10 Things Artists Hate

Hello, this is Osacora! I won't rant too much on this topic as I will be making a YouTube video on it to get into more detail. For those of you who don't know me, I am an author and an artist! you can check my works on this website, Instagram, or other sites! You can check them out on my linker.ee/osacora. you can also become a patron to support the artist and get some exclusive content. As my business goes on, more opportunities will open up for my patrons.

So I understand that there are a lot of videos and pages talking about this- and it's different for every artist. But there are things that most artists have in common that really annoy them or bring down there spirits, I'll talk a little about that.

1. Guessing the gender of the drawing. Sometimes it's super obvious. And sometimes not. I realize that drawing men may not be my strong suit. Want to know how I know that? Because people keep insinuating that my boys are girls. And that is SUPER annoying and irritating. And It makes me doubt my skill as an artist. I'm not the only one who feels this way. I have many friends with a struggle like this. (Also, I am not using this pic a reference of a man. She is safe to assume as a female). Sometime people are drawing trans or cross-dressers. So you could still get it wrong when you think your right. Best to just ask who the person is without using labels and get hints from context clues.

2. "Is that you?"--- No, it's not! It is common for artist to subconsciously draw characters that slightly resemble them. It's hard not to. The artist is trying to create something they feel an attachment to. But they don't want people to just see this character as a drawing of themselves. It is most likely meant to be someone else.

3. HOVERING. Again, I say, these don't apply to all artists. Some are different. But many share similar struggles. I for one, HATE hovering. My sister on the other hand, doesn't mind so much when someone stands behind her and watches her draw. But for someone like me-- it's too exposing. When you watch someone draw, you see all their flaws and the messy process it takes to get the final product. It makes you stress about what they're thinking. Do they think your art is crap now? do they think your finished pieces were just a fluke? of course, it is a little different when you are sharing videos of how you draw. There's no one breathing down your neck. But it is still nerve-wrecking to share that process.

4. "Why is she naked?"--- I get this A LOT. And so do many other artist. Just know it's part of the process and leave it at that. It can be annoying or even embarrassing to artists when they're drawing. it's another reason why I hate hovering. For some artist-- most artists- it's easier to draw the anatomy and structure of the body first to make things proportionate and accurate before drawing on clothes. That also makes it easier to draw clothing, as we can easily see the points where material would bunch up. And for some other artist, the art is supposed to be naked because: art. Michelangelo doesn't have material covering his penis. So why should other art pieces?

5. Belittling yourself. "You're so good at art. I suck at drawing." DON'T DO THIS! It puts the artist in SUCH an awkward position, and they don't know what to say! Most people who say this to me admit that they never practiced or really tried. If you never even tried, or even read a drawing tutorial- then you have no right to complain! If you want to get good, seek for advise. Look up a tutorial. Practice for YEARS. Because honey, it takes most artists their WHOLE LIVES to get where they are at. It's hard work. And if you don't wan't to put in the effort, don't complain and don't ask. For those of you who DO want to get better, don't complain, but do ask for advise and pointers. Other artist will look out for you.

6. Calling someone "Gifted." This is also a taboo of a sort. some people don't mind it, but some artists do. "Gifted" implies that the artist didn't work hard. they just have the skill. Hence the word, "gift." gift means it's given. Most- if not all artists have studied and worked their butts off to gain their skill. "gifted" undermines all those years of hard work.

7. Non constructive criticism. It's especially irritating if someone with no art skill is criticizing your work. Criticism is just harmful if you don't add a positive constructive pointer to it. without construction, criticism is just insults thrown at your face. Constructive criticism is helpful tips and advise that help the artist grow. Even better is Positive Constructive Criticism. This is where you point out the things that was done well. So they know what they should keep the same. Then you point out the things they could change TO IMPROVE. keeping this whole thing positive and uplifting. Now that's how you do positive constructive criticism!

8. "Can you draw this (for free)?" Some artists feel inclined to say yes, but they will most often have other important projects at hand. Way more important than a free commission. It takes up a lot of time, so just compensate for the artist value and time and just pay them! Make them feel like their art is worth something.

9. "Your drawing reminds me of..."--- Artist compare themselves with other artists already and put themselves down. And artist want to feel unique and different. If you are comparing them, it can be harmful. They don't want you to think of someone else's art when seeing their own. They want you to think of the creator.

10. "My KID can draw like you." --- Yeah, we get it. Your kid is skilled. Or maybe your saying the artist stinks at drawing. Either way, this is a good way to make the artist feel TERRIBLE about themselves. Artist are very guilty of comparing themselves to other artists, and putting themselves down. If you tell them a child is as good or better- it kinda hurts the pride of the artist. Artist are very insecure people (not all, just most of us), so please don't rub in other talents unless they ask.

I know this was kinda a long rant, and if you don't want to read it, then you can subsscibe to me youtube channel where I will post a video of this there! Which can be more entertaining. What are some of your pet peeves as an artist. And more importantly, what gives you the best movitavion as an artist!

Please keep it friendly in the comments!

Youtube video linked in the linker.ee/osacora