1. Don’t do it just for art or to brag that you’re friends with them.
2. Squealing about them and telling them how amazing their art or whatever is is fun and cute and it makes us feel good about ourselves but doing it all the time will distance yourself from the artist and they’ll see you as a fan, not as a friend. (Not to mention it gets awkward)
3. It’s okay to be nervous, chances are they’re just as nervous talking to someone new as you are.
4. Comment on their posts. Reblogs and likes are nice but nothing beats feedback. Be an active follower. Y’know- make yourself be seen.
5. Don’t be obnoxious.
6. Apologizing if you think you’re being annoying is fine. But if they already said you’re not, there is no need to insist and keep apologizing. THAT’s annoying.
7. Don’t assume we’ll take request because we’re friends. (And no being a sneaky shit and keep hinting at it either)
8. Ask us about our OCs and projects. About ships and about what we thought about the lastest episode/movie.
9. Sometimes people don’t click. Not everyone can be friends. Don’t force yourself on others. Accept it. Move on. Do NOT pretend to be someone else to be friends with them. Be yourself, if it doesn’t happen it just wasn’t meant to be. I talk from personal experience when I say pretending can only end up in hurt feelings.
10. Artists are not only allowed to do WHAT they want but HOW they want. Please don’t go questioning the style or why they draw animals instead of people for example. Everyone has a style they learned in and are more comfortable drawing in as well as things they like drawing better than others.
Bonus:
REGARDING COMMENTS ON ARTWORK.
1. Some artists don’t like criticism. Not even constructive criticism. Respect that. You wouldn’t like someone criticizing you either, would you?
2. NEVER. EVER. Say you like old art better. EVER. It’s really upsetting because we’re really proud of our improvements (either that or really insecure… Or both) and saying that is like saying there was no improvement at all. Almost like saying we made it worse.
3. Be respectful with criticism for god’s sake. No saying stuff like- “that sucks.” Or “the ears are so long, they look like bunnies lololol” or anything of the sort. Instead try. “This looks nice but I think the ears might be a bit too long. It might look better if you made them shorter.”
4. No on likes nitpicking. If you’re going to post a critique post an actually helpful one. And while we’re on that topic what even is the point in criticizing old art?
5. “X SHIP/CHARACTER IS BETTER” or “This reminds me of-” We really don’t care. And honestly it’s annoying;;;
6. Don’t comment something completely random. PLEASE. If it’s not related to the artwork comment somewhere ELSE.
7. If you’re just going to say “Cool.” or “Cute.” …. just don’t comment at all. I don’t think any artist likes this kind of comment. If you actually have something to say great! Feedback is awesome! But if you don’t just don’t comment.
8. Don’t be condescending about the content of the picture.
Extras: (Aka, reminder for people with no common sense)
1. NO TRACING.
2. NO REPOSTING.
3. NO CLAIMING CHARACTERS (or artwork) OR RIPPING THEM OFF.
4. Don’t make a character be related to someone else’s OC without permission, what is wrong with you?
These are literally rules for making friends with anyone.