Drawing Eroticism: Between Freedom and Constraints
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Let there be no mistake… choosing erotic art as your path is anything but smooth sailing. It is a real struggle.
I’m not talking here about drawing pretty little bodies in suggestive nudity, but about attracting puritanical backlash for the simple depiction of a vulva, a penis, or even a bare breast… “Madam! Kindly cover that nipple—we simply cannot be exposed to such things!”
Do that, and you can be instantly banned from most so-called “social” platforms.
I recently saw one of my works removed from my Etsy shop because the woman in the illustration had a finger placed on the zipper of her shorts… 😳😅
As for exhibiting your work in galleries… really? You’re seriously considering that?
Exhibit that? What, you minion of Satan?
Of course, I’m indulging in caricature. In reality, it’s usually more polite: “I really like your style and approach, but it’s not what we’re looking for.”
That’s just how it is. Society and human nature are what they are, and as my friends like to say, not every war is worth fighting.
You have to accept the rules of engagement and learn to work within them, otherwise you end up bitter and frustrated. Creative freedom is rarely nourished by resentment.
Originally, I started my ERO/POP/ART project as a way to mentally extract myself from the toxic environment I was working in as a graphic designer in the video game industry.
Constant pressure, psychological pressure, endless overtime… I could list the many flaws of that industry, but after two burnouts, I’ve had my fill of it.
My lifeline, my outlet, became this project.
Every morning, before going to work, I would take erotic reference photos and draw, forgetting—just for a moment—what the rest of my day would look like.
My mantra was simple: whatever happens today, I will have had at least this moment for myself.
So to anyone who might think I do this for profit, I'll say this:
The path I’ve chosen requires far more than talent or passion. It demands patience, perseverance, and resilience. That is why I speak of it as a struggle.
Because contrary to what many imagine, erotic art is not a fast track to success or an easy way to make money.
Those who truly thrive from sex-related content online are generally large, well-established companies.
For independent artists, however, the digital landscape is mostly made of restrictions, arbitrary censorship, and constant obstacles.
A reality that often remains invisible, yet is very real.
Despite all of this, I continue. Because after all these years, drawing pin-ups and refining my visual style still brings me the same pleasure as it did on day one.
The opening of my shop marks a new step: it now allows those who follow my work to directly acquire my creations.
Whether you support me through messages, likes, or by purchasing one of my illustrations, know that every gesture of support is deeply meaningful to me.
Creating is not just what I do.
It is what I am.
See you soon...
On my website ---> www.sjofnart.com
In my shop ---> www.etsy.com/shop/SjofnEroticArt
Thank you for your support ---> buymeacoffee.com/sjofnart