F - TDP - Rayla

I don't really have anything to write about right now... hmm.. maybe 'freetime' then.

Back when I started out, I was very determined that I want to be a professional. 
so I was drawing all day. 
every day. 
for many years. 
I wanted to become good at art like the amazing artists with millions of views. it was not about being famous, but being so GOOD at what you do that people recognize your talent. the crowd was never attractive to me, because I'm terrified of people lol. 

I drew so much that i forgot about friends, and not only about others but also about how to respect myself as well. art became an obsession and a life goal. it was very unhealthy. I lost many friendships and my health declined. I always thought it didn't even worth it because I saw my art as being mediocre at best.
I still have a long way to go though, but slowly maybe I'll be happy with my art.

I never took breaks. I was drawing on weekends too. I tried to do commissions as well, but it started out slow with like 5$ prices. The market wasn't this brutal 10+ years ago though....I took art trades to try to replenish lost friendships. (they just wanted free art every time and disappear)
Mental health is a serious topic that I don't want to get into too deep now, but you can imagine how years of loneliness can effect artists. it is very important to acknowledge it the least. 

Over the years my art did get better, but I realized that a decade had passed and I might have missed some things. 
Looking back, not really, I have no regrets.

Hard work is somehow a taboo to say nowadays. And I disagree with that mentality that you should just take things in a way that it won't hurt you at all. 
Yes, things will hurt you in life. Everything is hard to do, and evil exists. Denying it and sheltering yourself won't do any favors for you. 
Is it bad to overwork and push yourself into the brink of insanity?
Of course it is!!! But 'no pain no gain' is very true. And while you're young you won't even care! People told me too that 'you should go out' and 'you're ruining yourself' - you think I listened or cared? if something is important to you, you'll do it and you'll pursue it no matter what anyway.

Art is about iron will and discipline.
You control it. It will be always up to you to know your limits. Art is about knowing yourself and your boundaries. Self reflection is the most vital component. 

But it is important to listen to yourself as well. The first sign when your body cries to stop, you'll have to.

So for a while now, I take weekend breaks. And not long ago I also started to limit my daily drawing hours too. (it's not easy)
Maybe now I can finish a game or a book even xd

So long story short, I did another small weekend fanart  hope you'll like it ^^/