(08-01-2016, 12:09 PM)Warren Castille Wrote: Unkind voices can sometimes speak disproportionately loud compared with those who offer praises and positivity.

I like your art. I've only had positive responses from you. I would like to continue to exchange currency for goods and services.

(08-01-2016, 01:15 PM)McBeef© Wrote: You're fine.

You can't help some things, but one thing you can help is being communicative. Most people are ok with delays, but long periods with know updates are bad.

Even just a "Things are crazy but I still plan to finish these!" every week or so can do a wonder for placating people's worries.

(08-01-2016, 01:19 PM)Caspar Wrote: I'm sorry to hear that it's been difficult for you. Don't let the negative posts get you down when there's so many others who have appreciated your work. Sometimes we want to make everyone happy and accomplish every goal set before us, and circumstances make that challenging. One of the things I noticed is that you took the time to respond to every commission with an individual posted response in the thread. At the time I thought it quaint, but then it occurred to me maybe you want to give every customer the same standard of service when accepting commissions and had set a bar for yourself to adhere to quality wise. I think regardless of real life getting in the way, that deserves respect.

I'm not that great at encouragement, so I think the most useful thing I can say is that art is your life (And I think you're great at it.) and life is your art. If so, then it's all the more important you take care of both. You might want to make everyone happy, but be conscious of what *you* want to do, or the number of commissions you can comfortably take on without undue stress to yourself. Likewise, if you focus solely on art and not on finding peace in your day to day life, won't it make it harder to put forward an effort you personally would be happy with?  If you feel you're unhappy or struggling, take time to cool down, find your balance again, and when you've decompressed, then you can think about tie up loose ends and starting up again. Most people will understand if you're honest and speak candidly about the delay. That's what I think anyway.

(08-01-2016, 01:38 PM)PhantasticPanda Wrote: Many people here have said that I've wanted to say. You're art is simply wonderful. I know what it feels like, to be brought down by the very few harsh comments I've come across in my life. I know the feeling of being depressed and lost and its something that I and many others have struggled through.

But please, do not let that hide you from all the wonderful things you have. Do not feel sad that your mom and your grandparents went out to help you. To have that sort of support and help for your own hobbies is something to look up to for any parent. You did what you could and did you best out there and there's a lot of admiration and respect to have there.

And if you need to, do not be afraid to slow down and take a break whenever you need to, from your studies or your art. Life can get hard at times but its important to recollect oneself and recover. Try not to burn yourself out. Funny enough, we have the same focus in our studies. I remember being lost, and I felt extremely bad that all my friends would graduate before me. But after some time to recollect myself, I was able to refocus onto the path I wanted to take, with some changes here and there.

Truly, I do hope you feel better soon as do many others. We understand that life happens, and it can happen to any of us. Best we do is support each other.

(08-01-2016, 02:59 PM)Aya Wrote: I love the headshot of Aya you did! As Warren says it is natural to be self-critical, and criticism often ends up sticking in one's mind more firmly than compliments, but I do hope that you see all of the people who enjoy your art and are happy to commission you!

As for that second jerk person, let him draw how he likes and charge what he wants, that has no impact on you! If people are willing to commission you then you're not asking too much! That's the way it works ^_^

(08-01-2016, 05:27 PM)Roen Wrote: I am just going to pile on with everyone else here and tell you that I really liked the picture of Rae you drew for me. It was so lovely.

Do not let other people's criticisms be the only and loudest thing you remember. Just look at your commissions list to remind yourself that your art is liked! And I know there are plenty of arguments out there about who should charge what... art is all subjective! You charge what you think is fair and don't listen to others.

But first and foremost, take care of yourself first, then everything else.

Now, when I read the two comments you're focusing on (honestly, I know it's hard but don't do that. Just remember, it's water off a duck's back) I got curious. I honestly thought that the second comment was saying you do sloppy sketches or something that I'd expect from someone who doesn't have a good concept of anatomy when they draw. But imagine my surprise when I saw that your art is absolutely gorgeous!?! You have your own style, as do so many other artists. And the artist saying they draw better than you? That is indeed just their opinion, and it is SO WRONG to compare a style of art to someone else's. Because no drawing style is going to be the same as someone else's. And not everyone is going to like a certain style someone has. But if that person indeed draws as well as they claim, then they can draw their own damn art and stop putting other artists down. 

