Mage Bunkshelf

I'm going to keep this part brief because there are plenty of posts out there surrounding this topic, but in regard to that particular community, it's honestly so upsetting, given the recurring drama that revolves around fanart, because I have never seen anything like that in any other audio roleplay fandom until this one. People should feel welcome to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas when it comes to character and listener designs... There should not be fear in wanting to share something with a person who supposedly has similar interests.

In regard to creators, who cares if the creator sees it or not? I mean, it's always a bonus if they do, but it shouldn't be the reason that stops you from sharing something you are itching to show off because you're proud of it. I'm just going to use Escaped Audios as an example, but other creators such as Zsakuva, GoodBoyAudios, Scythe Audios, etc, also recognize and strongly encourage fanart. Escaped is pretty active in the community and basically reposts any fanart he finds, mainly because he loves to see them and share them with the community, regardless of how "small" his fandom is, enjoying the fact that there are people who enjoy his content so much that they make silly doodles to full-blown works revolving around his series. It is such an honor for him or rather gives him pride. It doesn't have to be "canon" to be good and appreciated. He has voiced multiple times that he honestly doesn't give a fuck about what people want to draw, it's not his art, and he cannot stop your creative liberty. Whether he likes it or not, it shouldn't matter; he just wants you to make the thing and feel good about it. Even if you were still worried about making sure the character designs are canon, he has been very willing to describe their appearances and pull references from commissioned work, images, and resembling fanart (even going as far as making some fanart designs canon). Don't limit yourself to what the creator could think... and don't think your art is not worthy enough for the creator because they should feel privileged you put the thought in it all!

Anywho, on to the bigger picture.

This isn't the first time to see something like this, as many artists across multiple communities outside of audio roleplay struggle with sharing their art, but let's just focus on this community for now because I'm sure this message still speaks true to many audiences.

I have seen so much asking for permission, hesitation, or even harsh self-criticism in this community regarding posting art. I get it, I was once in that mindset as well, because it is scary to put yourself out there, because art can say so much about you. HOWEVER, it is so liberating when you do it. Don’t put these invisible barriers for yourself, such as: “oh, well, what if no one likes it?” or “what if it's not good enough to post?” and GOD HELP ME IF YOU SAY “But it isn't as good as ‘so-and-so’s' art.” I WILL HARM YOU IF YOU SAY THAT!!!! As someone who has spent literal years developing a personalized art style (as many other artists have), every step is a milestone to be proud of! If you’re proud of it and/or willing to continue to develop it, that is all that matters! Your style is your own, and that is what makes it so unique and beautiful. There is a statement I like to tell myself and will stand by it for the rest of my life, in and out of art– you will always be your worst critic.

It's easy to get in your own head when it comes to sharing your art, but it takes effort to put yourself out there– if you’re one of the people hesitating to hit that post button or just have it sitting in your drafts, POST IT! You truly have nothing to lose because no one else’s opinion but yours should matter! Even if someone does say something shitty instead of something constructive, screw them, who gives a flying shit what they think. It's yours, and you should be proud of it!