Artists are People

Instructions

I know you’re prob thinking “well duh” after looking at the title but hol’ up, just gimme a minute, I’m not wasting your time here (maybe I am who knows you might have a class or meeting to get to, in that case why are you on scratch) but anyways Artists are people! (In most cases at least, no discrimination for the lovely immortals looking at my projects) Artists do people things! Like taking out the trash! And eating! And crying over homework and the inevitable burden of existence we face! And suffer over poses and expressions! Totally people things! Everyone does!! I just want to highlight a couple things, and none of it is meant to offend people, just for educational purposes. Now, since my opinion is subjective (as are all opinions), you are free to think differently than I. Also, this is all opinion, and not like an academic paper so it all depends on the person. I’m not going to generalize everyone here, just really highlight some things I’ve seen and/or experienced. Now, that that’s out of the way, read on! A lot of artists face a lot of expectations. For example, some face a lot of doubts about their art, or they feel like they’re not producing art enough for their followers, friends, or family. Every artist out there, you might already know or you might not, but your art is something just for you. Only you can critique it, and only you get to say how quickly you want to make your art. If you share art with others, that’s amazing, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to make said art just to keep followers. Now, artists aren’t perfect. They can’t create art indefinitely. Sometimes you go through a rough patch and you don’t have the time or inspiration, and that’s okay. Most of the artists on scratch aren’t professional artists; art is not their job nor their life. Sometimes, great artists will get requests to make a profile picture, or a commission for someone. If they accept, they are doing it on their own terms and on their own time. Just because they did art for someone once, it doesn’t mean they’ll make art for you or others. Note: I’m directing this at the people who feel like artists should make free art for them, ESPECIALLY for the people who refuse to pay for said art. I’m also referring to people outside of scratch who do this. And the people , after they’re rejected, say “well ur art wasn’t that good anyways” I don’t like you. You probably don’t care. But still. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask someone to make you art. Some people will, some won’t, but it’s okay to ask. If you get told no though, you have absolutely no right to get mad. The artist controls their art, and if you want art you can make it yourself, or (outside of scratch) pay an artist to make a commission for you. Art isn’t free. Some artists have to pay for subscriptions to the art service, and for resources, and the amount of time they put into a piece. (Outside of scratch) bills also need to be paid, so that’s why artists sell their art. To make money. Not to make you happy. Note (again): I’m ONLY directing this at the people who expect free art, and feel entitled to an artist’s work. Not to people who don’t do that. Also, artists can’t just do art 24/7 (even if we could, some of us probably wouldn’t want to since it can be draining, frustrating, or really time consuming.) Artists have lives; some have work, some have school. They need to eat, and drink, and sleep. They need to do human things, just like you. Just because someone’s an artist, it doesn’t mean they can devote their life to making art. Art is also super hard to make. You’re painting a world inside your mind. You’re sketching a portal from your thoughts. You’re taking what you see and applying your skills and knowledge and imagination onto a piece of paper. That’s not easy. At all. Just like how writers are making a world with words, artists are painting a world with a sketchbook, pencils, and colors. (Digital art is also totally valid, I’m just referring to traditional art for simplicity) Basically, artists are people. We don’t owe others art. We don’t have to be great at art. We don’t owe people regular posting. We have lives. Treat us with respect, and as people. Don’t idolize artists, it makes them feel awkward. Don’t talk bad about your art in comparison to others, it makes us feel awkward. Basically just remember we’re people too. Also if you’ve read this whole thing, you’re amazing and thank you for your time