A Place for new Spriters

[Terminal Devastation]

I had to reread a few of these posts to understand just what the points of view on each side of this custom section side note.
But now that I have, I have a few things to say to both sides.

First of all, calling art a waste of talent is absurd. Even the non-functional "showcase" pieces of pixel art can at the very least show just how far one can go with the medium and inspire others in various ways, just like any other art. And its enjoyable as well

On the other hand, I am in fact highly partial to functional sprites/pixel art to the point where I personally can not motivate myself to make any sprite that does not have an intended use. (Granted not all of them are for public use... But I do make way too many conversions anyways) While Elk is asking why, I'm asking why not?

I do not see how making a sheet has to be any less artistic than a "showcase" piece. It can be BOTH or at the very least decent practice, especially if its outside ones confort zone. It could also be consider a type of fan art and as such a way of showing appreciation towards well, what ever.
If I had to give a reason other than its a nice thing to do to make such a thing, I'd say you could make it because you have other motives in mind first (again, its at the very least decent practice, good practice if you've choosen subject and style well)

But once made, you might as well make it for public use (after sticking a give credit if used tag on it), since name recognition is the only currency you can get out of something like that, and I'd think public pieces would get more of that.

In short, make the sheets because you, personally, get something out of making it. Donate it because you might as well.