FA+
Shop
1259
Views
Views
22
Favorites
Favorites
Category
All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 616 x 654
File Size 119.7 kB
Report this content
More from lapinbeau
Listed in Folders
I've been thinking about sort of "rebooting" my Somnia universe... making Jessie and tengka and the land of Somnia into a proper ongoing story with deep themes and expanded stories for the characters. Perhaps still doing NSFW art of them, but not considering it canon.
But after a couple days... I think I’m in way over my head. I don’t even know if I’m capable of drawing comics in a “storybook” style. :|
… I’d LIKE to make a legit comic… but I don’t want to just go and delete all my NSFW pictures, that’s where almost my entire fanbase came from. And even if I did, what good would it do? The stigma of being a porn artist pretty much destroys any chance of success with SFW art.
I must have the most fickle and easily swayed mind. One day I’m determined to make my sexy drawings the most erotic and fappable stuff around… the next I'm focusing on gesture drawings to try and improve my technique... the next I’m thinking about making properly legitimate, deep stories. Then another day I start saving for a bigger Cintiq… then I start taking tons of commissions... I mean, I can’t even stay focused on a project. Admittedly, it’s partly because of difficulty coordinating with Nedoiko, but still... if I can’t make a comic with a partner, how can I count on myself to make a proper comic all on my own?
I just don’t know what to do anymore, guys. I feel like I’ve spread myself too thin, while also digging myself too deep.
But after a couple days... I think I’m in way over my head. I don’t even know if I’m capable of drawing comics in a “storybook” style. :|
… I’d LIKE to make a legit comic… but I don’t want to just go and delete all my NSFW pictures, that’s where almost my entire fanbase came from. And even if I did, what good would it do? The stigma of being a porn artist pretty much destroys any chance of success with SFW art.
I must have the most fickle and easily swayed mind. One day I’m determined to make my sexy drawings the most erotic and fappable stuff around… the next I'm focusing on gesture drawings to try and improve my technique... the next I’m thinking about making properly legitimate, deep stories. Then another day I start saving for a bigger Cintiq… then I start taking tons of commissions... I mean, I can’t even stay focused on a project. Admittedly, it’s partly because of difficulty coordinating with Nedoiko, but still... if I can’t make a comic with a partner, how can I count on myself to make a proper comic all on my own?
I just don’t know what to do anymore, guys. I feel like I’ve spread myself too thin, while also digging myself too deep.
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 616 x 654px
File Size 119.7 kB
Listed in Folders
I would go with a leap of faith :) You still can make Fappy art right? And I bet your fans would understand that you just want to be happy with what you enjoy doing. Still if you realy are obliged to finish your older work than do it... just one step at a time :3 I make it sound easy but i bet its like a giant rock on back @_@ Do what you consider to be fair and best. I myself wont be hipocrite and cheer for whatever makes you happy :3 and if its that reboot... shure, i wont stop you :3
First you should stop doubting your talents. You don't need to do more practice material.
Next you should focus on one or two things only. If you want the Cintiq just consider that a goal of one of your other projects like Starship Zoom when the money finally comes in for it. Or if you're really going SFW make it a goal of that.
I think you should stick to what made you famous on FA though. NSFW will get you far more interested customers than doing clean material.
Next you should focus on one or two things only. If you want the Cintiq just consider that a goal of one of your other projects like Starship Zoom when the money finally comes in for it. Or if you're really going SFW make it a goal of that.
I think you should stick to what made you famous on FA though. NSFW will get you far more interested customers than doing clean material.
I think the biggest thing you need to do is start managing your time, jumbled up drawing schedules, lack of direction is what gets you in this kind of position (I've wanted to make a comic series too, but I've been in a slump of just drawing nsfw for the past year or so) usually once order has been set down, things start to work themselves out, you shouldn't doubt yourself because of how your schedule is, I mean hey, artists biggest critics have always been themselves, we constantly give ourselves a hard time. You just gotta say "fuck it I'm literally GOD" then put on some nifty shades and fly into the moon
Your situation kind of reminds me of Lemonfont. Lemonfont has this sort of porny story lines going on- but people are in love with his storylines just as much as as his characters and the story and canon behind them. Last night in his stream like 20 people where debating about his various comics time lines. It's entirely possible to build a story focused fanbase while still having smutt.
