Jump to content

I apologize for being sad :C


Recommended Posts

I've been gone so long on these forums and I'm really disappointed in myself... I wanted to do so much for my commissioners and for AX Artist Alley, but in the end... Nothing panned out and I became really depressed...

 

[align=center]2016_a_handwritten_letter_to_my_dear_commissioners_by_kura_ou-dagew8d.png

 

2016_depressed_vs_happy_by_kura_ou-dagf0wx.png[/align]

 

 

 

It was made worse by my tablet not working so I couldn't do my older digital commissions I accepted in late May and early June.

 

I feel horrible for making everyone wait.

 

But I don't know how to respond...

 

I don't know if anyone reads my **TERMS OF SERVICE**.

 

I am solely at fault for not communicating...but at the same time, bouts of depression, and not simple sadness, I feel, attack me for small, petty reasons or none at all. I don't think I can put that in a Terms of Service, but it's true, and I hate myself for it.

 

It's stressed in my signature that my art is my life, that I put so many hours into my art [when I feel well enough to draw]. And yet, despite having no show of illnesses before, this stupid sad feeling comes out of nowhere when I least expect it and mentally cripples me until who knows when.

 

"You're an unprofessional, disgusting person." - 6/10/16

 

"Your prices are too high. I can draw way better than you and wouldn't charge that much." - 7/2/16

 

I can't pretend to be happy right now...nor can I read and take any negativity from any messages, brought on by my own inaction, either. How pathetic, right?

 

-----

 

[align=center]**UPDATE 8/31/16**[/align]

 

As depressed as I have been since early July, I cannot afford to always feel bad about myself. I'm now barely realizing that. It's taking me a bit more time to get to everyone's replies, commissions and messages due to more life complications after hearing about my father's health complications from the doctor's office... So I am monitoring my father, nagging him every so often to make sure he takes care of his health better.

 

For commissions and FFXIV art in general, I may stay silent for a while, but I will not give up on my art. I know I felt quite sad after one of the first people who commissioned me changed their avatar and discarded my art, I felt that even though I gave them extra work in the 1st place because I really loved doing their commission when I was normal and happier, that I just wasn't trustworthy and just scammer trash because I holed myself up during my long depression. I didn't even want to type a response to them because I was still hurt from that last person on deviantArt who said the first negative comment. That's not the correct way to move on, it's not the correct way to make my happiness more stable, my productivity increase. Those thoughts only serve to make me more depressed...

 

So I'm working towards remedying that (I bought Trader Joe's multivitamins on my birthday to give me back the gift of being happy, however slow ;; ). I've read and reread everyone's supportive comments. Since my birthday last week, I've begun to be more industrious as a student, as a volunteer, as an artist. Regardless of whether some people may find me untrustworthy due to my social anxiety and depression over the course of a commission--it helps no one if I give up.

 

I already have proof of that, but I won't show everyone the pieces yet because the final product is still unfinished.

 

[align=center]For now, I'll be showcasing pieces I have finished since late July, all time-stamped.

 

2016_comm_ffxiv_leih_f_collage_da_by_kura_ou-dac18i7.gif

 

pencil drafts of the commission and the extra gifts

 

2016_gift_p_hs_for_parth_makeo_final_da_by_kura_ou-dacad40.png

 

WIP

It's taking me so gosh-darn long on Parth-Makeo's because I have a ton of spazzy ideas...and I hope to be able to implement some of them if my technical skill is up to par Q~Q ...he gave me a few cool suggestions...and a plethora of things ran through my mind even though I haven't talked yet.

 

2016_comm_ffxiv_wchs_adeya_f_da_by_kura_ou-dae88rc.png

 

...It was a headshot commission, but I used the single reference I had of Adeya's grimoire and did my best to 'make up' the patterns. Like with every commission, I also enjoyed this...even if my hand cramped for a while QuQ;;

 

tumblr_ocljxx9BpN1veyh0fo1_1280.png

 

Stress-reliever piece for once and something I did to give back to the community (You can also enter before 9/3/16, and I'll have a separate raffle for everyone's characters here--one reason why I did it was because I went through a lot of people's screenshots and felt touched by the love and care they put into those and the companion text (if not just the screens, because a picture can also say a 1000 words ;; ).

