with you I've been trying to deal with the "stupid" but its just been showing up at my doorstep lately.

Also, yes people wanting me to draw more "Furry" is part of the problem i've been dealing with. I draw more tradition style stuff. Comics and animation etc. Not Anthro human like things. That style was just more appreciated out side of furry. That's what I meant about being more professional and sticking to my principals in what I draw. but I'm finding out if I don't draw more "furry" I'm just not going to survive in furry fandom. So I'm having to rethink my focus. Thats what's been frustrating me and what sparked this Journal. Anyhow, I hope that makes sense. Thanks for the feedback and advice. I do appreciate it.

i would miss balto and like you im trying to do profession as well i hope we could stay in contact

Thanks for that. Yeah If I did end up leaving (Tho I'm hoping not to cuz I do honestly have fun in furry, hence my delema) I will keep this site open on FA just to keep in touch. I wouldn't disappear on you guys. I'm just going through a real difficult time right now maybe its just a midlife crisis. Ironically Its hard to talk about this sort of thing with out sounding like "Drama" or "Stupid" go figure. Any how I'm sure people will accuse me of being Emo before this is all said and done, but I appreciate the feedback either way that wasn't the reason for this post. I just needed feedback on my thoughts.

Stupid is unavoidable. No matter where you go, it will follow. That doesn't mean you can't take a break from it now and again. Maybe that's what you need right now. Hang up your hat, leave the phone off the hook, and just relax for a while.

Yeah you're the 3rd person to recommend that. I think I do just need to step back and evaluate .. not to leave or anything like that but rather just pause and reset. thats likely what I'll end up doing. Part of me would really miss furry if I left. I suppose I'd be kidding myself to even think that's an option. I like your Idea better. Though we just met recently I am glad to have met you. I appreciate the advise Thank you.

Is this is the 4th fav artist thinking about to leave? I can't rly take it anymore. I'm watching critter country every day, your fa acc every day and it's totally fine, nothing wrong with it. Idiots exist yeah and they are of course unavoidable, but hey! Atleast you know that these ppl is much worse than you and if these idiots won't exist then you could not think never again that you're much better than her/him :P

True, you're right. ::sigh:: I wish I didn't let things like this get to me so easily I suppose I'm just too naive about things. I've never reacted well to not fitting in I suppose that's why I can relate to this character. Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it.

That's the word! A+ :D

Sounds like you need to discover you're not the only furry artist who draws "more tradition style stuff" (still trying to figure out exactly what you meant by that). I know many furs here who draw a lot of nice clean cartoony/fan art, which I think falls into what you're going after. I donno if they get the same stupid you do, but they seem to do well, and there are lots of us who appreciate their art.

By traditional I mean stuff like you see in comics and animation etc. If you notice the proportions of my characters they are more animal than anthro. That's as antho as I like to take them and that doesn't seem to be accepted well in Furry from what I've been able to determine. It dis-hearting to see people Ooo and ahh at the furry porn and then have people tell me how I should draw more furry like there was something wrong with my style Maybe I'm wrong but that been my experience in the few years I've been in the furry fandom. I just wish people were more accepting of tamer art. That's been my biggest frustration in Furry. I keep looking back at what I was able to do out side of Furry compared to what I have accomplished in Furry and there just is no comparison. I want to draw art that doesn't have a fetish or kink attached to it. Just art for the sake of art.

True there are others who draw traditional stuff and I know a lot of them feel exactly as I do about Furry. Don't get me wrong I don't oppose furry Art I just am getting tired of hearing people tell me to draw more furry. I suppose I just need to learn to deal with the comments and attitudes associated with furry if I want to stay in furry. Thats seems to be the bottom line. Thanks for the feed back Andy.

ur not the only one feeling that... same here X_X

thats what u get for making sense >_>

Thank you I'm glad you understand what Im saying. That's exactly my point. I say something that to me sounds Normal and makes sense and I get looked at like Im from mars. Then people make issues about things that make no sense to me as to WHY this is an issue. "AKA the Stupid" you hit the nail on the head there.

yeah, the only thing i could do about it is to not think about it lol...

yeah I agree. That's good advise. Thank you.

no problem =)
although its a bit hard to not think about it ^^;

