majeric [2016-09-07 02:02:59 +0000 UTC]

It's how our brains work. We see something and we immediately pattern-match it with everything else that we've ever seen. It's involuntary. It's not meant to belittle your work or trivialize it. If it were a photograph, we'd still say "Hey, that looks a little like Jude Law". We do it with smell and sound as well.

As an artist, I think you have to expect that your viewers are going to bring something of themselves to the table and perhaps they really love "Devil May Cry" and love that your work reminds them of something they love.

It's not a criticism of your work. 

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ShootingStar03 [2016-09-03 14:29:42 +0000 UTC]

LOL "your character looks like this character" is never a good compliment to any artist; unless the "stolen look" was blatant :U Unfortunately, not everyone knows that so they'll keep coming and they'll think it's okay >_< sorry to hear the stress you're going through. Being an artist is never a walk in the park. 

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KoWolf-Blue [2016-09-03 13:38:17 +0000 UTC]

*sigh* this is why I dont post my artworks of my characters here that often,because of this,

Some ppl say that one of my oc reminds them of ghost of shell just because she have short blue hair =____="

and whats worst one of them said that my other oc  vaguely reminds her of one of her own OCs,I went to check her gallery and I didnt find  any of her oc resemble of mine which I guess she lied to me and knew that saying "this whole oc alike" gives me a pet peeve so I guess she said it on purpose to get on my never maybe(?) I dunno

Anyways,its sad to say that fanarts would always beat originality's ass no matter how we artist can be more creative when it comes to originality 

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Aohmin [2016-09-02 15:13:20 +0000 UTC]

Aw I'm sorry I participated to this. What I meant was that I found again in your art piece something that I liked in another character, but anyway I do understand why it gets so irritating so I'll be careful then

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KotetsuNumani [2016-08-29 05:45:22 +0000 UTC]

I feel ya. I was drawing a character for my book a year or two ago and someone told me he looked exactly like Ticci Tobi (Creepypasta), and at the time I had no clue who that was.

Its infuriating.

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LomaxBrazil [2016-08-28 21:55:29 +0000 UTC]

Your characters are unique, so is your talent. I'd be happy if I had 10% of it. Kudos to you!

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Aeonrin [2016-08-26 16:53:28 +0000 UTC]

I feel you, it annoys the heck out of me as well when people keep on comparing stuff for the sake of comparing.. without even leaving anything else to say other than 'they look like/remind me off this and that' <_< UGH. 
I'm sad to hear it's also happening to you :< I really wish people would think more before they comment with such stuff. 

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MissMelodyButterfly [2016-08-25 19:08:16 +0000 UTC]

I am so sad that everytime we hear from you, it's about how people doesn't apreciate your art TT^TT I personnaly just love your characters and I dream of reading their story one day
Cheer up !!

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CaptainObvious60309 [2016-08-24 14:03:45 +0000 UTC]

Hey, I feel ya brother (sister?). See that in my works sometimes too, which subsequently makes me unhappy with it and I now have to change the design. It can get frustrating. •_•

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SiLvErSOuLsORA [2016-08-22 17:40:02 +0000 UTC]

It's ok, I know how you feel ; v ;

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Esgalor [2016-08-20 14:28:57 +0000 UTC]

Aaaaahhh, I feel you q___q -hugs-
It's really annoying when someone compares your OC with other characters even if they have not anything in common! 

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AllyMadness [2016-08-20 13:09:52 +0000 UTC]

Damn now i'm feeling really bad  
I didn't ment to be rude with you or something, not at all   I never thought that would hurt you.
Please, fogive me. That won't happend again  

I admire you with my whole  

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LeoHatsuki [2016-08-20 05:49:47 +0000 UTC]

People will always try to make a comparison with one thing or another for many reasons.....One and perhaps the main reason is that majority can not see the "originality". Literally. Brain is a lazy thing and tries to make it easier for its owner to classify information based on previous experience. It is not that hard to do for we are surrounded and overwhelmed by many imposed images. To create something of your own is much harder than to do a fanart(film,game,cartoon etc. Book/novel fanart excluded-no ready visual pattern one can simply copy). The same way to accept something original is very challenging rather than to see what is more or less expected and familiar. No extra work is needed. So do not fret yourself.People are people and unfortunately that is a partial burden of artistic acknowledgement. The price one have to pay to attract the audience.But-be yourself.Stick to your very own way.You are the one who creates.Unique and original.

