Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Do all transmen agree that it's hard to be a man in a female's body, especially when there's the societal pressure to be "macho"?

When a cis-guy draws, everyone goes "Wow he is creative, smart, and has a deep mind"
When a girl drawings, people go "oh she's just being a girl"

I am an artistic person. Once I was forced out of my closet, people kept using my artistic disposition as a proof of me being female, including the fact that I "draw like a girl" and draw "feminine" things. I eventually stopped drawing and writing altogether and any attempts to start doing so spirals down into fits of rage and violent tantrums.

There is nothing masculine about my art. It surely screams "female" over my fragile ego. I draw like this, this is the only way I draw, and I hate myself for it.

Yet, I don't want to give up my artistic career altogether because I know I am only shooting myself in the foot if I do. I even make money off my art.

I understand that everyone has masculine and feminine traits, but as transgendered people, you guys should understand what I am saying. I am prone to going toward the overmasculine spectrum due to my insecurity, even though there is nothing masculine about me. I can't play sports. All the girls can beat me up. But I am not going to live, act, and do pretty much everything like a girl and then add at the end, "Hey, I am a guy."

People tell me that if I was going to draw and retain masculinity, at least I should find expertise in mecha (which seem to be the only realm of art that is masculine). I draw mecha but I suck at it. People tell me it's good and that my designs are "unique" (which, in my fragile male ego's ears, means feminine). Online, people could obviously tell I am a girl and then they accuse of me for trying to be "one of those girls who try to pass off as kawaii guys because it's cute" (this totally kills me)

Why, why must artistic disposition be considered "feminine"? Why do people associate creativity with girls, and any guy who likes colorful things and theatre are called "->-bleeped-<-gots"? What a dilemma. The thing is, I don't even know what I should do.

You are unique. Chances are you will have haters in your face for the rest of your life. You just have to let it go. The opinions of others can not be the sounding board by which you base your lifes descisions.

I know that all sounds so cliche' and said a million times but it is so very true.

Maybe your work is not as femme as you think or others in your circle say. Maybe you could post a few pieces of your stuff let us get a look.
I doubt it is as bad as you see it.

And so what if you come off a tad queer. It certainly isn't the end of the world. Some day you are going to look like a man. Being a straight male in the art world will not work to your advantige anyways. So play it up. Make it work for you instead of against you.

just my 2centavos

I hope you can get out of this funk and back to your art. The world needs men like you.

Ok, I'm not sure who you've been talking to or whether you've looked at art in both the modern or historical sense, but I'm just sitting here perplexed how someone could think that they way they draw is "too feminine". Or that when a male draws he's being creative but when a female does she's just being a girl?  ???

You mention Mecha, are you drawing comics or ...?

It's incredibly sad when someone is held back from something they want to do or enjoy doing just because someone else might say, "Oh that's too ___________." In your case, you gotta do what cynthialee suggests and just let it go.

This is definitely one area where I've got a lot of experience - the art world. I went to art school. I've worked in a number of creative fields and I'm even involved with the comics industry. What you're saying here is NOT how most people view creativity or artistic talent - at all. Not once in all of art school or my professional career has anyone mentioned gender in reference to artistic style. Even in the comics industry - one that's heavily saturated with males - has anything I've produced been referred to as "girlie", "feminine" or any other type of female gender specific word.

I wish it was easy to go "Screw the society" and do whatever I want and "be myself" but no.

If someone claims to be something, they have to show some proof in order to be taken seriously. That's my philosophy. For example, if some guy claims that his IQ is 180 but has nothing to show for it, does drugs, act like a spoiled child by nagging his parents to buy him a huge electric guitar set and then tells me, "Well I am being myself.. but I still have an IQ of 180!" Then no, I am not going to take him seriously. So if I act like a girl, draw girly things, talk like a girl, use smilies, and then demand everyone to call me a guy and treat me like one, who's going to take me seriously? I wouldn't take someone seriously if they claimed to be a guy but didn't even put an effort into passing off as a guy.

insideontheoutside, perhaps you're right. Maybe people don't think of creativity as a female thing. Well, where I come from, creativity = female. Perhaps I should just move to a new town or something.

