Hopeful Future Career

[Count of Cutesy]

For a while, I've been looking to become a Cartoonist when I grow older, maybe get a cartoon on HUB or some other channel. Today, me and my mom were discussing this and my characters, and she eventually told me "Start with Children's Books."

Uhh, okay. I've always like children. Just yesterday when me and my dad were out shopping, I couldn't help but giggle and go "awww" at every child I saw doing something silly or something. So maybe writing children books containing Benny and his friends wouldn't be such a bad place to start. But basically mom's basis for this decision was "It's a shame you never learned to draw Anime style. So one's going to watch a show with such juvenile looking characters.

While I do understand that my drawing skills are sub-par, and showing little signs of improving I at least know better than to draw my characters with their legs pressed together. I also have a decent grasp on anatomy, while not perfect. I'm still learning, but I hope to improve. Also:

A: I don't draw in Anime style because EVERYONE draws in Anime style. And all my life, I never liked being like everyone else, and always opted for unique.
B: I'm worried that if I change my style too much that my characters will look so different and might not be as cute. ...Then again, you won't know unless you try.
C: My main problem is that there are cartoons out there with a style that ISN'T even much more complicated than the style I use. Simpsons, Family Guy, Jimmy 2-Shoes, My Little Pony, Happy Tree Friends, etc. None of their styles are much different than mine. Heck, Happy Tree Friends style started out as the base for my own style.

What are your thoughts?

Here's my DeviantArt page: http://mugourth.deviantart.com/

Also, please be honest. I don't mind criticism.

[Kin Kitsune]

I think you should draw what you feel like drawing--whether it's popular or not. Trying to force yourself to be one way or the other isn't helpful. If you're too focused on being "unique" you can lose focus on being "you."

[Puncia]

Don't give up. That's all I can really tell you. If you practice every day for a year, you will improve a ton, of that I am sure. And if you work hard enough and make your future what you want it instead of waiting for it to change, you'll make it.

[Count of Cutesy]

I think you should draw what you feel like drawing--whether it's popular or not. Trying to force yourself to be one way or the other isn't helpful. If you're too focused on being "unique" you can lose focus on being "you."

Actually, my uniqueness IS "being me," in my opinion. I like drawing cutesy mythical characters, wearing my hair long and keeping it messy(Just so I don't end up looking like a girl), playing Pokemon, playing Street Fighter, as well as donating to charities every chance I get. It's the stuff that not only makes me unique, but the stuff that makes me me.

As for drawing every day, that's kind of a problem. I would usually have to be in the mood to draw something. Fortunately, I'm starting to get the mood, and might draw something on Friday. It's just... I'm not sure what to draw. I can't stop thinking "Maybe I could draw the Sewer Rats again. Goliath totally needs an update, the big eyebrow business is Grah's claim to fame." The thing is, the Sewer Rats are not important characters in Grah and Gina's universe, and there's still SOOO many characters I never got around to drawing because drawing mythical anthros appeals to me more than drawing normal anthros. I'm sure I could think of something, though.

And I'm not changing my planned career, even if it is a pipe dream. My mom just suggested I start out making Children's books, not make it permanent.

As for the hair bit, I'm like one of those guys from the 70s who refuses to get it cut. I strongly dislike having short hair.

[Kin Kitsune]

I think you should draw what you feel like drawing--whether it's popular or not. Trying to force yourself to be one way or the other isn't helpful. If you're too focused on being "unique" you can lose focus on being "you."

Actually, my uniqueness IS "being me," in my opinion.

To reiterate, going out of your way to be different rather than just doing what you want stifles who you are--not being "unique" in and of itself. I've seen people who dropped hobbies they used to love simply because it was "popular," or chose things more because nobody else liked it than because they did. If you're constantly measuring yourself against others and adjusting so as to be either for or against, you're not being true to yourself.

Just my two cents, but I think it really stifles artistic ability so I was advising against it, if that's part of what's going on with your style.

[Count of Cutesy]

Actually, I kind of lied. Just because it's popular isn't the only reason I don't draw it, it is that the style doesn't appeal to me. I've always liked cute, even as a creepy looking 19 year old man. And in all honesty, I don't start to hate things just because their popular, unless I never liked something to begin with. There's no hobbies I've stopped due to popularity. I do what I like, popular or not.

Also, I'm getting the vibe that you're pushing me to try and be like everyone else. I dislike that.

[Kin Kitsune]

Actually, I kind of lied. Just because it's popular isn't the only reason I don't draw it, it is that the style doesn't appeal to me. I've always liked cute, even as a creepy looking 19 year old man. And in all honesty, I don't start to hate things just because their popular, unless I never liked something to begin with. There's no hobbies I've stopped due to popularity. I do what I like, popular or not.

Also, I'm getting the vibe that you're pushing me to try and be like everyone else. I dislike that.

Not at all. Like said, I'm advising against adjusting yourself for or against the norm, as I believe it's in any artist's best interest not to do either. Your OP just came off sounding like you might be one of those people who try way too hard to be unique.

[Count of Cutesy]

Sorry bout that. But no, I'm not quite like that.

[Kin Kitsune]

Well, glad to hear.

[Count of Cutesy]

I think I might redraw my "Bibarel Needs Some Love" drawing soon.

[WingedZephyr]

"Draw in an anime style!" is about the worst advice you could ever get when trying to go into an artistic field. Just saying.