Is ArtStation safe for a 10-year-old who loves to draw?

Not really. While there's plenty of cool stuff, the lack of robust moderation means they'll likely see graphic violence or nudity. Stick to curated sites like Procreate's showcase or Scratch for that age group.

How do I turn on parental controls?

ArtStation doesn't have traditional parental controls. You can create an account and check 'Hide Mature Content' in the browsing settings, but be aware that this relies on artists correctly tagging their own work.

Does it cost money to use?

Browsing is free. Creating a basic portfolio is free. However, there are 'Plus' and 'Pro' subscriptions for artists, and the Marketplace sells everything from $5 brushes to $500 3D models.

Will my kid get 'discovered' on here?

It's possible, but rare for a minor. Recruiters use the site to find talent, but they are looking for professional-grade work. It's better to view it as a learning tool than a shortcut to a job.

ArtStation – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

ArtStation

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Website2014

70%

WISE Score

The professional gold standard for digital artists that doubles as an unfiltered gallery of everything from hyper-realistic dragons to mature concept art.

ArtStation

Website

2014

70%

WISE Score

The professional gold standard for digital artists that doubles as an unfiltered gallery of everything from hyper-realistic dragons to mature concept art.

Jump to

Screenwise Verdict

ArtStation is the LinkedIn of the concept art world. It’s where the pros hang out, and it’s an incredible resource for a teenager who has outgrown the 'cartoon' tutorials on YouTube and wants to see how a character for The Last of Us or Dune is actually constructed.

However, it is a professional tool, not a safe-for-work playground. There is no hand-holding here. If your kid is sensitive to horror, gore, or sexualized character designs, this isn't the place for them. But if they are looking to turn their drawing hobby into a paycheck, it’s the most important site they’ll ever visit.

Age Fit

Strictly for teens 13 and up who are serious about digital art. Younger kids will inevitably stumble onto 'artistic' nudity or extreme horror assets within minutes of browsing the main feed.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a professional workspace, not a playground. While the community is generally respectful and career-oriented, the tone is clinical and business-like rather than warm or specifically kid-friendly.

Imaginative

This is the global hub for world-class concept art, 3D modeling, and digital illustration. For a creative kid, it is an infinite well of inspiration and technical mastery.

Safe

Because it is for professionals, there is no 'kid mode.' User-generated content includes realistic violence, horror, and artistic nudity. The 13+ age gate is there for a reason.

Enriching

It offers a direct window into how the entertainment industry actually works. The tutorials and marketplace provide real-world skills for aspiring game designers and film illustrators.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Industry-standard inspiration featuring work from the actual artists who design your favorite movies and video games.
Technical deep dives through the 3D model viewer which lets you rotate and inspect assets to see how they were built.
Career-focused learning that moves beyond 'fan art' and into professional portfolio building and job networking.
Direct access to tutorials and resources that are often more high-end than what you'll find on general social media.

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What to Watch For

The site has a Mature Content toggle, but it relies on artists self-tagging their work; it is not a foolproof parental control.
Expect to see hyper-realistic gore and horror assets, as these are common in the industry for creature design and VFX portfolios.
The marketplace allows for unregulated spending on brushes, models, and tutorials that can get expensive quickly.
AI-generated art has flooded the platform in recent years, which can be frustrating for young artists looking for 'real' human-made inspiration.

Conversation Starters

"What is the difference between a 'sketch' and a professional 'concept art' portfolio piece?"
"How do you think these artists feel about AI-generated images appearing next to their hand-drawn work?"
"If you were building a portfolio today, which three artists on here would you want to emulate?"
"Why do you think some of the most popular art on here is so dark or violent?"

Deep Dive

The Professional's Portfolio

ArtStation isn't trying to be Instagram or TikTok. It’s a portfolio hosting service first and a social network second. This distinction is vital for parents to understand: the 'likes' here aren't just for ego; they are a currency for visibility in a highly competitive job market. For a high schooler interested in graphic design, animation, or game dev, having an ArtStation profile is basically a requirement for college applications and internships.

The Content Reality

Because the site caters to industries like horror films and M-rated games, the 'trending' page frequently features things that would earn an R-rating in a theater. We're talking hyper-detailed anatomy studies, bloody creature designs, and 'tactical' character art that can be quite suggestive. The site has a Mature Content filter in the settings, but it is notoriously porous. It’s best to treat ArtStation as a digital museum that doesn't have a 'kids wing'—everything is on display for everyone.

The AI Controversy

If you hear your kid complaining about ArtStation, it’s likely about the AI art protests. The community has been in an uproar for years about the platform's handling of AI-generated images. This is actually a great entry point for a conversation about copyright, the value of human effort, and the future of the creative economy. If your kid is a 'purist,' they might prefer browsing more curated, human-centric art communities, though ArtStation remains the industry's heavy hitter.

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