I'm a professional in a field not to dissimilar from what he does. And he needs to do what professionals do (like The Architect, DPC, and others). Engage with the community, take in good ideas, but stick to your vision. Do not compromise, do not let it be known you are taking advice or consideration from the crowd. Great artists have flaws and quirks that influence their work. In fact its what MAKES their work art instead of just a bland product. Haven't you ever noticed that Shane Black is obsessed with Christmas? Or that Michaelangelo couldn't shape a female breast to save his life? Adele Dazeem (Idina Menzell) is an incredibly famous and talented broadway star with a pitchy singing voice (listen to her blow it out hitting the high notes in Frozen's 'Let it go').
Dots needs to man the fuck up and make the story he wants to make. Excuses are for amateurs. It is his fault, and more importantly its his problem. If he's so fucking scared of what the crowd thinks that he won't create the art he wants, then he doesn't deserve to call himself an artist.
