2, 13, and 24.
2. How long have you been drawing?
My mom likes to say “since you could hold a crayon,” but the earliest I remember drawing anything of ~original content~ would be probably second grade? So 16 years? About?
13. Do you prefer to keep your art personal, or do you like drawing things for other people?
Personal. I’m a really private person even if there’s nothing to hide, but I like to draw stuff for my friends too. I’ve drawn GG stuff too, but 90% of what I make I keep to myself.
24. Do you feel jealous when you see other people’s art, or inspired? (Be honest!)
A bit of both, but mainly jealous. I’m a jealous person and there’s no use in trying to lie about that. I’m always happy to see people enjoying themselves and growing and so on, but there’s always a part of me that goes, “You’ve been drawing for 16 years and no matter how hard you try you’ll never be as good as other people.”
And trust me, that is not a healthy way to think. It’s natural to compare yourself to others, but do not get in the habit of doing it. Do not encourage it. Do not beat yourself up. I have very deep-rooted issues with doubting myself, and I am not a good example to follow.
“There’s no such thing as talent” is a lie. People are talented, or naturally inclined in different fields. Those same people can also work very, very, very hard to refine their talent. Likewise, someone can waste a talent by not working with it, and another person can surpass them through sheer effort. One is not “superior” to the other! Art is like anything else: you get out what you put in.
Be happy for other people’s successes. Learn and grow from them! And don’t put yourself down because it doesn’t feel like progress is being made. It is! It just may take a bit to be a really in-your-face-obvious comparison to what you used to do.