Less NSFW out of me
8 years ago
For September and October I've kind of been on a commission-holiday, helping a friend out with a project instead of doing my usual work (with the exception of some sketch commissions). It's all been very refreshing to my spirits.
When I'm freed up again, I'll definitely be finishing my queue of course, but otherwise I don't know how much explicit NSFW YCHs/Commissions you'll be seeing out of me. I've come to really like drawing NSFW stuff, and I'll probably do so for things I personally enjoy, such as my own characters or ships I like, but idk otherwise. Maybe if a pose really catches me from time to time.
If I'm to be entirely frank, doing like 90% NSFW art has been a huge blow to my self-esteem. I sit around with this voice inside of me that tells me "people only like your art because you draw sex. It's the only reason." "You're a terrible artist." It's a feeling so embedded in me at this point I'm not even going to follow this up with me saying "but it's not true" because I don't know, and I'm leaning towards the less happy option there. Frankly, I think I'm a crap artist and I all too regularly think "at what point do I just accept I'm a hack?"
If I'm shit artist or whatever, then I'd at least like to be able to draw some more things that I can show my family and friends, I guess.
I do feel it's also worth mentioning as a disclaimer that I don't blame you guys for being insensitive to my wants and needs or something like that. Honestly like 99.99% of my commissioners have been absolutely the best people, and I appreciate people who watch and comment. Y'all have been nice people and I don't feel any bitterness towards you guys. The only person I loathe is myself.
When I'm freed up again, I'll definitely be finishing my queue of course, but otherwise I don't know how much explicit NSFW YCHs/Commissions you'll be seeing out of me. I've come to really like drawing NSFW stuff, and I'll probably do so for things I personally enjoy, such as my own characters or ships I like, but idk otherwise. Maybe if a pose really catches me from time to time.
If I'm to be entirely frank, doing like 90% NSFW art has been a huge blow to my self-esteem. I sit around with this voice inside of me that tells me "people only like your art because you draw sex. It's the only reason." "You're a terrible artist." It's a feeling so embedded in me at this point I'm not even going to follow this up with me saying "but it's not true" because I don't know, and I'm leaning towards the less happy option there. Frankly, I think I'm a crap artist and I all too regularly think "at what point do I just accept I'm a hack?"
If I'm shit artist or whatever, then I'd at least like to be able to draw some more things that I can show my family and friends, I guess.
I do feel it's also worth mentioning as a disclaimer that I don't blame you guys for being insensitive to my wants and needs or something like that. Honestly like 99.99% of my commissioners have been absolutely the best people, and I appreciate people who watch and comment. Y'all have been nice people and I don't feel any bitterness towards you guys. The only person I loathe is myself.
FA+

Either way I definitely think you should definitely do what makes you feel best as an artist
you make great art, and you capture emotion well, whatever you choose to do, please keep a smile, as it doesn't matter what the viewer likes if you're miserable. this is your domain, your art, your control, but understand perhaps from that angle, may be why you've gathered that following
Besides that, I have a character design idea in mind if you're ever open for that.
I have the same voice that tells me I'm no good at anything. To be honest, a couple weeks ago I broke down because of it (and a combination of insomnia) and had to put myself back together. It's a difficult thing to struggle with because it's entirely on the inside, and if it gets its way it'll prove itself right. So I hope you have people to talk with who can shine some light on you and help you beat it, and I'd be happy to chat, too. ^n.n^
As for SFW art, it's totally normal for an artist to change what they focus on! Personally, I don't mind since I only commission general or mature art, and I'd love to commission something cute from you!
p.s. you're a fantastic artist, and your picture of me as a Jedi is still my wallpaper. XD
I'd suggest having a set time each year where your open for NSFW art only, but the rest can be clean. As long as you let everyone know ahead of time , i think it'll be alright. Like a couple of months a year. Your personal work can be whatever you want though so it's the exception to the rule. But the rest of us commissioners have to wait till that time of year.
And trust me, there are enough asshats out there that would call you out rudely if you weren't good despite the mature content. So no need to worry about not being good enough. People latch onto good porn, but only super--duper-good not-porn, and don't care for not-good anything, even porn. You're latched onto, therefore you are good. I'd hate to see you feel bad if people meh at you because good alone is not enough without porn.
You're awesome, and people like sex. It's a thing.
You have probably been the absolute biggest inspiration for me when it comes to digital art, or any art. I've certainly enjoyed many artists, wanted to draw like many artists, but other than rouse jealousy that I can't be an epic artist, nobody has inspired me as much as you have. You alone have inspired me to improve, to learn, in all methods of art and storytelling. And none of it ever once came from of your NSFW pieces. You inspired me long before I even knew you did NSFW stuff.
I know that at the end of the day comments can only do so much to alleviate your worries. And I'm pretty sure I've mentioned to you before how much you've inspired me. But I just wanted to let you know again, because I know a bit how it feels, to feel like you're not good enough. I just want you to remember that to me, and I'm sure countless other young artists, you've been an amazing role model when it comes to art. You do what you enjoy, and what makes you passionate, because that is what will inspire people the most. Maybe it won't get the most views, but it will leave the greatest impact. <3
My most sincere recommendation is draw what you want to and have fun. You'll always have a fanbase, even if it's not as large as you might want.
However, you should do whatever your peace of mind demands. The community it's always second row behind you.