*Swift Quill draws in a big deep breath, then lets out a long, withdrawn heavy sigh* Ok, so I really don't know where to start with this, except for maybe saying... on one particular Brony forum I am on, or more like used to be on, (Bronies Australia), I have copped what I feel like is a fair bit of abuse, here is a snippet of what kind of abuse I copped with: Other kinds of abuse I have gotten is threads I make being derailed on purpose, an example of that is, I had made a thank you thread to my "friends" on there and the first few posts were pretty much "oh wow, circlejerk" etc... I am a VERY SENSITIVE person, I am also very serious, I do not take being offended lightly... Especially when it was done on purpose! Have I ever come across to anyone here as an attention seeking "drama queen"? I mean I try to be myself when online, I really hate liars, and I really hate people who lie about things themselves, even online... I also think I may be losing interest in the fandom, mainly because of the **** I've been put through with these idiots.. So yeah, I may or may not be leaving... *sigh*
I'm never really certain how to respond to things like this, but it seems to me that a little bit of brutal honesty is in order. Please keep in mind that the advice I'm about to give you is not meant to insult you, but is instead offered in the hope that you will use it. The world is full of cruel, thoughtless people. It's a fact of life. The only effective way to deal with them is to learn to ignore them. If you let them get under your skin, if you show any signs of weakness or vulnerability, they will continue to attack and insult you. Show them that you are stronger than their pettiness and stupidity, and they will eventually get bored and find an easier target. Concerning your art, I won't lie and tell you that it's wonderful, and they don't know what they're talking about. In all honesty, you still have a lot to learn. The thing is, though... ALL artists still have a lot to learn. The whole point of being an artist is to constantly improve your style and technique. You still have a ways to go, but I can see small improvements with each new picture you post. At the rate that you're improving, it won't be long before you're creating some truly amazing art. Giving up because a few people insulted you is only harming yourself. Keep drawing, keep improving, and always remember one thing: If YOU like your art, that's really all that matters.
This. If you want to make art, you do it for yourself. If people tell you your art is bad/wrong, you shouldn't have to let it get to you, because you're not trying to entertain anyone. You're manifesting your own internal world. If you just want to make things that you and other people will like, then that's fine. But people will give critique, basically saying 'You're not entertaining us correctly.'
This wouldn't be much of a problem for you if you weren't overly vulnerable and sensitive, however why should you have to alter your own personality for the sake of others approval, eh? With art, I'm always getting abuse. I let it stop me from studying it in college, from taking it seriously and pursuing it as a career and sometimes it's stopped me for weeks from drawing anything. I should have just maintained a stiff upper lip and ignored them, but at the time I was incapable of doing so, because art was all I had at the time. But please, for the love of your sanity, Learn to ignore these people. Granted, you shouldn't have to, but life does not alter itself to suit you and sadly, you need to put some effort into being LESS SENSITIVE and LESS SERIOUS because heck knows some 'fandom members who shalt not be named' will eat you alive if you're that combination. You either get stronger and learn to stand up, or you distance yourself and find other places to express yourself. It's your choice. Either way, I regret to see another person here alienated by a said few asshats in the fandom. It's so common in every fandom, but especially this one. You can Skype or Facebook me if you need to talk. I've probably offended you, and If I have, it was unintentional and I apologise. I hope you take what was said into account. It's not all 'love' and 'tolerance' like I naiively assumed it would be. People can be dicks. And it's hurtful.
