Non-Problematic Artists Don't Exist

An important discussion in art is ethical consumption and what artists we should be financially supporting. Many people's philosophies on the matter are highly personal and based on a variety of variables such as someone's values. However, there is something important we do need to acknowledge: you will never find an artist who is a perfect and pure little angel. There will always be something unfavorable to them.

It's simply a part of being human. We're all flawed, and we're all different in ways where we're not compatible with everyone. What may be reasonable and nice to some are beyond rude to others. We're all bound to make mistakes, get into arguments, and end up in all those ugly parts of living. It doesn't mean a person is bad, it just means they're people.

Which means if you do find someone who appears perfect, then you're not seeing the entire person. You're looking at them through a carefully curated window that they themselves have set up. There may be a reason why someone is so careful in presenting themselves. Sometimes they may be a malicious actor trying to get you to lower their guard, but most of the time, they just want you to like them.

They might be a public figure, an artist, or someone who wants to get close to you. If you post on the internet or have done a job interview before, then you have likely partaken in this behavior. You didn't do it because you were looking to hurt people. You simply wished to put your best foot forward. That is the same for most artists!

So, if you find someone who appears non-problematic? They're not as perfect as they appear. It's not because they're trying to trick you or anything like that. It's because there are some parts of them they simply wish to remain private.

Mistakes VS Harm

Now, just because everyone is imperfect and prone to mistakes, it doesn't mean that such things are harmless. While it is good to assume the best from people, it doesn't erase the effects of their actions, especially if those effects are painful in any way. 

Whether or not something that hurt you or a particular group was a mistake, you have every right to not support an artist or have anything to do with them. It can be handy and productive for discussion to approach them with compassion and ask if they meant to do something.

Mistakes are why growth is so important. People need the room to do bad things, and grow from them. If we judge people after they have done something wrong, then they won't have the room to become better people in the future. This is where the line between good people and bad people lie. Bad people make their mistakes a pattern; they might even believe in those actions with their full chest.

Good people are more introspective. They will listen to criticism and internalize it. They will then work on those flaws so the same mistakes won't be repeated in the future.

Now that?

That is worth so much more than being perfect from the get-go.

Ethical Consumption of Art

So, if non-problematic artists don't exist, does that mean we shouldn't support any artists? No! Of course not! It just means you need to do your research on an artist before supporting them and see if they align with your own personal values.

The push to perfect purity is a toxic one. Nobody is going to ever reach such standards, and you won't be able to support any artist if you hold them to it.

I can't tell you what artists you should support, but I can tell you to engage with art critically and get to know who you are about to send money to. It is also best to not judge other people for their own choices, as not everyone's values are the same. Though, it is fair if those values differ in a way where a friendship is impossible.

Conclusion

Humanity is diverse, and life is filled with ups and downs. Having problematic traits just comes with being alive. If you want a "perfect" artist, then you're looking at a machine. Which, as all know in 2026, is not an ethical option that will get you quality art at all.

So, if you enjoy something created by a terrible person? Don't feel bad. What matters is how you handle it, and if that individual is spreading profits to harmful causes. I enjoy some things made by problematic creators myself.

I even wrote a "letter" to one such artist, which you can read here: https://dextiveblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/dear-roald-dahl-problematic-creator-of.html

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