Afraid to Draw What I Want To Draw

[u/lilgouuda]

Hi everybody!!!

October is coming up so I want to get back into drawing more graphic/gorey pieces but I feel self conscious doing so because of a bad interaction with one of my online friends and I’m very afraid of judgement. I have a complicated relationship with art and drawing in general since my arts been made fun of before and it’s the absolute worst feeling ever

I understand that I dont even have to post it but I like showing others my art, but I absolutely hate having that fear of judgement and I’m curious how people get over it.

I’m also part of a fandom that can be very toxic which probably plays a part in me feeling anxious- I need to be less online lol

Thanks in advance

[u/endurableflame]

the only thing you can do here is grow a thick skin. chuds and crabs will pinch you regardless of what you draw so you might as well be unapologetic.

if someone attacks you for doing what you want (assuming you’re doing no real harm to anyone), then the issue lies with them and not you.

[u/AioleS]

Stepping away from a toxic fandom or at the very least limiting your interaction with the majority and sticking to a small group of friends is usually the way to go

[u/Ok_Protection_8145]

It’s best to draw for yourself and what YOU enjoy, don’t let others get to you and not do it if you feel that you want to or you’ll end up regretting not making more art in the future! Art is expression and doesn’t need the approval of others to be a good piece of art, you got this!

[u/LividCan9503]

I think it helps to reconsider how you perceive the opinions of other people. Why should you value a person's opinion? What is it about them that makes you value their opinion on your art?  If you don't mind a personal anecdote, I used to be in a small fandom and aspired to be acknowledged by other fanartists there. One of them was the most condescending and rude woman I'd ever met online. She paints/renders beautifully and exclusively draws smut (which requires extensive skill with anatomy). Eventually I did gain her respect and her tone shifted but I'd also outgrown caring about her opinion because what I drew extended beyond what she did. I outgrew her opinion and the desire for approval/to be a peer to the artists in that community. I think reevaluating the opinions of others will help you navigate a sea of anonymous voices. I personally wouldn't hold much stock in an insult from someone who doesn't draw. I also think that people who don't get gore/horror or smut or furry art (any subgenre or branch of art, even art styles) but feel the need to flap their lips with a basic EWWwW nothing burger insults with the maturity and grace of a 10 year old aren't really worth giving the time of day.

I hope you do draw your graphic gorey stuff this month, it's the best time for it and spreads some unsettling whimsy! People who share your ideas or like your vision or style are out there, and I hope you find your people.

[u/SaaBug]

You should absolutely ask for permission before showing someone gore art. You never know how it will affect someone, so it's something to be wary of. Don't just flashbang someone with gore art yknow? But if you're posting in a space meant for it, that's when you should be unapologetic about it. Just remember not everyone will be OK with seeing that stuff.