Such a beautiful message, Lazz, I wasn't expecting anything like this at all. <3

And yes, I too hope for these turbulent times to bring good changes in my life and my being. I know they will.
*Hugs you too, his arms over your shoulders keep you close* Thank you so, so much for taking the time to reply and cheer on this dragon, and also for staying tuned for my art!
I'm glad you like what I do! I super appreciate it! ^^

*Purrs softly from the warm embrace that you gave me from your hug, as I rest my head softly on your shoulder.* You're more than deserving for such a message. I appreciate that you shared not only your struggle that you face but, the talents that you have not only with myself but, the world <(^.=.^)> I'm sure as you know that it takes courage to show such talents and having another to keep cheering you on dose help... I have a strong feeling that you, yourself have the courage and will to take on these challenges yourself; Regardless of whom could be there for you.

*Pats your back firmly as I raise my head from your shoulder and pulls slightly away from the hug you gave.* For those times that the fire that you breath only produces more darkness in the path that you walk, I never mind being another dragon to lend his breath to bring a bit more light for what you face. *Has a warm toothy smile as the tip of my tail wags slightly.* Even if that help gets us both lost, you will know that you're not alone *Boops your snoot with mine*!

Keep being awesome and never loose sight of what keeps you being the dragon that you are <(^.=.^)>

*I smile as you boop your nose against mine*
Your words are so heartwarming. Even with the truth of uncertainty, you make me feel hopeful. Being an artist is challenging, indeed. Not only trying to meet the expectations of the beholder, but the struggle to keep improving sometimes works against us.

I will remember your words to push on trough these turbulent times, Lazz.
Thanks a lot, really. <3

I can understand where you're coming from when it comes to art. Improvements and lowered viewership of your creations can be soul crushing at times. The biggest thing is that you do art for you! "If the joy in doing something is gone, why keep doing it?" Not exactly saying that is what's happening to you but, like with a career, you don't want to do something that can't bring anymore happiness. Even if that were to bring you wealth and security to your life, your thoughts will be clouded with a dull sadness that you would never shake off... That to me isn't a life to live <(>.=.<)>

Then again, perhaps I might have overstepped that a bit. You seem to be a pretty level headed dragon to know of the joys of stress for proficiency and quality over satisfaction for your art. Well at least for me I have noticed something along those lines from your creations <(^.=.^)>

Like for myself I do art because, I want to do it. Sharing it opens those doors for criticizing which I do look towards for those improvements. Positive or negative, if I don't have the drive or inspiration... I just don't do it. Even for ideas that could be bouncing around in my head for a few months.

Anyway, I'm glad that my words from before are heartwarming for you *Puts my arm around you as I pull you to my side, having a warm smile that just shows the tip of my fangs from my maw*. I only speak from my heart and encouragement in my words are things that I can see in you. I know that we really never talked much but, your art tells me that while your fire might be in a state of embers from the turbulence... That doesn't mean that the fire is out just yet! The drive to keep fanning those embers from me; Are actually a self reflection of yourself in a third person *Pulls you into a hug as I purr deeply.*

I think that I have beat your ear off enough for now *Pulls away from the hug with a sharp toothy smile.*. If you ever want another dragon to talk too, I will be here if and when you need it... If not, that's fine too <(^.=.^)> I won't think any differently of the awesome dragon that you are *Pats your shoulder softly.*.