You're right I think it would be unfair to just attribute this to furry. I guess its just magnified in Furry is all. Thank you for that. Also Im sorry of this journal post sounded glum. I just needed to get feed back on my thoughts before I did anything rash sometimes its good to hear how other think just so I know Im not going crazy or if Im the only one feeling this way. I really appreciate your kind words they really mean a lot to me. Thank you. *HUG*

Yeah I am planning to be up in that area .. Ill ask the party I'm with to see if they want to drop by I usually hang out in the back porch and draw with Mitch. I would love to say hi to you too. I'm glad people have responded well to my post I'm always afraid peopel would think I'm being "Emo" Truth is we all have out ups and downs. Lately I've had a hard time with the "ups" but I'm trying hehe. This journal feedback helps me deal with my thoughts better, so again thank you for your kindness it's very much appreciated. *HUG*

Well, i'd love to see your comics, i've been developing one myself. But as far as the fandom goes they can pester me all they want I won't conform to what they want, I do the art I want to do, if they wish to commission a piece from me, then it will depend if i'm comfortable with what they request. Simple as that for me, if they don't like it, tough.

I Think I need to just stick to my guns regardless here and not worry so much about what people do or think. I tend to worry too much about what other people think and how they perceive me. Thats another habit I need to break. Acceptance has always been hard for me. I think that stems back from when I was a kid. I was the that Kid that got beat up after school and picked on every day by bullies and didn't have any friends despite how hard I tried. This was my life from Kindergarden through High school, crap like that can really destroyed one's confidence and view on life. In fact it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I started putting the pieces together and started moving forward with my art.

I must admit getting distributed by a big name in comics (Diamond Distributers) helped with my confidence but Honestly I've always struggled with feeling accepted. I guess thats why this is an important thing for me. I'm sure that sound petty to some reading this, I wish people weren't so cruel. Everyone is so quick to do and say things and never consider how they affect others. My problem seems to be that I care too much how I affect others to the point it stresses me out. I know not everyone is this way and I know there are some very nice and kind people out there. All I'm saying is that I wish I had more of those kind of people in my life. Instead I have those that constantly cause me stress and drama that I don't need. I've had that all my life I just want it to end. I feel like Im banging my head against the wall trying to fit in with furries. I want to but Its just not happening. Thanks for the kind words and feed back this was the sort of feedback I was looking for from this post. Thank you.

Any time,
As far as fitting in with furries, you may or may not have noticed but in my book you already have. Just like in any other type pf fandom, or public setting people tend to gather in groups with people they feel comfortable talking to. Or \"clicks\" as some would call it.
Those people that enjoy your art, and speak positively with you, and you the same are in fact that \"click\" that I speak of.

yeah I honestly understand completely where your coming from. I've asked myself the same question whether or not I should continue with the whole 'furry thing'. Although I am not an artist, I did (perhaps still do) enjoy reading and writing about it. But people aren't into that; so its like all my ideas go to waste. I mean if I could put my ideas down in art form; I'd probably be the biggest thing since (and not to sound arrogant) the cell phone explosion! But that isn't the world I live in and theres no way people are going to go out of their ways to see my ideas through fruition.
When you talk about people being stupid, to me its a little different. The way I see it is "oh look; theres a new drawing from that really famous artist! Lets look at it! OH WOW! I love it! Its got such amazing textures and details, I love the adult nature about it ect... So its like whats the point anymore? The great artists get the good reps, while the less talented get bupkiss. Then its those people (the stupid I guess you could say) that are always the ones to complain about others art because it doesn't live up to their standards. (although granted they should have some kind of standard to back up the filth they spread around with their fingers if their in any way intelligent; although [not surprisingly] arrogant.)
Another way I think about it is: Ask yourself "Will all of this be here in 3, 5, or even 10 years from now?" "Will FA still be up and running in the future?" "Just how much can people upload to one site before it all comes crashing down again, people constantly joining and favoring everything to one system?" "Will I even want to be apart of that scene in that time?" I honestly cant see myself being on here when im 30, 40+. Perhaps if I ever in a blue moon-the planets align-god comes and goes-a gene grants me a wish-i become immortal- become good at "the furry thing" would i continue it. I mean its just an online site thing right? what does this hold over my future? Nothing at all! Times will change. (also I don't think I could stand to look at myself 10 years from now still typing away on here; that would be strange do you not agree?)
So you ask yourself if you should stay in the 'Furry' well after reading this perhaps an answer will be more easily reached. Im not deterring you in any way; but i hope it gives you something to think about. Do what is going to do something for you. I think being "Furry" is more than just going on sites and posting your art or stories or whatever you want to call it furry; but rather its something more; something I can't explain in words alone. Some people enjoy this kind of lifestyle it seems to work well for them; others choose it because they look for something to fall into; something to help them in their own way.
I realize I may have gone far beyond your journals intent; but I hope what I have said has given you some insight as to what you can do.

