From: noel@umbc2.umbc.edu
Subject: We *are* taking ourselves too seriously
Organization: University of Maryland Baltimore County
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1992 21:43:15 GMT

	As another response to that wonderful posting of Mr. Richard Chandler, 
I am now responding to his views about the "old days" of furry fandom.
	Yes, I have noticed too that people are becoming less libreal with 
their artwork--at leas tthe people who have been in furrydonm for a while.
	There are some reasons I can think of for what has been going on; one 
explanation may be the "skeletons in the closet" syndrome.  Some artists think 
if they do furry material (furry smut in particular), they will be typecast 
and not get asked to do "real" artwork.  Or perhaps maybe they do have some 
irons in the fire with other non-furry comics/animation/art jobs and do not 
want to lose it by doing something their [potential] employers may not like.  
I would relate this to a actor/actress who has posed nude in the past but now 
is on their way to success.
	I think another possible explantion is the proliferation of "art 
books" in just the last 3 years.  For the unenlightened, and art book is a 
bound book of blank pages that somone will carry from convention to convention 
and have people draw in there.
	Well, I am assuming its tradition that sketches are done gratis, which 
is okay if a person only has to draw in one or two books, but any more is a 
hassle.  For example, those of you who went to ConFurence, how many art books 
did you see?  Another problem that has been brought to my attention with art 
books is the artists asked to draw not particulalry agreeing with the subject 
matter.  I was told of a situation in which a female artist was offneded by 
all the "Barbie Doll" sketches of female furries so prevelant in most of these 
art books.
	I see 3 problems here and I am going to supply 3 possible solutions.
	Now, I think as furry fandom broadens its scope and becomes more 
known, there will be less of a stigma attatched to doing furry art.  WHen 
people see it will not kill their career to draw furry art, they may produce 
more.
	The problem with the massive amount or art books is simpler--PAY THE 
ARTIST!  For those of you (like me) who are borke, I suggest some kind of 
barter agreement.  If you are an artist, volunteer to draw in somone's book if 
they will draw in yours.  If you cannot draw, offer an artist a place to sleep 
or offer to get things for them.  For the last 2-3 Philcons, I have been 
driving people around on errands and hopefully one of these days somone will 
be nice enough to thank me with a sketch or something.
	As for the problem of offending some artists, well some people are 
solving it by having more than one book.  This may be a very good idea.  Also, 
I have seen someone have a "theme" book which is successful.  Finally, why 
have art books at all?  Just carry around sheets of Bristol Board.
	I have been impressed by the generosity of many artists out there--one 
in particular I think should be a role model for a lot of people.  I know 
there is a recession on and all, and artists have a right to make money.  But 
a lot of us are broke as well.  Maybe a little understanding and communication 
will start the flow of artwork going again.