@badcharacterdesign, I just went to look up more of this because I was so baffled about that trailer and this video titled ‘Who Am I?’ seemed a good start.
And as far as I can tell it breaks down like this:
“Who am *I*?” Pause, Totally Different Voice: “less fleurify! less awesome!”
I have seen a LOT of shit happening to the artists on tumblr that is honestly baffling. As an artist myself, I can understand how some of these talented and skilled individuals are feeling seriously bummed out about what other people might consider something simple. So, based on observation and personal experience, here’s a little breakdown of things to seriously consider when reblogging art or interacting with artists.
Artists can see what you tag. They can definitely see what you tag. No, actually, it doesn’t matter if the piece has thousands of notes, there is still the possibility they are going to see what you are saying. Including but not limited to, shit talking, complaining about it, mistagging it, being snarky, turning it into a different ship than the actual picture represents, and complimenting! You are more than welcome to share your opinion on a piece, but before you tag any hate or rudeness, really heavily consider if your complaint is in the realm of: I don’t like it, I don’t like these characters, I don’t like this particular style, I don’t like this ship, or I don’t like this characterization. If it is a matter of personal opinion, tagging hate on a piece isn’t go to do anyone any good whatsoever. All it does is place it on your blog when you probably don’t even want it there and, for what? So that other people that go to reblog it from you see your negative opinion on the piece? Just REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU TAG. Yeah? And putting it in the wrong ship is just silly.
Artists are in fact notified when you comment. Even if you delete it, the copy of the notification is still there. If you have a problem with the piece because of the ship, the characters, etc., it is best to just move on. You don’t have to agree with the artist, but no one should have to put up with anyone trying to start shit or trash talk over personal matters on a piece of art they wanted to share with everyone. Keep it off the piece itself. Just. Seriously, it’s so rude. It doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to have or share your opinion, but NOT ON THE PIECE, I AM BEGGING YOU. And if you do have a problem you really need to vocalize in a more one-on-one way, BE CONSTRUCTIVE. “This ship is wrong”, “Character X is actually in love with Character Y, not Z”, “But this isn’t canon”, and “I don’t like the way you draw noses” is NOT constructive criticism.
Making requests: Be polite! If someone were to ask you for something, would you really enjoy someone storming into your ask box and saying “Make me this”, “Make me that”, “You need to do this”, “But what about MY headcanon”, etc. etc. You are asking someone to spend time and effort on making you something you didn’t even pay for. Some artists take requests, some don’t. Before you go straight to their ask and go nuts, look at their actual blog. Their sidebar, their art tags, etc. They may have written out if they are taking requests/commissions.
Bullying artists to work faster: D O N ’ T. STOP. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. SERIOUSLY.
Expecting your new favourite artist to draw whatever you want for them at any time or that your requests take priority because you complimented them enough: N O. NOOO. Artists have a little thing called inspiration that can really make or wreck them depending on many factors. Not to mention they have personal lives, struggles, etc. They are also human, remember, and sometimes things just don’t go the way anyone plans. If you make a suggestion and they don’t feel like drawing it, move on. Once more, you didn’t pay for it, stop pushing. They are NOT THERE to please you. Even if you guys are FRIENDS. I have seen many friends suddenly question friendship and all sorts of silly stuff like that because the artist doesn’t feel like it, or doesn’t want to. Art isn’t something that happens with a snap of the fingers, yeah?
Complimenting artists: This is a great idea! If you like their work, let them know! It doesn’t matter if you think they get it a lot, or maybe you shouldn’t because it is a bother or whatever. Feel free to express your positive feelings to them! I think it’s natural to go to “omgomgomg I really love your art it’s so cute I love it!!”. That is great, too! But if you have a favorite thing, or something in particular that you really like, (like linework for example), go ahead and tell them! When it is not okay to compliment artists: if you’re only doing it to get them to draw something for you. Seriously, no.
IF YOU DISLIKE AN ARTIST FOR ANY REASON, DO NOT FILE A FALSE COPYRIGHT CLAIM AGAINST THEIR WORK TO GET IT TAKEN DOWN. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, this is considered perjury, which is a federal crime in many countries. So not only are you doing something incredibly dickish, you could very well get yourself sent to prison.
