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Alrighty guys, strap in. It's story time.
On March 3rd, 2007 I uploaded my first piece of art to the internet- a lionized Prince Zuko to The Lion King Fan-Art Archive (TLKFAA). My third upload was a sketch of what became my female fursona, and my sixth upload was Lerato. And on March 22nd I uploaded art I drew of him as an adult. My method of drawing was pencil and paper- then, I would scan it, take it into Microsoft Paint, adjust the values to turn it into black-and-white lines, and color it with the bucket tool. At this time, I was in high school and had no clue what I wanted to do with my life- I just liked sketching and dreamed one day of being able to draw like Disney.
Fast-forward to 2011, where I was now in college, majoring in Computer Animation. I still never considered myself a good artist, but I'd seen so many behind-the-scenes of my favorite animated movies that I felt my 'calling', as it were, was to work on and create those movies. I found a passion in how these movies were made, the skill, talent, and ever-growing potential of technology fascinating me and making me want to learn more, and desperately wanted to be a part of it. And now that I was in actual "artist" classes, I started to draw again and felt more motivated than ever to improve, try new things, and see just how far I could go.
It was also in college that I started to truly understand what it meant to call myself an 'artist'. It meant always looking for ways to improve. It meant finding the good in what I create, but also looking for ways I could do it better the next time. It meant understanding my own worth, but pursuing a worth greater than what I currently had. And it meant ALWAYS drawing, never stopping, because every single drawing will be better than the last- even if only slightly, even if in a way you can't even see. Of course, these are just the main meanings of being an artist that I found during this time, there are certainly more and they are different for everyone.
Upon graduating, I was unable to reach my 'dream', and instead I now work at a printing press. It's a bit of an understatement to say how much that crushed me. As much as I've learned, and as much as I can understand my own worth, it was clear that I was not at the level that I needed to be at in order to fit into the role I had dreamed up for myself. And while I had since found the furry fandom, started commission work and found an additional drive to continue drawing what I love and have it, it wasn't the end-all be-all. I don't know where I'd be without the furry fandom, but certainly it wouldn't be here.
Ultimately, ever since I started drawing, I knew two things: 1) I was not at the level where I wanted to be. 2) The only way to get there was to keep drawing, and as long as I did, I would get better in time. These two things still hold true to me this day. Despite how proud I am of my improvement, and how happy I am with how this particular piece turned out, I am still not where I want to be. "Will I ever be?" Who knows. But the hope that maybe one day I will is enough to keep me going- and the growth I see when looking over the years is proof enough to justify my efforts.
Where will I be in 7, 8 years? In 10? I honestly have no idea. Hopefully, up.
tldr; art is hard, but still I will art
Thank you to everyone who has supported me and continues to encourage my growth and efforts. I'll keep trying as long as ya'll will keep having me. <3
-Tigger
Category Artwork (Digital) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Lion
Size 1037 x 880px
File Size 229.2 kB
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