Do you have to go to art school to colour and portray dark skin accurately?

This question was an ongoing, ironic reference to a video by an internet artist named YANIMATIONS, who made an art-commentary TikTok criticizing Kiana Khansmith’s Indie animation “Pretty Please, I Don’t Want to be a Magical Girl!” (PPIDWTBMG). In her drawing, she coloured the show’s two protagonists (who, similarly to the creator, were of African descent) with ashy, lighter skin. When fans rightfully pointed out the inaccurate colouring, YANIMATIONS doubled down, excusing her poor colouring choices by saying she never went to art school—and therefore lacked knowledge of colouring.

When the story spread, and the backlash grew, she doubled down with a mini-comic showing her support for other POC art. This comic not only implied her lack of accountability, but also showed her avoiding engaging with her decision to use inaccurate skin tones for Black characters. While researching this topic, I also found that she lied, denied and discredited Klansmith’s experience in the entertainment and animation industry as a Black woman.

So, back to the question: Do you have to go to art school to colour and portray dark skin accurately?

My answer is fuck no.

To YANIMATIONS—you are a digital artist with access to accessible client features like droppers. Copy and paste any frame from the show featuring the character you wish to color, then use the dropper tool to accurately collect the color of their skin tone.

Yes, art school gives students artistic, technological, and economic advantages, but online and offline resources offer similar advantages to those not enrolled in art school. Not attending art school can explain why someone lacks formal training, but it does NOT automatically excuse an inaccurate result or a refusal to learn from external criticism. Those who have covered the backlash against your art have provided detailed feedback on the colouring. For example, the video provided below:

Another point: Art school rejected Hitler due to his “cold”, architectural paintings, leading him to produce more paintings and watercolours. Then he destroyed the homes and genocided approximately 6 million Jewish people. Historical records suggest the number could be higher. What I am trying to explain is that you do NOT need to go to art school to be a better artist and person, nor do you need to meet a prerequisite to develop particular artistic skills. Arguably, some people thrive without it.

Yes, you can lack experience colouring and lighting darker skin tones and make mistakes, but ultimately, making mistakes is not the problem. Artists make mistakes all the time—I say this as a shitty artist myself. However, if an artist repeatedly lightens characters clearly depicted with darker skin and dismisses criticism about it instead of being understanding, the issue becomes more complicated than simply being “bad at art.” I think you are mature enough to understand the unjust racial implications of this.

Never use shades of excuses—Observe, practice, and be willing to learn.