 

2016_comm_ffxiv_wcwu_sonny_fier_f_da_by_kura_ou-daft7b4.png

 

comments here; most detailed commission up to date

 

tumblr_od4o39FCyC1veyh0fo1_500.png

 

First chibi/full-body Lalafell I drew in lieu of a headshot for Shoshopu's patience

 

So yes, I'm not done, and greatly thank everyone for their patience and understanding ^^

 

As I said before, I work slow, and sometimes don't talk because I am a little art hermit sometimes bound by emotions I can't yet understand, but I don't forget commissions, and I certainly won't run off with anyone's hard-earned money.

 

PM notifications haven't been getting through, but you are free to contact me via tumblr (which has 2 types of messaging available now, I think?).

 

I'll be volunteering some more in morning up until the early evening, but will try to work on some more art and continue replying to everyone's comments after dinner.

 

Again, thank you for not only your understanding, but your insight. I greatly appreciate it C:

 

[/align]

 

-----

 

Because of that first person, I had to refund most of the money I made from AX, which was not that much. Miscommunication is always my fault...and it's usually because I have these stupidly-grande ideas for a piece of art and always feel so inadequate, so I keep drawing other things until I can get better.

 

I'm really foolish in that aspect because even though I plan these gifts and all of that for commissioners who are really patient--if I never talk, because of depression or some art hermit streak, I will never know when a fuse will go off and I'll be reprimanded (rightly so, but the choice of words can vary; 'disgusting' is just abhorrent and I would never use it for someone who has never tried harming another person, let alone someone online, whom I cannot see being physically gross or dirty).

 

I never have any intention to scam anyone out of their hard-earned money. I know how hard it can be. To make just $100, I have to take on at least 7 headshot commissions, which take about 2-4 hours each. Imagine having to scrape at least $250/$700 every month just to try to pay for groceries and a monthly loan payment after graduation?

 

I really hate myself, because I do all I can to be happy in front of others and comfort them if needed IRL, but I have no friend like that. My elderly dad gets anxious easily and to my mom, depression isn't an illness.

 

------

 

I don't like being like this. Having no time to draw because I have to 'study', but there is no direction, no set plan for what I have to do in the health sciences. I can't even go back to school because I would have to take on additional loans and it would take away from my volunteer work, which already takes 4-6 hours via public transportation.

 

And for AX, I temporarily stopped my volunteering. I can't say that it was worth it. Spending weeks preparing sketches, only for my tablet to have problems near the end, and I couldn't meet my print deadlines for large posters or even work on ideas I really wanted to pull through with. And my buttons, after staying up a few days, I only finished 3. I lost sleep and my mom felt bad for me, so she offered to punch a bunch of them up until the early morning (3:30 am) I had to take the Greyhound for Day 1 of AX.

 

My elderly parents suffered helping me with my over-sized luggage, and in the end, I couldn't even sell 1/3 of my prints. And the hundreds of buttons that my mom painstakingly helped me make--I couldn't even sell 20 of those. That little teenager that made the pricing remark, that just made me even sadder.

 

I found it funny: I had to take on cheap commissions just to make back the money I spent sharing the table, the hotel room, and for food... So much extra work when I could have been working on my older commissions if only the prints and buttons sold well .___.

 

I probably just saw 3 good online friends the entire time I was there. My partner was super-sweet and we got to explore Little Tokyo for the 1st time for about an hour or so before everything closed. These were the few good memories I had this year.

 

And yet, they're outweighed by this sadness that seems really petty.