I hire artists and designers all the time and you should get this out of my head.  It's not true.  Ever been to a comic book convention?  Guys are a dime a dozen but women artist are held up on a silver platter. There are NOT very many women in the graphic arts.  Animation studios, design shops, and illustrators are typically filled with men.  The fine arts world is dominated by men.  Even women fashion and shoe designers, the most feminine artistic contributions to design are often men.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by feminine vs. masculine drawing but if you're talking about subject matter it's a HUGE ASSET to be a male artist who can insert female communication into your art.  One of the most popular contemporary illustrators is James Jean and he does incredibly "feminine" stuff.

Artists have self doubt and you're likely to think a million odd / judgmental things but the key is to embrace what you are doing and keep working.  Eight hours a day or more.  All this stuff about men and women artists is just leading you astray and you should find a therapist who will give you techniques to get that junk out of your head.  Don't create "straw men" in your head that judge you harsher than the real world.  The fact is, most people don't care about art and aren't being judgmental at all.   You're lucky if you can get it in front of a lot of people or get paid a significant amount of money...being judged is the last of your concerns.

The fine arts world is dominated by men.

^^^^ THIS^^^^^

I agree that it's hard to be a man in a female's body. I've had the opposite problems with societal pressure.  I found the pressure to be feminine growing up to be difficult. My mother wanted a girly girl and that was something I definitely was not. She always gave me a lot of ->-bleeped-<- for it. Even the masculine things I couldn't control, like my body hair.

I never viewed drawing as a particularly feminine thing. When I was little me and a couple friends would hang out just drawing stuff. I took a drawing class my freshman year of college and it was about 50/50. I can't name one female artist.

If you're effeminate, you're effeminate. I don't know who these people are, but if you don't like what they are saying stop listening. It's your life do what makes you happy.

I already know that the almost all art fields are trumped by men, but it's like being a chef. Most women are expected to cook and most men are not, but the top chefs are men. More women are into art but the leaders are men. It's a glass escalator effect.
People still use my art as a "see, you draw like this so you are too feminine to be a guy" card.
I need an outlet to get a grisp of my masculinity and sports isn't one of them.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:10:30 PMWell, where I come from, creativity = female. Perhaps I should just move to a new town or something.

Read through the five posts you've made on Susans. ALL of them have a judgement about what guys do or what girls do or what people say.  You have to work VERY VERY hard to stop thinking like this.  Every part of the country, every industry, every age, has different social constructs.  You're creating "false" people "straw men" who are judging you.  You're your own worst enemy.  Don't worry about the people who will judge you.  They are not people will interact with you for long.  Find the people who don't judge you, who love you and support you.   There are BILLIONS of people in the world.  Most people only have or need about 10 friends.  Find your perfect 10.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:18:04 PM
People still use my art as a "see, you draw like this so you are too feminine to be a guy" card.

Who said this?  What are their names? Are they important people to you?

Pretty much everyone who pulled me out of the closet or I spoke to. Friends, family, etc.

I feel like a gay guy who hates himself for being "->-bleeped-<-gy". It's hard to accept myself this way.

Post some of your art.  I've worked in comics, film, and television for all the big players.  It's what I do for a living and I get about 20 portfolios a week from people who want to work for me.  I'll give you the last critique you'll ever need. 

No thanks. My art doesn't matter, the way how I handle this does.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:21:24 PM
Pretty much everyone who pulled me out of the closet or I spoke to. Friends, family, etc.

I don't believe you.  Write down each person who said that you draw feminine and therefor can't be a man.  Who've specifically said those things about your art. 

Then break it down further.  How many of them have an artistic profession, who have a trained judgment?  You talk about social norms but why are you letting non professional artists critique your work?

Not doing whatever I want sounds harder to me.

I think you care too much what other people think. I don't get what drugs and being spoiled has to do with your IQ, but I don't think you should be changing yourself for the gratification of others. You going to spend your whole life trying to appease other people?  I don't think changing yourself is going to make people respect you, and I don't think someone that respects themselves would do that.

