Dealing with bullying in the community

[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.

[GarzaGoose]

You're right, there's absolutely zero reason I should be putting up with trolls. Don't know why I let it get to me this time.

[abigaillmartin]

As one of my friends says. “Don’t feed the trolls.”

[llobucervallince]

honestly, if you recieve any bullying in here it must come from jealousy and envy because your comic and art are definetly one of the best when it comes of the real indie comunity in this website (my opinion, of course.).

your art is amazing and your story is definetly one of the most originals around, without being really that confusing for people who might not be used to these themes. keep up the great work and be sure that you have many people supporting you, IRL, in this forum, and your readers on the other side of the screen.

[lomcia]

The harassment on the internet is awful, especially in the art community. I've had a few different situations. most of the time I was homophobic and transphobic (which I'm not) but it was convenient. then everyone crosses you out without even asking why. one day I was suddenly accused of stealing a style. I don't know if you can steal a style.... never mind, but I was accused of that and a lot of other things. it all came together.
the opportunity was seized by people who didn't tolerate me very much. really ugly comments were left under my comics. even my private messages to my friends. yes, it got so bad that people who I thought were my friends stabbed me in the back. they accused me of writing ugly comments and threatening myself. it got to the point where people who I thought were my friends told me that I was sick and needed to get treatment and take care of my family in general. to Remove all social media and all. I cried all the time, finally I deleted discord. i quit my job for a tapas-like site because i couldn't work with people who stabbed me in the back. six months i was afraid to add anything on the internet. but i had one such dear friend, also an artist. she lifted my spirits, encouraged me to talk to new artists and not to be afraid. it was a long mental journey. still sometimes i have nerve tricks for some words i get trigger. I won't tell you not to worry, because it's hard. I'm now a 35-year-old woman and I took it terribly. But as you can see, I continue to draw. There are people who appreciate my advice and my comics. Just don't give up. You like to draw, draw. There will be worse days and better days, but when you have a real friend by your side it will be easier. Hang in there dear and don't give up.