This article was originally inspired by a discussion with Alavesa (https://www.deviantart.com/alavesa) and posted in a journal here but people told me I should make it a news article=P So here's a revised (hopefully improved) version. Any updates and additions will be posted there.
Tip for unknown artists
First, this is something I find many just don't realise... Did you know that you're way more likely to meet new friends and getting your work noticed if you interact with unknown artists, instead of only watching already popular ones? Unknown artists will appreciate any feedback you leave them a lot more (be it a critique, a fave etc.), and often will keep talking to you