I joined DA for the simple reason of wanting to put together a favorites list of works that I found that had something to do with my likes (video games, anime etc). I've put together a rather large favorite list thus far of funny, interesting and extraordinary pieces, but have yet to submit anything myself.

Lately however, I've been in a drawing mood. Now, before you begin thinking that I'm one of those artists who's mildly talented, but has no self-confidence, know this; I don't think I could have more self-confidence without crossing the arrogant line. I have self-esteem which I pride myself in, however, I know that my artistic ability is very limited. I can draw when I have an exact reference to what I'm drawing. If I'm looking at a picture of what I mean to draw, and copy it exactly as I see it, then I can make a pretty accurate duplicate. But if I wanted to expand it to a different pose, background, facial expression, outfit, etc I end up ruining it.

Which has led to a terrible art form that I've always thought was cute, but not in the least bit artistic.

Chibis.

Sure, they're cute. Sure, they're silly looking. Sure, they're fun to look at. But it doesn't require any artistic ability to draw in that "style". I put that word in quotes because an artistic style requires work and effort to create, and chibis require neither.

So yes, I can accurately draw a chibi and manage to make it look like the character intended if I have reference, and I can draw them in just about any pose and any attitude, but by no means do I consider myself a talented artist, or an artist at all for this "accomplishment".

In fact, the only thing it does for me is drive home the point that drawing is for fun and nothing else. If I cared enough to practice, improve and draw realistically (as I would like to) then perhaps I would consider myself an artist even if my art was just for fun.

Sometime in the near future, you can expect a chibi comic out of me, and since plot bunnies are biting at my head, probably several chibi comics. But unless you see something original, realistic and incredible, the last thing I want to hear is how great of an artist I am for my retarded little chibis. Chibi art is an insult to real artists who put time and effort into developing their own original style and still can't get established, when some chibi "artist" somewhere, who's never done so much as take an art class, gets published.