Well the guy way to handle it is to tell them that their opinion and fifty cents gets them a phone call, unless you just tell them to STFU and FOAD.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:24:23 PM
No thanks. My art doesn't matter, the way how I handle this does.

If you're an artist, your art is mostly all that matters.  I just gave you an opening to post up your art and get a critique. Why wouldn't you?  It seems like you're letting non-professionals judge it but not pros?  I paid artists about $870,000 for commercial work last year. 

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:10:30 PM
If someone claims to be something, they have to show some proof in order to be taken seriously.

?

Quote from: japple on February 12, 2011, 10:26:16 PM
I don't believe you.  Write down each person who said that you draw feminine and therefor can't be a man.  Who've specifically said those things about your art. 

Then break it down further.  How many of them have an artistic profession, who have a trained judgment?  You talk about social norms but why are you letting non professional artists critique your work?

Over ten people I can name, but none of them have art degrees. Do I really need their respect?

Quote from: japple on February 12, 2011, 10:28:05 PM
Why wouldn't you?  It seems like you're letting non-professionals judge it but not pros?  I paid artists about $870,000 for commercial work last year.

Because I want to remain anonymous

Quote from: japple on February 12, 2011, 10:12:02 PM
One of the most popular contemporary illustrators is James Jean and he does incredibly "feminine" stuff.

Ah yeah, James Jean blows my mind! And you're also very true that women in the comics world are very respected.

There have been many women artists throughout history. Saying fine arts is male dominated is about like saying the corporate world is male dominated. But if you ask me, there's thousands of female artists and creatives to every one Thomas Kinkade out there who "makes it big" and that changes things a bit.

@popweasel I think you got more going on than just the art thing. You have to take yourself seriously first. You also have to have the self confidence. It's not just about saying, "screw society" - it has to come from inside. And self confidence doesn't just apply to your artistic talent but everything you do. It sounds like you've put a lot of personal demands and other people's rules on yourself and you're not living up to either so it's not working out. There's no other way to put that other than you gotta cut that out. If you've got talent, create stuff - put together a portfolio of the style you do and get out there and market yourself.

On the gender front, there's a ton of femme guys out there. There's even femme guys that are straight. There's a whole world of variation when it comes to gender. If you have it worked out in your mind, that's the first step. I know that being treated as male can be incredibly important to feeling male. But it shouldn't make YOU believe it more. You should already know that in your mind.

Quote from: Sharky on February 12, 2011, 10:26:46 PM
Not doing whatever I want sounds harder to me.

I think you care too much what other people think. I don't get what drugs and being spoiled has to do with your IQ, but I don't think you should be changing yourself for the gratification of others. You going to spend your whole life trying to appease other people?  I don't think changing yourself is going to make people respect you, and I don't think someone that respects themselves would do that.

This.

I gave up trying to be more "masculine" to fit the stereotypical view of what a guy should be.  I like my "feminine" hobbies and I'm sure as hell not giving them up to please everyone else.  It's my life, not the other person's.  They're not the ones who have to live it.

And it is your life.  Someone else shouldn't get to dictate how you live it, or dictate what you should or not be able to do especially when it comes to hobbies.  But, it's up to you to make sure they don't get to run your life.  It's up to you to make the choice to do what you want and to be comfortable with yourself.

Edit:  and then what insideontheoutside said.

Quote from: LukasGabriel on February 12, 2011, 10:39:59 PM
I gave up trying to be more "masculine" to fit the stereotypical view of what a guy should be.  I like my "feminine" hobbies and I'm sure as hell not giving them up to please everyone else.  It's my life, not the other person's.  They're not the ones who have to live it.

And it is your life.  Someone else shouldn't get to dictate how you live it, or dictate what you should or not be able to do especially when it comes to hobbies.  But, it's up to you to make sure they don't get to run your life.  It's up to you to make the choice to do what you want and to be comfortable with yourself.

Edit:  and then what insideontheoutside said.

Yes, exactly!

and thank you.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:30:51 PM
Over ten people I can name, but none of them have art degrees. Do I really need their respect?

They don't need art degrees but if they're not professional artists then don't let them judge your art or how gendered your art is.  So now that they're out of the pictures you are free and clear to be a man who draws cute stuff.  Girls will love it (if you're a straight man)

The arts is where you're going to find a lot of freedom from social norms. Be bohemian.  Be the man you want to be.  You'll find a lot of support.  Go for it.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 12, 2011, 10:36:57 PM
@popweasel I think you got more going on than just the art thing. You have to take yourself seriously first. You also have to have the self confidence. It's not just about saying, "screw society" - it has to come from inside. And self confidence doesn't just apply to your artistic talent but everything you do. It sounds like you've put a lot of personal demands and other people's rules on yourself and you're not living up to either so it's not working out. There's no other way to put that other than you gotta cut that out. If you've got talent, create stuff - put together a portfolio of the style you do and get out there and market yourself.

On the gender front, there's a ton of femme guys out there. There's even femme guys that are straight. There's a whole world of variation when it comes to gender. If you have it worked out in your mind, that's the first step. I know that being treated as male can be incredibly important to feeling male. But it shouldn't make YOU believe it more. You should already know that in your mind.

You're right. There's too many values and demands that don't work with my disposition.

It's been ingrained in me to hate femme guys. I mean, my mind is aware that I've been indoctrinated with alot of hate and terrible values, but my guts still react in a primitive manner. It's hard to rewind the years of being raised a certain way.
Maybe it all sums down to living in a hick town. Ugh.

Because of the entire obsession about gender (except for the andros) round these parts there is a dividing of everything in the world into boy or girl, when, if you look at reality - it just does not work out that way.  I work all the time with a guy who does fabric treatments, curtains, hanging fabric on walls and stuff like that, and he is a huge biker.

Do what you feel moved to do, and what you need to do

Just on last note, I draw like the artist from here: http://mecharm.deviantart.com/ (http://mecharm.deviantart.com/)

Except he's gone so I doubt any of you saw his art before


and yeah, I guess my repulsion against myself just sums down to me trying to find defense against people who question me.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 10:44:44 PM
You're right. There's too many values and demands that don't work with my disposition.

It's been ingrained in me to hate femme guys. I mean, my mind is aware that I've been indoctrinated with alot of hate and terrible values, but my guts still react in a primitive manner. It's hard to rewind the years of being raised a certain way.
Maybe it all sums down to living in a hick town. Ugh.

I think to some extent everyone who is trans-anything has had to work hard to get over some part of their past. Don't feel like you're alone with that. Most of the time we can't help how our parents or family "raised" us or what kind of values they instilled in us. In many areas of the country there's still lots of discrimination and children learn that from their parents and peers. But once you get to a certain point and start seeing other options and making your own decisions, you can break free of things like that. None of this is "easy", but don't keep hating on yourself because of the past or even because of a current situation of being "too girly" to be called male. There's a whole wide world of examples out there to question that assessment I'm sure too.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 12, 2011, 11:06:57 PM
I think to some extent everyone who is trans-anything has had to work hard to get over some part of their past. Don't feel like you're alone with that. Most of the time we can't help how our parents or family "raised" us or what kind of values they instilled in us. In many areas of the country there's still lots of discrimination and children learn that from their parents and peers. But once you get to a certain point and start seeing other options and making your own decisions, you can break free of things like that. None of this is "easy", but don't keep hating on yourself because of the past or even because of a current situation of being "too girly" to be called male. There's a whole wide world of examples out there to question that assessment I'm sure too.

Yeah. I guess I can.

.. once I get out of this ->-bleeped-<- hole of a town.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 11:11:09 PM
Yeah. I guess I can.

.. once I get out of this ->-bleeped-<- hole of a town.

You will. Just don't be so hard on yourself in the meantime. As japple said, being in a creative field gives you LOTS of leeway that other industries wouldn't afford you. And when you really get into it, you'll find so many people who don't "genderize" things or discriminate against you because you might not fit the stereotypical gender profile.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 11:11:09 PM
.. once I get out of this ->-bleeped-<- hole of a town.

The town isn't on here being judgmental.  I'd say that you should work very hard on how hard you're being on yourself and other people.  You can go somewhere else, but if you bring this judgmental baggage you might not find yourself falling into the right creative crowd who can support, inspire, and compete. 

