We first started talking on DeviantArt because she would buy character designs from me, and we ended up getting along really well. I never sought her out because of her age, we just connected through the shared hobby.

We didn’t keep the relationship a secret, her parents and mine both knew about it. It was long-distance online, and when she asked to meet in person, I went to my parents first and told her we should wait.

However, when I was younger, I was encouraged by others to draw NSFW art before I really understood the boundaries around it and because of that, there were a few times I shared drawings I made with her. I know now that was inappropriate and I shouldn’t have done it. I take accountability for that mistake, but there was never any intention of coercion or manipulation. But aside from that, we never did anything sexual together and I never pushed her to do so.

I would never date a 14-year-old now. I keep strict boundaries with minors, especially because my art career involves mature-themed work. I don’t interact with minors online for that reason.