Shit.

millionmovieproject

Is there anything that does make you feel better, or have a sense of relief?  I’m asking because I’d like to know how we can help.  I don’t expect you to have all the answers, just that if there’s some way we can come through for you.  Does it help to talk, or does this kind of feedback make things worse?

What helps:

Witnesses testifying publicly that they’ve seen the harassment I’ve dealt with. I hate wording it that way but that’s how it works—people don’t believe women who decide to speak up for themselves, but they do believe women when others speak up for them.

Sincere, positive spotlights. When Kotaku featured my art a few years back, they didn’t get consent, and it was presented sensationally, which is common with photorealism [”You won’t believe these aren’t photographs!” etc]. I got so much hate. Really vulgar sexual harassment. That was my first experience with rape threats. On the other hand, when Orlando Jones signal boosted my art in an interview, he did it with honest, genuine enthusiasm, and it was wonderful. I got positive feedback and work.

Professional validation from other artists. Hoo boy the dream. Someday I’ll have a Wiki page.

Inclusion by fandom. This is sort of petty, but I make fanart, and fanartists are so rarely included in community discussions or asked about the shows they draw. We’re good communicators.

Just generally not being treated like a threat or a freak show. Is nice.

Questions about my artistic choices. It’s validating when people want to know more—it means you see it as real art.

Tagging me in stuff if it reminds you of my art. Tagging me in stuff you made.

Not putting the onus on me to deal with hate.

This is stuff you can do for any artist, I think. Sorry if it all sounds obvious.

Teacher: it's obvious some ppl didn't study for this test

Me: @ me next time, sweetie

Posting art on the internet 101

That moment when you don’t want a conversation to end but don’t know what else to say

*logs onto tumblr*

*logs off*

posts with images that have a reblog of an identical image give me the worst anxiety. where is it. where did you hide him

A young artist exhibits his work for the first time… …and a well known art critic is in attendance. The critic says to the young artist, “would you like my opinion of your work?” “Yes,” says the artist. “It’s worthless,” says the critic. The artist replies, “I know, but tell me anyway.”

College has me so fucked up. Some kid just told me that our final assignments are due in fifteen minutes and my first reaction was acceptance. I don’t even have anything to hand in, it’s worth 30% of my mark and I was just ready to embrace the void. Wasn’t even relieved when he said he was kidding. Nobody can touch this. I’ve surpassed this mortal plane