The creative culture just isn't where you're coming from.  So many people who become artists grew up as nerds, or sick, or damaged in some way.  They are full of empathy.  Tons of great artists I've met have level of aspbergers.  I've met famous actors and actresses that have insane amounts of social anxiety, despite being well loved.

I see a lot of similarities between the angst of being trans and being an artist.  It's very difficult for an artist to be happy with themselves and be good.  To get to a comfortable place takes years of very difficult work.  There are no half measures.  Being a creative person AND trans is no picnic. 

Here is a great video from Ira Glass on Youtube that talks about creativity and the judgment one has on oneself:
Ira Glass on Storytelling, part 3 of 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI23U7U2aUY#)

Mostly men make "moe" artwork. Moe is, simply put, drawing everything to be as sweet and huggable as possible, usually giving characters some odd quirks and weaknesses to get the protection instinct from the viewer as well. When women draw moe, they tend to deconstruct it, such as mixing adorable artstyle with horribly broken characters, or really cute and cuddly-looking gore.

I think that, well, girls tend to like guys who can draw other things than monsters, naked women with huge breasts, and violence. I'm not saying that all guys draw those thing, but most hobby-artist guys draw things like that.

You shouldn't worry. Also, how can you tell if a drawing is masculine or feminine? Some people think that the paintings by the artist Mucha has to be drawn by a woman because there are lots of flowers, drapes and beautiful women, but Alphonse Mucha is a man.

Who says you can't be a bit "feminine"? Many guys are "feminine", especially artists. The people who say you can't be "feminine" are absolute idiots, ignore them.

Quote from: PixieBoy on February 13, 2011, 02:51:42 AM
Also, how can you tell if a drawing is masculine or feminine?

Who says you can't be a bit "feminine"? Many guys are "feminine", especially artists. The people who say you can't be "feminine" are absolute idiots, ignore them.

Not a painting major, but other than subject matter, I think there are elements that can make a painting 'feminine' or 'masculine'. Such as the use of color, brush strokes, lines, texture etc.

Yep, if someone tells you s*t like that, ignore them like PixieBoy said. It's dumbest thing to say to ftms yet many people seem don't understand (or don't want to understand us at all) D:

Some of my pieces violate this norm and confront it. I even put my pointe shoes on and danced in a performance video xD

Quote from: japple on February 13, 2011, 02:16:26 AM
The creative culture just isn't where you're coming from.  So many people who become artists grew up as nerds, or sick, or damaged in some way.  They are full of empathy.  Tons of great artists I've met have level of aspbergers.  I've met famous actors and actresses that have insane amounts of social anxiety, despite being well loved.

I see a lot of similarities between the angst of being trans and being an artist.  It's very difficult for an artist to be happy with themselves and be good.  To get to a comfortable place takes years of very difficult work.  There are no half measures.  Being a creative person AND trans is no picnic. 

I think I have yet to meet a creative type (especially the really talented ones) that isn't fragile in some way. Being creative can be hard to come to terms with...you either berate yourself for not being good enough, or, if you're anything like me, feel guilty as hell about being talented in the first place. But if we weren't messed up in some way, we wouldn't be creative types would we.

Oooooh, japple and insideontheoutside...you've worked in comics? Any particular titles? Big comic fan girl here.

Quote from: popweasel on February 12, 2011, 09:32:24 PM
People tell me that if I was going to draw and retain masculinity, at least I should find expertise in mecha (which seem to be the only realm of art that is masculine). I draw mecha but I suck at it.

Artistic inpiration: Peter Gluck, Ftm floral painter
http://www.computerconsultingservices.net/mensworld/images/FTMArtists.htm (http://www.computerconsultingservices.net/mensworld/images/FTMArtists.htm)

I resent the Mecha comment. Or the fact that art is 'feminine' because I'm not sure how it is unless you're talking about subject matter... and if that's the case then you're on the wrong track altogether.

Concept art and Illustration are very masculine art realms. Don't even get me started on comic art. Mecha is just a subject matter and it's not something you could get a job with unless you could draw a million other mechanical things. You'd better be damn good if you can only draw one subject matter really well and try to live off of it.