 

Getting a day of rest and returning to Orange County, a place I haven't been since I lost my only uncle, made me even more sorrowful. I wouldn't have to go with my mom if he was still alive. I still feel grief over his death...

 

-----

 

But the feelings I have right now are a mixture of anxiety and depression. I'm so afraid of reading these messages, because...I don't know how to give proper apologies, am afraid of people's anger... I should have just communicated more, but it's been a month or so...and I still have all these ideas in my head that I haven't gotten onto paper yet...

 

I want to do so much more to make my commissioners happy and adding some extras, but...

 

What if they now hate me and no longer want the art...? Just because I disappeared for a month...

 

Just because of my depression and foolishness in not responding as I should...

 

Ever since I lost my only childhood friend to depression, I've been having these random bouts of sadness and I still don't know how to remedy this.

 

Maybe I have no one around my age, no close friend to understand me anymore...

 

Whatever the reason, I don't like having my feelings crippling my ability to create art.

 

Not being able to draw, whether it's because of depression or technical issues, all of it makes me anxious and even more depressed when I can't deliver in a timely manner... .___.

 

I probably trust other people to trust me far too much... Because I would never steal anything they worked hard for, but the world doesn't work like that. People do steal, and I can only look like a scammer when I disappear--life reasons or not.

 

I can't say that they don't have lives either. Of course they would worry .__.

 

All I can do is apologize for making them wait so long...but would they still trust me to create art for them...?

Link to comment

I'm not mad at you and I'll continue to wait patiently. Please take your time and feel better. I will admit I was a little bummed after so long had passed, but only because I was very excited to see your beautiful art. After you went quiet following your AX, I figured that either something very bad had happened or your gallery didn't go well.

 

It's okay.

 

Take some time to collect yourself. Draw because it is something that you enjoy doing. Continue volunteering because it is something that you enjoy doing. Enjoy the time with your parents (they sound absolutely lovely for helping you to prepare!)

 

You've focused on two negative comments here. Two. Don't do that. Take them with a grain of salt and use them to better yourself. The one about being unprofessional... use that as a reminder to keep the lines of communication open! Let your commissioners know that you are not feeling well or that you are having technical issues. The ones about price and quality... that is entirely a personal opinion. Should you receive another comment like that, thank them for their advice and continue on with what you think is best.

 

Now go back and look at all of the positive comments that you have. Dozens upon dozens between here and your Deviant Art page alone. Surely you must be doing something right. Keep doing whatever that is!

 

You've been a wonderful person to do business with. You've been very sweet and polite. Your art is absolutely gorgeous. You better believe I still want my commission. And I'll wait until you finally get to #6 on that list.

 

 

Just continue to be open and honest. Depression is far more common than you might think, don't be afraid to let someone know if you're having trouble. Remember to find time for yourself and take care of yourself. (And keep up with your art so that you can eat and have a place to sleep!) But also because you seem to love art so much.

 

There will always be people that don't like what you do. And that's okay. There are so many other people that do like what you do. Focus on them and all of the positive that comes with that. Learn from the criticism and keep improving.

 

Remember to smile. Even if you're having a bad day today, don't let that drag you down tomorrow. Start fresh each day if you can! Tomorrow can be amazing.

 

 

All the love

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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. :)

Link to comment

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 ^_^

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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!

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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.

Link to comment

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

Link to comment

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. :) :thumbsup:

Link to comment

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: :moogle:

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

I'm not mad at you and I'll continue to wait patiently. Please take your time and feel better. I will admit I was a little bummed after so long had passed, but only because I was very excited to see your beautiful art. After you went quiet following your AX, I figured that either something very bad had happened or your gallery didn't go well.

 

It's okay.

 

Take some time to collect yourself. Draw because it is something that you enjoy doing. Continue volunteering because it is something that you enjoy doing. Enjoy the time with your parents (they sound absolutely lovely for helping you to prepare!)