I always look at Jebriodo as a good example of an artist that keeps things separated, varied and balanced. He's drawn fetish porn stuff (and still does, either as story driven sequences or pinup's, both for personal entertainment and as commissions) but also has had significant success working for DC Comics,Marvel and other smaller independent producers and projects that cover themes and ideas that are more intricate and complex, that is not to say that his preferences don't seep into them though (and damn, that is no bad thing :D ).
You could also look at artists like InCase or OlympicDames that combine fetishy/porn themes with much more in depth and engaging storylines and plots that keep the sexy stuff more grounded and genuine. Their comics have drastically different feels to them but both rely on audiences that come for the kink but stay because they are extremely well written, sincere and passionately produced works of art and literature. I mentioned these primarily because they are my favorite examples of things that come under NSFW but I can perceive of conversations with other fans being much more erudite than "OMG this is just so hot right?" I mean they are! but being able to say "So do you think Vera will figure out her Daughter has been taking after her a little too closely and is also sleeping around?" is so much more fun!
I hope that gives you some perspective on what it means to draw erotic stuff, even if it does have a stigma, it's not something that cripples you from being successful with it, whether you want to do straight laced stuff and NSFW on the side, or if you decide to make something NSFW a singular focus for a while, YOU can make it work because they did :D
You could also look at artists like InCase or OlympicDames that combine fetishy/porn themes with much more in depth and engaging storylines and plots that keep the sexy stuff more grounded and genuine. Their comics have drastically different feels to them but both rely on audiences that come for the kink but stay because they are extremely well written, sincere and passionately produced works of art and literature. I mentioned these primarily because they are my favorite examples of things that come under NSFW but I can perceive of conversations with other fans being much more erudite than "OMG this is just so hot right?" I mean they are! but being able to say "So do you think Vera will figure out her Daughter has been taking after her a little too closely and is also sleeping around?" is so much more fun!
I hope that gives you some perspective on what it means to draw erotic stuff, even if it does have a stigma, it's not something that cripples you from being successful with it, whether you want to do straight laced stuff and NSFW on the side, or if you decide to make something NSFW a singular focus for a while, YOU can make it work because they did :D
I said as much on tumblr and I'll say it here as well just because: You're a good artist and I'd follow you no matter what. Clean, raunch, sexy, silly, cartoonish or more realistic. I think you've got a great eye for all of it and definitely enjoy whatever work of yours comes into my inbox. So go wild. Follow a dream, do something bold and ambitious. You've got all of us here on FA to cheer you one, even if you have to close out doing nsfw stuff. Cause I guarantee: we all appreciate what you've done thus far.
Pfft, my girlfriend is a pornmonger and her Patreon for her non-porn comic is paying her rent each month. :) I don't think it's quite the stigma you think! Not to mention, weren't Lauren Faust and Craig McCracken doing shorts about smoking pot and dropping acid once upon a time? Didn't seem to stop 'em from making kids shows! I say go for it, and deal with any crap you get for drawing fetish art when it happens. :)
You can draw SFW comic with some... missing scenes which ones you can draw in one pic as NSFW.
You can start over as SFW moslty artist, yet, do sometimes pinup and NSFW stuff. There are tons of variants.
Yet, most difficult - make complex structure of setting, where world dictate plot, not chars. Well, you will need much more time for comix as you think, because it's needs scenario, frames, at least lineart.
And for beginning, you can make second account for only clean stuff and this will be for NSFW stuff. Sit, think, decide.
P.S. And no need for this "I'm not talanted" things. Just read, watch, listen, try to draw different things.
You can start over as SFW moslty artist, yet, do sometimes pinup and NSFW stuff. There are tons of variants.
Yet, most difficult - make complex structure of setting, where world dictate plot, not chars. Well, you will need much more time for comix as you think, because it's needs scenario, frames, at least lineart.
And for beginning, you can make second account for only clean stuff and this will be for NSFW stuff. Sit, think, decide.
P.S. And no need for this "I'm not talanted" things. Just read, watch, listen, try to draw different things.
"One day I’m determined to make my sexy drawings the most erotic and fappable stuff around… the next I'm focusing on gesture drawings to try and improve my technique... the next I’m thinking about making properly legitimate, deep stories. Then another day I start saving for a bigger Cintiq… then I start taking tons of commissions."
