You did the right decision to take time off from Twitter. <3
Oh gosh, I can relate to your journal so much.
Like I tried Twitter, but after a while it started to be like a virus that feels like it's eating you up from the inside out. Of course there are some amazing people there, but I strongly feel Twitter isn't the best place to be for art. Especially if you don't have HUGE following.

I have been mostly offline from Twitter for... 2 months now??
And have seen improvement in my attitude towards my own art.
Plus, it just feels good to be in a place where everything isn't moving as fast as in Twitter.
It's not for everyone.

Ah, I'm sorry if I made selfish reply about my own experiences. ; _ ;""

Just know, that your are not alone with the feelings you have.
There are many other artists who are going through the same.

Log off Twitter, take a deep breath and heal in the environment you feel most comfortable in (whether it is FA or Instagram or somewhere else).

Your art is amazing. YOU are amazing! (●'◡'●)
Cheers!

I am so touched by this, just ;; And nooo you arent being selfish! Im so thankful to know Im not alone in feeling this way. It REALLY felt like a virus, and the feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing cos of it ate me alive on a daily basis.

Thank you for your kind words, really thank you ❤❤❤...I think a slower paced place is just what I need right now.

Twitter is abysmal now. Stay away for your health no matter how hard it can be.

Its heightened all of the bad mental problems Im having for sure ;_;

Don't worry, there's plenty of cancerous socialization here to handle all your needs. It's the cozy kind of cancer too, the soft kind where everyone's just selfish and weird instead of the usual "oh my God how do I live on the same planet with someone that dumb and mean?" kind.

I firmly believe that in the last few years, Twitter's really deliberately turned itself into a site that aggressively promotes both engagement and outrage. They've always known anger sells better than contentment, but I think lately they've been trying as hard as possible to push that and wring as much profit as they can, and the victims are always the people who feel a lot. It's like a codependent relationship, and there's nothing wrong with taking a break, even an extended one.

There is nothing good abt that kind of relationship at. And Im a social media addict as it is. Im defintely taking a break now ;_;

Your friends'll understand. It's self-care. 👍

There's a reason as to why I via tech industry following and ignorelist turned my twitter feed into essentially an update feed for softwar and hardware.

It's wise to get of social media over all. I nuked my facebook several years back.

At this point, Im definitely considering leaving Twitter. Its been so bad and I just cant keep doing this to my family too, being sad all the time

If reading all the garbage on there(and quite frankly a majority of it is) then I'd advise doing so right away and not hesitate. Leave a final tweet about FA and art pages with "twitter account will end" and leave it at that.

Hey, I don't use twitter at all. Even trying out instagram made me depressed with all the algorythms and rules on frequency of posting, content and how your page looks. Doing art was suddenly not enough and it all turned into a weird market race I couldn't be a part of. It feels like social media is doing everything to get you obsessed and unhealthy over content making, but do they worth it in the end? Many people successful in social media are actually lonely and unhappy in their real lifes. Most important things can not be obtained virtually, so don't think low of yourself for not fitting social media standards. At the end the only thing that will matter is your family, friends, pets, the places you've been to and the things that you've seen and felt. Life is full of joy and inspiration, you can use it as a source to feel worthy again

My gosh, Im just...shaking a little reading this cos it hits home so much ;_; I really did feel like it was a ratrace of some kind in order to remain relevant and it was making me obsessive and miserable. Im a slow artist by default so it was really hard coming up with content all the time. I felt so flawed for not being fast enough.

Thank you so much for your kind words ❤❤❤ It helps bring my skewed perspectives back to what does really matter...family, friends, pets and living that life with them

Lord, twitter in my honest opinion is an absolute mess, an endless toxic pit - So do what you feel is absolutely necessary, your mental health matters more then some site, please take care of yourself <3

Thank you, Fawn ;; ❤ I certainly am quite sensitive so Twitter was like a black hole for me. I was also just unhealthily dependant on it. Time to change that now!

