Why I Stopped Using DeviantArt: Toxic Community, Bad Support & Artist Jealousy

🎨 Why I No Longer Recommend DeviantArt to Friends and Family

DeviantArt was once one of the largest and most respected online communities for artists and creatives. Founded in 2000 by member RealitySquared, it’s a place where people share their artwork, connect with other artists, and build their online portfolios.

But sadly, over time, the site’s community has developed serious issues — and here’s my personal experience and why I no longer recommend it to friends or family.

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⚠️ Toxic and Pessimistic Community

If you upload any deviation (artwork), you’ll notice something quickly:

Some DeviantArt members will send you hateful messages for no clear reason.

It isn’t always about your content or your words. Sometimes, people there just feel like attacking others.

🎨 Talent Is Met With Accusation

If your artwork happens to be good — especially better than the average on the site — many people’s first reaction is to accuse you of plagiarism.

They assume nobody can naturally draw well or better than them, so they jump to conclusions.

🕵️‍♂️ Doxxing and Personal Attacks

Some users even go as far as digging into your background, past online activities, and personal life if they don’t like you or your art.

They spread rumors, harass people, and turn communities toxic, all because of personal jealousy or quick temper issues.

🛑 Weak Admin and Support

The admin team, including RealitySquared, rarely takes strong action.

If you report these bullies or toxic members, the only advice they give is “block them.”

They rarely ban the people causing trouble because their attitude is, “as long as the hatred is aimed at you and not at DeviantArt itself, we won’t intervene.”

But ironically, if those same bullies gang up to report you, DeviantArt might ban you without even letting you explain your side of the story.

⚠️ Membership Always at Risk

Your membership on DeviantArt always feels unstable because:

  • Anyone can start a fight with you

  • They can mass report you

  • And the admin might take their side

It creates a toxic, unsafe environment for genuine artists.

💔 Fast-Triggered Jealousy

People on the platform get jealous very quickly.

They visit your profile, see your artwork, and instead of appreciating it, say things like:

“So gorgeous… must be stolen.”

The negativity is exhausting.

❌ Final Thoughts

That’s why I personally don’t recommend DeviantArt to my friends and family anymore.

While the platform itself has potential, its community has become pessimistic, toxic, and often hostile — especially toward talented or new artists.

If you value your peace of mind and creative freedom, there are better platforms out there.

 

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