10 BIG MISTAKES that will KILL YOUR ART CAREER

[@subterranean327]

I wish drama wasn't so popular on KZbin. Your videos are always so positive, but in the right way.

[@Agensahu]

Drama YT gets more views and it gets shived in the YT algorithm. Big sad the state of art video is.

[@JuhoSprite]

Is trent in any drama?

[@Ibrahimidris]

1. Try to reduce supervisors or leads work in any way you can (they are human too) 2. Find time to always communicate if you are unclear on anything 3. Practise on fundermentals 4. Don't rush but try to keep to dead lines, if you are struggling, revert to point #2 5. use 90-10 rule when designing and finally Be nice, be positive and fun ( can't believe we have to say this but yeah) Goodluck everyone

[@okamichamploo]

One big one I had to learn, was that it doesn't matter if I don't like what the client or art director is asking me to change about my art. As a newb I used to try to justify my original art decisions and convince them that my vision was better, but I learned later to step back, not take criticism personally, and accept that at the end of the day my job is to please the client.

[@Houdini_Bob]

11- don't have Trent's art in your portfolio while being interviewed by Trent.

[@redandblack641]

Seems to be a running theme in his recent videos - he might as well make it a recurring gag at this point.

[@_aiborie]

Timestamps (for myself) 1:38 Huge Ego (Little Knowledge) 2:38 No Confidence 4:38 No Understanding of the Job 6:45 Living a Lie 7:51 Not Being Professional 8:52 Ghosting Deadlines 10:42 No Loyalty 14:08 Not Applying or Jobs 14:45 Trash Talking 18:08 Not Believe in Yourself

[@ahmedalqirsh4213]

Honestly even non artists should watch this to apply to business and being a professional

[@valterink8997]

I've been enjoying your videos a lot! I like how you keep it very professional and focus on art and good work ethics! I think a lot of people don't respect this profession, even artists themselves, but you sure do! New subscriber here

[@Spamkromite]

I don't think I'll ever work for the industry or for any studio (I'm more like an indie scrounging to reach end of month all year round), but I still value the wisdom that sensei Trent has composited in it.

[@Yumemocchi]

Man it's so refreshing to hear you !

[@DareBizarre]

In case you already don't have it among the vids, maybe you could talk about your current standards when it comes to hiring, also standards in the industry, what usually juniors do, mediors and seniors, maybe you could show examples. I've seen bunch of your vids, but can't remember smthng like that. I know you are mentioning in places stuff about that, but i'm not sure if there's like one which binds them all.

[@IceyDivine]

This is so true i feel like people that actually have some type of drawing skill usually shy away from actually applying to art jobs cause they feel that they have to be a master in the beginning

[@onaligan]

Thank you for so much Trent. Followed you for years and always resonates with me the things you spoke about good luck with your game. I’m a dev as well and love to see you working so smart and hard in your projects.

[@j.turnerart3050]

I always liked your unfiltered - but positive - advise. I know if i'm going to learn it, it's probably going to be the hard way. :)

[@_aiborie]

Good to hear these from the perspective of a business owner; that's what sets you apart from the other art channels Trent, thank you as always.

[@valkorey]

Thanks for sharing all of this. I always enjoy your content that covers past experiences. Man... hearing you talk about taking someone in and having that happen to you afterwards. Many people would have given so much to even get the chance to be in that guy's position. Loved seeing the game art as well, by the way!

[@lunarfifthstudios]

I once naively asked "can we clarify exactly what we mean by 'assets'?" And the client stopped all conversation with me after that. Gotta learn the hard way sometimes... but still pluckin' away! Needed this video today... 💪😁

[@jordanmatthew6315]

What did they mean by assets?

[@lunarfifthstudios]

​@@jordanmatthew6315I found out later apparently they meant anything that could be loaded into Unity at a nearly finished level, related to visual graphics, mainly for small web-based games. After that, I learned to research things at least a little before immediately asking questions. 👍

[@TrentKaniuga]

Yep!

[@jasonkong6968]

Ya! When I heard of a term I never heard before, I never ask but secretly googled it.

[@zinzolin14]

I keep convincing myself that my art and skills aren't ready yet, even for a junior position, especially right after getting turned down by a potential employer. So I preoccupy my free time with personal projects and art I can post on both my portfolio and socials. Having gone through so much rejection is exhausting, but I really shouldn't let that stop me. You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take after all.