First, 100% agreed with what said up there. Social media can be really toxic if you aren't careful. I mean, I guess its great for sharing your work to a larger audience, but the constant struggle to fight the algorithm and keep up with posting regularly to keep being seen can really tear you down after a while. I get frustrated with it myself. I only tried Twitter briefly, but the sites I do use are likely no different.
Just remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Still, even the "best" of us do it sometimes and its hard to get yourself out of the slump when you do. I've found for me, its best to try and redirect my focus to what I HAVE accomplished, and how much I've grown and improved since I started. Take a super old piece and redraw it in your current style, that's always a great way to get a very clear look at how far you're come.
Also remember that there's someone out there who looks at your art the way you look at an artist's work that you admire, and think they'll never be as good as you. The other day I was absolutely drooling over some art I discovered on Instagram and thinking my stuff is complete trash by comparison...and then my sister immediately said she thinks the same thing about her art when she looks at mine. Really snapped things into perspective. >.>
Taking time off from social media is never a bad idea. Just go have some fun with art, do what you love instead of what you think people want to see. It will feed your soul and take you out of the bad headspace, and you'll likely create something really amazing that you'll be proud of. (I'm currently having a blast working on a project partially inspired by you and another artist I follow actually, I just don't want to give it away yet!)

Gosh, Luthien, Im just....thank you ;_; ❤❤❤ Your words are so kind and it helps me see things more logically, compared to seeing it thru' the lens my inner critic is so happy to put up all the time...

Fighting that damned algorithm is the WORST. I just dont have the time and capacity to draw as frequently as I do now. I became very toxic to myself cos I felt so inadequate being unable to keep up. I want to *enjoy* art again, take my time and not hate it. Somehow, I'll heal and get there!

Aaaa I never know what to say when ppl tell me I inspired something I just akjejwjdheksheje ;; ❤ I lool forward to seeing what you're working on aaaaaaaaaa

I know I pop out art like a factory so I hope I’m not contributing to what’s making you feel inadequate because you aren’t fast. I’ve only gotten speedy because I basically have to if I want to keep my queue rotating fast enough to keep art as my job. I often get very frustrated with myself because I feel like I rush things and I wonder if my art would be better if I had the time to slow down. Speed comes more naturally to me than most but it comes at a price of being quite hurried, so take that into account.

Ohh goshh no ;; I love watching your WIPs on FB. I think Im slow also cos Im not very consistent with my commission types lol! Something to work on 😅

Maybe once the inner hubbub calms down and I feel better, I'll be able to make art at a healthy, consistent pace 🌸

I don't go on Twitter. Too much problems on it. I rather socialize on my PS4 or outside.
I could give you suggestions, if you need any. But the only thing I can come across right now is Minecraft. I know it's not much but if you need suggestions and some ideas, this bear is nearby. If I could, I brew you some tea. Especially after playing Ghost of Tsushima :3

Agreed! And sometimes on Twitter trouble finds you so...Im gonna stay away for now x.x

Id love tea! Sadly I dont play games much these days but Id LOVE to try my hand at Ghost of Tsushima...and Horizon Zero Dawn 2....

Thank you, Hunter ❤ You've always had a kind word to say to me and I appreciate it always

Go ahead, I've been backing away from Twitter myself. I understand it's just gross to be on.

It makes my mental state gross, thats for sure x.x Im glad I realized I needed to back away

I started using twitter a few years back to market my books.
But after a while you start to notice how fake and disingenuous everything there is.
The social part of media is a lie. It's a complete scheme to get advertisements right up into your face and spread hate to get add clicks.
If you're brave and strong of will enough to see through that mess, you can use it to your advantage.
If all social media ceased to exist tomorrow I wouldn't shed a tear.

As for your depression, I don't think twitter is the cause, it's more like a manifestation of the symptom.
I've had various stretches of my life dominated by depression, different reasons as well, until I finally realised a few key things.

Sadly, I can't probably put into words how I came to my realisation at least not in a short message like this, but know that what it comes down to is, and this might sound strange, you really need to start caring less about what people i.e. strangers (that is what people on twitter are) think or say about you. If you value someone's opinion then yes it's important to listen, but you always need to remember if someone random criticizes you, you don't know their background, perhaps they are having a bad day and take it out on you. That's all normal human behaviour, train yourself to look through it all; I have and I've never felt more driven in my life goal than ever before.

The moment I battled my depression head-on I started writing books, I'm now nearing completion of the 7th, then I'll write 2 more and after that I'm going to make a computer game as a prequel to it all.

Maybe talk with a professional just to figure things out? I did, and within two weeks I knew what was wrong, and I was forever helped.
Or if you genuinely want to talk about it out we could.

At any rate, best of strength to you.

Thank you so much Riptor...you've got a good point on seeing a professional. Id really love to talk to a professional again, Ive been seeing one but then covid struck and we don't have remote therapy here.

