Dealing with bullying in the community

[GarzaGoose]

How have you guys dealt with this?

I've always been a reclusive guy, always worked in silence and kept my work behind curtains. As of lately, I've been receiving a ton of hate and harassment.
And I've got to say, it does bother me to an extent. I really thought it wouldn't have, considering I grew up on asinine forums around the web. Been called so many things and dealt them back.
Perhaps I'm in a vulnerable position, which is why I hurt a tad bit now.

Building some mental fortitude?

We're in a creative hobby, we should expect criticism and harsh opinions, right? This kind of hate makes me rethink what I wish to do in life.

Maybe art really isn't for me?

As I continue to grow into my mid 20s, I rethink what I'm doing, maybe this isn't for me, not at this level perhaps. I can continue to work in silence like I did previously.

What is good art? Subjective or objective?

I'm not a good comic artist by any means, but by the same token, I believe I'm not so bad either. How do you even determine such a thing? I've heard it's the uncertainty that's truly scary for most creatives.

There isn't a whole lot besides obvious engagement to let you know whether your work is good or not.

"This is my power cell kids-"

"It is quite low as of now, if you can find me another power cell, you may carry onward!"

The gif is to spice up the post. An old bridge troll stops my two characters on their journey Hehe.

[BoomerZ]

You can ignore it or let it affect you. The best thing to do is get better and then you can look back at the people that were bringing you down and laugh. Success is the best revenge.

[kyupol]

Used to be far worse back in the day (either people got more politically correct or I just learned to steer clear of online drama. I don't know... point is, i got far more online drama 10+ years ago).

Some of the worst things said to me were along the lines of "you're a waste of oxygen just go k*ll your$3lf". Oh well... people are entitled to their opinion.

[ThunderChicken]

I’ve long ago learned to let absolutely nothing that I read online bother me. Life is too short to be bothered by imaginary people, and really, for all intents and purposes, everyone you see online i(including me!) s imaginary. I mean, does the opinion of some rando person in Nova Scotia really matter to you?

[aquashark]

although i havent seen it much since ive been using tapas for a few weeks at best but the best option is to find your fanbase and those who support you and only listen to them, accept constructive critisism from people and allow an accepting community to grow. art is obviously subjective but allowing people to give you critisism on your art also lets you improve and gives you a different perspective.

From what i see though your art is leagues better then mine. Keep up the good work!

(and just a note this doesnt mean you should accept baseless critisims, critisism without any valid reasoning is just outright bashing and shouldnt be listened to).

[KevinReijnders]

We're in a creative hobby, we should expect criticism and harsh opinions, right?

Yes and no. I've long been of the opinion that, just because you post your work online isn't an open invitation of every smuck to give their unsalted opinion and you just have to take it. Critique is something that has to come from a trusted and respected source, by you, the creator.

I'll gladly delete comments I find unsavory, I'll happily block those whose opinions I have no need for.

How have you guys dealt with this?

Simply saying "don't pay attention to it" isn't going to help you. Instead I suggest you try to insulate yourself with a more positive community, one that supports you and helps you grow as an artist and as a person. Difficult perhaps, but making this thread is a good first step towards that.

[KevinReijnders]

What is good art? Subjective or objective?

Yeah it's definitely subjective (to a point though). Artist's intent is very important for me personally in determining what makes good or bad art. I'll generally hone down on technique and ability.

That said, I think the two GIFs you posted look very nice. They look like a rough storyboard/animatic, and I do love me some sketchy board. You clearly know what you do with your lines and have a solid understanding of your forms and are capable of conveying your ideas with a few confident strokes.

[Shanny8]

Here's a fact- art is subjective; what someone else doesn't like, there are others who DO.

Dont let a couple of voices get in your head and dictate what you want to do...if you personally have some issues with your art that you want to get better at- keep doing art. It's the only way that you improve, by consistently working at getting better until your new skill level and old skill level are like night and day.

I've long been of the opinion that, just because you post your work online isn't an open invitation of every smuck to give their unsalted opinion and you just have to take it.

THIS. If you didnt ask for it, dont accept it.

[AmysGames]

Usually the overly angry comments are from very bitter people who just want to lash out at someone. Knowing that helps me to not take those sorts of comments personally. I just laugh at them and hope they find happiness elsewhere, lol.

As for actual criticism, it's okay to consider other people's opinions, and apply it to your work as you see fit. But sometimes it's just that it's not for them, and that's okay. Don't ruin your creative vision because some random person said they don't like it.

Sorry to hear you've been getting haters. For what it's worth, I think your art is lovely!

[binahwrites]

thankfully I haven't found bullying or hate here, but I agree with what others are saying is best to block or delete hateful comments that add nothing, a good critique should help you improve in the future not drag you down to quit.

Art is subjective there are going to be people that dislike art because they don't like one tinny tiny small detail but there are also a bunch of people that don't hone in as the haters do, honestly, it sucks that this happened to you and I hope you can keep drawing. (the gifs look really cool)

[GarzaGoose]

You're right man, theres no reason to stop where I'm heading over some people!

[GarzaGoose]

Yea, I Usually handle that fine, but attacks on what I worked on so hard is a bit demoralizing. I'm sure I'll grow used to them over time!

[GarzaGoose]

Yea haha that's a good way of looking at things, at the end of the day it really just is a screen I'm looking through. What matters is what I believe in! :'D

[GarzaGoose]

Sometimes it can be hard to even differentiate genuine criticism compared to straight up hatred. Specially Mob mentalities. Some communities are too toxic it seems. But I'm definitely trying to find common people, I've been lone wolfing it too long. It feels lonely at times.

[GarzaGoose]

Thank you man! I'm definitely trying to stay afloat and keep pushing forward. At the end of the day it remains a hobby and maybe I shouldn't take it so seriously.

I do notice that the usual suspects tend to be people who only consume and create nothing. So that gives me some confidence, if they themselves can't create anything, why should I listen so intently to their hatred?

[GarzaGoose]

It's about our journey no? Everyone has such an altered ego yet they themselves can't bring anything to the table. It's disheartening but I can't even imagine how other people feel who have successful works and get even more baseless hate.

[GarzaGoose]

Thank you! Yea I'm trying not to cloud what I set out to achieve. I knew I was gonna stick out with my odd work and I thought I was prepared for some harsh words.

Gotta keep them at bay and push forward!

[GarzaGoose]

Yea for sure, I guess I caught up with the negativity and forgot to see the big picture. There's tons of artists with divise crowds, yet they strive forward!

If someone doesn't like my stuff that should be okay. I made it for me more than anything, it's supposed to fill a small niche that I never got enough of.

[GarzaGoose]

Thank you all, I took some time to go outside and interact with nature. Had to clear my mind and rethink everything. It's heartwarming to see how everyone deals with issues like this.

Let's push forward!

[thepenmonster]

As of lately, I've been receiving a ton of hate and harassment.

You are under no obligation to show someone who has decided to do you harm any sort of kindness. By their actions they have forfeited that.

Remove them from your presence as quickly as you can. Block! Block! Block! If an online platform does not, or will not, give you the tools to do this leave the platform.

If that proves too difficult for you, and I understand since we're all slaves to our ego gratification machine, escalate to the powers that be if you feel they posted something that can get them banned. Trolls hate having their voices removed more than anything else in their lives.

If you need to escalate further, use whatever means necessary. But be wary because the tools you use can be used against you.