[@stick4077]

The #1 art mistake killed more than art careers

[@kenyizsu]

Regretably, yes. :(

[@mangapoodle]

thanks, i appreciate the belief part at the end, everything started changing for me when i started managing my negative thinking paterns

[@CrescentiaFortuna]

I really enjoy that your videos are the encouraging kind. There is enough negativity and drama out there already, so it's nice to have a place where the opposite is encouraged ❤

[@ivanjovanovic4486]

Very useful advice!!

[@pezorama]

I love the Arcade Employee!!!! Great video, man. . great piece. Still so excited for Twilight Monk

[@SavMortem]

You're a gem, man ❤️ A lot of these feel like they should be obvious but still really good advice. So sorry you've had to deal with some of this. It seems like you really care about your peers and I wish people wouldn't take that kind of kindness for granted. If anything this video built my confidence because I am realizing I have all the interpersonal skills I need for this type of job, just have to get my art skills to the right level 👍

[@riku6146]

I like that you are coming to this problem by overcoming the negatives.

[@SchmokinJoe]

10:27 In three years she's gonna send you the most amazing piece of art the world has ever seen!

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

let her cook

[@SchmokinJoe]

@@jeanpierrepolnareff9919 yeah, this one's gotta simmer for a few years😂

[@TrentKaniuga]

Long after the client went bankrupt! Hah hah.

[@theartofnemo]

Thanks for your wisdom Trent!

[@kommandokeks]

Anyone else drawing while listening to him talk?

[@TrentKaniuga]

I know that I am.

[@zinzolin14]

Me!

[@kermbydoesart]

thats insanity people would do that, it would be a dream come true to be shaped and molded by you Trent. I've been a freelancer for years but still an art baby when it comes to concept art or industry level projects. I hope one day i do tho for sure. Ive been feeling low lately but whenever i watch your vids it always ignites that spark and drive i need to get shit done.

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

Damn, I really love your art, and after three years of learning 3D modeling and sculpting i think i can finally make them. I look forward to doing the big robot with the bazooka hahaha.

[@ovschinikov]

i watch your videos because they give a REAL view and feedback on working in the industry. this is the 1st video that makes me feel good from start to finish! artists need to understand that when you start getting paid for art, its no longer a passion, it is work, and you commit to that work. I am lucky for being able to make money out of art, i am in no way an amazing artist, but god forbid i lie or i ghost a customer... feedback feedback feedback, communication communication communication... i am selling a product, just like a grocery store that sells goods.

[@shiroimarcio]

The easy art lessons are also pretty good, even to draw while watching and to learn/practice with a drawing table (like the ones without a screen).

[@Mixen9408]

Great and interesting video. As an aspiring writer i did find this video helpful. :D

[@PalomaMcClain]

Great video. Can't wait to play your game!!

[@LuoDrawing]

Well drawn, well explained

[@lucacollas]

is that a TRENT VIDEO? Love it, thanks for the Vid

[@CyberValeth]

Out of these I can say my problem is weakness/negative self talk, and I know I lack the skills. So lacking confidence in interviews is an issue. But I also know my skills are no where nears worth even applying for. But I do at least know what I want to focus on. So I can focus on those areas primarily.

[@luncheugene]

This was a super interesting video; especially with the final mistake. Its always terrifying thinking about applying and being rejected so thoroughly and negatively; or worst of all, getting in and then fumbling so hard that you let down everyone on the team and are rightfully blacklisted. Its not due to me not wanting to improve, because I always want to try to improve and learn better ways to do art. But due to my own inability and speed, given I am very slow with both my art and learning how to better it. And life goes by extremely quickly 😅 I feel as if I NEED to be good right now. Like for instance with my current portfolio, I need to make 20-ish concept design works by November for an art school I want to apply to. But other responsibilities like my current schooling, my own mental health, and my job makes me feel pretty boxed in. Especially since I wont have the time to break into the art industry once I'm too busy working to feed myself. And I understand that is of my own fault. But it feels no less disheartening and depressing. I hope I can do well, but when the deadline does come around and if my thoughts were right, I fear I wont be able to get back up to try again. Sorry if this seemed like the complete opposite of what you said in your video lol I just wanted to project my thoughts into this comment. Because I do think its important to really try to work at my artwork so I am close to the industry level, even before I get into an art school, as many other portfolios I've seen from there have been. Thank you for this video

[@chordsykat]

Trent, I'd love to have an interview with you, just so I could hear your laugh. It always makes me smile. :)

[@japex_1226]

I just love the way you laugh man.... XD Thank you for sharing these videos :)

[@herbertdariel5002]

Hey Trent! Awesome video! I was wondering, where do you post job oppenings for your studio? Thanks!!

