*gives ya a big warm hug*

Some times, what one needs is just some space to process and argue down that feeling. I myself have to keep reminding myself that not every curt response is a dismissive, 'fuck off'. If you want to talk, you know where to find me. Otherwise, and I know it probably isn't helpful, I for one know that you try to be as kind and friendly as you can be.

Take what time you need.

*hugs*

I find it takes me a few days before the overwhelming feelings of dejection completely dissolve...if almost preferred they had just ignored my comment, it's what I've come to expect really. Was just thrown a curve ball in this instance.

I really appreciate you being there for me though, I know you're going through your own things so it means a lot when I hear from you.

Because sometimes people are dick-pimples.

Sometimes they aren't, though. Maybe step back and take a closer look at their responses. Try not to take everything so personally. I know it can be hard sometimes, but mot people really do have your best interests in mind.

Hey, and if you ever want to chat, I'm always here.

*lol* 'dick pimples'

I really never thought they were trying to be rude, it was more they felt I was being rude or lazy or dismissive to their work. I sent an apologetic letter but I probably won't hear anything back, folks are all over you when you screw up but they're nowhere when you're doing something right, or trying to at least. I know I shouldn't take it so personally, it's hard for me, especially that not only had this happened SO MUCH but I've been wanting to say something, anything to this person for a long time...I love their work.

Anyways, thank you for responding to this...least I can depend on a few artists I admire.

*hugs* People are such jerks sometimes.

Keep in mind that you got me in support.

*hugs* and I do appreciate it...even if I'm horrid at getting back to your notes at times

You can get back to them, whenever you get a chance. It's alright by me.

I'm sorry that happens dude. :( I've had my own share of similar circumstances in the past, so I can somewhat relate to that. It's disheartening.

It is, very much so, I honestly just figured my comment would be ignored, not 'the straw that broke the camels back' for people supposedly only following them for their mancandy artwork and not the stories that accompany them! Oh well...but thank you for replying.

you arent the only one this happens to, I've reached out to many of my favorite artists and almost all of them hate me for no reason. I have a theory that its becuase they only talk to people they believe can offer art that is on par with their own, if they dont consider your art good enough for them, they wont like you. Its a selfish, arrogant way for artists to think, but its hwo they do... Or so my theory goes.

Actually, your theory has been proven by the actions of some artists, but not all of them, a long time ago. I proposed this same thing back in 2007 and I found some artists online do indeed exhibit this behavior. If your art is not god-level awesome like their own, then you're just a blank-faced nobody to them. Thankfully, the number of artists who behave this way are in a grossly small minority compared to the vaster majority, who tend to be pretty open and friendly.

This is a very difficult thing to keep in mind lol

It comes with experience.

I don't know man

That's pretty much my understanding of it too, I'm just not 'on par' with these people, so I don't merit their attention. It's fine, I mean it is but it isn't...all I can do is just work my damndest and hope I'm not so dismissive to people, I certainly try not to be.

It can often be hard to read feelings or intentions online if one doesn't use voice or video chat. If people only stick to text, then there needs to be some effort made on the part of both parties to make sure they're not just saying something in a mean or callous way.

*nods* and you know that's the thing, words, however heartfeltly spoken, can be so easily misinterpretated or warped in a way that just gives the wrong impression. I really truly felt I had spoken my best without seeming offensive, it was certainly not my intention. Just...seems I fell into a carogory of people who had been bothering the artist so now I'm just marred completely. *sighs*

I'm so sorry man. That really is the worst. At least people who appreciate you here know you're nothing like that.

Amen to those feelings.

Your avatar is awesome

it's so pixelated tho. Damn res restrictions

*laighs* it doesn't make it look bad, though!

How do they not like you
You are likable to me dude, if you like someone to chat with I'm here =) *hugs

Thanks wolf-moon *smiles and hugs* I do appreciate that!

you are likable person boz you are one of my fav artist of FA i hope you are doing ok

Hey there

I know you've been messaging me and I'm sorry I've not gotten back to you, I keep meaning too. Just don't think I'm ignoring you or anything or don't appreciate the support, I really do!

your welcome boz just hang in there and just continue on your artwork and your stories ^^

An unfortunate part of being a celebrity is the necessity of building walls around yourself. Imagine receiving 10 one-paragraph emails, or worse hand-written letters, every week. What do you do? Spend your art-time, or studio time, or slim free time composing two or three sentence replies for each of them?