 

You've focused on two negative comments here. Two. Don't do that. Take them with a grain of salt and use them to better yourself. The one about being unprofessional... use that as a reminder to keep the lines of communication open! Let your commissioners know that you are not feeling well or that you are having technical issues. The ones about price and quality... that is entirely a personal opinion. Should you receive another comment like that, thank them for their advice and continue on with what you think is best.

 

Now go back and look at all of the positive comments that you have. Dozens upon dozens between here and your Deviant Art page alone. Surely you must be doing something right. Keep doing whatever that is!

 

You've been a wonderful person to do business with. You've been very sweet and polite. Your art is absolutely gorgeous. You better believe I still want my commission. And I'll wait until you finally get to #6 on that list.

 

 

Just continue to be open and honest. Depression is far more common than you might think, don't be afraid to let someone know if you're having trouble. Remember to find time for yourself and take care of yourself. (And keep up with your art so that you can eat and have a place to sleep!) But also because you seem to love art so much.

 

There will always be people that don't like what you do. And that's okay. There are so many other people that do like what you do. Focus on them and all of the positive that comes with that. Learn from the criticism and keep improving.

 

Remember to smile. Even if you're having a bad day today, don't let that drag you down tomorrow. Start fresh each day if you can! Tomorrow can be amazing.

 

 

All the love

 

Dear Aurou, I apologize for this super-belated reply and for making you worry so much Q-Q I'm still a bit overwhelmed [and very touched] by everyone's kind comments and thank you for being one of the first to reach out and for giving me all these tips.

 

I want you to know that I'm trying, as difficult as it may be, to get back on track and to be happy enough so I can continue everyone's commissions at a steadier pace. I recently got to make 3 first-time chemo patients smile on my birthday a few days back, and I guess that was the best step forward *^*)b

 

In-between studying and my filial duties, I'll do what I can to reserve at least 1 hour every night to work on commissions.

 

Thank you again for your advice and understanding, Aurou Q//~//Q

Link to comment

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.

 

Q//~//Q Thank you so much, Warren. I really appreciate your wisdom and your encouragement, always. It's taken some time, but I'm getting excited over doing and finishing everyone's commissions and look forward to starting yours when the time comes QuQ

 

I'm going to do my best to focus on my happiness, productivity and future so I can continue to put my effort into creating "nice things" *^*)b

Link to comment

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.

 

QAQ I also apologize for worrying you over your commission... I'm trying to get better at communicating... It's really hard for me to do it cross-platform as a super-introvert, so I'm trying to figure out a way I can just inform all my commissions at once, but I don't know which form of social media is most convenient for everyone @-@

 

I do thank you for your reminder, though ;;

 

P.S. I have extra gift ideas in addition to your commission... so I'm trying to learn more Photoshop tricks before I draw it out and implement it. I really appreciate your patience, McBeef and apologize for further trouble... Q^Q

Link to comment

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.

 

Gosh, Caspar... Thank you so much for your kind comment and all of your encouragement (even if you say you're not good at it--it sure picked me up a lot Q//~//Q).

 

...I...honestly...find it very difficult to say anything positive about myself...but... Thank you so much, Caspar, for seeing the specks of good in me.

 

I want to do my best to be like you described so that I can move on to do nice things for others. It really means a lot to me that so many trusted me with their beloved characters, and I don't want to let them down.

 

Thank you again, Caspar. I'm going to try harder to get over this social anxiety/depression slump and communicate properly C:

Link to comment

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. :)

 

Q^Q Aww, thank you so much, PhantasticPanda... It's just been hard feeling that I wasted my elderly parents' efforts (I've never had grandparents because my parents were already over middle age and their parents had already passed by then), but I'm going to follow your advice. They supported me regardless of my successes or failures in art, and the best thing I can do is move on from my mistakes and improve.