I personally know a lot of artists who rely heavily on their commissions, so charging what they deem is fair for the work they put into a commission is essential to them. Someone else should never be the judge of what your art is worth, and if they try to tell you that your art is too expensive, then as far as I'm concerned they don't love it nearly as much as they claim.

This image here:



This is an image I commissioned from a friend who goes by the name Lilaccu. Her Deviantart and her Tumblr. She is a wonderful person, and you can contact her any time you want. She has to stuggle with a lot of problems too, and I'm willing to bet you might find a friend in her like I did. She has a lot of people telling her that the money she asks for is too much, because we live in an era right now where people want good art for cheap. They don't care for the artist or the artist's feelings. And that's just wrong. People like that shouldn't determine your worth or the worth of your art. Only you should be able to do that.

Lilaccu also has people telling her that her art is disgusting because the art she draws for fun outside of commissions is Yuri art, because Lilaccu is gay. 

But you know what? When you come across people like that, remember that they say these things for selfish reasons. They are being selfish. And their selfishness shouldn't determine how you feel about your worth.

But you know what? That piece above, I dropped about $65 for her to make it for me.

And your art, I would drop about the same. Because even though your style is different from her style, as far as I'm concerned your art is just as gorgeous. You put just as much love and care into the art you draw as Lilaccu does, and that's what makes it so worthwhile.

Learn from your mistakes. Take what time you need to feel better, and keep on swimming. 

P.S. If none of this makes you feel better, just listen to this:

[youtube]cjPTBLIfPlg[/youtube]

(08-01-2016, 07:01 PM)LystAP Wrote: I love your work! I still have it for my portrait! 

Do not feel sad about what a few individuals may say about your work. You are a wonderful artist and I am jealous of your ability, yet admired the detail you put into our characters! 

I am fine with my place on the waiting list, as I know you must have real life issues that afflict many individuals, especially depression. Prioritize your own health, and we will await your return with abated breath!

(08-03-2016, 03:09 PM)Lyriell Wrote: I understand how you feel. I'm not an artist myself but I'm a Freelance Translator und also do some Marketing and even though 99% of my reviews are good there's always a Client that isn't satisfied and that will talk badly about me. 

Don't let yourself get down by such things and if you don't feel good, don't force yourself. Art takes times more than anything else and rushing it is not the right way to go about it, no matter what anyone else things.

(08-03-2016, 08:17 PM)LiadansWhisper Wrote: Charge what you want to charge, and if anyone bitches about it, tell them to pike off.

Or, alternatively, contact me, and I will tell them to pike off and to stop being a whiny brat, get a job, and come up with the money for said commission.

I will gladly do this for you. Just go art and things.

(08-08-2016, 01:56 PM)Lililove Wrote: Never apologize for being sad <3 Everyone have moments and times where they crumble and fall. Just focus on doing what is best for you until you can help raise yourself up again. Talk to whoever you do business with and those that understand are great to have around! Those that don't? Give 'em the bird and toddle along.

<3

(08-08-2016, 02:33 PM)Xerintha Wrote: As a creative sort myself and someone who deals with chronic depression and anxiety, I can completely understand everything you're saying. I know that when I'm at my lowest, I cut myself off from the world and hate myself for doing it. If you're not already in therapy, I would suggest you see what is available and try a couple therapists until you find one that clicks for you. 

If you can find relief without medication that is the best way to go but sometimes a combination of therapy and medication is the best course of action. Medication can also help since brain chemicals and receptors are often out of whack for those of us in the chronic classifications. I would urge you to be mindful of those, though and don't be afraid to tell your doctor if it feels wrong. Not every medication works for every person. 

Hormones can also play a huge part in this and there may be something out of balance there too (mine are!).

Dealing with this stuff is hard. Really hard. But you truly can find a way to stabilize without losing your creativity and drive. I promise! So big hugs from me and you've got all my well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers. Hollar if you need someone to talk to.  

(08-08-2016, 02:55 PM)Leih Wrote: I think everyone have said the same thoughts I have. Your art is great, and I am willing to buy more in the future. Don't let people that probably have nothing better to do but go around giving mean comments make you feel bad about what you do. 

I also happen to have a very strong kind of chronic depression and I know how it feels to just be at the lowest for a time. It's something that happens and its not you fault. Don't blame yourself. 

For now the most important thing is your health and your emotional stability. Focus on that and the rest will slowly work out.


Bonus Moogle cause moogles make everything better: