hello guys, i just wanted to make a statement regarding my own designs. i have noticed over the past year that my dragons have been increasingly sought after, especially those which happen to be soleiwings. 

firstly, i cannot express enough how much i appreciate the support - selling my artwork has made it possible to buy everyday necessities past my college budget and pet supplies, and my online footprint wouldn’t be what it is now without the help of people who enjoy my artwork. however, popularity also comes with its own issues; namely the prioritization of my designs over others.  i understand personal preference and looking up to someone, but i think it can go too far when the majority of the appeal behind something is simply the designer it’s labeled under. i hope for my work to be enjoyed because of the way it looks, not the name behind it (if that makes any sense). throughout my path as an artist, i have never intended to put down my peers and fellow dragon drawers. in this sense, it‘s disheartening to see cases where people place my work on a pedestal while in turn devaluing the work of other artists. the process of creating artwork requires a lot of time and effort, and to claim my stuff is more valuable than another artist’s just because of the clout behind owning a design by “feltyninja” can be hurtful and harmful.

i think it’s important to consider how we are all people on the other side of the screen; if you saw me walk by on the street, you wouldn’t blink an eye. in reality, i’m a short, incredibly shy, awkward 18 year old with social anxiety problems. arguably, it could be said that i pour most of my time i could've spent hanging out with friends and socializing or doing homework into drawing instead. my level of skill is the result from 15-16 years of honing an interest, not a blessing from birth. i want to reflect this sentiment in my online presence - the last thing i want to be seen as is some authority figure just because i have a follower count in the thousands and am good at drawing. 

that being said, given my current state of recognition, i am admittedly wary about making new friends online at this point due to the risk of someone trying to push a close relationship so they can get free art or leverage a connection with me as a symbol of online clout. but this does not mean i cannot be friendly and exchange casual banter! if there’s anything you’d like to know about me or my art (within reason, please don’t ask me stuff like my address or phone number or to send a selfie LOL) don’t be afraid to ask. in fact, i encourage you to ask if it’s something you’re remotely curious to know, whether that be to clarify something i’ve said, brush recommendations, or how my commissions work, etc.. i see everyone as deserving of kindness and human respect unless proven otherwise. 

anyways, thank you for taking the time to read this, it‘s a ramble but i mostly just wanted to put it out there in public so those who are curious know how i feel. i hope you all have great holidays <3