[@ericduchesnes7340]

👍👍❤❤🕊🕊 Thank you Trent !..

[@Riste.R]

Great video as always :D

[@YUGAMERPAL]

Hi, will you be making any sort of art books about the Twilight Monk game after its release? Because it looks awesome!

[@TrentKaniuga]

There is 1 art book already. Yes, I’m working on World of Twilight Monk vol 2!

[@YUGAMERPAL]

@@TrentKaniuga that's awesome! I'll definitely need to get the first one! And I'm super stoked about the game coming out next year

[@AngryMothNoises]

'don't cry at the interview' well, guess I fail. I cry at everything LOL

[@AndrewMaksym]

Please do some more TMNT fan arts! Maybe master Splinter or some of the side characters, or villains.

[@heroiam4067]

11:00 That’s a strange story, sounds like you were the absolute victim and the other artist wasn’t good enough to do the job but you still hired him and did most of the work in his stead? Why would you do that. Would be nice to hear the other side of the argument. If the company hired that guy and kept him, he was probably right and you weren’t really necessary in the process.

[@TrentKaniuga]

He’s unemployed.

[@wisonhendrik5855]

Agree. Glad I'm not the only one. I think this shouldn't be put out on list cause I think that can be personal one sided take issue and also that won't effect killing whole art career as that person can just keep drawing with his own style to make a living. This problem I had one too during on my working at someone studio locally. Though I won't explain the detail. But all I can say we don't know who is right or wrong till both side give explanation.

[@Markerton]

There is plenty of jobs - VFX, UI/UX/ 3D environment/3D character designer, costume designers, lighting artist, Technical artist, modelers and animators. The thing is evryone know only how to do basic 2d art. And sorry, all concept art jobs are for seniors.

[@zinzolin14]

Definitely good to show you can do grunt work when you're starting out as a 2D artist, like textures and props. It's sad but many companies aren't gonna hire junior artists to design characters

[@ahmedalqirsh4213]

I agree with number 5 however I feel like all artists should have a separate account solely for showcasing their work almost like a gallery, also if you have your politics leave that to your own personal social media account for that not your art. I am a big believer in this

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

Artstation for portfolio, instagram for everyday art and tiktok for brainrot

[@SilentTrip]

My art isn't niche and refined enough to search for an art job yet, but maybe in the future, I will find a focus and lock in on it. For now, I draw animals and flowers. Maybe next month I would be interested in portraits... who knows.

[@kronoverse3934]

Thank you For This Sir! I cant watch other youtube artust due to AI drama mess.

[@aleksandarstanisic1848]

Ty man ❤

[@yogeybogeybear3542]

I can say #1 should be: Not drawing, and talking about drawing instead

[@GuestUser-jf8uj]

Trent can you consider doing a 2024 update on AI and your thoughts about it? Have you heard from your colleagues on how its affecting game companies and if they are implementing it into their pipelines?

[@itanchiro5524]

Is that it? I mean, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your opinion about such an important topic! But... seriously, videos of this "If you do these things you will probably fail" kind only remove more and more of my worries. And I always fail to come across something that would scare me (which I am in a desparedl search for) I guess this is a good sign? ( no, i am not overconfident, quite the contrary :D )

[@HuyNguyen-qj1vf]

Your game look amazing bro

[@EnzoDraws]

Wait, Trent, you're hiring? Where can we apply? I went to Aquatic Moon's website but I can't find anything regarding jobs

[@fernandorivera3613]

12- don't fall in love with a hello Kitty girl.

[@northnomad_94]

Honestly I am a bit shocked how all of these mistakes are not obvious to people... like, hey it's basic stuff about how to do any work 🤡🤡🤡

[@TrentKaniuga]

Me too. But we can all lose perspective sometimes.

[@cerulean_sea]

as a former gatekeeper I did keep a lot of gates

[@velgatheobserver]

So Trent, will your portfolio be filled with 50 pages of pure art when Twilight Moon comes out?

[@TrentKaniuga]

I will be releasing a new art book after the game. Yes. World of Twilight Monk volume 2 in 2025!

[@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA]

I wonder if you're planning on giving some more animation tips? On Twitter, I am happy to admire the animations for your game.

[@ahmedalqirsh4213]

@Trent Hey Dude you make awesome videos all the time and I respect how you chase for what you want as I am doing. Btw please do know that nothing is personal even with our disagreement over Shinkawa analysis video, as I pretty agreed with you on just about everything other than what I commented on. So please keeping making cool videos. is there anywhere we can submit questions

[@TrentKaniuga]

I love it! Keep me on my toes.