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EmpatheticSword [2016-08-20 04:27:58 +0000 UTC]

I've had this happen to me quite a bit! I remember one time I told some friends about a character I have who's a blind superhero, and immediately, without hearing anything else about it, said, "Oh, so Daredevil."

At the time, I didn't know anything about Daredevil, but now that I do, the two characters really have nothing in common besides that one detail. It's still discouraging when the only thing someone points out about your work is what other character yours looks like.

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Feu-en-Bleu [2016-08-19 21:17:19 +0000 UTC]

I don't remember ever having done this, but if I have, I'm really sorry.

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xtinyheartx [2016-08-19 18:25:41 +0000 UTC]

I agreed that it is annoying.  However, I have been guilty of doing this as well OTL

As someone who has been a long time watcher of yours, I can't remember any art work that I have seen from you that hasn't amazed me or any artwork that reminded me of some random character from another person/game etc...  

Keep doing you and sleep more!  I also suggest getting an eye mask... xD  it helps me sometimes lol

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gateaumignon [2016-08-19 15:58:05 +0000 UTC]

Wow, never thought about it... Really, sometimes I just see characters and they remind me an other. Some told me the same for mine once, but it didn't bothered me. I guess when it's frequently it can be pretty annoying... Thanks to you I'm aware of that now and I'll be more carefull

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Jcomaeda [2016-08-19 15:48:50 +0000 UTC]

100% agree <3 I know that feel man~ 
Btw.. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR WoW LEGION!!! WOO HOO   

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rekka-alexiel [2016-08-19 12:32:50 +0000 UTC]

Aw, I can understand how that feels. It's happened in the past with some of my original fiction, where people make comparisons to other books, movies, whatever. I do understand how people can borrow or be inspired by something else, but... It would be much nicer if someone would ask or talk more about MY characters rather than making comparisons to something I may or may not know anything about.

Hang in there and try not to let frustrations build up to the point where you're going to drive yourself mad. I hope you can SLEEP and find a positive way to help manage your stress levels. I find KARAOKE to be amazing!! <3

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sup3r-bl00 [2016-08-19 12:24:53 +0000 UTC]

You make a very good point. Comparison comments can be pretty annoying, and often unnecessary at times.

And I want to say more, but I think it's pretty similar to what most people are saying in the comment section that agree. (it's 5am right now for me and i need sleep XDD)

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depingo [2016-08-19 11:26:34 +0000 UTC]

Ugh yeah, just about everyone gets and hates those kinds of comments. I think it's best ignore them. The people writing those comments probably don't mean anything by it - they just write the first thing that comes to their minds. And well, humans are wired to compare new things they see to those that are already stored in their personal base of knowledge. It's a survival thing, though pretty useless and annoying in the context of modern-day life and art!

Don't let it bother you, just focus on all the nice, positive comments you're getting instead

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Ateliae [2016-08-19 08:45:05 +0000 UTC]

It's so annoying to have this happen. It's like you put all your love into a design then OH HEY KAITO or OH HEY DANTE and so on. It's just... Frustrating.

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Talon-Reiif [2016-08-19 08:10:38 +0000 UTC]

I just ignore stuff like this, personally. My number one trait is being able make characters completely on a whim, out of nothing. It is also one of many reasons why I do character design: to bring my ideas to life. To anyone reading this, don't let someone drag your talent down because of similarities they pull from thin air, but keep an open mind, as well. Maybe they like your character, your style, but they can't describe why, and might use their favorite character as a, let's say, reference for compliments.

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Dyewind [2016-08-19 05:39:27 +0000 UTC]

    I think it could be a compliment..
      People usually comment because they like it.
     
    So what if they think he looks sorta like Dante? Dante looks good   . People like familiarity.

    I think I see a very mild resemblance, but I also see quite a lot of unique details. You have a very cool art style.

    I wouldn't feel bothered by it at all.
      I make a lot of fan art however, 
      and the last time that happened admittedly I was thinking about the character when I accidentally drew them.


                       I hope that it doesn't annoy you as much ~
                                                                                      ~ and that you enjoy making such neat art.   

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MamaMantis [2016-08-19 00:13:17 +0000 UTC]

It is annoying! No, my character doesn't look "just like Sasuke" just for the fact her hair spikes out in the back. I realize they aren't trying to be rude, and are often just saying what popped into their head, but I'd really rather not hear it.

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zugai-kotsu [2016-08-18 23:38:19 +0000 UTC]

This and when they say "hey, this looks like my OC and blah blah..." wtf?

