Sorry_irl (OC)
Every so often I see this type of message and it's always irked me. I might be taking them too literally—but just in case—here's a reminder that you don't owe anyone your hobby. Create whatever you want, whenever you feel like, including nothing at all.
Source: Mastodon
That's very important to keep in mind, and it's something I often have to remind myself of. It's easy to burn out when you don't feel like doing a particular thing but still do it to "please" others. Especially in today's social media environment, where engagement and likes and followers are often kind of a measure of your worth, which is really messed up. Of course, not every post like that means that someone thinks others are entitled to their time. Sometimes, it's really just a heads-up that someone was gone for a bit and is now back. But it's easy to fall into that mindset, I think, especially when your goal is to turn your hobby into a job.
Yeah, that's pretty much it. It's easy to fall into the gamification of social media and push yourself in harmful ways. While this comic is exaggeration and obviously doesn't reflect how every person who says this feels, it's really just a way to have a dialogue about why someone apologizes for not doing some personal thing enough. It's not like I'm "immune to propaganda" either here, as I'm also a people pleaser; it's something I have to actively contend with because of my upbringing. Art is just one of those things I've managed to put my foot down over because of what it means to me.
As for the hobby to job thing, I feel a good life lesson would be to never go down that path if possible. You don't get a hobby that is a job, you simply lose a hobby and gain a job. I know this world is disgusting and some may see this their best way to survive in capitalist hell, but that just makes the journey sadder. This is also why when I encounter hobbyists with ways to pay them, I just donate instead of commission. They already gave me joy with their expression, after all.
It's definitely tempting to go down the hobby-to-job pipeline, especially right now because it's really hard for me to find a job. The thought that I'm already doing it anyway and might as well make some money from it is there, but I'd still have to put in a lot of effort to even call it a side gig. But then there are days when I'm really tired and don't want to do anything, and on those days, I'd feel bad if people gave me money and I didn't deliver, so maybe it's for the best not to monetise hobbies, at least in my case.
In addition to the gamification of social media and the constant desire to make "number go up," it's often kinda pushed on people, too. Payment providers specifically address small artists in their advertisement, and so do websites like Etsy or Redbubble. It's important that full-time artists have the tools and options they need, but these websites' adverts make it sound so simple and hide the mountain of work that lies behind having any significant amount of success.
As nice of a sentimental platitude this is, it completely ignores our material and social reality where art isn't just a hobby but a career. For many of these artists, if they do not continue to engage with their consumer base then they will lose the stability of income that they rely on to survive.
So no, while no one is entitled to your time, you're still arbitrarily required by the current society we live in to give your time, as an artist, to others if you want food and shelter.
I hate it too. I couldn't manage it, which is why I never became an artist for a career. Now I'm old and have a life of regret where I didn't spend my youth creating art and music like I wanted while I still had the use of my hands before neuropathy stole that ability from me because I had to make an income.
I don't think that's true. I think you do owe your audience
What do you owe? What you can give. Sometimes that's nothing. Sometimes that's a cry for support. Sometimes that's art.
And I think your community owes you too. The ones that can give owe understanding, and to yell at the assholes. Those that can give owe a message of support. Those who can give nothing owe not making their desires your problem.
We all live in a low trust societies lacking in empathy. Things should not be this way, and we can't base our aspirations off this shitty world
Perhaps we view the word "owe" differently, because by the sounds of it, you just want people to have empathy for other's needs. In my view, sharing your self expression through art, and those who take the time to partake in that expression, are already engaged in a mutually positive experience together. When I used "owe," I mean a position of entitlement. In the same way I cannot feel entitled to other's attention, they should not be entitled to my expression. My expression is my freedom, and I will not sacrifice the small sliver of that I have.
Your point of doing well by others as you can is absolutely valid of course, and we all can be a part of that. Sharing emotions, stories, kind words, experiences, even a moment of time to listen. I suppose the only thing we likely differ on is how the word "owe" makes us feel. We're all in this together, and I'd love if we all felt encouraged to spread positivity, without feeling awful because you feel what you do is not enough.
I always interpreted it as "Hello, I am back. Here is a sketch as I get back into things, expect a finished version soon.", although I am Canadian and we do apologize just as much as the stereotypes suggest. That being said, excellent work as always.
Yeah, it's almost certainly an over exaggeration of what's actually happening. More than anything I just wanted to dramatize how I read those comments, so I could spark discussion about how social media can make people feel like they have to do things, just because they've done them before. Take breaks, create when you want to, enjoy your hobbies.
Also, thanks! Don't know when the next one will be, but I'll be happy when I'm making it, and I'm grateful others like you are willing to experience it with me.
And I am grateful that you are willing to share your incredible talent with us.