As well-meaning as a celebrity might wish to be to each fan, they simply can’t. It can be quite stressful to go to a public gathering (Comic Con for example) and have to deal politely with the same inane question asked by each of your fans, or attempts by a fan to engage him/her in a long personal conversation, while others of his/her fans are trying to talk-over the fan that the celeb is dealing with at the moment.

While it is still not that common, some comic book artists DO have close friends or wives/mates to serve as their secretaries and write the replies to fan emails and letters for them. Some of these “secretaries” get tired of answering the same fan questions, requests for free art instructions, and consequently send back curt or stinging replies.

My advice, Boz, is ‘don’t take it personally’. We all get our muzzled bruised when we run into the walls that the Big Guys put up around themselves for self-protection.

And this is why anyone who does this art stuff to be famous I lose all respect for.

Art, like any other form of communication, is about getting an idea or thought across to your audience. For an artist or musician or author to ignore their audience’s reactions (some of which come in the form of letters, comments, or attempts to speak to the “artist”) destines them to acquiring a reputation for being “cold and unfeeling“, something that no amount of pretty pictures, songs, or novels will be able to overcome and will dog them all the days of their career.

On the other hand, fans should appreciate that a craftsman (artist, musician or author) only has so much time in their day, and most of it is needed in pursuit of their craft, not spent answering a score or more of fan emails, letters or attempts at personal conversation.

We all want the warm childhood glow of a famous artist, musician, author or actor acknowledging us with a personal reply or explanation of how they do their craft so successfully -- but making us feel good or giving us some of the secrets of their success is not part of their chosen pursuit in life -- and we should not expect it.

Should their reply be polite and courteous? Of course it should. But will it always? Roll the dice. Artists, musicians, authors and actors have crappy days too and getting a request for the hundredth time for a craft secret that they spent years in acquiring is not likely to receive that polite and courteous response.

You totally missed what I said. You weren't even close. I am talking about people who only try to do this to try to get famous. I can't respect someone that doesn't like having fun with their art and just tryies to use it as a ploy to try to be famous or successful in the community

Very possibly I did totally miss responding to what you wrote. In the decades of being in Furry and dealing with furry art (and artists) I can honestly say I have never dealt with a person who dealt with a fan or commenter with indifference or callus responses “as a ploy to try to be famous or successful in the community”.

I seriously doubt that they do that to earn anyone's respect.

I had a friend who pretty much did that. He would always get so mad when none of his stuff got a lot of likes and comments

I think your “friend” needed to understand that everything we do in life will not always meet with everyone else’s approval. That is a childhood expectation that usually fades out as we approach adulthood.

Likes and comments generally begin to appear when the artist produces works that echo some part of the viewers’ own lives, experiences, or fantasies, and not just those of the artist.

I know a couple artists who didn't enjoy drawing, despite being fairly good at it, and they admitted they were more or less doing it just for the attention. They didn't stick with it cuz, well, they didn't enjoy it....

Didn’t get enough pats on the head from their parents when they years ago ran up to them with their scribbled drawings looking for approval did they?

I do understand that most entertainers or performers DO enjoy the “applause” they receive for a skillful performances from their particular “audience“, whether it be for a song or a drawing, but “audience manipulation” just to gain that “applause”. Creation should be enjoyable for its own sake even without an audience.

Honestly it's unfathomable to me in general, I find drawing so much fun.

In all fairness, at least they were honest about it when I asked. Not sure how much the rest of their audience knew., though...

Even so. Nothing I can do about it

Good points. (hang in the 'Boz. We've all dealt with similar feelings. Love your art). :)

(And I love you all for loving my scribbles *lol* thanks!)

I'm certain I have similar walls, and I really appreciate your words on the matter, as they help me understand as well as remind me of how folks can be.

I guess what gets me is, despite having these walls myself when I reach out through them it's like...'no, you don't have to drop everything for me, or even thank me, but at least know the last thing I'd ever want to do is offend, insult, or worst of all...put you off drawing something that I love'

Again I know taking things personally is a big problem of mine, and to be truthful I was A LOT more composed about this than I felt upon initially reading some of their postings. (You know like, just picture a fully grown man sitting on the floor with his legs clutched to his chest, rocking back and forth going 'why do I make everyone hate me?' Over and over *lol*)

Well, maybe not THAT severe...still

But thank you once more for your insight, I've certainly taken it to heart.

Boz, many years ago I was attending AnthroCon when it was in Albany NY. I happened to be standing next to an artist whose work was being displayed at a vendor’s table. I paid him the compliment that I found his work to be really good and that he was very talented. His reply to me? ”Yes, I know I am.”

