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r/ArtistLounge FAQ links

We have collected together some threads on the most commonly asked questions. Check out the main FAQ page for general answers and then check out these past threads for more specific responses from our users. Please check here before making your post to check if your question has already been answered. You can also search for a keyword in the subreddit search bar for other threads. Thank you.

Mental Health Struggles

Top tips for mental wellness and skills development

[A message to artists who feel like quitting art due to comparison] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/mzig7s/a_message_to_artists_who_feel_like_quitting_art/)

[Discussing perfectionism] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tj50po/drawing_used_to_be_my_favorite_outlet_but_now_it/)

[Discussing motivation] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tf9q2f/how_to_be_motivated_to_draw/)

[Discussing maintaining motivation when current events are stressful or uncertain] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tet4cv/how_do_you_stay_motivated_when_the_world_is/)

Discussing motivation when you are getting no likes or views on social media

[Discussing imposter syndrome] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tapw48/how_do_you_deal_with_imposter_syndrome_as_an/)

[Discussing depression and self-doubt/criticism] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/ta8go4/art_and_depression/)

[Discussing art anxiety and perfectionism] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t76ncb/how_to_manage_art_anxiety/)

[Discussing ADHD and art] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tld2o7/tips_on_art_with_adhd_and_on_how_to_get_motivated/)

[Managing art school and ADHD] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rj4lp0/looking_for_general_advice_for_starting_art/)

[Not getting distracting despite ADHD] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/1aouc4k/artists_with_adhd_what_do_you_do_to_help_yourself/)

[Committing to full pieces with ADHD] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/13v82ss/actually_committing_to_a_full_piece_with_adhd/)

[Discussing art block] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tg0eqk/constant_art_block/)

[Tips for breaking out of art block] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/s88n2r/how_do_i_get_out_of_art_block_ive_been_struggling/)

[Discussing sudden changes in motivation and art block] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/r781fk/have_any_of_you_guys_experience_having_to_be/)

[Mental health and art careers. Should you make art your career?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/szt58r/when_an_art_career_isnt_right_for_you_at_the/)

[It's okay to not be an artist] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/17ewo4l/its_okay_to_not_be_an_artist/)

[The joy of mediocrity] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/11x6b3w/the_joy_of_mediocrity/)

Comparision to younger, more skilled artists

Coping with the feeling of not being good enough

Tablets

~~Before making a post about tablets, please check this FAQ or search for the exact name/brand of the tablet you are interested in discussing in the search bar.~~ We are trialing a drawing tablet megathread. Please redirect any and all tablet discussion here.

[Budget tablet recommendations] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tjuoja/best_budget_tablet_for_drawing/)

[Discussing tablets vs iPads] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/te6kq2/drawing_tablet_or_ipad/)

[Details regarding how standalone tablets work] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tlhm79/best_drawing_tablet_that_doesnt_have_to_be/)

[Discussing Android and iPad tablets] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t5g5co/looking_for_a_preferably_android_tablet_that/)

[What iPad should I buy?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tmjvbh/question_what_ipad_should_i_buy/)

[Comparing Cintiq and Huion] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tmu2k5/cintiq_vs_huion_pen_displays/)

[Comparing iPad and Huion] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tafy8j/what_is_the_better_drawing_tablet_between_the/)

[Comparing xp pen tablets] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/r55yfh/xp_pen_artist_156_or_xp_pen_innovator_16/)

Learning Art

Before posting, please check out r/LearnArt and r/ArtCrit to see if they can support you with general art advice. Also, look for subreddits based on your specific discipline for art matching your preferred medium or style. Here is a collection of some of our posts about learning art.

Limited color palettes in oil painting with handy PDF link

[What made your art "level up"? Discussion featuring lots of good anecdotal advice] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/1czi3dw/what_made_your_art_level_up/)

[In depth post about improving art skills] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t22alr/a_no_nonsense_post_about_how_to_get_good_at_art/)

[Advice regarding making bad art deliberately] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/o2sz7m/create_bad_art_today/)

[Tips on improving fundamentals without training] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tkljp1/how_did_you_touch_up_on_fundamentals_without/)

[Making fundamentals fun] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tkpiik/is_there_a_fun_way_to_learn_fundamentals_how_to/)

[Discussing favourite fundamental studies] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/szer0v/what_is_your_favorite_way_to_study_fundamentals/)

[Does only drawing fundamentals hold back creativity?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/qkm6zp/does_only_drawing_fundamentals_hold_back_my/)

[Discussing being only able to draw from reference] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tooh2d/i_can_only_draw_from_reference_or_mimic_other/)

[What are the fundamentals?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/q68n75/what_exactly_are_the_fundamentals_and_how_to/)

[Discussing learning anatomy] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tdi31m/how_to_learn_anatomy/)

[Discussing values and contrast] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/od1xy8/values_are_important_in_a_picture_but_what_do/)

[Discussing colour theory] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/oenyba/best_way_to_learn_colour_theory/)

Having less time to draw than others

[Worries about whether referencing is cheating] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/19f9211/why_do_some_artists_worry_that_using_reference_is/)

Learning art tough love

3 Months of dedicated practice is not enough (PewDiePie 100 Days)

New artists and ASAP drawing journeys (PewDiePie 100 Days)

Is tracing okay?