[@ahmedalqirsh4213]

@@TrentKaniuga Well I'll take it as a positive !

[@Cat_fts]

how can we send you our portfolio? I've looked and can't find it

[@TrentKaniuga]

We are only hiring artists that know unreal engine right now

[@Pork80085]

8:42 I take issue with this because what if I did a historical figure portrait or a comic that is political? Dune for example or other sci-fi. Or Disco Elysium. I'm not gonna show that in a interview but maybe it's on my personal work on social media.

[@TrentKaniuga]

well... this is a video about getting art jobs. If you want to sell to an audience, and your work is political, thats fine. But understand that those politics could cost you jobs with people with different politics than you.

[@Markerton]

What Is Dead May Never Die! xD

[@sound285]

"Don't cry" ok... I actually begged and offered sexual favors, this was 2006 mind you. my first game dev interview and job I was hired at, I was an assistant to 2 people, I basically did all the grunt work in the office like take out trash, run errands, schedule things, you name it I pretty much did it. My buddy/room mate was a programmer and was talking me up to them, as I was thinking about moving back home because I was just floundering. Luckily enough he came in one day and was like come on I got you an interview. Best 10 years of my life.

[@HazedShaman]

Hmm a lot of this advise could also be given as relationship advise as well... 🤔

[@arkintyagi]

Hey trent! Would love a reply if possible! Absolutely love your videos, was wondering if i could get your two cents on something, I’m in the early years of my career and my life wasn’t in the best position a year ago and involved moving countries which took a huge toll both financially and on my health, i found myself in a position where i took on more work than i could handle at once to pay the bills and it resulted in a situation where i couldn’t meet my deadlines on time with multiple clients which understandably has affected the their trust and reliability on me as a professional . I’m currently getting my work back on track and working to rebuild my reputation and career but would love to know if there’s hope to be able to get it back to where it was before things went wrong. Your experience would be a great guiding force in helping me navigate forward

[@_ranituran3161]

is asking minimum wage considered killing art career? bcs I felt this a lot with art studios these days (well, at least in my country)

[@TrentKaniuga]

I know many artists that would just be grateful to get paid any amount to make art. Find the amount that you’re satisfied with, and the client is comfortable paying. Ignore what everyone else says you should want.

[@dual4025]

can't kill something that never existed

[@jasonkong6968]

wow, people are really idiotic and irresponsible for doing the stuff you've mentioned. I can feel that all your advise came from your experience and you speak them with passions, I thought it's common sense, but nah. Good video!

[@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA]

"Do good and throw it into the water". I mean, don't expect people to be grateful. You do something for someone because it makes your soul and the world around you brighter. It is always Russian roulette to trust people. That's it for everyone. And any relationship. "Drama" is something that won't stick to you if you don't let it. As soon as there is a hint of drama, I just technically go into the shadows) I am guilty of "not believing in myself." But I just don't have time to believe or disbelieve. The Russians say, "the eyes are afraid, but the hands do."

[@paulisarts]

I can't think of a single artist on KZbin that you have been associated with who is all about drama. 🤔 Or burning bridges... Or talks about politics on social media... 🤡🙃

[@TrentKaniuga]

Oh, I know a few folks that do! But… that’s up to them.

[@ActionHankBeard]

Artists don't like to hear this because they wanna be seen as whole humans and not just as art content machines online, but i'm tellin you man the less you talk the better. I think sharing your interests and general conversation is fine but I the moment you delve too deep into political and social issues you create problems for yourself. It's so easy to talk yourself out of professional work opportunities and not even know it.

[@resolute123]

With DEI or whatever alphabet soup the entertainment industry pushes, I doubt being neutral on your website or social media will land you a job even with an excellent portfolio. A unspoken rule, never say you are a conservative.

[@MayerMaxim]

Come on now dude, don't think that everyone is there to get you, that is not a mindset to land a job even in a conservative company/studio.

[@freezingcicada6852]

@@MayerMaxim Pretty much. I use to cyber stalk currently working artists. (Cause finding their portfolios and what they did was a full time effort. They had political memes everywhere) After the layoffs, they dont have a title or at some studio in twitter bio and do online classes.

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

dont worry this kind of woke trend is starting to die off because people got fed off hollywood and big game studios catering to a very loud minority of the population

[@NkenKenY]

is there a company that hire anime concept art or illustration artist :(?