How to Win Friends and Influence People. Not.

Artists can create beautiful work, but that does not mean that they are likewise beautiful inside.

You ran into a likewise unpleasant artist, Boz. That does not mean that YOU should take how you were handled as an indication of YOUR effect on people. Take a look at the praise you have garnered here within the walls of just this single journal to get some idea of your effect on MANY people and not just one egotistical self-important “artist”.

You are loved and appreciated for your work, and for yourself.

hey lionus, I wonder if It might be all right for me to note you privately? I mean, if it's okay, I'm still up and down about this issue *chuckles* and I kind of wanted to go into more detail about it...I just didn't want to come across as if I was intentionally trying to slander someone by bringing up their name/art or anything.

In response though, you reminded me of the first and LAST time I went to a furry con...it was about ten years ago, and I was trying to talk to an artist whose work i really admired. now it's not that this person turned out to be rude or self absorbed, quite the opposite, they were very down to earth...buuuuuut the person standing in front of me talking his ear off never really gave me a chance to speak with him. Beyond that most folks there were very pushy and rude, I absolutely hated it...so I haven't been to another since.

And as I've said, though it merits saying again, I really do appreciate everyones responses and encouragement, sometimes I just want so BADLY for just once to have my words welcomed by people who produce work I look up too...it just sours it when these things happen. I've been plugging through projects I've had going on and trying to turn this negative into a positive, but it still is difficult at times. But coming back here and reading all this definitely helps so, thank you again for that.

Answered you with a P-note.

I feel for ya Boz.

Hang in there!

Thanks svaubel! *hugs*

Truthfully, you can't really trust anyone, friendly and famous or not. Cause those that are friendly to all may be because they have some art to look at and felt better about themselves, meaning any better art gets ridiculed by these 'artists' I'm not even a big person in the community and I have to have walls cause other and other people. I don't trust not even a single friend of mine who are famous artists, cause I don't know if they are actually being nice or if that act it on he computer and then talk bad about you behind the keyboard.

It's tricky, I'll confess I experience the same feelings from time to time, there's only a handful of people I trust to be wholly sincere to me without thinking they'd ever badmouth me or speak ill when I'm having one of my emotional spats. I know I can be overbearing and being open about how I feel just opens me up for ridicule, I've experienced that a lot too. But if I keep it inside I just end up feeling like I'll throw up if I don't talk about it someplace. So I get what you're saying and appreciate your thoughts about this, too.

Yeah, even you need any one to vent to personally, Im here for ya. We can be friends

Dun worry guy. As an artist i can sympathize.

And you know I appreciate it, thanks

*hugs tightly*

Yeah I have been there too. Tried to get close to a few artists that I really like.....only to get "the front door slammed into my face and locked" if you get my drift. *Sigh*

But I do like your art DaBoz though.

Yea, I know you've experienced this too and I'm sorry about that, however I for one appreciate the fact you keep commenting on stuff here, even if I'm. It the most responsive all the time.

Some artists get to a state where there art can be amazing ..however it can at times make them big headed or to good to talk like a human being to others. Any little bit of criticism in a comment can spell disaster. Or they consider themselves to busy to reply.
I personally don't think I'm a good artist, any form of compliment means the world, and I try and talk and reply to anyone who does. I think even if I did get to some form of popular level I'd like to think I'd never become an Ass.
Your art is extremely delish and a very high standard on a side note.

I certainly hope so too, for myself, the last thing I'd ever want to be is an ass to someone who appreciates my stuff...I honesty can't ever see myself being talented enough to be an ass anyways *lol* but that's probably a good thing.

But thank you for the kind words, they're very appreciated.

I don't consider myself an artist so I wouldn't know if my opinions matter. Wouldn't want to sugarcoat it but this actually exist. Makes me think art doesn't look good if the artist is a total jerk. I'm sorry this had to happen to you. Honestly things like this makes me not want to commission them anymore.

Yea, that's another issue I've seen pop up, people getting fed up trying to commission folks who're either cold or uptight to them...would you believe the one time I commissioned someone they were kind of stand offish to me? So yea...fortunately I don't need to commission folks as I'm certainly not going too again.

But artist or not I appreciate hearing from everyone, I honestly didn't expect so many people to give their thoughts on this...and it has made me feel a lot better.

i think that's just what furry artists are like,they think they are gods and unless your throwing money at them they don't wanna know

Yea...if I had money to throw at people I probably would, but then they'd only like me for as long as I could pay them.

I wouldn't mind doing the patreon thing though, I'm just in the same boat as most of them are.

