mlpartconfessions:

I lose a lot of respect for artists when they take any constructive criticism or suggestion as a personal attack or a lack of respect for art.

Whenever I see a confession that says “I don’t like it that ___ has moved in ___ direction. I think it would be better if they stick to what I followed for in the first place,” I understand getting a bit annoyed at someone. After all, they don’t seem to understand how artists truly evolve, which is by trying things outside of what they’re already known to be best at.

But then half of the confessions I see getting hate are things just like “I really liked it when ___ was doing one thing. It makes me a little sad they don’t do it anymore. I kind of miss it.” or “I think ___’s style would really work for ___. I’d like to see them try it, some time.”, even “I was a little offended by ___ image. I like their art, and I know that they’re just doing what they do, I was just a bit bothered by this picture. *detailed, calmly worded reasons why*”

When this happens, artists and their followers usually start attacking the submitter, saying that “If you don’t like it, you shouldn’t talk about it, go unfollow, you prick. How dare you not respect artistic freedom, he/she/I can do whatever he/she/I want(s) on here, you aren’t the boss of them/me. You think you can do better? You don’t have his/her/my same skill, so shut up. I bet you’re just trying to get attention”

It makes a lot of people seem really childish and overly protective of their work. Insecure. Even more so when “I like ___. Please keep doing that!” Is so highly praised, despite being the same thing, just praising the artist’s CURRENT work, rather than something in the past or future

I would go into reasons why I think it’s not so bad… but I’m already a bit nervous about this confession, and I’d like to see how people take it on its own, before I try to jump into a huge debate…

My point is that really sincere, constructive confessions or suggestions are being blown off for protecting ego, a lot of times. You have people like Jitterbug, who take most of their criticism really well, and are always willing to come to an understanding, and then… well… not listing any names on the negative side…

I’m sorry if I’m unclear, I’m terrible with words…