
ALT it's not always easy to be optimistic, though. Even though I know I shouldn't, I still compare myself to other artists, wanting what they have. Drawing of myself looking out a round window, referencing the squidward meme. 3 people run by, labeled "popular online" "big studio job" and "published comic"

ALT There's a common sentiment among art communities that the only factor that affects an artist's skill is the number of hours poured into their work. Illustration of a stopwatch, a pencil drawing an apple on a sheet of paper, and a straight graph depicting hours practiced to skill. I know that this is well-meaning and meant to be encouraging, but I internalized this from a young age and it wreaked havoc on my self-esteem. Drawing of me, young, crying while drawing.

ALT Things I love doing: sleeping (drawing of a pillow and sleeping mask), cuddling with my cat (drawing of my sleeping cat), cooking and eating (a drawing of a pot of curry and a plate next to it), going on walks (drawing of a pair of sneakers), crafting (drawing of a felt plush of my cat), playing video games (drawing of a keyboard and mouse), spending time with loved ones (drawing of two hands being held). Would I really trade these away to be a better artist?

ALT Drawing of me laying on a couch, deep in thought. "My priorities have shifted in the past few years. I've been asking myself, "what will is take for me to be happy?" I'm starting to think, "I'd rather be known as a good person by my loved ones after I die, than as a good artist by strangers."

ALT "I know that financial success isn't just about artistic skill, but I don't feel comfortable engaging in manipulative marketing and clickbait, or encouraging over-consumption of non-essentials." Drawings of pop-up and youtube videos saying things like "The SECRET to making $$$ as an artist!!!" "YOU NEED THIS!!!" "wait until the end..." "SIGN UP! 50% OFF!" I don't villify people who do these things, because I know that everyone needs to survive. Drawings of bills, receipts, etc.

ALT Drawing of me laying on a couch, deep in thought. "My priorities have shifted in the past few years. I've been asking myself, "what will is take for me to be happy?" I'm starting to think, "I'd rather be known as a good person by my loved ones after I die, than as a good artist by strangers."

ALT "I know that financial success isn't just about artistic skill, but I don't feel comfortable engaging in manipulative marketing and clickbait, or encouraging over-consumption of non-essentials." Drawings of pop-up and youtube videos saying things like "The SECRET to making $$$ as an artist!!!" "YOU NEED THIS!!!" "wait until the end..." "SIGN UP! 50% OFF!" I don't villify people who do these things, because I know that everyone needs to survive. Drawings of bills, receipts, etc.
























