I'm sure this won't reach very far, but I feel the need to say it anyway. ARTISTS: LADS fandom artists and beyond—You are loved. You have been blessed with a talent many people can only wish that they had, and you choose to share that talent with the greater world around you, and for THAT, we as a fandom should feel fortunate to have you. Unfortunately, for far too long, you have been the targets of harassment by people who have no right to treat you in the vile way they've been treating you. No one deserves to be bullied and harassed simply for create art of characters and stories that you love. And because of that, I understand why it is that many of you have chosen to leave. Nothing is more important than your own well-being. Your physical and mental health come before anything else, and being subjected to a constant stream of hate and harassment can take a huge toll on both. But that being said, I want you to know that you are loved, you are appreciated, and you are wanted in our community. The ones we DON'T want are the ones that are going out of their way to be repulsive monsters toward those of you doing nothing but minding your own business, creating art, and interacting with those who appreciate your work. When someone chooses to project their misery on you, remember that they don't actually matter. They have no bearing on your life. The only thing they can do is try to tear you down with empty words. Don't let them. Remember all the people who support you. Remember all of those who have ever said a kind thing to you about your creativity, who have been moved in some way by your art, and who appreciate every part of yourself that you pour into what you make. THOSE people have your back. THOSE people are the only ones you need to focus on. You don't need to defend your art. You don't need to acknowledge the people trying to hurt you. All you need to do is keep being you, keep creating what you want to create, and focus on the people pouring positive energy back into you. Whether you make art of Zayne, Sylus, Caleb, Rafayel, Xavier, Valko, or anyone or anything outside of the fandom; whether you create canon or AU art; whether you create safe for work or NSFW art; whether you create yaoi or yuri; whether you create kink art; whether you create fandom crossover art; whether you make cute art or dark art; whether you include your OC in your pieces; WHATEVER it is that you love to create: Keep doing it. Don't stop. You are the heartbeat of the fandom—ANY fandom that you choose to participate in. Spread your light and your gift and know that it is appreciated. When you need a break, take one. If you need support from those who appreciate you, ask. But please, don't let those evil people tear you down and take your spark. They don't deserve to win. Thank you for everything that you do. ❤️🎨