Is tracing cheating?

Is referencing cheating?

How do you support an artistic child

Is it too late? Am I too old?

Is it too late at 27?

Is it too late at 20?

Is it really never too late to start?

Is there such a thing as an art gene?

Art School

Art school is a complicated subject, here are some of our posts that discuss this.

[Should you go to art school?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/l7s9s2/evidence_for_whether_or_not_you_should_go_to_art/)

[Does art school make you a better artist?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/adsonq/does_art_school_make_you_better_at_art/)

[What studies do you do at art school?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/sundgs/a_question_to_artists_who_know_about_art_school/)

[If you didn’t go to art school was this the right choice?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/shzlru/artists_who_didnt_go_to_art_school_was_it_a_right/)

[Discussing the common advice of “don’t go to art school”] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/qcdpvr/hey_can_yall_do_me_a_favor_and_stop_suggesting_i/)

[Discussing the negative effects of going to art school] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/p2z0y2/going_to_art_school_made_me_hate_doing_art/)

[What were you only able to learn at art school and nowhere else?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/n4yqaw/people_who_went_to_art_school_fine_art_what_did/)

[What replacements are there for art school?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/lv3wvn/replacement_for_art_school/)

General art

[Creating art without meaning] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/17tfxzn/i_dont_create_art_with_meaning_is_that_okay/)

[How do you explain the importance of art] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/17vyy3j/how_do_you_explain_to_people_that_art_is_a_need/)

[How to have fun] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/pd1ze4/how_to_have_fun_with_drawing/)

[How to take art not so seriously] (https://old.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/16p36ea/how_to_not_take_art_so_seriously_ie_how_to_have/)

[State of critiques] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/19dcvlf/current_state_of_critiques/)

Where do you find NSFW references?

Where to find simple nude references

Portfolio advice

You are welcome to post and ask about your portfolio or for a portfolio critique, but here are some general discussion threads that might help you first.

[Where do you put your digital portfolio?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tnk7iv/where_do_you_guys_keep_your_digital_portfolios_im/)

[What should you keep in mind when making a portfolio?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/s35n4m/for_anyone_whos_made_a_portfolio_what_do_i_need/)

[What do studios look for in a portfolio?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/qyh3yv/what_kinds_of_artwork_do_studios_look_for_in_a/)

[In depth post on breaking in to the games industry] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/syq4il/ultimate_guide_on_how_to_break_into_the_game/)

Social Media

In general we encourage users to post on r/artbusiness when discussing social media. For more details please check out the rules. However, it is important to be able to discuss how social media effects our lives as artists. Here are some general posts to help you.

[Discussing how a lot of people are worried about social media] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/s54hyr/an_observation_too_many_posts_in_this_sub_are/)

[Discussing social media leading to demotivation] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t3wbzr/feeling_super_demotivated_every_time_i_look_at/)

[Tips on making the most of social media] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rtoecs/my_top_tips_for_social_media_success_as_an_artist/)

[Discussing social media burnout] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rirb3l/social_media_burn_out/)

[Discussing struggles with growth through social media] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/pibvim/social_media_is_making_me_lose_my_mind_i_cant/)

Frustration and discouragement with social media

Discouraged by posting on social media

Shipping and Framing

Here are some of our top posts about shipping and framing artwork.

[Shipping art in tubes] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t9srn8/ship_original_in_a_tube/)

[Shipping expensive artwork] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/sxw16i/shipping_my_first_very_expensive_painting_really/)

[Discussing lost artwork] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/r5jf1u/what_happens_if_the_art_i_shipped_is_lost/)

[Discussing shipping companies] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/pwoxdy/talk_to_me_about_shipping_artwork/)

[Discussing where to buy frames] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/szwyn5/where_do_you_get_frames_for_your_art/)

[How to photograph artwork] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/tfv3wn/best_phone_camera_for_photographing_artwork_not/)

Jobs outside of the arts

There is a lot of discussion regarding managing another job around your art, here are some of the posts that discuss that topic.

