Sunday, November 28, 2010

Wow...

There are some REALLY nasty people in this world. Especially on the internet, where there is a screen, & the fact that no one knows who they really are, to protect them

Since my art was on the Postsecret site, as a secret, I have had 2 people post comments in my blog (here & my old blog) about how my art sucks, I need to get a job, I'm fat & lazy, I 'used' Postsecret as a way to get more people to see my stuff, blah blah blah. & it hasn't even been 24 hours yet. I am not looking forward to the rest of this week.



I have 2 things to say about this.

Number one. People use other people's art to send in secrets all the time. There is NOTHING saying that just because I drew the card, I also submitted the secret.

With that said, yes, I submitted the secret. This leads into the second thing I have to say about this. I drew it over 3 years ago & added text over 2 years ago, & it was sitting in a binder, sealed in an envelope, up until 2 months ago when I mailed it. I actually forgot what the secret said (although I did remember the jist of it), & I still don't remember signing it. If I had remembered, I probably wouldn't have sent it (because, seriously, my anxiety has been flaring up ever since I saw that it made it onto the site just because of that signature)
I just recently started drawing again, & figured the secret was valid, as I tried for a good year to draw only clean stuff, doing cute chibi things & bookmarks, & just having fun with it. I still do these things, but in that year & a half, I got nowhere with it.


I don't regret sending it in, & I wasn't trying to 'use' Postsecret just to get more people to notice me. This is more of a case of picture-is-unrelated, as I did NOT draw the postcard just for this purpose. I realize I probably should have covered up my signature, but it was an oversight, NOT a plea for attention that caused this (that, & I was trying to cover up the hand because I screwed up while inking & it looked wonky, but whatever)

28 comments:

  1. I think that is was a valid secret. I really don't like it when people criticize others secrets. The point of Postsecret is to be able to submit secrets anonymously to a receptive audience. Anyway, I am curious about your other art. Do you have that posted some where?

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  2. I came to your site because I wanted to see your stuff. So maybe you are less unknown now.

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  3. There are a lot of cruel people out there. I'm sorry that your secret created this backlash against you. You don't deserve it. Your art is beautiful, and whether you intended to leave your signature on the postcard or not (I do believe you when you say you didn't), no one should hold it against you.

    Hang in there and keep doing what you love. Don't let them get to you. I promise, there are a few good people out here too.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your secret and sharing your art. (I like the candy bar bookmark.)

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  5. People are indeed jerks! I looked at the image of the post card and thought to myself, "that is really nice, I wonder who the artist is."

    I took a chance to key in the signature and found your site. I can't believe people are having such a problem with your work being sent in on your own work of art. Is that not a bit backward?

    Every single piece I create I handcraft the piece prior to putting my message on. Does it make it any less special than if someone merely scribbles theirs on a slip of notebook paper? Very doubtful.

    Keep doing what you have a passion for, draw, draw recklessly, without abandon and freely. Just keep drawing! :-)

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  6. I also looked you up because I was interested in seeing your work... I think that Frank chose your secret because it was different and interesting .. and it could help you become more "known".

    There are so many negative people on the PSC forums as well .. I could never quite figure out why anyone feels the need to spew such hatred at thos who reveal their secrets (I've never had the courage to send any postcards in! I admire people who do!).. I hope that the negative comments don't upset you, just delete them and move on. Remember, hurting people hurt others.

    I hope that this will be a positive experience for you - and that your art will become well known becuase of it.

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  7. I came here because of your secret.. and I think your art is amazing.

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  8. I came because, like others, I am always looking for new artists. You had the nerve to send the postcard in. I thought it was a nice piece, so I came looking for more. Those who are out to mess with you shouldn't be acknowledged in a post. That's how they get their kicks. You'd be better off just listening to people who think you should follow your dreams. There are lots of us.

    I love your strange animal creations, and I routinely pay "little known" artists for their work. I think you'll do just fine. You're in my favorites. I'll be back. Please keep creating.

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  9. Thank you, everyone. I was really worried about the secret, as the first people who spoke out were the ones who just wanted to tear me down.
    I usually ignore people like that, but, like I said, they were the first (& only) to say anything about it, I was worried it was going to set the tone for the rest of the week.

    Don't worry - I may be a little slow uploading my art, but I'll continue to create :)

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  10. Your art is cute. Reminds me of a friend of mine who does something similar.

    Sadly, the "trolls" are generally more motivated to post their bile and hatred and misogyny and racism than nice people are to post supportive comments, at least unsolicited.

    You could also message Frank about redacting your postcard. He probably thought the artist's mark was separate from the postcard writer's identity. That was my first thought until I searched on the name and found this post.

    Best of luck! Keep your spirit free and flying high, and don't let the haters get you down.

    Haters gonna hate... http://www.roflcat.com/images/cats/Haters_Gonna_Hate.jpg

    Ain't nothin' you can do except keep on struttin'. :)

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  11. What the hell.
    Well if there is one thing I learned from being on the internet for so long is to just ignore people like that. Screw them, and know that you are way better than those asshats.