I think my biggest issue is not so much what ppl say to me, is more my inner critic is so bad it drowns out any positivity I try to tell myself. Twitter is champion at heightening those negativities lol. That damned algorithm, it made producing art some kind of sick ratrace to see who produces content faster.

Thats wonderful you've produced so much! I aspire to do something like that with my own stories 🌸 Atleast less time spent on Twitter means more time writing hahaha

Social media can 100% do this to you. Sometimes it's important to have a bit of a detox for a while. Like take a few days off and just focus on you. I know it can be really hard to not focus on "keeping up" with others, but it's best if you work at your own pace and don't compare. (Lord knows it's hard not to compare, this is me all the time worrying about my place, xD).

I think this quarantine hasn't been very helpful towards mental health, either.

I'm happy you are gonna be around here more! This site you can take at your own pace which is nice. :D Please feel better soon and if you need someone to talk to, I'm a message away. <3

Thank you soo much, Velexis ;; ❤ For the kind words and the warm welcome. Its good to be more active here, and yes it is more my pace! Atleast its focused on art and no other distractions.

I seriously struggle with the keeping up thing! And COMPARISONS. God its so bad. Hopefully with a slower pace, I can heal from that too ;;

If you need a break from Twitter, go for it. Maybe limit your time on it until you feel better.

If I ever needed a break from this place, it’s usually for about a day and mainly via my phone that I use it.

Plus, I have enough art ideas that’ll keep me busy.

I do it all the time when it gets rough. It helps out to take breaks.

This is the best advice I have.

Thank you, Kendall....a day is already doing me good. I think I'll take a good week or more 🌸

*looooong hug * ;O;

Thank you ;; <3

I feel the same way about twitter. I do post things, but I am never browsing this site. It is not worth the time and nerves. People deliberately search for things that offends or angers them and it's gotten so bad that I am not able to look at posts either.

As for the feeling of self-worth. I do feel the same every time I see younger people that draw better or are more successful, earn more money etc. It will always happen probably, let's be honest. But comparing yourself to others also will never help. I could say that I didn't have internet until I was 13. like, younger people grow up with it now. the situation for everyone is different.

concentrate on yourself, not on other people. It helps if you, art wise now, do what you like, not what you have to do. I love your pieces personally, but I know that saying that won't help. But doing what you love definitely helps also getting better and improving on that topic. also, you might like to try different things as well, might help. last point though, we all are worth something. there will always be better people. we all are different. don't look at other people for comparison, really. I do hope you will slowly start learning that yourself, because only you can tell yourself that, but I hope you see that a lot of people love your work and definitely think you are worth more than you think right now <3

Thank you....just thank you ;; ❤ I can only see the flaws in my work, but I also realize it's wrong to just focus on the flaws. Slowly I'll learn to see the good things too and appreciate them..

And its true...lol! They will always be better ppl. But we all give something unique so what might be better for some might not be better for others. Twitter diminishes that for me. So Im glad to be away from it

yeah twitter does the same to me, especially when you see popular people get way more attention for stuff. I would definitely step back from that <3 And there are so many things in your art that are great, I really love your attention to detail, your outfit designm the way you draw eyes and hair. focus on what you like drawing best though <3

Goodness thank you for your kind words ;; I love drawing jewelry and clothes, and it also makes me happy when the people who I design them for like them <3 Id like to keep drawing it for myself too

Then that is definitely the way to go <3 and i can tell you that it looks awesome <3

I see you have many friends here. I would advise, stay where you are loved.

Social media, as a whole, is full of hateful vile people who think getting one up on someone even at the expense of saying things that are not true, is a game. There is no point going to where these people exist as it is pretty much like swimming with piranha.

*hugs...

V.

Thank you for your kind words ;; ❤ Im so touched by everyone's replies...

Im happy to be in a place where I can take things at my own pace. FA's good for that. Twitter is just
...there are no words how toxic that place truly is

Twitter is doomed, Reika. Don't feel bad about leaving!
If you worry of the friends you may lose, just send them your Insta or make a Discord and invite them. Works much better than Twatter now-a-days.

And as for the low points, what are you talking about, Rei? You're an amazing person, which is a lot more than most artists can claim these days. Your works are inspiring, lovely to look at, and make me smile everytime I see them.
Don't feel sad, feel happy over the things you managed to accomplish! This is just uour mind taking a little break before another little run. Just don't let yourself fall down to despair.

