Just a reminder for you guys that you can draw what you like. You aren't free from criticism, but you don't need to constantly defend your interests and don't let anyone shame you out of what you like just because of some rando online. Your life has more meaning than sm.

NSFW artists, horror artists, gore, etc don't have to justify why they LIKE to draw the stuff they do. Same with cute anime, realistic, etc. You aren't required to give some investigative report of why you like things. You aren't being interviewed for a job this is an.

I think people nowadays really feel they can get a grip of person entirely from online. This is not true. Actions do matter, but many people online do stuff they wouldn't do irl. And as a result it perceptions of art, and the community at large can be rather skewed.

I bring this is up is because I see other artists constantly try and debate others about their interests when it's not worth it. Don't look to that one negative comment when you get 20 suppprtive ones. Don't screencap obviously trolls about your art. They're want the attention.

Stop replying to people who don't respect you. They complain about your TOS, prices, styles? Move on, you have other important customers to worry about. Pick and choose your battles. And when you do, choose wisely. Think before you type. If you mentioned something bothers you-

-9/10 I guarantee trolls will show up to bait attention and see if you react. I've gotten my fair share of trolls. But the thing about them is when you let them die into obscurity, they usually just go away. Because you didn't take the bait.

That's personally why I don't engage much. Because social media IS a marketing platform. The more you dunk on someone, the more you tell the algorithm their content is worth it. And it's not. It's a waste of time. And I think some of my mutuals are going through burnout with it.

Where am I going with this? You are going to get people who will crap on you. It's the internet and you're bound to see it happen. But before you post a big paragraph of why you're justified to like this thing z ask yourself if the person would actually listen. No? Then don't.

"But people keep giving me _ comments/I'm scared of x!" They never stop. Trust me, they don't. Because this is how the internet works now. Anyone can anything, but you have power. And that power is to ignore them and do it anyways. Draw and let live.

Well, this kind of gained attention. I usually discuss art related topics when not gushing over video games/magical girls. Feel free to follow if you'd like!

That being said, please be nice to one another! And take a break from sm once in a while. Stay safe~