This right here, this is what being an artist is about; Who says you can't flit around between ideas....they're ALL good things. Professional artists i.e. disney animators and the like will flit between various projects and personal work to keep things fresh, and their minds engaged.
If you want to do a comic; that's awesome!
But don't want to leave behind the NSFW; well why not compromise and include NSFW within the comic (not exclusively but if it's part of the story why not?)
Feel making a comic is too big a deal by yourself? try writing the chapters first, and maybe just comic out particular scenes from it. ( I do this with my Albert and Matilda "series" If you feel comfortable and like how the comic-ing goes you can perhaps move to comic chapters instead of random segments.
Remember! There is beauty in chaos; no matter how jumbled or muddled your ideas may be, and short the attention span, you can always do a tidy up, keep folders for each "universe" or project. Reorganise and TAME the CHAOS!!!
^_^ Hope even a smidge of this helps!
This right here, this is what being an artist is about; Who says you can't flit around between ideas....they're ALL good things. Professional artists i.e. disney animators and the like will flit between various projects and personal work to keep things fresh, and their minds engaged.
If you want to do a comic; that's awesome!
But don't want to leave behind the NSFW; well why not compromise and include NSFW within the comic (not exclusively but if it's part of the story why not?)
Feel making a comic is too big a deal by yourself? try writing the chapters first, and maybe just comic out particular scenes from it. ( I do this with my Albert and Matilda "series" If you feel comfortable and like how the comic-ing goes you can perhaps move to comic chapters instead of random segments.
Remember! There is beauty in chaos; no matter how jumbled or muddled your ideas may be, and short the attention span, you can always do a tidy up, keep folders for each "universe" or project. Reorganise and TAME the CHAOS!!!
^_^ Hope even a smidge of this helps!
Don't doubt yourself. You are a great artist with fantastic skills. you should only do as much as you are capable of. If you wanna do a SFW story, then DO IT! If people here can't appreciate your art without porn, let them find somebody else. You can do what you want to make your characters whoever and whatever you want them to be. I say go for SFW stuff. It helps detail your character and bring them further to life by giving us a background that expands their story.
Well first of all you should do what makes YOU happy, and not bury yourself in work, its supposed to be fun, right?
But that being said, there are ways to combine anything you want to combine, in anyway you want to, there are weekly comics that combine sfw/nsfw, like Tina's story by Graymuzzle, there are comics w/ implied nsfw, with no actual imagery like Havoc Inc, and there are plenty that aren't yiffy at all, w everything in between, so no pressure.
I love your work, it's all super cute!
But that being said, there are ways to combine anything you want to combine, in anyway you want to, there are weekly comics that combine sfw/nsfw, like Tina's story by Graymuzzle, there are comics w/ implied nsfw, with no actual imagery like Havoc Inc, and there are plenty that aren't yiffy at all, w everything in between, so no pressure.
I love your work, it's all super cute!
I don't know anything abouth that NSFW stigma they talk abut, must be a floklore thing from the north or something, seriously. Here in the south, in Europa and of course in Japan, all they care about is that you can draw and stuff. Did you know that Hellsing mangaka used to draw hentai ? (and I bet he still does). And the guy from Girl Genius too. Hell, the Empowered series was conceived working on that kind of commissions!
Other than that, don't worry about "spreading too thin", it does happen. Running out of ideas is worse, they told me. Just try to work as dedicatedly you can on something each day and you'll get something out of the mess. Uh, I think.
As long as you are doing something, anything, you are not losing the time. May you create a lo more!
Other than that, don't worry about "spreading too thin", it does happen. Running out of ideas is worse, they told me. Just try to work as dedicatedly you can on something each day and you'll get something out of the mess. Uh, I think.
As long as you are doing something, anything, you are not losing the time. May you create a lo more!
3 years ago, but I'm going through this right now as well.
I saw a video about TheFearRaiser which (despite that fact he didn't pay is artists), built a huge audience that doesn't actually watch his content. Because he kept switching genres, going against what people originally subscribed for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wJkVr1DbR0 That's just how that works; it's more than a number.
You have to find that audience, but you also have to stick with it or choose another one.
My plan was fetish art and a comic Let's Play of noone's "Fatty Text Adventure Game" to be that lure which draws people in. To get all those eyes on my respectable SFW Dwarf Fortress comic let's play and RPGs. But then that would create two clashing audiences. I should in-fact be adapting the Dwarf Fortress let's play and well...all let's plays and the RPGs into porn.
