Things I have been asked or told as a writer/artist

Trigger warning: I find these things mostly funny, don’t take it too much to heart, not everyone can understand the awesomeness of our existence ;).

1. How do you find time to anything like THAT (referring to art or written work).

Well, I MAKE time for it like anybody else would for the things they so enjoy. 

2. Do you get paid for that?

yes I do (my art for now) but don’t you find it rather rude to ask someone about their personal income with the assumption that they don’t (which is the reason you asked).

3. Oh, that’s cute

I suggest you find a dictionary and find better adjectives to describe a young hard working novelist/artist who spends every waking moment of her life to perfect her craft because “cute” ain’t one of them. 

4. What do you even write about?

All about the tone of voice with this one....either you are implying I have nothing worth writing about or that there isn’t anything interesting worth writing about, in either case you aren’t looking too bright right now.

5. What does that mean?

Now I don’t mind being questioned about my work, but not everything I create has some sort of hidden riddle, seriously, an apple on a desk is just...an apple on a desk.  

6. I can do that.

go do it then.......

7. I have a (insert family member or friend) that draws stuff too, maybe you two could do something together.

While I am all for the support of local artist and collabs, just because two people do art does not mean they are in the same line of work, for example, those who paint fine art and those who draw anime. All art, different styles. 

8. You look like a writer/artist

Now I was very curious about this one, so I took the time to google how does an artist or writer look, what I got back was a page full of  fedoras, men siting and staring aimlessly at a typewrite, women with no bra’s on, coffee stained shirts, people wearing random patches of clothes in all different colors and hardly ANY of them were people of color:

                                             * I happen to not only wear a bra but Tshirts as well (I prefer my girls cradled) 

                                             * I do not own a type writer

                                             * Fashion and makeup were my backup choices at one point in time, (interior design as well)

                                             * I have been classified as high maintenance and on some occasions even “bougie”

                                              *yes, I am an African american young LADY, not a poser play boy in a fedora and tie. 

9. I could never sit and do all that writing, I don’t have time for that (usually a statement coming from someone who has proclaimed they are boring, have no particular interest and really don’t do anything).

I’m happy you shared that with me, so if you don’t mind me asking, what do YOU do.....sounds rude? now you are seeing things clearly. 

10. Did you really draw/write/paint/make that?

No, I simply decided to create something in front of you for a magic trick...it was an illusion, I’m not even here.

11. Is this YOUR work?

..........(sigh) your question is only validated through the fact that plagiarism is a thing a lot of people do, but it is also inferring that I myself lack whatever skill it takes to produce what you are acknowledging. 

12. Do you know (insert famous writer or artist here)?

I do, (sometimes) so what does that imply about me exactly????

13. Oh, I don’t read.

I find it very funny how you can mention to someone you are a writer and they must make it publicly known they are not readers as to say they are not going to read your work, as if YOU ASKED THEM......

14. Are you published?

Online yes, but I will have a public piece soon :) 

15. I’m not surprised, you seem like that type.

please, pray tell what “type” that is?

16.Could you writ-

unless you are paying me and or adding my name to it, no.

17. That’s some deep stuff.

If you are implying that my work is well thought out, holds sentiment, beauty and a powerful evoke of  emotion, then thank you :). 

18. Why don’t you sell your work and start a business

I do actually, would you be interested? 

19. Why don’t you write about (this, this, this or this)

Internal screaming

20. That sounds a lot like (insert famous work here)

SO MUCH INTERNAL SCREAMING!!!!! 

photo is not my own but fits too well.