I've been lurking around deviantART and I noticed: there are a lot of artists and writers that I admire that are younger than me!
Well, I can respect that. But can I give you youngins some advice? (Really, this is advice to myself. I'm going to try to follow it.)

1 - You guys are still young. Hey, I know I'm still young too. (Only 22) So we've got a lot of growing up to do. Always be willing to listen to critiques and comments from other artists/writers.
2 - Respond to comments. Actually, this is for everyone. I know if you get a lot of comments that it's going to be hard but it’s not impossible. Just remember that someone took the time to stop, think of something to say, write it out and all that. It's always nice to see that the artist/writer appreciates ones appreciation.
Now, many people would disagree with this one and that’s fine.
Maybe if they just post a smiley-face or a ‘good job’ then it’s not necessary for you to respond but me, for myself – I respond to every comment given me.
3 - Comment. Even if the work isn't great or even good. People have mustered up a lot of courage to put their work up for everyone to see. I'm a firm believer that just because someone isn't great now, it doesn't mean they won't learn to be great later. I've seen it happen and it's always amazing to see how people's talents evolve.
4 - Comment. Specifically on work you 'favorite'. I've been bad about doing this, too, so this is to myself.
5 - Don't fight fire with fire. There are dumb people out there. You know that. I know that. That dumb person? They know that, too. If someone comes along being a troll just ignore. Yelling back at them only gives them something to gloat about. It definitely doesn’t make you look any more intelligent.
6 - Don't start being a troll. There’s nothing worse than a good artist gone bad. I've seen talented people become absolute jerks. No one is perfect. No one is the very best artist ever. But becoming like that – thinking you're the best and no one is better than you – is a great way to lose respect fast. Humility is appreciated in talented artists
7 - Don't be too humble. LOL, whut? No - seriously. Give yourself some credit. There are a lot of talented people out there. Work hard, push to become better and give yourself credit when progress is made and shown. You deserve it. (Just, don’t get a big head.)
8 - Don't settle. There is always room for improvement. (Biggest room in the house, too.) I already said it but I'll say it again, work towards improvement.
9 - Find your own style. I'm not saying don't do fan-art or fan-fics. I love fan-art and fan-fics.. I'm saying, ‘Find your own drawing/writing style.’ Do what feels natural. Don't push too hard to draw just like someone else. Like I said, do what feels natural. If you're working towards improvement then your style will come into view in time.
10 - Love your style. I, personally, will never draw like Kishimoto or like any of the 120+ artists I watch here on dA. Simply because I can't. LOL! But I have my own style. It may be cartoon-y but I enjoy it. It's not anime and it’s not too realistic. It's mine. (I think I got a lot of inspiration from Archie comics, though)
11 - Work towards improvement. This is important. Like I said before under 'don't settle'. No one is the very best and there is always room for improvement.
If you think your anatomy needs work, then work on it. Find books about anatomy - doctor's tomes are good read.
If you think you need to learn how to draw men better then work on it.
Draw men. Draw some more men, take a break, draw a woman, then draw some more men. (visa versa if you think you need to learn how to draw women better).
For artists - draw, redraw, redraw, redraw.
For writers - re-read your work. LOL I have a bad habit about not doing this, too.
Look for grammatical errors. You'd be surprised at how a good story can become great when grammatical errors are corrected.
Write, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
No one is ever perfectly happy with something. We're human, our stuff will never come out perfect even when everyone else is telling you, 'It’s perfect.'
You guys know, you see your own mistakes.
12 - Accept your imperfection. LOL! Like I said, ‘You're not perfect.’ Accept it now.
13 - Appreciate your fans. Seriously. I hate it when good artists act like jerks to their fan base. Appreciate your fans because they're what should be pushing you to get better. They show their love. Accept it. It’s easy and understandable to feel overwhelmed but step back a bit and realize that if you're being seen as a good example or someone to be looked up to then you just might be a good artist. It’s rare. Not everyone gets that kind of recognition and many would do anything to get it.
14 – Last but definitely not least – learn to accept compliments. I, oddly enough, find it easy to accept creative criticism but it’s incredibly hard for me to accept compliments. I always have to fight the urge to point out every single little mistake. If someone gives you a compliment than fight that urge! Say thank you. And smile! Someone thinks you have talent. (That’s a good thing!)

This is mostly for my own benefit but if you got any sort of benefit from reading this then good. I’m happy.
If you disagree with something then respond – respectfully. (Any flames will be ignored.)

Have a great day everyone!

Journal version HERE