Albinism

Me being fully aware that the only way to overcome perfectionism in my art is to just create but simultaneously avoiding that exact thing due to perfectionism

*clears throat* if i looked you up in the dictionary, there’d be a picture of cute- *coughs* i mean, um, if i looked up dictionary in cute, there’d- no, i meant *shuffles cards* if you looked cute up in the dictionary, there’d be a picture of me- *drops cards* i, uh *flusters* the, um *panics* the dictionary thinks you’re cute

i’m not “cute” awkward.

i’m “what the hell is wrong with you” awkward.

millionmovieproject

Is there anything that does make you feel better, or have a sense of relief?  I’m asking because I’d like to know how we can help.  I don’t expect you to have all the answers, just that if there’s some way we can come through for you.  Does it help to talk, or does this kind of feedback make things worse?

What helps:

Witnesses testifying publicly that they’ve seen the harassment I’ve dealt with. I hate wording it that way but that’s how it works—people don’t believe women who decide to speak up for themselves, but they do believe women when others speak up for them.

Sincere, positive spotlights. When Kotaku featured my art a few years back, they didn’t get consent, and it was presented sensationally, which is common with photorealism [”You won’t believe these aren’t photographs!” etc]. I got so much hate. Really vulgar sexual harassment. That was my first experience with rape threats. On the other hand, when Orlando Jones signal boosted my art in an interview, he did it with honest, genuine enthusiasm, and it was wonderful. I got positive feedback and work.

Professional validation from other artists. Hoo boy the dream. Someday I’ll have a Wiki page.

Inclusion by fandom. This is sort of petty, but I make fanart, and fanartists are so rarely included in community discussions or asked about the shows they draw. We’re good communicators.

Just generally not being treated like a threat or a freak show. Is nice.

Questions about my artistic choices. It’s validating when people want to know more—it means you see it as real art.

Tagging me in stuff if it reminds you of my art. Tagging me in stuff you made.

Not putting the onus on me to deal with hate.

This is stuff you can do for any artist, I think. Sorry if it all sounds obvious.

when you make a typo for comedic effect then everyone in the group chat starts goin off repeating your typo thinking they’re the funny ones

2014: do it for the vine

2016: do it in memory of vine