My dad was kind of an asshole while I was growing up. (But don't tell him I said that)
My mom was a smart, established woman who had gone to school god knows how many times and was always gone from home for work. I, on the otherhand, was always struggling with school and failing my classes. I was the dumb blonde. And not necessarily a pretty one, either. I got poked fun at for my thick figure and I became anorexic at the age of 12. I have some mental and physical health disorders since then that, despite having been seen and clinically diagnosed by many licenced healthcare professionals, my dad thought that I was faking for attention. He screamed and cussed....a lot. Over every little thing. I wasn't neat enough, or I did this, or that. And everytime I did something disappointing to him, he'd stand by me and mutter, "God, I'm glad you can draw." with the clear and heavy implication that I couldn't do anything else right.
So, that's why I draw. Because apparently it is the only thing I can do right. My parents never brag about how intelligent I am, how pretty I am, how accomplished I am....but when they meet people, they tell them I can draw like nobody's business. And I think, deep down, I draw because I just want them to be proud of me for something.
My webcomic may be brand spanking new, and does not have a whole lot of views. But I have a good feeling about it, because even if it never makes it past 100 subs, or even 100 views, I will feel accomplished just knowing I did it. I can draw. And I can I take a whole lot of pride in my work. I look at my art and feel good about myself, and I think everyone should.
Everyone on this platform regardless of current skill level is a driven story teller who did something special by illustrating, or writing, their story. They set aside time for themselves just so they could make it happen, something most people wouldn't bother to do even if they had a proper skillset. And for that, I think they should be proud. And I'm really excited when I see everybody's works on Tapas, even if they're still just a blossoming artist. I try to click on as many comics as I see links for and at least give a couple pages a read. I just love it. They inspire me. They make me want to do good.
I hope I am doing good.