 

And thank you so much for sharing your college experiences with me, too, PhantasticPanda... I remember feeling that way. I found that so long as you take your time into figuring out what you really want to do, like you said, that any time seen as "lost" before will just be like time you put in for your future. So long as you're happy and can afford the necessities and tiny rewards every now and then, I think that's what matters at the end of the college road C:

 

I hope that everything's well for you now, though, and if not, please know that I'll also be cheering for your happiness and successes, too ^^

Link to comment

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 ^_^

 

Q//~//Q Awwww, thank you so much, Aya... ;/////; I'm going to do my best to focus my motivation on everyone's smiles at the end of each commission, like I did before.

 

And gosh, thanks QuQ)b I'm definitely working towards starting and finishing more commissions so that I can add more options people may like ^^ It's already a lot of fun inching towards the start of every commission--just have to keep at it as often as I can C:

Link to comment

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.

 

Thank you so much, Roen Q//^//Q It was definitely a great joy being able to draw Rae and to know that you really liked your commission .////.

 

I'll do my best to listen to you and every kind soul who has commented Q//~//Q My art professor also said something to those lines about pricing...so I just have to get over this bubble of negativity and take yours and everyone's advice to heart.

 

Thank you again, Roen. I'm barely taking small steps forward after taking a few backwards, but I'm definitely going to do my best to feel better so I can continue making more people happy with my art C:

Link to comment

So... as someone who suffers from Depression (and Anxiety, since the two LOVE to go hand-in-hand... the jerks), I TOTALLY know where you're coming from. The simplest negativity can shoot me into what I call a downward spiral. I think myself completely worthless, not worth the air I breathe. I've even sunken so low that I've attempted suicide before. It sucks to get that low, but I've been there. I know what it's like to push people away because you feel like you're not worth their friendship, that something small you did is going to make them very angry with you. And when you actually do make them angry with you, you feel worse about yourself. 

 

It's okay to feel that way.

 

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:

 

burning_flare_by_feohria-d5mi223.jpg

 

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:

 

cjPTBLIfPlg

Link to comment

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!

 

Thank you so much, LystAP Q//A//Q I'm still touched that you have it for your portrait ./////.

 

And thank you--ahhh, but gosh, I know that you have the potential to create even more awesome things! O//u//O)b

 

Q//~//Q And again, thank you, LystAP. I'm taking small steps in the face of some hardships, but it's far better than where I was before.

 

I greatly appreciate your encouragement, patience and understanding.

Link to comment

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.

 

Wow, I'm really happy to know that you have 99% positive ratings, though :D (It's quite mean-spirited of that 1%, however. Good thing negatives are so rare for you ;; I'm sure that you worked hard to obtain your skills, and you don't need people spreading lies like that... I can sympathize with that Q-Q

 

I had 1 commissioner a few years back lie about my business practices when he made up an imaginary person to slander me...and I barely started doing commissions back then, so there weren't many positives or anyone who would be willing to stand up for me. I was already depressed and overworked before he posted it up, and after I responded to him, he privately berated me like I was trash. Even the sole project I worked on for another client on those same forums had all of my art pulled and replaced even though they initially liked my work.

 

As a freelancer yourself with so many positive ratings and highly valued skills, I hope that you never, ever have to come across anyone like I did, this type of "client from h***" Q^Q

 

I'm quite grateful when people tell me "take as much time as you need, I understand..." But those were very similar to what he said long ago, and he ended up treating me as subhuman... I'm still very fearful of that, but my limited time, energy, social anxiety and risk of further depression make it all the more difficult.

 

I'm trying, though... I love creating art, and I can't thank everyone enough, including you, for all of your advice and encouragement.

Link to comment

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.

 

Q//~//Q Gosh, thank you so much, LiadansWhisper... I'm going to take your advice >A<)b

 

Thank you for your kindness and support, too O//~//O I will definitely let you know (and ahhh, your words speak the truth--I wish I had more backbone to tell off that kid ;; ).

 

And I'm doing just that OuO)b <33333 Thank you again for spreading good feels!

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...