It's been over a year and I'm still undecided if I'd rather drop a chunk of change on a new tattoo or a new tablet

damnit

I think I could justify the tablet if I made money off my art, but the prospect of like, opening up commissions or something seems... unappealingly uncertain and stressful

You could start simple to see if it's something you like? Like maybe take only one or two commissions a month for people you know and see if it is something you will enjoy versus if it will just stress you out?

And having a new tablet might make you feel rejuvenated or excited about doing it

I don't do art but I know with my writing, I'm nervous wreck showing it to people so I'm still on the "start slow, only show one or two people and only submit to one place every few months" phase

These are some nice suggestions!

I think for me, a big part of it is 1) the conviction that I have to look more polished, professional, and capable than I see myself as being (like "how I can I even THINK about offering commissions when I barely have anything decent for a proper portfolio. I'll have to put all my effort into new drawings for it and that's overwhelming to think about")

2) the fear of putting myself out there and not getting any/much of a response. On one hand, I know I'd be alright if no one was interested in buying thing (hey, it's happened before with other craft projects) and I'd just have to keep pushing, drawing, and trying. But on the other hand, you know, just the thought it discomforting.

This is before I get to the "I don't know if I could actually get stuff done consistently and on time" stress, which is it's own areana.

Alas, for my greedy side, the new tablet I want is $250 (for the small version) to $450 (for the big) and I legitimately can't justify it when my current tablet continues to work like a champ.

get a tattoo of a tablet

for reals, though, whatever's going to bring you the most joy will be worth it.

sdjfklsjd tablet tattoo

aw thank you <3

I totally get that, I have MAJOR imposter syndrome with writing

But I would say you know, have faith in yourself! and maybe put up some art for people to look at so you feel better when you get commissions that they'll know what to expect?

God yeah, I forgot about imposter syndrome. I'm sorry to hear you get this too. It's a pain

"have faith in yourself" I WILL TRY MY BEST thank you <3<3 I already have some art up on my tumblr.... and this is going to make my insecurities about it sound very silly, because all the stuff I've posted has gotten at least some notes. I push myself through the nerves about sharing stuff -- it's the asking for money part I balk on

Hey that is awesome!! That means people already like your art and you are working on some exposure

And you completely have the right to ask for money for your hard work. And people will totally feel the same way

Aaah, I know I vanished for a few days on this, but seriously thank you very much for your encouragement!!

I am always here to give advice that I am terrible at taking myself LOL

In all seriousness though I am happy to encourage you whenever you need it <3 You are awesome

I AM THE SAME WAY ON ADVICE -- I really do appreciate the feedback, though. This is something I want to do SO I'M GOING TO DO IT