Activity

I’m just going to guess that if you’re in the art guild, you’ve probably shared your art with a friend, family member, or even a random stranger before.

One of the most common reactions I get from peers (who don’t really draw) is something along the lines of “Wow you’re so talented, I could never do that” or “Wow I’m so jealous of your talent!!” “I wish my art was that good” Etc. And reactions like this make me so wary of sharing my art. It makes me so sad when other people put themselves down because of something I’ve shown them. I don’t want to make people seem discontent, or come off as boastful, but also, it feels so selfish to never share my art with anyone. (Because while I don’t think it’s wrong to only draw for yourself, I want to use my art to touch people in significant/emotional ways.)

I never know what to say to these people. One inclination is to tell them that anyone can draw, it just takes practice. But I’m afraid if I respond like that, It will make some people feel bad that they aren’t an artist when they could have been. My other inclination is to just say thank you.. But what if someone genuinely wants to be an artist and has given up because they “just don’t have the talent”? I don’t want to mislead anyone into thinking I was born with some fantastic ability to draw, and you either have it or you don’t. (because that’s not true!)

Has this ever happened to you? How do you suggest I approach people like this? Should I just avoid showing my art to people who wouldn’t understand? (if so, what do I do if they somehow catch me??)

This has happened to me more times then I can count, and every time it makes me so sad! Any thoughts and discussion would be amazing!

@christieaton @slisby @ethrydal @e-jo3 @moonink @dekreel @sageinthemeadow @everyone else