I’m sincerely contemplating making another blog that just deals with the amount of ignorance, hate and vitriol artists have to deal with on a daily basis.

Another day, another artist who gets called out for having the sheer gall to re-imagine a canonically male character as a girl.

I don’t think people realize how hard it is to please everyone, and sometimes artists just want to please themselves. Sometimes they want to see themselves represented - and why would anyone deny them as much? If an artist provides their service for free, the least you can do is allow them some creative freedom. If you can’t bring yourself to do as little, then leave them alone entirely. They didn’t hone their craft for years to satisfy the demands of everyone who observes their work. I cannot even begin to comprehend how anyone would come to such a conclusion, that the mere fact that an artist chooses to publish their work entitles their followers to anything.



I cannot phrase this in any way that won’t make it sound abrasive - but if you think any individual artist owes you representation, you’re wrong. You’re free to make your case in regards to how certain minorities are underrepresented in general, but that doesn’t justify attacking artists personally. Usually, you know nothing about them, and what influenced their creative decisions - so why do you consider your own self-worth more important than that of the artist you’ve chosen to single out?

If you think they’re in the wrong for not catering to you, you need to take a step back - then pick up a pen. You do it. Every time you want to attack and harass an artist (excluded: arguments presented in good faith), draw the representation you want to see more of. That is by far the most constructive approach. Not only are you leaving the dignity of a fellow human being intact, but you’re channeling your displeasure in a healthy and productive manner. It’s a therapeutic process, and unquestionably preferable to reinforcing your anger and frustration by taking it out on someone else.