My art would be considered very masculine due to subject matter. However there are guys who draw really feminine things as well, but this has been stated a thousand times over.

Point is... when you send in that portfolio, they probably wont care about what you draw in your personal time, they want to see what you can offer them. Sometimes you're even going to have to put together a portfolio for a specific company just so you can show them what you have to offer them that's worth their time. Often times what you draw for your own enjoyment isn't even marketable.

So find a market you can get into. Ignore the gender stuff because in reality the only thing they care about is the portfolio. Make sure it's a market you like or at least tolerate and then start working toward that! The reason why it's important to find one you like or tolerate is because odds are you will be drawing things you don't like and you might as well be in an industry you'd enjoy.

Draw whatever the hell you want in your own personal time. You're gonna need it so you don't get burnt out. There's a huge difference between personal art and art that you do for work.

I've met famous actors and actresses that have insane amounts of social anxiety, despite being well loved.

Yeah, there is an old theater joke to the effect that if you have one major psychological problem you can be a stagehand, if you have two you can be a producer/director, and if you have three or more take acting lessons.  A huge part of the allure to acting is you don't have to be yourself.

And that quest for perfection not only drives the creative process, it also drives people crazy.  It's why I never tell anyone "God you were so good tonight, that wasthebestconcertever!"  I tell them "Hey, I really liked that."  Because I know they are NOT thinking they were great, they are thinking that the second note of the fifth measure on the last song they hit a wrong note.  Lots of people have some degree of musical talent, but to really, really be good takes a real obsession along with the talent (and a hella lot of discipline).

in reality the only thing they care about is the portfolio
Word.  One of the things I always like about doing academic work was that it didn't matter who, or what I was, all that mattered were the words on the printed page.  So either your work is in line with what they are looking for, or it ain't.  You are not part of the equation

Quote from: PixieBoy on February 13, 2011, 02:51:42 AM
You shouldn't worry. Also, how can you tell if a drawing is masculine or feminine? Some people think that the paintings by the artist Mucha has to be drawn by a woman because there are lots of flowers, drapes and beautiful women, but Alphonse Mucha is a man.

Who says you can't be a bit "feminine"? Many guys are "feminine", especially artists. The people who say you can't be "feminine" are absolute idiots, ignore them.

yeah! I respect Mucha as a guy even though he has femme style, but if he was a "woman trying to be a man" (as people call me), then I would start questioning whether he's really male-brain wired person or if he's just bsing himself. You may tell me it's wrong to judge in gender binary but I think the gender binary does matter to an extent, or at least, I've been raised to think that way.

Telling me that there are many femme male artists won't make me feel any better. I already know that artist men are stereotyped to be more "feminine" than others. That's why I don't want to be called out an as artist.

Thanks kiris.

My experience with my artistic vein, is I've always been told that I'm very unique as a girl, just because I do art, I listen to "guy" music, I like gaming, and my topics of interest are usually far from the feminine spectrum (I'm still FAR from the stereotypical guy as well though, no sports or cars or any such things, I'm just an artsy nerd, especially a fantasy nerd).

But that's where my problem was. I hated being seen as special and being praised for such and such just because people saw me as a "strong woman" who did all that stuff. When I then heard I had a feminine style it was the last straw.

I haven't done art for several years now and it's making me depressed. I really want to get back into arts and crafts(as a hobby) because that's what I love to do, but I have no motivation to do anything about it, my creativity is killed. I reckon I won't be able to get back into it until I'm feeling more comfortable with who I am and have sorted those negative feelings.

I feel ya. It's either I am "special", "far from being a guy because I draw like girl", or anything else but a guy. Well, that's society.

Care to share your art if you don't mind?

One of the main points in making art is because you can't NOT make art. Your art and creativity comes from inside and really you shouldn't be doing your own personal art to please anyone but yourself.

If you're trying to make a living off your artistic talent, unless you team up with a VERY good agent, you'll need to branch off into other creative fields like design. Contrary to some popular belief, comic book artists do not make a lot of money. If you're one that does fine art as well, you certainly can if you get known (aka James Jean) but there are a million and one comic book artists out there and it's a very hard industry to break into.