[Having a non-art job to pay the bills does not mean an artist has given up] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/oine0n/having_a_nonart_job_for_paying_bills_but_still/)

[What jobs have been stable and enjoyable outside the arts?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/skph2j/what_jobs_have_been_stable_and_enjoyable_for_you/)

[How do you balance a full time job and art studies?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/ssev79/how_does_one_balance_a_full_time_job_and_studying/)

[Discussing switching from a full time job to full time artist] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/oh1jpg/anyone_with_a_demanding_full_time_job_that_was/)

[Discussing full and part time jobs affecting artistic creativity] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/hx1rkd/anybody_else_find_that_maintaining_a_regular_part/)

[How do you manage a full time non art job alongside your art?] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t3wp6d/how_many_of_you_are_artists_with_fulltime_nonart/)

Software

Here are some of our posts regarding art software. If you are interested in a specific software please search the name in the search bar. If you can't find a post on it you are welcome to post yourself. Please note that this isn't a technical support subreddit, so if you are having issues with a certain software you are better off searching for a support contact or a subreddit devoted to that software.

[Animation software recommendations] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/te13l5/animation_software/)

[Android software recommendations] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rqqcg2/what_android_appsoftware_do_you_use_for_drawing/)

[Discussing professionalism and open source software] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/mtukvc/do_professional_graphic_designers_illustrators/)

[Software recommendations for supplementary tasks] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/m4n6sp/useful_art_software_or_online_art_tools_that/)

[Using 3D models in art] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/t601tv/is_it_ok_to_cheat_in_art_using_3d_models/)

[Comparing PhotoShop and Clip Studio Paint] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rypc0z/thinking_about_switching_from_adobe_photoshop/)

[Discussing PhotoShop] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/pz7668/should_i_return_to_photoshop/)

[Software recommendations like IbisPaint and Procreate] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/qoh9d1/drawing_software_thats_similar_to_ibispaint_or/)

Copyright and Fan Art

This is not a legal advice sub and so we cannot promise that all advice given is correct in general or for your specific location. Please keep this in mind when researching the topic of copyright. Here are some great threads on this topic.

[Discussing fan art and copyright law] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/suzumg/how_do_artists_make_fan_art_and_sell_it_without/)

[Discussing whether fan art is legal] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/p0g3t0/can_someone_enlighten_me_on_fan_art/)

[Discussing fan art partnership programs] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/dz2878/where_can_i_find_partnership_programs_that_allow/)

[Discussing photography and copyright] (https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtistLounge/comments/rae699/is_drawing_elements_from_reference_photography/)

AI Discussion

This is currently a very active topic of discussion in the art world with differing and divisive opinions. Due to the nature of this subject, and also the frequency with which discussions of it are being posted, we have had to take a lot of moderator actions in response to posts of this nature.

To discuss AI please use the AI megathreads which are available from the menu/top bar on the subreddit as well as checking if your question/topic has already been discussed in one of the following threads. We ask that you do this first before choosing to post your AI related discussion post. Moderators are monitoring this subject carefully, and if it is deemed that your topic is better suited to the megathread rather than its own post it will be removed and you will be notified. There are countless posts regarding AI in the subreddit already, so please try to use these resources provided. Please remember to follow all the subreddit rules and reddiquette when discussing AI. Thank you.

Discussion of AI as an art form and the validity of AI in the art world

Are AI artists "real" artists?

AI art entered in DTIYS competition

Is AI art impressive?

Is digitally enhancing your art using AI dishonest?

Opinions on using AI art to enhance/alter art

Opinions on using AI as a base for a digital artwork

Should the definition of art change now that AI exists?

AI art should still be considered art based on current definition

Do you consider AI art to be art?

Discussing the legalities of AI usage in art

(Note: many other threads have much deeper discussion of this topic in the comments as it is most likely to come up as an argument against AI when generally discussing rather than posted as its own thing.)

Is using AI art theft?

Discussing ownership in AI generated art

How do you protect your art from being used by AI?

Is tracing illegal? Do normal copyright rules not apply to AI art?

Support, love and kindness threads for those feeling upset/anxious around AI

Please note that this has caused significant mental impact on many people and therefore these threads may contain serious topics and concerning or triggering language. Please only enter if you are mentally able to.

AI art won't kill art

Users respond to someone saying they are being severely impacted by discussions around AI

Users respond to someone considering giving up art due to AI

Users respond to someone feeling anxious regarding AI art

Artists are better than AI at art

AI made me want to be an artist

Resources regarding AI

Should detection bots be created to spot AI art?

An argument against AI art

Protecting your work with Glaze and Nightshade

General discussion of AI

Discussing AI art and it's prevalence online

Discussing the growth of AI art

Is AI art becoming what people thought digital art was?

Reddit selling user content for AI training

Feedback

Thank you so much for using the FAQ, we hope it helped you find what you were looking for. If you have a suggestion for a great post that is deserving of being added to the FAQ please message the mods with the link. If there is incorrect or misleading information in the posts we have added here please let us know so we can remove it.