I just got back from Fanime, which was my first year attending for Artist Alley. Though there were a bunch of issues I had with how it was handled, the experience was mostly good. Maybe I’ll have a recap later.

Anyway, I had an ask in my inbox during the con, and I’m choosing to keep the person anonymous, but here’s the message:

Hey, eu03! You and Junkpuyo inspired me to do digital drawing! I’ve been drawing my whole life but I just made my art blog a month ago. I’m very serious about doing this. From your experience, do you have advice to get a decent fan base on the internet other than just “keep drawing”? I don’t have that any followers and notes like you guys and I have a hard time getting my stuff out there for people to notice. It just seems like you guys have it a lot easier. Like on Tumblr/Deviantart. Thanks.

I’ll be honest here. With the current level of skill I see from you, I don’t think you are entitled to get much views. Your art needs a lot more work and improvement, so just “keep drawing”. That’s the short answer.

The long answer is a little more preachy.

As I mentioned in my advice post earlier in the year, don’t make exposure your chief goal. While there’s nothing wrong in being ambitious, trying to chase popularity will often affect your development in a mostly negative manner. It can stiffen up your style and trap you into complacency. I’ve never made a serious effort to be popular, but I’ve slowly been getting my name out there by just trying to make “good” art. I’m hardly what anyone would consider popular, though.

Let your art and talent speak for yourself first. Find peers of similar skill level that will help you grow and support you. Once you can start being more competent in art, it only takes a little bit of traction to start getting attention, but don’t let it affect your priorities. You’re still drawing for yourself first.

I’m not discouraging popularity, but I think many people these days expect fame to fall on their laps without realizing what it actually entitles. Sure, you can make empty and vapid art for mass appeal, but it is infinitely more gratifying to be acknowledged by your unique identity and skill. I’d rather be a person with great talent with some followers than a mediocre artist with many fans.

As for actual critique of your art, you are definitely too caught up in making clean lines; you’re not fully aware of the anatomy and facial proportion issues that you have. Drop the focus on inking for now and start doing more sketches. Constantly do studies and draw from photo reference. I don’t know how long it will take you; maybe it will be few or many years before you can get to that level. However, people that work with honesty and effort will be rewarded well in the end.