Life's A Chibi - Never Say By o-kemono Watch

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Been too long since I done a Life's A Chibi, so sorry for the long absence.



Recently, I came upon posts from online art groups of new artists showing their work, ranging from the novice to the experienced. Most pieces were being bombarded with negative criticisms, most from strangers telling them that they can't draw, to get a life, to give up, and even to the point of going into dark insults. This can destroy one's motivation to draw or grow as an artist, both new and veteran artists. Veteran artists have a bit more thicker skin and can take insults and negative criticism with a grain of salt. It still stings to hear negative criticisms and insults, but they know that these are from people who don't know about the art world and just want to cause trouble. New artists are very sensitive when it comes to criticism because they don't know what should be taken seriously and what should be ignored. They become lost, confused and depressed to the point that they no longer wish to share their art with anyone anymore or even pick up art again.



I was there before. I had so many telling me that I couldn't draw, that I wouldn't succeed in life as an artist, to go and kill myself and stop posting my shitty work online. Back in the VCL years, I asked a very popular artist about my works, but replied with nothing but negativity. This really hurt me. Did this stop me? No. I continued to draw and improve my skills and technique to the point where I'm now making a living and found so many fans and friends that helped changed my life and helped me grow as an artist ( every one of you fans and friends helped me get there and still going upwards ).



I see a lot of people with amazing skills give up doing art because "no one loves their work" or "they are only met with negativity". So when they ask me about their work, I show them where they excel and where they can improve. I never tell them they can't draw, but if you can create something from nothing, you have a skill. With that skill, you can modify it and grow as a creator in any field. You can even branch out and try different way to express yourself through art. There is no limit, there is no wrong way ( unless it's theft, but that is a different matter ).



If you come across an artist who is asking for critiques or a starting artist who is struggling, ask them if they would like some help and show them how they can improve. Show them what they can do differently, find another way to solve an art problem, use references, or even point them to someone who has more knowledge in the field to help you grow. Never tell them to give up. Never tell them to quit. Help them move forward. Help them grow. Compliment their artwork. That kind of positivity can motivate them to push their skills forward.





artwork © 2019 Alex Cockburn

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