I don't usually rant or vent on here, but why do people care so much about the art they get in a trade? So many people told me they rejected my offer because of my style being too cute despite me offering test sketches, and that little thing made my motivation for art plummet for 3 whole months.

Style shouldn't be a deciding factor. Someone is offering some time of their life to make something. Why care if it's not from a pop artist, or some sort of realistic, highly detailed style? When effort is put into it, it shouldn't matter how an OC comes out; a hundred people will draw the same character differently, so why be picky about style? I have no doubt this exact thing has discouraged people from doing art. It can make someone feel like they're not good enough even with all the sweat and tears they put into improving their style over the years.
I wish it was fun drawing for people, but it's just not anymore.