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  12. Thanks for sharing your secret and thanks for signing it so I could find your art. Good luck! :)

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  13. I came because I was interested in your art as well. Trolls on the Internet are the most annoying things ever - I have one that has been following me for three years on the internet game I work for and constantly harasses me. As a nail polish blogger, I have been safe so far but my fellow bloggers get horrible spam and hate mail sometimes. Keep your chin up - now you're a heck of a lot more known and I think that's a great thing.

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  14. Your secret was original. I loved it. I can honestly say that it was one of the best ones I've seen in a long time. And I'm sorry if losing your anonymity bothers you...but I think it's awesome that he let it be seen! That means that even Frank thinks you are a talented artist and wants your name to be known.

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  15. I also came because I was interested in your art. I wouldn't worry about the nasty comments. I'm beginning to wonder why people feel the need to be so hateful to complete strangers...Oh well, ignore them! Good luck to you. :)

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  16. The whole point of Post Secret IS to create your own postcard, and you did that... The postcard is your art and why shouldn't you have signed it.
    The people being rude to you are tiny little people with not enough going on in their lives so they need to 'create drama'. Ignore them and get on with your thing, you have a talent and they don't! Onward upward sister!

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  17. And another person who wants to let you know that they care. I know how it feels. I'd love to virtually know you. I like meeting new people, and I love art in any way shape or form. Feel free to holler back. =)

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  18. Wow, hater's are always gonna hate aren't they. Hell, even if you did "use" the internet to get your name out there, who cares. Who doesn't "use" the internet to get known? I hope you become rich and famous just so you can give a virtual slap in the face to all the haters. Just be glad your secret was posted, that's awesome.

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  19. It all comes back to "if you can't say something nice". If they hate your work, why are they bother you? They can just bugger off and leave you alone. I like your work. Wish I was that good with pen and ink.

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  20. I think it was brave to post your secret and admit how you felt on the same forum you use to publish your work. I only found this page through reading postsecret and i'm glad i did! Good luck.

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  21. I'm also here because of the secret. To your haters, shove off. You are obviously gifted, all you need is a few minutes of viewing either blog ( I found http://tigerskitten.blogspot.com/ by googling tigers kitten creations first) to figure that fact out. Whether its innocent J-cult inspired pop art or something more risque you are wonderfully talented! Keep up the lovely work...and not all sexy drawing is bad ever heard of Rion Vernon, he's a personal fav of mine.

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  22. If I have learned anything about using the internet, the ratio of negative to positive feedback is immensely out of proportion. Fortunately, the positive feedback (although scarce) often outweighs the negative in value. Do what you love, and love what you do. And it looks like you have plenty of people who would love to see your more of your artwork =) hang in there for the rest of us <3

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  23. Yep, I'm here because of the secret too. I hope things are working out better for you than when you first composed your postcard.

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  24. I found you through the secret as well. With art, do what makes YOU happy or you will never be satisfied with your artwork... You'll be a shell of an artist.

    And secondly, haters are gonna hate, I think it is cool your secret made the site... You can't please everyone...no need in trying or worrying about it.

    I hope you don't get anymore nasty comments :(

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  25. I looked you up because I just wanted to say - you don't have to draw porn!!! Believe me, I fully understand the temptation, after years of staring at my pageview count on DA, wishing it would go up, and knowing full well how fast it would go up if I just drew some boobs.

    I eventually figured out that the single best way to get more attention was simply this: to get better. Every time I've made a breakthrough, whether it was learning a new trick in Photoshop or just trying a new style that worked, it was reflected in the increasing exposure I got from each piece. Of course, I've created things that I thought were masterpieces that nobody paid attention to, and that's frustrating as hell. So then you try again. When you keep trying, you develop the skills to better render what's in your head, and produce artwork that shows who you are - and that's what people respond to.

    It's a long, slow, exhausting process. I've been drawing all my life, and it's been 5 years since I got my first tablet, but over the past year I've finally been selling enough prints on Etsy to cover my groceries and school supplies. It's really exciting!!! So don't get overwhelmed if you're not famous yet, there's plenty of time! Looking at your art, I would recommend possibly taking some life drawing classes - it really does help! - focusing on composition, and pushing the contrast. And of course, sorry to go all Disney on you, but above all be true to yourself. You have to love, love, love whatever it is you're drawing. And maybe that's naked ladies! Who knows?!?!

    I really hope I'm not coming across as patronizing or bragging - I just wanted to share a little encouragement from a fellow artist who still has a LOT of growing to do, but has picked up some tips and learned a few lessons along the way.

    Best of luck!!! Don't let the haters get you down!!!

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  26. You know, I'm exactly the same? I gave up art for years, and only recently started again because of the Sketchbook Project. I quit because the only way I could get people to look at my art was by drawing porn. Furry porn, gay porn, Harry Potter incest porn, you name it, I've done it.
    And I hated it. Every new drawing was a new low for me, and it was like even more of me was dying each time. I wasn't enjoying what used to be a free, relaxing hobby. So I quit.
    So believe me - I know exactly why you posted that secret, and share it. I'm with you all the way.

    And hey - It seems everyone else is too!!
    xxx

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  27. Think of all the positivity and encouragement for your that this has created! Ignore all those party poopers. Never stop believing in yourself and your art.

    :)

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  28. your art is amazing. Ignore the haters, it also found you fans.

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