Because that's what they subscribed for.
It's really hard to get people to be interested in the work you'd rather be known for: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30241772/
The work that makes you feel like you have some semblance of self-respect: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30241813/
Verses the work that gets you an audience: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30277792/
Just one of those things. Doesn't matter how mastercrafted, well-researched, or dynamic your work is. Granted I'm one of many that could be more of all three, but those alone still aren't enough. It's all about what people are looking for. Very few themes make people engaged enough to actively follow an artist exclusively from their work.
The sheer power of Porn + Popular fandom.
Nothing rivals pornography/fetishization in providing powerful emotions, in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of prerequisite knowledge/investment. It even breaks language barriers, because language isn't required. Doubly so if you're appealing to a popular fandom (Pokemon, Undertale). Everyone says that "you can make respectable, original content any time you want!"
Well yeah, if you're okay with dumping hundreds of hours into being irrelevant.
You need to be a part of something that's on everyone's mind. Be something that people want to click on; drama, porn, horror, cringe, etc. Then they have to consider if you're worth being in a subscription feed. And ultimately, often cripplingly, worth being paid.
At the very least, one needs to build an audience before you make "your thing", but don't even expect that audience to care about said thing. I almost don't even care about pornografying "my thing" for this audience I've chosen.
Even for just a hobby in dedication to such important and personal ideas. After a hundred or so uploads, the artist will eventually get tired of one-digit-recognition for all that hard work. I know, because I tried that already. Even my friends try not to admit that, they continue "just having fun making things for themselves." We said we'd be principled; that we'd never stoop to making shallow content for shallow recognition. Our projects would be born of passion and we'd earn true respect as artists.
I noticed after almost a decade, how they never ended up working on anything. Just couldn't find keep up the motivation.
I saw a video about TheFearRaiser which (despite that fact he didn't pay is artists), built a huge audience that doesn't actually watch his content. Because he kept switching genres, going against what people originally subscribed for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wJkVr1DbR0 That's just how that works; it's more than a number.
You have to find that audience, but you also have to stick with it or choose another one.
My plan was fetish art and a comic Let's Play of noone's "Fatty Text Adventure Game" to be that lure which draws people in. To get all those eyes on my respectable SFW Dwarf Fortress comic let's play and RPGs. But then that would create two clashing audiences. I should in-fact be adapting the Dwarf Fortress let's play and well...all let's plays and the RPGs into porn.
Because that's what they subscribed for.
It's really hard to get people to be interested in the work you'd rather be known for: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30241772/
The work that makes you feel like you have some semblance of self-respect: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30241813/
Verses the work that gets you an audience: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/30277792/
Just one of those things. Doesn't matter how mastercrafted, well-researched, or dynamic your work is. Granted I'm one of many that could be more of all three, but those alone still aren't enough. It's all about what people are looking for. Very few themes make people engaged enough to actively follow an artist exclusively from their work.
The sheer power of Porn + Popular fandom.
Nothing rivals pornography/fetishization in providing powerful emotions, in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of prerequisite knowledge/investment. It even breaks language barriers, because language isn't required. Doubly so if you're appealing to a popular fandom (Pokemon, Undertale). Everyone says that "you can make respectable, original content any time you want!"
Well yeah, if you're okay with dumping hundreds of hours into being irrelevant.
You need to be a part of something that's on everyone's mind. Be something that people want to click on; drama, porn, horror, cringe, etc. Then they have to consider if you're worth being in a subscription feed. And ultimately, often cripplingly, worth being paid.
At the very least, one needs to build an audience before you make "your thing", but don't even expect that audience to care about said thing. I almost don't even care about pornografying "my thing" for this audience I've chosen.
Even for just a hobby in dedication to such important and personal ideas. After a hundred or so uploads, the artist will eventually get tired of one-digit-recognition for all that hard work. I know, because I tried that already. Even my friends try not to admit that, they continue "just having fun making things for themselves." We said we'd be principled; that we'd never stoop to making shallow content for shallow recognition. Our projects would be born of passion and we'd earn true respect as artists.
I noticed after almost a decade, how they never ended up working on anything. Just couldn't find keep up the motivation.
Comments