The "Right" Approach

This isn't my usual update, just some thoughts I wanted to share about being an artist. Dismiss if you want.

I've had an odd old time, I started digital art in 2012/13. At the time, I already saw a great deal of history on DeviantArt and here on FurAffinity that made me feel like I truly missed the boat. Every fur was like 2-3 years older than me and it really bummed me out. I was also coming from a mindset where I'd hear stories of how unacceptable furry art was IRL, and as someone who uses cartoons as inspiration, it created a great divide in my mind. I was effectively two different artists, drawing what I wanted in my spare time and whatever got me by in the real time. This persisted until I left art school.

It's 10 years later now, I began using FA properly in maybe 2017? a shortlived account where the art I was producing wasn't reflective of me, attempt .2 was longer but I wasn't operating under a name I liked. And this drive for a name which fitted was already answered but I was too fearful to use for near to no reason. Everything I just said could have been avoided entirely and maybe you don't have these troubles but as an expert worrier, I do. So I wanted to share some honest truths about being an artist:-

- "Always remember what inspired you", starting on an art is probably the hardest thing to do but the strongest tool to combat this is recalling that spark which spurred you on in the first place, a favourite movie, piece of work.
- "Draw fan art of stuff you're a fan of!", fan art is a great way to easily boost your growth and thats if you care about that stuff but I also know what its like to draw something you don't like, then don't get any attention for it. So, draw fan art of stuff you like so at least you'll be happy with it.
- "Some people won't like what you create", I don't want to be the art police since we should have to freedom to create and experiment but never feel down if one person has issue. Even if its some art tutor you're trying to impress, just move onto someone who will care.
- "Draw good and badly!", what do I mean by that? well, we can't all produce masterpieces time and time again and often the best drawing is the 5th attempt. Make some time to do some silly drawings too! tiny characters or minimalist stuff. Silly drawings are fun!
- "The right time is now!", unless you have important work or money related stuff to tend to. Make time for drawing whenever you can if you're that passionate. a few minutes on a bus to work, sitting in a restaurant, whilst on a walk. We can't make excuses.
- "Interact with others", maybe you arent the talkative type but we all share a passion here and compliments are always welcome, just try and stick to the mostly positive side as constructive criticism should be reserved for those who ask. Posting art is one thing but people want to know you're not some robot!

Thoughts about NSFW:
If you're an artist, unless you specifically want to be a NSFW artist, then make two accounts. Consider your audience and I know that sounds really lame but you're producing work for a specific group of people. If you feel like you can't fill two accounts or its too cumbersome, it really isn't. You can visit the other once a month or just upload there and disgarding feeling the need to interact as much. We don't produce art because we want fame or great heaps of money but because we want to, and that want should overrule everything else.
If you're a watcher, then the need to curate your content isn't as strict but again, you may want to consider who sees what you post and either place a warning or barrier in place.

I might add some more in the next few days but I had to toss that out there.