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Lord-Keres [2016-08-18 22:01:23 +0000 UTC]

I guess if it happens a lot, it can get annoying. I can see that; many look for a way to relate to a piece an artist makes though, even if that means relating it to another character they're familiar with and/or really like for whatever reason... The most you can do is just ignore them and try not to flip a table. I understand it feels like they may be "doubting" what you're capable of (in a sense), but... I don't really like to look at it so negatively. It's more or less natural human nature to piece things to other things... I know they don't HAVE to say it, especially over and over, but I see where you're coming from.
On that note...
Keep up the good work!
I believe that your work is very unique and beyond ANYTHING I've ever seen before... So... I'll just sit here and silently drool over all of the details you put into your work. I strive to be as good as you! xD

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clumsydemonwithfire [2016-08-18 21:47:48 +0000 UTC]

I love your artwork so much and I have no idea where these people are getting these presumptions. Your work is unique, your characters are your own. Saying that your characters look like some other character is like saying I look like every other brown-haired blue-eyed person in the world. It's stupid.
And, sadly, I've seen those types of comments on other artists' work too, and they've also posted pleas for people to stop doing it. I personally have not run into this, but I assure you I keep dreading the day it will happen. These are MY babies, no one else's. Ash, Jarrett and all of your characters are YOUR babies, no one else's. And I, for one, will continue to admire your work for what it is; beautiful, original, and absolutely amazing.

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Pharos-Chan [2016-08-18 21:44:30 +0000 UTC]

I get you ;_ ; it happens too much and it just feels like someone is trying to cast doubt at your artistic skill and originality 
Like??? Why comment that??? It affects no one in any good way???? 
It's not constructing OR critical...it's just there, like a big ol lead weight : / 

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VortexQueen [2016-08-18 21:41:47 +0000 UTC]

I agree 100% with this. I've had that problem many times in the past where people would come up and tell me my character looked like this one or that one. As of now I sometimes use actors as reference, and I'm surprised no one's mentioned this??? Strange world. But anyway, back then when I would somehow get those comments where my character would get compared to another, man, it would get under my skin so hard. Thank you for speaking aloud about this. I think more people need to be aware how hurtful and toxic a comment that can be.

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au-photography [2016-08-18 21:41:02 +0000 UTC]

I feel like those types of comments are just rude. That's why I almost never post art of original characters, anymore. :T

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TheProfessor24 [2016-08-18 20:12:05 +0000 UTC]

I get it loads too don't worry :/ but I mainly get it in person -- loads of people say my characters look like rip offs of someone else's

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Dark-SpectrumDS [2016-08-18 20:10:27 +0000 UTC]

Oh they thought it looked like that fake "Dante" from DmC. I don't think you should worry too much. There's just so much ignorance now, especially here. That just shows how generic modern characters are because everyone continues to confuse this character with that character. Mind you, characters in games and stuff used to be more detailed, complex and unique so it was obvious if you ripped off from them. At the same time, when personally designing your own characters you should be able to design them to look anyway you like without problems unless it's extreme coincidence.

I understand completely though. I actually have a character named Dante and more than once though I never get comments like that, I noticed that people added several of my drawings in collections titled Devil May Cry over the name! Oh, and I did make him a demon but he's a demon, not a cambion like Dante is. I've got another one who's a cambion though.

As for me when I study up on character design and create my own mainly out of my subconscious, I do get inspirations from official characters. But I guess I get them from less popular sources overall, well according to whatever is "in" because though I may worry about ripping off a design, I am never confronted for my characters looking like a huge conglomerate of my favorite characters.

I dunno what's wrong with people though. Like I said, just don't worry about it so much as long as your business and reputation aren't severely affected. Just poke at people's intelligence or something as usual if it improves your mood because the gods know that this place needs some improvement in the education department. I agree with you on the whole fan art thing, too. But at least it doesn't appear that you were shunned for being disgusted at the overabundance of fan art lately. I have unfortunately and I am on your side! What is this world coming to?

Take care and good luck! Don't let a few imbeciles ruin your experiences!

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LoLo-is-SeaDoo-ing [2016-08-18 19:20:38 +0000 UTC]

I have to agree, it's unpleasant to hear that about a work you put so much effort into making, I'd also wanna rant haha! Never mind not even knowing what the heck the others are talking about (who the heck is Dante, I'm serious, who the heck is that)  Don't let those comments get to you. You have a unique and interesting style with beautiful characters, Valentina! Just keep being awesome and creating awesome art!! (More Jarrett please )

EDIT: Checked out who Dante is... where is the resemblance, I don't see it lmao.