BTW: all of that up there could also be summarized by saying "Just don't take peoples bullshit and do what you want to do when you want to do it; the way you want to do it!" Wasnt that so much easier? ;p lol

yeah that also hits the nail on the head. I feel like a lot of what I do just isn't what people want to see. And just when I think I have figured out how furries will respond or react to something BAM the total opposite. thats just frustrating

Why not compatibilize both worlds? I mean, furry fits you, Balto, you're a furry. Nobody has the right to tell you that you're *not*. Something else is that you can be are both in the community and outside it. It's what most of us do. I mean... I run an internet business, but I'm a fur. During the day, I work on my job, during my off time, I hang out in FA, furry forums and go to conventions, help run a community in Spain, sometimes I draw too. This way, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds.

We all know that 90% of the furry population love yiff and anthro over anything else. You do non-yiff, classical cartoonish non-anthro style. 10% of the furry population love you, while the 90% love Adam Wan and Blotch. In this sense, you can't compete in their area *unless* you play with their cards, which is something you don't want to do. You can still be a furry, have your fandom base, be appreciated by those who appreciate you, and just tell off those who don't or want you to do what you don't want to. The rest of the time, you continue with your own professional life, maybe under another nickname, and become popular in other instances of art, not just strictly-furry ones.

We all also know that you're not more popular in furry world because you don't do yiff and anthro for the most part, but you're just as good in what you do as the best anthro-yiff furry artists. You're a good artist, stick with that. No need to close your door to furriness, but you don't need to close your door to outside world to keep on being 100% furry.

Strange... I've always thought of you as a "Funny Animal" Comics artist who's up there with the likes of Walt Kelly, Berkley Breathed or Bill Waterson. (Dare I say Disney?) "Furry" is a multifasceted genre that sometimes seems to still be "Finding itself." Besides, What I like about your style and characterizations is that it's more "Commercialbly acceptable" than most of the other works I've seen on FA. It's versatile enough that it would better fit in "Regular" comics circles as opposed to the main "Furry" ideal. Personally, I can't imagine you drawing your characters performing lewd sexual acts with one another or sporting, (And messily using.) oversized genetalia. I hope you'll continue to do what you're doing though, as I feel the world can use a nice, "Funny Animal comic" that offers the readers lots of laughs and sometimes a way to look into themselves.

Thank you and very well said. Walt Kelly was one of my inspirations to do the Orville and Critter County Comic strip. I do get that comparison a lot, perhaps I should be honored to be considered among them. You are correct that is where I seem to fit in, I have been used to dealing with professionals in the the industry. I guess i'm not used to the "I could care less about anything, I just want to play" attitude most furries seem to take. I don't plan on changing what I do. I just wish Furrys would behave more civil and normal.

I would say that whats the best idea is to take what you can from furry more and worry less about giving to fur fans what they want. People like Stan Sakai does his thing and will go to an occasional furry con as a guest or because he has a soft spot for the genre.But he doesnt let others tell him how or what to draw.
If you focus on creating what you want,telling stories and drawing good art (and never stop trying to improve even if you stay in the style you want to stay in) ,then you will have an audience .And it will cross over into furry but not be furry exclusively. I appreciate many things.While I like human loking furs and mature subjects.I also love Pogo and other classic funny animal comic things as opposed to what passes as the mainstream of the super subset of fandom that is furry .
While it may be tempting to go "eww furry is weird and I`m not wanting to be one" Dont let those who have different ideas of what funny animals should be overwhelm your fun you have with the furs you like dealing with.If you have to not go to cons for a year or 2 to focus on creating and building up your professional career,then so be it. I would say just dont through out the furry baby (interacting with furs you like dealing with) with the furry bathwater (dealing with people trying to change what you like and what you do ) as the phrase goes.