The bad attitude is not going to get you anywhere though. Get some confidence, hone your talent, and stop letting other people's judgment of you be a deal breaker.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 13, 2011, 10:50:18 PM
The bad attitude is not going to get you anywhere though. Get some confidence, hone your talent, and stop letting other people's judgment of you be a deal breaker.

Easier said than done! I know you would understand how it is.

Quote from: popweasel on February 13, 2011, 11:20:11 PM
Easier said than done! I know you would understand how it is.

It's not a, "happen overnight" thing for sure. But take a step to acknowledge that it's holding you back and making it all worse. Then change just a single way you look at it ... then when you feel confident with that change ... change one more ... until you have a more positive or even neutral attitude about it.

There were points in my life where I absolutely hated myself. But looking back, my attitude added exponentially to my misery every single time.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 13, 2011, 10:50:18 PM
One of the main points in making art is because you can't NOT make art. Your art and creativity comes from inside and really you shouldn't be doing your own personal art to please anyone but yourself.

If you're trying to make a living off your artistic talent, unless you team up with a VERY good agent, you'll need to branch off into other creative fields like design. Contrary to some popular belief, comic book artists do not make a lot of money. If you're one that does fine art as well, you certainly can if you get known (aka James Jean) but there are a million and one comic book artists out there and it's a very hard industry to break into.

The bad attitude is not going to get you anywhere though. Get some confidence, hone your talent, and stop letting other people's judgment of you be a deal breaker.

I love everything you say.

I have an agent, even with an agent they aren't great at making the deals or selling..they're mostly good at negotiating the deals once you tell them what you want to do or who you want to meet.  You can't get a good agent without doing some notable work first.  My agent turned me down twice before taking me.

I did comics and ended up making what a fast food employee would make.  Page rates are terrible, royalties are non-existent, and even thought I was lucky enough to get in on the mainstream book pubisher's rush to comics and got a couple big advances...this money was gone in the year it took to make a book.  I lasted all of two years and then realized I could make a lot more in animation or design.   I can make more money doing a display ad for a corporation in two days than a comic that took a month.   I guess it's selling out but I grew up poor so a bohemian artist's lifestyle isn't super appealing.   I read the Rozz Tox Manifesto: http://www.altx.com/manifestos/rozztox.html (http://www.altx.com/manifestos/rozztox.html) which inspired Matt Groening.

If you live in the US you live in a capitalist society so half of art is figuring out capitalism.

You must become less judgmental.  If you are too judgmental of others, you'll end up being too judgmental of yourself (unless you're a narcissist)   Just make stuff.  A LOT of stuff.

Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 14, 2011, 12:29:26 AM
It's not a, "happen overnight" thing for sure. But take a step to acknowledge that it's holding you back and making it all worse. Then change just a single way you look at it ... then when you feel confident with that change ... change one more ... until you have a more positive or even neutral attitude about it.

There were points in my life where I absolutely hated myself. But looking back, my attitude added exponentially to my misery every single time.

Thanks bro I guess it works that way

You can PM your art to japple to be critiqued now you have enough posts.

To the original post;

I do feel this way sometimes, since I do have a few "feminine" hobbies. I watch some "girly" anime, I love to write, and I love books about vampires (as long as there's no romance or sex involved; but that's my asexuality kicking in there). Honestly, if anyone tries to give me crap about it, I just tell them that it doesn't matter to me what they think; I like what I like and I'm not going to give it up just because people consider it "girly". Besides, "masculine" and "feminine" are defined by society; if you want to be physically male, that may or may not have anything to do with masculine or feminine characteristics of your personality. Everyone's different; some men are masculine, some are feminine, and most are somewhere in between. I think you should do what you enjoy, and not let it get you down that people consider it "girly".

And, if it makes you feel any better, my very close friend (who is male) is masculine, but he also writes poetry. I understand what you mean, that since he's a guy they would think "He's just being creative," instead of, if he were a girl, "She's just being a girl."

It's all ultimately up to you, but I think you should continue doing what you enjoy, and just ignore the people who try to tell you that you're not a man because of it.