Have you ever noticed how there are so many artists on our beloved art community websites who go unnoticed? It's really a shame.

It's true, places like DeviantArt, Elfwood, or FurAffinity are full of really great artists, really young artists, really new artists, and a load of really 'bad' artists (what defines bad, anyways?). Most people only want to watch 'the greats.' I know I watch some of the 'greats,' and for the most part, it isn't very rewarding. Most of the 'greats,' are so swamped by comments, faves, and watches, that they don't even try to respond. I really don't blame them, it's really tough having 200 comments on something, and trying to answer every one. Sometimes it's not fun being so great. It doesn't satisfy.

I'm not saying everyone who has tons of comments and faves is like that, Lord knows our gallery directors are really good about answering their comments and notes, it just takes them ages. Same goes to a lot of the artists I watch who I consider to be great. They just don't get quite the volume of comments and watches as others.

There are many other artists out there who are considered 'too young' to watch. I have to say, I am starting to disagree with this more and more. If you see a young artist out there who really and I do mean really tries hard, is constantly striving to get better, and constantly asking for tips on how to do so, consider watching them. Maybe help them if you can. I'm not going to name names, but there is a staggering number of artists like this out there. No, this isn't about making them feel good about themselves, though it does. No, this isn't about 'just being nice,' for good karma or something, though it is nice. This is about helping other artists grow and develop into the artist they will become; even the person they will become. It's true that it can really cause someone a lot of pain when their best work is overlooked. Especially if they put a full effort into this work.

I think it's best when someone is watching out for artists who are getting better, want to get better, and are trying to get better. It's not all about having ' perfect work' or ' perfect style' or even ' perfect fanart.' In my opinion, fan art gets real, old real fast; especially if it's the kind of fan art that's overdone (aka, popular animes such as Naruto, or Harry Potter), or if it's done just for pageviews. I don't have anything against said fanart, but if it's done for pageviews, your heart is totally in the wrong place.

I don't know, folks... I've seen a lot of people doing 'unknown artist' features, and that's cool! That's really cool! But don't get me wrong... I think there are a lot of artists who aren't only unknown, but they're unnoticed. Ignored even... Ignored perhaps, because of the level of their art, or ignored because of their age... Perhaps ignored because they're making a different kind of art than we're used to, or in a style that's a bit different(Realistic art versus cartoon art is a perfect example of this). Perhaps they're just not as popular because their anatomy is a bit off, or they aren't good at perspective... Maybe it's because they write comics in stead of drawing random pictures for fun.

They're people too, and they deserve recognition for their efforts, whether or not their work is of professional quality.

I'm seeing a lot of people getting depressed over their artwork being unpopular. They really shouldn't be depressed about it, after all, they're still learning! Their art isn't at the same level as others, but... Still, we need to cut them a break. Especially if they're really trying to get better. Again, I can't stress it enough. They are truly, honest to God, trying.

That brings me to the other part of this. It pains me to see artists who aren't trying to get better, aren't putting a full effort in, and aren't caring. Do they care at all? What is this, some sort of popularity show? There are countless artists who, because of the type of art they post, whether fetish, fanart, or otherwise, get tons of pageviews and comments. Again, I'm not going to name names.

There are the fav and\or, watch 'whores' People who fave every single piece they see... Yeah, it's nice, and it makes the artist feel good about their art.... Kind of... But wouldn't you rather really make them feel good? Leave them a comment and tell them what you think is good about their art, what could use improvement, and what was your favorite part in the piece. We can do that, can't we? Just a little comment now and then! It really shows them you care. Quality is better than quantity, people. Let's get out there ane make someone's day.

Lastly, there are the whiners -- people who constantly bug others about their art, actually asking or pressuring someone to watch or fave their artwork. It's fine to ask! It's absolutely fine to ask, but when it gets to the point where you're constantly in the habit of running around saying, "Oh, lookit this I just made! Please fave it! Please watch me 'cause I watched you!" and so forth, you're not doing the right thing. You're not only making others uncomfortable, but you're not making yourself look so good, either. People won't want to look at your artwork if you push it in their faces every 5 seconds.

Ask for a quick look, maybe some pointers, and leave it at that. If you feel like you've taken that person's advice, and improved your art, tell them so, ask them to look at a new piece, and ask them what they think is better about it. Just don't be pushy about it. Some people will respond more nicely than others, so you need to know when to stop.

Finally, those of you who are unnoticed or ignored, or just not as popular as you would like... Don't feel down, just try your best and keep moving forward. As they say, "Up from the ashes grow the roses of success."

Every day and in every way, you're getting to be a better artist. What's it worth, being down about your work? If you stop now, where will you be?