Hey dude, don't let a bunch of stupid people tell you what you can and can't draw, who you will and won't take commissions from and what subject matter you will and won't draw. YOU are in control of your artwork, your commission queue, your social relationships, and you should draw what you enjoy, take commissions for the subject matter you enjoy drawing and just ignore the rest. There are more then enough furies "people who like anthro animals" that are very professional upstanding clients and artists and you'd be doing both us and yourself a disservice cutting those people off or closing off others that may come to you later from such things. That said it isn't your responsibility to put up with anyone's stupidity and you can remind them of that if they bring it to you. It's not an all or nothing game. I think you *should* prioritize your other work if it's more rewarding for you but I think you're here because it lets you draw things you like to draw. Furry will never be anything but stupid and unprofessional if everyone that is professional leaves. Please think about what you want for yourself and choose to engage in activities that further what you want. Make available things that further what you want and people that want that too will come find you.

Well, there’s little that I could put here that hasn’t already been said -- and more eloquently, at that. But what I will say is that I dig your work and hope always to see more. While your style may not be “mainstream furry” (quite the oxymoron there), why does that have to be a bad thing? In my view, that’s something that makes your art unique, memorable, and easily recognizable. Sounds good to me! Why not embrace it?

This is probably cliché, but IMO, the only member of your audience that you’ll be able to consistently satisfy is yourself. If you aren’t happy with your work, it’s doubtful that anyone else will be. So concentrate on doing what you enjoy, and the rest will surely follow.

Besides, you can’t leave anyway! Coyotes are relentless trackers, you know. Although we are easily distracted by bacon. Still working on that… *sheepish grin*

Well, Balto, sometimes you have to put up with stupid. (I know I do, every day of my life. And not just at work, but in places like McDonald's, Kinko's, etc.)

Some other anthroartists weren't able to tolerate stupidity. One prime example was Martin Wagner of the comic book (for mature readers) "Hepcats", who abandoned 'furry fandom' altogether in the mid-1990s, after dealing with one stupid person after another.

I'd certainly hate to see you throw away your God-given talents, just because someone else does or says something that gets up your nose. As for fewer 'professionals' in the fandom, I've encountered those few from time to time - such as Stan ("Usagi Yojimbo") Sakai, recently at "MegaCon '08" in Orlando - and I've keep in touch with others by 'snail-mail' and E-mail.

Having been a contributor to the 'funny animal' APAzine "Rowrbrazzle", I've seen (in past issues) the works of those struggling artists, who would go on to bigger and better things - folks like Chris ("The Lion King"/"Lilo & Stitch") Sanders, Dave ("Taz-Mania") Kuhn, Garrett ("Catscratch") Ho, and Mike ("Captain Jack") Kazaleh. (I'd certainly like to invite you to join "Rowrbrazzle", as its roster is full of newer anthroartists, and a few returning veterans. You'd fit in, beautifully...)

To my way of thinking, stupid people are simply 'speed bumps' (and NOT 'roadblocks') on the "highway to success". And I truly believe that you have a lot of great art left in you, to continue your existence in 'furry fandom'.

If, however, you decide to finally hang it up, and put away your pens, inks and paints, I'd still like to stay in touch with you... not from one artist to another, but one friend to another. And I don't think THAT is so stupid, is it?

Well I can understand your frustration. One of my hobbies is amateur astronomy, and you'd be surprised how many teens, and adults put forth the most idiotic statements: "Hey dude, can you tell me my horoscope?" or "Seen any UFO's?" and other mind numbing crap. Garbage like that (especially when you're sharing your hobby with others) really takes the fun out of the hobby at times.


From the standpoint of the Furry Fandom, I have seen some similar items. However, what I have seen in greater numbers are those who appreciate fine artwork and creativity.

Balto - you have that in spades! You (and many others) are so much more talented than I. It's a rare gift, and I dearly hope you continue to grace the FA members with your creativity.

There will always be a few odd balls in anything one does (whether work or play) but you can't let it get to you. Don't give up your art, because of a few flakes. That would be a loss to you. I know the choice will be yours, but as the line form the last Indiana Jones movie goes, "Choose wisely."

Take care