It's not that you're not worth their while. It's either that popularity has made them think everyone else is beneath them, or they simply do not have the time to respond to piles of notes from fans all over.

Either way, you seem like a great guy to me! You don't need their validation. You're also an excellent artist yourself!

D'aw...well thank you very much! I'm trying not to think the worst of some people, it's just hard being so sensitive not to take these things personally...I hasn't really expected to be noticed at all, and certainly not noticed in a negative light.

i second  SLaveDog554

No worries! If you want someone to chat with though, I'm still one of your Skype contacts!

*hugs*

*grunts and hugs back*

I feel you on the subject I faced some similar stuff and I am not a major artist. you are a cool dude even though I don't know you very well but dont let situations like this get you down . keep being awesome.

Being yourself makes you interesting. Stay humble my friend!

And... you are quite capable with words. It's bullshit you fail at.

Well...I really do try, just ended up saying the wrong thing when all I wanted to do was so the right ones. But thank you for your kind words

you are who you are, I like your work (and always have since old days on the orc yahoo club) and I have never found you to be abrasive, rude or baggage-filled; if they can't get past their own egos "fuck 'em" frankly

Thug

*lol*

Yes, I remember you very well, and let me just say it's really an honor that you've been following that long, especially with what a nutcase I've been at times...so, just thank you for that too. I'm glad my image hasn't been too marred over the years, and I always like hearing from you so thank you for still being around, too!

you're a good guy in a harsh world

Thug

Hope you feel better from your blow out. I think you're likeable. I often times feel the same way about myself being a creep or misunderstood.

Oh yea, I feel worlds better...finishing my latest piece and reading all this insight from people as well as their own experiences has been wonderful. Thank you for stoping by and commenting, too.

Of course I would like to get to know you more too. We can be friends maybe if we're honest and open. You are a deep wonderful man

A lot of time they are just on a high horse or want drama when they misinterpret. Not you that's the problem then, it's them.

Yea, I don't want to speak ill of anybody I just wish at times I could fit into their 'clique's...or however it's spelled. I've never been good at that, not sure why I keep trying! Oh well...but thank you for your response.

HOLY SHIT I GOT BACK TO EVERYONE!

I feel the same way at times, but then I take other things into account and am able to workaround. You just gotta practice on how to make the right first impression, try not to be too sensitive, and regardless of what happens, try thinking of what you do have.

Oh I know, I mean, I thought I was making a good impression! *lol* I'll just have to better analyze what I write and think to myself 'is there anything that can be misinterpreted, here?' Before sending something.

I know how you feel, I'm the same way. You can always message me if you need someone to talk to.

Thank you very much, I cerainky will, though I can be a bit slow with notes at times admittedly.

That's fine. And if you wanted, you can hit me up at my telegram as well Yoshima

Considering your own artistic talents, it seems odd that you would admire others in such degree. Your work is terrific - people should be reaching out to you!

And I agree with CaptainFurry on this !

Agree with the captainfurry and blueeyedwolf

Amen.

You're always so wonderful with your comments...thank you for that. I certainly wouldn't mind this if it was the case but it honestly never really happens, I mean least in receiving notes and what not, but I really am grateful when folks take the time to comment on my work. I've said this before but for as much as I love doing my art just for the sake of doing it, I do it as a means of reaching out to people and sharing a bit of myself, too. So, it is good to know when that's appreciated.

I'm sorry to hear it, but are you actually talking about pro-level artists (vs just fandom folks)? I'd never expect much of contacting anyone at that level, to be honest. And I imagine a lot of them have insulating PR machines who filter their responses, so who knows if you're talking to them, or to a hapless hired intern.

I've conversed with you for...pretty much all of those 15 years, I can't fathom you being actively disrespectful... likely, someone's having a bad day.

Hm, well, I mean what do you consider pro-level? *lol* ah...well this isn't someone who has a published strip but rather their own web site where they post their comics. And I mean they've been posting on DA forever, and I always loved their characters and style. So...I dunno I tend to think as someone who can do these sharp looking web sites and beautiful art as kinda pro...

And honestly I hadn't expected my words to get noticed at all, I was just like 'okay, I LOVE this, I'll say something just to let him know I've enjoyed their work so much', and then I happen to check their Tumblr and twitter feeds (as I get OCD obsessed when I'm really into something for a few days ) and their were remarks on both places on how they felt I was solely interested in only the pictures, not the story, as I had stressed my adoration for them. They went into mention that this is something of a vex for them as, yes people tend to focus on the rugged muscled guy possibly hooking up with another rugged man than anything else that's going on in the strip...I was just the latest comment to add to that irritation apparently, so yea, possibly having a bad day.