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I5Spiders [2016-08-18 19:01:52 +0000 UTC]

I agree with you a lot. And in the past, I used to get very upset. But as I've learned how inspiration in art is largely fueled by spiritual essences, I find similarities in my own art as well as others. Like, I finally finish collaborating on art of my blonde dragon knight, and I realize how similar she can look to Daenerys of Game of the Thrones. And within a week, 5 of the artists I watch will upload their own version of this character. I'm learning to appreciate the similarities by seeing this as a spirit that is speaking to us. And it's more inspirational to me now. But there is a big difference between this and when a clone just notes how someone's character or art looks like someone else's. That is very rude and never ok. And man is it lazy. These people don't seem like individual people at all. More like clones, as I said.

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chasethesky [2016-08-18 18:38:09 +0000 UTC]

I love your stuff. It is original, striking, and beautifully dark. Keep up the great work.

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SunMetal [2016-08-18 18:34:21 +0000 UTC]

Personally I love reading descriptions because it lets me catch a glimpse of the artist's thoughts and your are no exception. I guess people are drawn to similarities and try to find something familiar in work that is pretty different. It can be a pain though because more recently, I drew a pic of one of my characters and my friend said that she looked like Rey from Star Wars. That was before I watched the movie, so the whole movie I was trying to see the similarity and I still can't really see how an asian character looks like a european person. I can imagine that if it happened more often like with your art, I would like to rant about it too.  Btw I love your art!

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Sopheirion [2016-08-18 18:31:28 +0000 UTC]

but you draw characters with different facial features, just imagine how hard life is for those who draw in anime style when even different anime series have characters with the same face and hair  

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Sopheirion [2016-08-18 18:28:31 +0000 UTC]

I don't like those comments too, but i understand why people think like that.

we all see characters that don't have real life faces the way we want (what i mean is I see Spock as Leonard Nimoy, but I can create my own version of the face of Marius from Vampire Chronicles, because i only have a description and seeing a drawing with a character that has similar details as were described in the book about Marius, of all characters I would say that a guy on a drawing looks like Marius)

what I want to say is, yes, for 10 different people who love Dante, a guy with white hair and red coat would look like Dante, because there is no specific face for Dante in real life, and seeing a drawing with a guy who has white hair, the first  association they get is that it's Dante.

the other thing is, even if you see a guy looking like a Dante on a drawing, why would you comment telling Artist that their character is like someone else's? 
it's kind of like telling a mom that their son looks like a neighbour's son LOL
i may see a fictional character from a book or anime or a game that is only a drawing or just a decribed character in someone's work, but i also realize it maybe not the character i think. 
and people who comment should understand that and take a second and look at description and even if the characters look alike, think about it: would you like if someone told you that?
would you like someone telling you that your work looks like someone else's work? even if you didn't even heard about that other person? nope, i am sure.

so it's not your drawing looking like Dante, it's just for some people it may look like Dante and they don't understand that it is better to not say that. 

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AngelicHellraiser [2016-08-18 18:26:42 +0000 UTC]

I hasn't happened much with mine. It would definitely frustrate me if it did, though. It's good to get your feelings out. I'd be quite irritated if people looking at my characters kept telling me that they look a lot like another known character, especially if I didn't even know who the character was that they were referencing to. 

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Rythurmorn [2016-08-18 17:47:28 +0000 UTC]

tfw someone comments that your oc looks like Sebastian from Black Butler and you created him two years before the manga was published.... and no, besides the asymmetrical black hair, he looks nothing like him.

Or when if a character has exaggeratedly high bangs, he must be Sephiroth from FF7. Never mind that he's got gey skin, cyan pants, and razor sharp teeth, or that his hair is in jagged waves. Nope. The bangs make him Sephiroth :')

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J3HR [2016-08-18 17:46:03 +0000 UTC]

i find it rude and annoying af. probably because it always feels like behind the comment is an accusation of plagiarism

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furesiya [2016-08-18 17:46:01 +0000 UTC]

It's anyone as hell xD .. if it does happen I just show my friend and we laugh about it/them...
Because the people that say that usually aren't artists. Their minds work completely different when looking at an jmage. They break things down in easy to recognize parts  (the parts designers are aiming for the masses to recognize in the first place ie green for link... red /white for dante...) and their scope of the world is so limited, that's literally all they can think of. Pitty  them... I guess. For being so uncultured that that is literally all they see...

On the other hand there's some people that do do it in a passive aggressive, accusing way. I knew one girl that would flip out if they saw a character with pink or redish  hair and green eyes. And immediately assume that person stole her oc.
Still the same remedy thoug. Show my friend and laugh about it together x,D 

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