💬 There's something I need to talk about, regarding NSFW artists who are deciding to stop making art one after another.
I'm sad to see that several artists I admire are deciding, one after another, to stop creating content.
I have the impression, and I feel, that I'm going to be increasingly left to my own devices because at least it allowed me to feel capable of following what I've known for a long time. If everyone stops, then it's like I'll be left to fend for myself, facing only what I don't have.
I hope I've explained this well, but to try and explain, for me, there are content forms that are timeless, and no matter what technology is created, at least following and seeing an artist's creations, commenting on their posts, seeing their replies or quotes, receiving their response when you send them a message to draw their characters, and so on, creates this unique feeling of having accomplished something and having received a response from someone you're a fan of or whose content you greatly appreciate.
If artists continue to stop creating content one after another, it creates an imbalance in what you can accomplish and achieve goals, and even set new objectives based on what's achievable at your level. This won't be the case if artists continue to stop creating content.
It's true that content pressure and burnout are the worst enemies of artists, and indeed of everyone. This can lead to a disconnect from what they love most. Moreover, even today, despite the changing times, harassment, pressure, toxicity, and ignoring are still prevalent.
It's easy to judge artists who create 18+ content, but like everyone else, they are human, with their dreams, abilities, and limitations.
So we need to stop believing that we should only focus on their content and ignore posts where they find the courage to talk about their problems.
If they talk about their depression or hidden sadness, then we shouldn't ignore the posts but support them. We shouldn't be foolish and only want to see what we want to see.
However, whatever their decision, I respect it because many people don't look beyond their own noses and only see... the physical appearance, nothing more. Although it depends on the artist, some create stories with their characters, a lore, in which case the artists would surely want their audience to notice and become interested in the story as well. Others focus more on what the audience wants to see, perhaps to avoid pressure or to do things more simply, which I can understand.
To all the artists who create NSFW content, you have my support. I can imagine how tedious and complicated it must become over time, seeing that despite the years, your audience remains largely unaware. Sure, you've given your characters a certain look, but that doesn't mean you should behave like a prehistoric human who only looks at the physical appearance without trying to see beyond it and realize that even if the character is fictional, they have a story, a personality, a dream, etc...
Even if some find it strange, understand that often when an artist creates a character, it's like a real human, but the small difference is that you can choose their story, what happens to them, their dreams. You have to see it as a kind of small communication when you imagine what the character's dreams, desires, and story could be. I can understand this because I've been able to see the goal that some artists are trying to achieve.
I admire you greatly and wish you all the best. I understand how difficult it is when people don't truly understand your art.
Why do you talk about "being left to fend for yourself" ?
Well, I say this because if all the artists stop creating content this year, it will mean the loss of talent and the opportunity for artistic training.
As I said earlier, there's the magic of getting feedback from an artist you admire, having their permission, which allows you to work on the physical aspects of drawing, to practice a character you like until you evolve and create incredible art thanks to that artist. But if there are no more NSFW artists, it creates an imbalance between SFW and NSFW content. I think it makes things disappear that deserve to continue existing. I would love to fulfill my dreams of drawing characters from artists I admire, but if there are none left, then I'll be left to my own devices, facing what I don't have, and will have to be content with watching others create and evolve while I'm left with art I can't create.
I couldn't develop it further, of course it's the same for SFW artists,
but I just don't know many of them yet. I'd really like to practice art and develop by drawing their characters.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message.