fluffylovey

I didn't want to make a nagging journal like this, but seems like I've not got much choice any more.

Lately (as in over the last few months) I've been seeing more and more of my artwork either being traced, heavily referenced or recoloured, and honestly this needs to stop guys
Im not being super possessive with what I do, and tbh people who reference picture layouts from me or some poses now and then is fine. It's not ideal but it's not harmful and hey, back when I first started I probably ripped off a lot of people before I realised it was silly. But tracing? Recolouring? All without credit? That's not ok.

Instead of being a douche and calling people out, I'm just gonna do a lil explanation as to why it's wrong for you and me to trace my, or any other artists, things.
Firstly, drawing and artwork itself is a talent that lends itself entirely to practice (99% of the time). I will say right now that I have 0 natural talent for art, but because I'm persistent and practiced for so many years of my life, I can make half decent stuff now (give or take haha). Some artists are talented and maybe don't have to put quuuiiiittteee so much effort in to improve, but I can assure you all that practice is what gets any craftsperson to where they are today, talented or not.
Tracing another person's art is not practice in any way. You don't learn by following lines like a dot to dot book, and it's a very lazy way to create art. You have to be completely strict and practice like hell to start making good things, and it does take time. But if you practice CORRECTLY (so by studying real life subjects, doodling poses and playing with anatomy to get more familiar with it, NOT TRACING) you can and WILL improve. You by definition can't do that with tracing.
Secondly, it is VERY obvious when a beginner artist traces someone else, because it doesn't match what they do freehand and sticks out like a sore thumb. You will inevitably be found out and could be called out by the artist which can lead to so much drama and pain, and it can be totally avoided if you don't trace. If you heavily reference a pose, YKNOW WHAT, to me that's fine, PROVIDED YOU CREDIT THE ORIGINAL ARTIST!!! I cannot stress how rude it is to not credit someone.
Lastly, it is not a nice thing at all to find out someone traces your stuff. EVER. You may think of it initially as 'wow someone likes my stuff so much they copied it' but trust me when it happens, it's a nasty feeling. It feels like someone attempting to ride on your hard work, y'know? Not only that, but it puts people like me, who naturally HATE confrontation and prefer to let things slide, in a horrible position. I'm making this journal because I am in this position; I can't bring myself to call people out but I also can't let it keep happening, and it's very stressful trying to resolve it, let alone trying to resolve it peacefully.

I really hope this will help encourage people to stop tracing because it would be really nice for artists on both side to not have to deal with the repercussions that occur when people trace.

Thanks for reading guys <3

p.s (didn't know where to fit this in but hey ho): If you want to trace artwork or photos for references or drawings/art YOU ARENT GOING TO PUBLISH ONLINE OR OFF, that is probably ok tbh. I would not actively encourage it, but it's ok as long as it's not published

So I organised the commissions awfully and now I find myself unable to recall everybody who has commissioned me which is super douchey of me x.x

SO BASICALLY:
If you've commissioned me for something in the past and I haven't yet completed it, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT BELOW WITH WHAT IT WAS YOU ORDERED SO I CAN GET ON IT IN THE NEXT FE WEEKS BEFORE I GO BACK TO UNI <3
If you ordered an iron aritist headshot, I do have a compiled list of those due to be done and I have commission details of those who've paid and so on (cheers DA thanks for keeping me in line haha).

SO YES, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO SO I CAN ACTUALLY MAKE A FUNCTIONAL LIST!!

Thanks guys <333

Because I'm a lame af sheep and I want another badge.
Still don't like core and still won't be getting a premium renewal.

1. How long have you been on DeviantArt? 

7 years wow I should go outside more.

2. What does your username mean? 

Seriously it's got no real meaning. I had a teddy bear called 'Fluffly' as a kid (still do aayy) and I wanted a username with fluffy in it because I absolutely love fluffy things. Not sure where the lovey came from, I guess it just sounded good put together lol

3. Describe yourself in three words. 

Happy, Restless, Dreamer

4. Are you left or right handed? 

Right

5. What was your first deviation? 

Oh jesus ready yourself for some visual vomit:

Why did I think that style was ok? Why do? 

6. What is your favourite type of art to create?

I do genuinely love to make animations, but I really like bold colours, cartoon styles and character design

7. If you could instantly master a different art style, what would it be?

If we're talking any art style whatsoever then FUCKING HELL LET ME BE THE MASTER OF PLUSH MAKING!!! So many characters I want to bring to life :'D
Digital art wise, can I just be Please-be-careful ??? HER SHADING. AND COLOURING. IS FUCKING FLAWLESS. AS IS EVERYTHING ELSE let me be you, Elsa.

8. What was your first favourite?



God bless that yin-yang symbol <3

9. What type of art do you tend to favourite the most?

Fanart BECAUSE IT BRINGS ME JOY LIKE I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE, photorealistic stuff, awesome plushies, art from friendies and senpais etc.

10. Who is your all-time favourite deviant artist?

I really don't like making lists because I know I'll miss someone but rest assured I have SO many DA senpais

11. If you could meet anyone on DeviantArt in person, who would it be?

Blaze-TFD , Blixemi , Please-be-careful , HulluMel and HulluRichie because you are all fucking incredible and it would be an honour to be in your presence for reals :')
And of course, tribble-of-doom WHO I AM ACTUALLY MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 8 YEARS IN ABOUT 3 WEEKS *rapid breathing*
I already meeted chii, holly, lydz, liam, scarlet, cas and megan but It'd be rad awesome and also cool so keep on meeting yall because you all rock my sawcks (heart eyes emoji)

12. How has a fellow deviant impacted your life?

Loads of deviants make me inspired to try new things like sculptures, plushies, different art styles and so on.
But the biggest shoutout has to be to TheCynicalHound because she and she alone was the reason I changed my style and actually started to make real improvements with my art and I HIGHLY doubt I'd be where I am today without her firm but brilliant comment :'D Thank you so much for that one comment ashley it literally changed so much for me :') AND FUCKIT I WANNA MEET YOU TOO LET'S PARTAY.

13. What are your preferred tools to create art?

Coloured charcoals on black paper, acrylic paint and canvas, paint tool sai, tvpaint and MS paint for that oldschool no-layers feel.

 What is the most inspirational place for you to create art?

Has to be somewhere warm, I can't work if I'm cold. Has to be somewhere light and airy, with all windows open. I need to hve my feet up or tucked next to me as I get very fidgety and uncomfortable sitting in a 'regular' position. I also need to have water, or coke or something to drink. Nothing to eat or I get distracted. If I can be in jim jams that's always a bonus.
But as for actual inspiration? Somewhere where I can see countryside for miles around

What is your favourite DeviantArt memory?

Every single birthday I've had on here because every year people are so sweet sending me points, messages and fanart and it reminds me how special all of you are to me :')


Right, gimmie that badge DA. #deviantartistquestionnaire