This was originally a commission, that I decided to modify a bit for my own version~

And as promised, let's talk about art things :)
So I thought, we could start a discussion about the infamous "same face syndrome"

This is something that people throw at artists, who have a narrow preference and draw the "same thing" a lot.
I think this term should just die already.

First of all, I think there are multiple types of this "syndrome":
It can be totally on purpose:
The artist simply likes to draw the same things. You have no control over this, and expressing your "opinion" about it is simply rude and not necessary, unless the artist asked for your input.

It might be not intentional: for example, commissions.
Commissions are made for the customer, and artists often have to do things that is not in their own control.

You don't know if an artist just prefers to do the same stuff over and over again, or they are not able to do different things.
Pointing it out to them - or worse, talking about them elsewhere - is simply rude and not needed.

I get asked a lot for clones of my own characters which i always refuse, or try to work around it.
Sadly, most people doesn't like it when you try to add any sort of variance or personality to their commissions, they just want the same thing that you "always do".
Shoutout to commissioners: I love you and you are wonderful. And sometimes be brave and ask for something bold : D Just because you don't yet see an example in an artists' portfolio, it doesn't mean that they can't do it! It never hurts to ask.


Personally, I have no problem with "same face syndrome" at all. But i absolutely love consistency and seeing artists who have specific themes that i like, or their ability to do a certain face the same way from multiple angles. I find this an awesome skill as well.
I also think that artists draw in their "own style", aka: in their own preference in any given circumstance. So even if you try something drastically different, your own "print" will be on it. Their characters often even look a bit like the artists. This is not a coincidence.
Don't hate your own art because your artworks look "too similar" . That is you. Part of you.
Accepting yourself first and recognizing yourself in your art is something that many artists struggle with. Art is quite a sensitive thing, it is always horrible to receive negative feedback or troll comments, because it is not only directed at a picture on the screen, it is directed at you. And yes, take every compliment just as personally!
Sorry, I got carried away....


I think people just tend to ignore each individual artists' journey and not look at how much they evolve and refine their skills, instead, people look at a broad summary of _all art_ : comparing artists to other artists. (looking at any main page summary)
And this way, of course if you compare a manga artist to a fine art study, they will be very much different. But that doesn't mean that any of them are better or worse.
Technically speaking, there is absolutely nothing wrong with liking to draw the same things over and over.
(It is also amazing practice for your consistency, design, composition, shading, coloring, values, etc.)

But eventually you'll get bored of it.

But this is a long journey. Until then, you will grow, practice your skills, do the things you enjoy and draw whatever you want!
If your art is too similar, and you feel like it is too repetitive, think of it this way: does it bother you, or do you feel like you "owe" anything to your audience? (no, you don't!)

There are lots of elitists, yes. And there are lots of "help you learn" communities which lack kindness, patience and understanding of the fact that
art won't happen overnight.
Not even in a few years.
Maybe in a decade.
But with patience...eventually

But it all depends on you,
and you art whatever you want.


Elsewhere:
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ArtStation https://www.artstation.com/artist/cashile
DeviantArt: https://www.deviantart.com/cashile
ArtAmino http://aminoapps.com/page/art/5673092/cashile
DrawCrowd http://drawcrowd.com/cashileart039f
Newgrounds https://cashile.newgrounds.com/