In recent months, a long-overdue spotlight has been shone on the toxic culture underpinning parts of the digital art industry. While the issues are varied and complex, the core focuses on individuals in positions of power using their clout to exploit and prey on artists who are simply trying to establish themselves.
It’s a problem that’s recognised as not being exclusive to comics or concept art workplaces. Indeed, a number of industries are being forced to acknowledge the scale and significance of the abuses of power going on behind the scenes.
So how have we ended up in this situation? And what do we do now the conversations have started? We asked artists working in the industry today what steps we need to take to create a safe, fair space for everyone.
BLURRED LINES
It’s difficult to pin-point what might have caused the rise of this predatory culture, but there are some practices that may have perpetuated the problems. One is the informal and typically boozy after-hours meet-ups at events, where hosts actively encourage industry networking to take place.
“Beginners are told that they can increase their likelihood of getting opportunities by networking at conventions and having peers recommend them for jobs,” says American fantasy artist and illustrator Rachel Quinlan. “Interacting in these environments seems like a critical step in their career.”
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Denne historien er fra Christmas 2020-utgaven av ImagineFX.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant
BenQ GW2786TC
GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace
DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing