11 reasons not to make art.

[@linda5809]

I hope you had as much fun making this video as it was to watch!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Oh I did, channeling my inner theatre company.

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

I draw with a BIC pen in a notebook I got from Dollar Tree while I sip my coffee in the morning because it's too early to do anything else. I recently discovered that I was failing at learning to draw because I was trying to draw in a way I thought was "good." Once I allowed myself to draw in the way I really want to, I realized I'm not as bad as I thought. Of course I need to keep practicing, but I'm not as bad as I thought.

[@SketchBookSkool]

If you are drawing, especially if you are drawing regularly, I'm sure you are doing just fine.

[@dannyfaith1754]

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

[@kathiecopeland5169]

Please keep these coming. They really help me. I am actually getting better at drawing and watercolor. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@juliegriffiths4272]

Thank you Danny, you make so much sense.

[@WeaklyAnimations]

Lol I love this editing style so much, I love how you did it in such a creative way with using all the different characters, different camera angles/situations. It all fits together so perfectly. Combined with you giving so much helpful and loving advice to struggling artists (Like myself). This honestly means a lot to me, the one thing I struggled with was the struggle of making art. Art was always a struggle for me and it always felt too hard to do. But the advice that you gave "The struggle is what makes it great" and everything else you said. That really opened my eyes because I was trying to escape and run away from the struggle, so part of me tried to find the easy way out. Or to find all these excuses as to why I shouldn't create art or why I shouldn't be doing it more often. And it's been paralyzing me because I fear struggle, but I am going to try to slowly lean into allowing more struggle because it's like what you said. It's like "climbing mount everest" or "taking a dog for a walk". All these things require some level of struggle but it's always worth it. This can go for all artforms such as drawing, making videos, music, writing. I think if I apply this knowledge to everything, I may be in a better spot and I can learn more about myself as I create more and more pieces of art. Life feels lifeless without art. So, I want to thank you for making this. I am happy that I subscribed to you man.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m so glad you liked it!

[@lilibee4892]

You are one of the big hearted kind and great human being that I know and appreciated very much !!! Thank you very much !!!

[@wendymorrison8995]

Thank you for making this funny, but oh, so true video! I laughed 😂 at all the excuses I have said to myself! My art journey started 30 years ago when I took a beginner watercolor class up in Seattle. I loved it! Then life happened. raising kids, work, etc, and I didn't paint at all. Then covid came and I found myself totally alone and bored. A dear friend had blessed me with a set of watercolors and paper. They were waiting for me quietly in my closet. I told myself most all of the 11 reasons you mentioned as to why I shouldn't paint, but the watercolors seemed to call me to just "try." So I decided to paint my bedroom slippers, since they brought me comfort. I said, " I'll try and then throw my painting away." But I liked it! And now I create my own greeting cards and sell them in a bookstore! The joy that I receive as I create and paint has truly been medicine to my soul. Painting often gives me a " break" from difficult stuff going on, and I feel better. Thank you for your videos and books and humorous way of inspiring us all to create something! Just for the fun of it. Blessings, Wendy in San Clemente, California

[@SketchBookSkool]

What a wonderful story!

[@halnewhouser1217]

Art has happiness benefits to overall mental healing.

[@annabarr3576]

Thank you Danny for keeping me on track. I love creating and making art but am very guilty of finding a million things I need to do beforehand or that take priority. I often think "I can't sit and sketch now because...." and then the guilt sets in that I'm doing something purely for me and it's a luxury! It honestly is the main thing that holds me back. Art is a luxury!!

[@sierrarmcclain]

I LOVE this video! You effectively debunked all of these reasons to not make art. I’m definitely saving this to watch again and share with others. ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m glad it’s helpful!

[@azeezeng.5022]

Excelent, deep and warm

[@natalieanderson7732]

I love your essays.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@iocoloro]

Thank you! I'm currently creating my first fanzine and I feel like I don't have my own style. perfectionism ruins my joy of creating, but I'm trying to get over it. These words help me a lot. 💕✨

[@SketchBookSkool]

Go for it! Your style will emerge as you make your zine. Be patient and stick to it.

[@Penfriendrocks]

You can do it!

[@christianep.6673]

Thank you! I love all your videos!🌻🎨🥇🖍✒️✏️🖌📕📗📘Greetings from the Black Forest/Germany

[@jenniferressmannwriter]

My trouble is time and energy. If I have energy I tend to put to the "must do" stuff. Cleaning, cooking, shopping, errands, bills. Then I'm pooped.

[@VL-xs3bk]

The very things I tell myself sometimes! Thanks for debunking my many excuses in such an artistic way! 😀

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you for watching!

[@halnewhouser1217]

I have been playing with modeling clay as a child. I have been drawing and painting since 1960. With some sucess. My son makes a full-time artist designer .

[@TheChristianCollector]

Ive been sketching in a journal for 3 weeks now. Ive been drawing for over 30 years and never done this. Its now my favorite thing to do. Thank you for that

[@SketchBookSkool]

So happy to be of help!

[@margaretpetersen9275]

Love this video! Thank you

[@Morastbiene]

My goodness, how this resonated! Thank you so much for putting this video together - and in such a fun way too! It was exactly what I needed after an involuntary break (sheer exhaustion and my mother passed away last month) that has left me feeling stuck, incapable and afraid to try. I'm gonna watch it again whenever I need a reminder that those eleven reasons don't count. The spoilsport in my head has been living in there rentfree long enough. Thank you for encouraging so many of us!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@Анютка-ь9м]

❤❤❤ Just thanks

[@jilllusey7001]

You are a joy. ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Gorsh!😊

[@lenitaashton8146]

Bravo! Wonderful and fun ....😊

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@margaretlindsay4129]

Thank you you lovely man. Thats just what i needed. X

[@SketchBookSkool]

You’re welcome 😊

[@pashaveres4629]

Man, that was beautiful. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Hope this reaches many people and helps them to reach into their true selves, you know, where all the good stuff is at. Shaka brah

[@SketchBookSkool]

I hope so too!

[@joanlacasse1402]

So inspiring. Thanks.

[@goforitbeyourself.suekirk2165]

Your a great guy …… helping me understand why I want to do it but feel I can’t great stuff x

[@SketchBookSkool]

thank you!

[@connieknop4877]

I absolutely love this. So inspiring. Thank you!!

[@jiyadang2511]

Danny, you inspire both the artist and the writer in me. I’m so grateful for this channel and for your voice in this world! :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@cassandratarentino3150]

This video is ART!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@merkellanzmann]

Thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

You're welcome

[@MikkiInWaiting]

I am so grateful that I have found your channel. I'm a retired trauma therapist. Retired due to burn out and the realization that my career, while I loved it and was good at it, never really fulfilled me. It didn't make me happy or bring me joy. Two different things. As a kid I was constantly told I sucked and had no talent, regardless of whatever it was I was doing. Singing - you suck. Drawing - you suck. Painting - you get the idea. I realized that I had been fighting my creative passions all my life based on what others said. So ... here I am. I just turned 51. I just purchased some cheap beginner sketching pencils, charcoal, watercolor, paper and 1 single brush ... and I'm looking to sign up for a sculpting/Wheel throwing class as soon as I possibly can afford it. Burn out and a much needed divorce sure can open your eyes and change your entire life. Even when it leaves you financially devastated... I feel like I have purpose and passion in again and it's because my inner creative is coming alive again, I can feel the artist waking up! I'm embracing all of it! The excitement. The fear. The beauty. The unknown.... all of it. THANK YOU for being here for me to find. I found you last night and pulled you back up today, just to make sure it still resonated. AND WOW! I'm just so grateful for the words you have to say. And the way in which you say them. Your voice is very well suited for what you do. I feel like a college kid again who's fully captivated by her instructor and the subject matter. Geez I didn't realize how much I miss this feeling of awe, wonder, and excitement! Sure feels good even though I'm scared silly!! Thank you again!

[@21ruevictorhugo]

I'm scribbling in my scribble book while I’m watching, or listening to, the video. I often find that having something playing in the background is the BEST! It distracts the critical, negative monster that hangs out in my head and leaves the art part of me free to do whatever it wants to. I really works. I’m playing with a whole set of co,ores markers and drawing a couple of books on my table - in bright oranges and lavenders and vibrant blue. I’m having so much fun!

[@jennifern9373]

‘The struggle is what makes it great.’ I can return to my painting which I have been painstakingly struggling with. ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

So happy we encouraged you!

[@Tiewaz]

My art is the written word more than graphics due to aphantasia frustrating me. But my biggest block in any attempt at art is depression. My late husband was my muse and since he has been gone, it feels pointless. It has been hard trying to rekindle the flame.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I lost my first wife. I know how challenging it can be. Art helped me deal with my grief.

[@alicequayle4625]

I have a friend who is an artist and has aphantasia. She never knows in advance how a piece will turn out. She does follow a general process with quite a lot Islamic geometry and sacred geometry.

[@jolynnejudge3177]

What a fun, creative way to present this message. Bravo! to the "cast of characters! I chuckled all the way through it. I have struggled with all of those excuses in my newly retired state. I I've been doing fused glass art for a number of years but I'm am just starting to find, create and listen to those creative, playful moments and use them to inform my art practice. Thank you!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connieebinger6343]

Hi Danny! You caused me to have a new thought. While you were talking about not enough time, but taking time to watch TikTok or other videos, it made me stop and think about why do I pick up my phone and watch videos rather than sitting down at my heart table, and what I thought was that by watching a video, I am expecting to see something new, to discover something or learn something. That’s when I had the lightbulb moment and thought…well, why couldn’t I sit down at my art table and expect to discover something new, learn something new about me… I like it, thanks!

[@SketchBookSkool]

I love that!

[@suzannegermroth2968]

Thank you Danny, I'll save this, i really needed to hear this! Wonderful!, i hope I'll get started again.

[@barriespencer6336]

Great video 100% true love your channel

[@SketchBookSkool]

Awesome thank you!

[@gayesekula]

Love your posts, Danny. And you rock that black hat!

[@naturesketches126]

THANK YOU!!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You're welcome!

[@suev4143]

We all (well most) are taught how to write, in order to communicate. Art, drawing, painting are just other ways to communicate. Making art is another way to convey our ideas and emotions. Few people would say they couldn't keep a diary, so there's no reason to keep a sketchbook or art journal. Thank you for reminding all of us to just explore. (I started exploring by "testing" out that collection of pens from the bottom of the junk drawer, and the backs of envelopes. I had so much fun that i went out and bought a sketchbook!) Thanks for the inspiration, and the gentle nudge to "give it a try".

[@user-pw2dq4lf2p]

Hi Danny, thanks for such a funny video with more than a grain of salt in it, too. You are a great actor, by the way!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbaramenier3928]

Thank you. Very inspirational!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@katie1353]

I love drawing and can do some pretty good sketches when in the right frame of mind with the right photo to use as reference. But I've managed to convince myself that I'm not really good at art because I need to copy, and in my head a 'true artist' has the creative imagination to have a vision of something in their mind and actually get it onto paper without a reference for guidance. I don’t have aphantasia, although my mind's eye is relatively vague and blurry it is there. But it's like there's a broken link between it and my hand, so without a referenfe picture I'm useless. I'm trying to get more confident though and do more simple stuff like washi tape watercolour stuff or simple pen doodles/zentangle things and colouring them in. I finished one last night that my 12 year old son said was "beautiful", which was lovely. I just need to realise that I don't have to be able to draw/paint pictures that look like photos or create entire characters out of thin air or any of the other "more talented" stuff to be able to enjoy making art.

[@Yellow-draw.yourheart]

Wooonnnderrrfuuull You're videos are faaabulous reaaallly!!!💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@henseltbrumbleburg3752]

The biggest battle is the one of the ego. Art is a part of life, it's an expression of it so it can be anything you want it to be. The main aim to be fulfilled by it. Embrace the reflection you cast of your expression.

[@Mirashome]

thank you! I really enjoed watching this video xD Also love your channel, you motivate me every time!

[@veronicalucas4213]

You are so amazing. I've recently found you. Your videos are GREAT! You have so much to share and teach. You're such a joy to watch. Keep it up. ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much!

[@shooonkey]

Thank you for this! It gave me the final push I needed to start doodling again 💙

[@SketchBookSkool]

congratulations!

[@Anvinymy.artist]

What a wonderful video! Full of wisdom and positive mindset. Love the way how you played this people with the most common excuses that we all have.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@JudyButterfield-ed9tu]

I find it easier to think of it as I'm working on a project. Art is to high of stanard.

[@KittyFoxArtWorld]

Such an inspiring video. Thanks!!! I feel like I need to be telling myself this stuff every day.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Please do!

[@AnkNijssen]

Doing art is also therapy for my mental issues, sometimes when I feel down I don't feel like making art but then I force myself to do just a little drawing and it helps me through some "bad" days so thank you for this video, it had put a smile on my face 😊 (hope my English is oke I am a dutch person)

[@susanm7089]

Love your characters!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@julianp.5818]

I like the laid back approach to art as a hobby of this channel so much. For my taste, too many channels fokus too much on being a successful artist or „do this EVERYDAY to become the next picasso“. Can someone recommend me a drawing/art-podcast with a similar vibe as Sketchbook Skool?

[@SketchBookSkool]

How about _our_ podcast, Art for All?

[@julianp.5818]

Ahhh, I didn‘t know you had a podcast! Thank you Danny, I‘m gonna listen to it right away! Your advice helps me so much, I finally enjoy drawing again 🥲.

[@JohnHarrisonArtist]

Another great video, Danny. I know it will help some new to art take the plunge into it, or back into it. I'm an artist. I've only allowed myself to say that recently after not doing it for so many years. But years ago, someone called me an artist, and I said I wasn't, and they said again I was :) the penny never dropped then but has now. I even had a sketche used in a charity newsletter and used prominantly on their website, but stopped art shortly afterwards. Many who may read this are artists too, they just haven't realised it yet. All the best, John, south of England

[@SketchBookSkool]

Congratulations on recognizing this in yourself!

[@cptnbeefart]

loved the characters & costumes! video quality was really nice too! :] I think a lot of my "art block" comes from trying to be coherent, to make some grand thesis but not knowing how to articulate it visually and really just overwhelming myself with a rubric. at least that is what's stifling me currently. hearing this really helps me become aware of this, and how silly it is! I LIKE doing art after all, so why am I over complicating the process??? I think that, like the end product itself, good or bad, this whole method is a reflection of me as well. my self-doubt, my insecurity and urge to make myself coherent. even though I'm finding that I don't really need to be coherent and my art doesn't have to be bad or good, I can just be, and so can my art. :]

[@SketchBookSkool]

exactly, you can just be yourself and the rest will follow. I think artists get too hung up on making art with "meaning".

[@susiemejia7917]

This video was a lovely way to start the day. If I say I’m an artist then I am. For me it’s so simple. I enjoy the process. Thanks again.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wonderful!

[@SelfCapture]

Thank you for playing well on our mind 😅 I am not an artist definitely, and my drawing skills are 2 on a scale to 10... but I have this wish... and I am trying- to write book about my autistic son, and be able to illustrate it. From this point I need minimum 1 year, to handle my drawings digitally, so, been looking now for illustrators out there to speed up my wish 😂 But really, I appreciate your videos a lot, and love your explanations ❤🎉

[@SketchBookSkool]

While you certainly could hire an illustrator, it would be very personal for you to illustrate the book yourself - don't assume you can't!

[@SelfCapture]

@@SketchBookSkool Thank you so much for encouraging words. Still didn't give up, as I see every day a little improvement. I Will be patient 👍✨️

[@randylls5341]

I had a friend that held the paint brush in her teeth, because a car accident left her quadriplegic. True grit.

[@TheRealPandanimal]

Thank you for this. I have said most of these things to myself over the years and had had some of them said to me by friends referring to themselves. I can only think of one honest reason to not make art and that is "I don't want to" . Which is fair enough I guess.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Absolutely. You are under no obligation to want to make art. But it is awfully fun if you let it be.

[@TheRealPandanimal]

Yup! =) @@SketchBookSkool

[@jumanas4012]

true 😊

[@DeAzul7902]

Danny, Danny, Danny... I'm so honored to share the same air with you. I hope to meet you in person someday. THAT would be my Bilbo-esque adventure! ❤❤❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Can't wait!

[@adnuserg]

It was so lovely! I am starting to draw at 24 y/o. It is extra hard when most of your friends have gone through an art school, and the rest just started their own jorney much earlier. It's just hard to not compare yourself with them, especially when some of them shit on their own art while I can't draw a straight line.

[@PeachPlastic]

It's not that I haven't made art before, nor that I believe myself to be uncreative. I have, and I have myriads of half-baked ideas stuck inside of me! My problem is that I genuinely feel like I have lost myself somehow. And ever since I made the mistake of going to art school, my relationship with art has been damaged in ways that are difficult to explain. I was at my happiest, free-est, most prolific a little over a decade ago, and then, academia happened to me, and it wasn't what I hoped. What I was taught wasn't useful and the sense of belonging amongst a tribe wasn't anywhere to be found. Other things happened. I know some cool people, but somehow, no creative people I could make stuff with or alongside of. I'm really ... lost. I still feel the need to create, but there's some kind of barrier, and so I let chores and other pastime activities grow over the now invisible window of opportunity. I don't know how to help myself in that regard. Psychotherapy has been helpful in other areas of my life, but none of the ones I've met thus far couldn't really offer advice with this particular ailment.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Here’s a minor suggestion. Come To Draw with Me on Thursday at noon PT here on YT. Some no-judgement, drawing for the fun of it with other people might help you rekindle your love.

[@Skatelifefool]

Man this guy will make you feel like you can create art if you don’t even have hands

[@allie.artlife]

Love this comment!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Have you ever seen my hands?

[@allie.artlife]

@@SketchBookSkool😂😂😂

[@Piwonia67]

I made some doodles and small fan arts for my favorite game Discord - from time to time, when I had an idea. Finally, I wanted to draw and paint a bit more. I got my first real set of watercolors last Christmas, and I try both painting and drawing. I share these pieces with my family and friends. I'm 56.

[@tkikpar4882]

Loved this video Danny! Thank you. I need to work on a few of these as well as making it a priority. Obligations always get in the way.😢

[@gunagyasokal2206]

i cant emphasize enough on how much i needed to hear this. im at a tough point in my life where deciding art as a full time career is, without a doubt, discouraged amongst all and its hard to voice your opinions amongst this cloud of judgement and rebellion. my parents dont want me to do this but i figure that, art is indeed, a part of me ( and as said in your own words). it'll never go away and i'll somehow keep coming back to it, realizing that it is inherent in me, yet i do not know why wanting a career out of it just to explore your means and gain wisdom about the craft and learn more about the process and practice that goes into it, is looked so down upon and how critically hard it can be to make money out of that if you're struggling to be successful. i want to keep doing this in hopes of a fulfilling future where i see myself perfectly happy with what im doing, except having to go for something else would pretty much boil down to a secondary alternative to the most, genuine happiness i can find out of my life and what i do. i want to genuinely find myself through this craft, i want to be more proficient with my art and i want to keep doing this, i do not know why but i've never been put down so much as to discourage me from doing art, i want to stick to it, its almost as if im infected. i never saw myself treating art as a full time career until i decided i wanted to be one, and i dont want anything to stop me from doing it, not even the odds in the same measure. i find myself completely being drawn to this lifestyle and craft, the very idea of being an artist and creating, this way of being, a way of going about life, embracing who you are and getting closer to that step to every decision you make, learning to be you immaculately, learning your own personal truth, your very fundamental reasoning, and discovering and unfolding a part of you that has never been born before due to societal and parental expectations that were put down on us as we grew up and how gradually we lost in touch with our deepest desires and interests, although childlike, i believe they indicate what your purpose and joy in life is supposed to be and has always been! yore doing a god's work here, and i believe that there must be people out there who'd find this at their right moments and benefit so much from the wisdom and light you tend to throw on this topic. watching this video made me realize why i even started in the first place, and i think i've gotten in touch with that core and drive again. thank you so much for your invaluable advice, this helped so much to hear. please keep your channel and content around forever and always!! lots of love. ❤

[@adoxartist1258]

🍻 💛

[@ajw6441]

Loved this humorous video with, for me, a deceptive title. I thought "why is he going to tell people not to make art"? Didn't realize you have acting ability. Ahadi

[@anikamiroshnichenko5143]

You really inspire me much! And your videos are astonishing, especially this one with many roles, I laughed and like it a lot ❤

[@kawshikdas7852]

Can I use India ink in micron pen?

[@SketchBookSkool]

Microns are waterproof.

[@sarahvenz3654]

I just signed up on your email list. I’m creepy crawling towards using my art journal the way I feel like I want to without it being perfect. One day I want to get on a canvas and do something I’d put on my wall next to other art pieces I have purchased. I might even begin dabbling in writing again. I found your classes and will engage this Spring!

[@MrRhabibi]

I really like to thank you for this inspirational video! It is a Thursday afternoon in Of all places on this great earth ,Tehran Iran with my old mom not in the best of shape somewhat kind of thinking the blues ……f I am going to go out and get me a sketch book and a marker…… life is to short not to enjoy yourself and help others like YOU.😂😂😂

[@johndoe-rq1pu]

Art gives me no benefits commensurate to the physical and mental pain it causes.

[@MrRhabibi]

I really like to thank you for this inspirational video! It is a Thursday afternoon in Of all places on this great earth ,Tehran Iran with my old mom not in the best of shape somewhat kind of thinking the blues ……f I am going to go out and get me a sketch book and a marker…… life is to short not to enjoy yourself and help others like YOU.😂😂😂