I had never, never meant to do this, I love everything that's going on in the strip...it's just I focused on the main character because he's what drew me in to find the comic in the first place.

So I was pretty upset, y'know it's just as I've said it took me years to work up the guts to say something, I was prepared to be ignored but not to upset the person...or put them off continuing the comic (which they said as well)

That's kind of what I wanted to talk about in my note, not this exactly but I meant to ask how best to approach this situation, as I was so eager to say something to them but trying to deal with the fact I'd just been seen as another faceless fan. This was actually before I made the comment on their comic though that I messaged you...but I knew you were going through something and I didn't want to be selfish and bug you with my nonsense.

But thank you for taking the time to respond to this, and for sticking by me ...despite the fact I can be a wack job at times *hugs*

Oh...I think I'm misreading this (kinda tired =X), you mentioned Eric Powell so I thought you were referring to someone published.

So you didn't follow up on their comment? Don't know how to respond to that without your full comment or their response. But I've had plenty of comments about my characters, and as long as they're not "I wanna **** his **** so ****ing badly", and I don't sweat them, so I don't know what he's so fussed about, it happens. And I also know you're way too polite to have said anything remotely disrespectful. I literally can't imagine you saying anything rude on a first impression like that. Might be a bad day, though honestly, some artists ARE just dicks, too, yanno ^ ^;;
Also, just a side rant here, if people want full discussion and appreciation of their works, then they should get the hell off Twitter and Tumblr, because those are basically designed to stifle actual conversation as much as possible.
I don't know the artist so I don't know if following up would help or not.

*Hugs* Eh, we're all whack jobs here

well I used him as an example that, I guess were this person published, and I didn't have means to communicate (via the internet and it's many...many outlets) I probably might not have even bothered, or rather have expected much. Honestly I was trying not to expect much but y'know...I was prepared for everything save the 'you're totally ignoring my stories because you're so focused on the pictures...' interpretation.

and I know some artists can be that way...I just really, really really wanted him not to be...I mean I forget where I read it, but they said at some point, or somewhere aside from aspiring to get published, they were hoping to seek someone out to work on the comic, sort of to help them out. And I was all like...FUCK YEA I'D DO THAT FOR FREE! So...yea, I was kind of hoping, maybe to hit it off at some point, maybe not through the comment I made alone but...somehow. Now I feel that's shot to shit.

god...and you know, I REEEEEEEEEEEALLY don't see the appeal of twitter, I like interacting with people, and as you say, those seem purposely set up so you can't communicate with anyone...you can just retweet their tweets or...whatever it is people do, I don't get it. Anyways they're very active on that *laughs* so..gosh only knows if they even use e-mail or read what I sent through that.

I mean I can tell you more details in a note if it's not a bother, I know you did note me but I wasn't sure if that was an invitation *chuckles* I just want to make sure I'm not burdening you when you've got your own stuff going on.

You, to me, is a pro level artist cause I adore your works.

...

And your level of work stress. Lol!

Well, the problem is not you but you must know that some popular artists are egocentric and dont give a shit for the fans, unfortunatelly :(
I prefer to draw for myself. I dont care if my favourite artists like my artwork or not.
Your art is great, dont worry!

I think almost everyone has had bad experiences with someone they admired at one time or another, but there are also a lot of good folks out there. As Lionus pointed out, there will need to be choices at time - until we can clone ourselves or similar time spent with fans is time spent away from doing other things (like creating art) and it can be hard to balance the two. It's especially hard when one really wants to hang out and have fun with fans but needs to finish whatever. It's a bit tricky to avoid being rude in such a situation - or, at least, seeming to be rude.

We all also have off days or even longer, when lots of stresses and demands can make one behave in a way that one later regrets. Then too, it's possible to make a fool of oneself around someone famous (God knows I've done that more than once).

But if the responses are any indication you are admired and respected. People do like you. *hugs* But learning to like or love oneself is possibly the hardest thing one can do.

Who do you like that doesn't like you back? : (

eh...I'm not comfortable with sharing the name publicly, not someone most would probably know, just someone I (still) wish would regard me with more interest or respect than they might dirt.

Is it only one person or several? *hugs* I;m sorry you feel like you're not being treated very nicely.

well at the time it was one person, but these kind of things happen to me a lot...so, yea *hugs*

I understand how you feel. *hugs tight into your hug back* I'm ilbv by the way.