Thank you Darth ;; 🌸🌼 I definitely wanna look at the accomplishments more, cos I tend to hyperfixate on things I dont have or the flaws in my art. I realize now that isnt healthy

And yeap! I think I'll do that with my friends too. I have some lovely peeps over at Twitter

I'm really sorry to hear that, Reika ; ;
I think you made a good decision to take the time off from Twitter. Social Media like that was created to consume the content FAST. It's honestly exhausting, especially that we - artists - need time to create the piece. Art is not a fastfood.
Additionally, a few years ago, there was a HUGE migration from Tumblr to Twitter. I believe it's when it all has started - all these call-outs, "if you do this or that then you're a racist/any kind of a -phobe/you offended me!". This is absolutely scary and watching your every single word is just. Tiresome.
Honestly, just take your time, take it easy... all your fans, supporters and friends know that waiting for your art is always worth it

Im teary reading this, Ana...waiting for my art is worth it...? I just. ;; ❤❤❤

I dont know where this low self-esteem comes from, but I hope to heal from it. I wanna be healthy for my supporters and friends, and not hate on my stuff all the time.

But yeah....that fast content, pressure to produce A LOT QUICKLY, I couldnt do it, I couldnt keep up and with my limited time Twitter work just began to *hurt*. Maybe when I can see that hellsite through healthier eyes I'll come back

The time endlessly scrolling socials is time better spent on ur projects, not to assume or give the wrong idea ofc.
Please take time to make urself better and get back at it! Others racing ahead shouldn't matter so much there'll always be better people and at the same time worse too, but these are subjective so dont compare just have a clear goal or milestone instead :)

Thank you ;; Focus on my own path and goals...! Im away from Twitter for two days and Im doing a bit more reading books and writing already.

Yeah, i came to see the endless scrolling just to pointlessly like this or that i would care less about in a week so counter-productive, glad your focusing more on you! ^^

I am praying for you.

Please stop allowing the illusions you see on Twitter to poison your life... You can't compare others lives or productivity to yours because you really never know the details of their lives, they could be miserable... Leaving that site for a while is good, concentrate on yourself and relaxing... Tell yourself those important things can wait. Take time off and be lazy. Learn to find your center, it will come to you naturally

Thank you for your kind words and prayers 🌸

You're very much right. Social media mostly shows the highlights, so we assume everyone has it better. Im particularly sensitive to this, damn it be.

Glad to leave that place for now. Im spending more time with my family and just reading more books 🌸

Social media is the poison of current society.

Im going to have to agree. It can be useful, downright indispensible at times for business, but man can it be a vile place

I can definitely relate to that. I've also been taking time away from social medias; I've completely abandoned Instagram and Facebook and really only check Twitter to keep up with news about friends but I don't read any further than that.

I can say though, that you're art is absolutely lovely, and you're honestly one of my dream artists to one day commission art of characters from one of my long-term projects.

Ive abandoned my FB too, it was its own kind of messy! I think thats the only good thing abt Twitter, being able to keep up with friends very easily.

jahsghxuwihdue ahh gosh....one of your dream artists? ;; Thank you I dont know what to say!! 😭❤ I'd be happy to draw for you!

Yeah, even after removing so many people from my Facebook and even trying to get a new one, the problem is both that they have it so that other things people are commenting on / responding to on your feed even if it's something you definitely don't want to see / hear about, as well as the fact that there's no way to get rid of the "People You May Know" bar. I've tried countless ways and even tried to message Facebook about it, but there really doesn't seem to be a way to make it go away for good. Which means I always have to see the faces of people I don't want to see. Which is a real downer, along with everything else going on in the world today. :(

Also, absolutely!! I am absolutely saving up for a floral portrait and a knee-up portrait as well as some reference sheets from you! There's something so clean and expressive in your style, as well as the colors you use are always so complimentary and charming! Looking at your art is like wagyu beef for the eyes; it's so deep and rich and the longer you look at it the more and more things you find. I love the amount of detail that you put into your pieces, no matter if it's black or white or if it's fully colored.

Its true. No matter how much you block or mute things, you'll always somehow see things on social media. It's so good to have a break from it.

Ahhh goodness me thank you ;; Im thankful for your kind words abt my work, Im speechless aaaa
I'd be happy to draw for you! 🌸

I eagerly look forward to the day I'll be able to afford it! 💜