5 CRUCIAL Habits to Become a Better Artist

[@RossDraws]

MISSED YOU GUYS SO MUCH!! 😭

[@andreasvader]

well thats pretty good. BUT HAVE TO NOTE SOMETHING. when considering the possible beautiful unique looking creatures present in a videogame (main form of artwork besides animation movies) one could make it so that there is approximately 25 videogames science fiction with large variety in each (15--28 factions species) and there is around 1500--2500 videogames with just 1-2 species factions besides humans for instance. Now armour design is also limiting, in case of small videogames with not as many species there can have some more similarities in armour with armour beautification. making science fiction is a privilege. I have some science fiction ideas as for compositions but i am not too good at drawing plus so far i lack a team. I am not sure if i should give it away so others can further develop it. Your vehicle designs look great but need some touchup. so there can be a little more when considering artowrk of largely humans perhaps sometimes anime-ish (but i am not all for anime other then a niche) It seems to me that one person wants to encourage me to make my own game. I imagined quite a number of awesome meshwork patterns which i consider major guidance patterns for things. Perhaps i should be better off learning to draw and memorize those meshwork patterns. BUT thats worky worky, and myself am not necesserily the best for worky worky. more like having fun on occasions.

[@anantparashar4805]

Please post your 3d work and graduation portfolio 😶😶👀👀

[@andreasvader]

this is an underestimate but its quite close to the actual number

[@canvasdrop_art]

Love your videos💫 💖💖

[@CreativeSteve69]

missed ya as well Ross.

[@aimeefritz9186]

I turned 23 recently and just graduated college, ah this hit hard... I haven't made any money from my art yet so I feel behind. I agree 1000% that the journey will be different for everyone. I teared up a bit with tip #4 and #5. Yeah, we should all become our own best friends! Thank you so much for sharing. Really, have a great art filled year! :D

[@dreydoesart]

I was gonna comment basically the same thing 😅 I'm 23 and just graduated college last year and also haven't made any money from art. It's difficult to not be hard on myself :3

[@nikoulolushka99]

Mann, I feel the same 🥲🥲🥲

[@priceles971]

Best tip I learned this year... Do art for yourself first. If you genuinely love your art, do it for yourself, because that's what makes you happy. Because your creations makes you happy 😊 I feel like this makes the road so much less difficult because it no longer feels like a task to draw/paint. Just my two cents

[@WickedWestCreations]

Struthless has a video all about feeling like you’re behind if you want more advice on that! I feel the same in 28. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others but literally all that does is make you feel bad. Comparing yourself to others doesn’t improve your art or make you money. My personal goal is simply to finish a project I care a lot about and it’s ok if it takes me years as long as I complete it.

[@reeeeee987]

And I'm 25

[@AdamDuffArt]

That’s the best “bad habits” video I’ve seen in a long time - delivered in an honest, but characteristically compassionate Ross way I love your “main quest/side quest” analogy too

[@arloart123]

my fav one is "focus on projects rather than single pieces", that really changed my perspective on how practice could be fun

[@emil8228]

Adam!!! Good to see you here

[@KrazyStargazer]

Love both of your content~

[@bigdonut1140]

adam i love you

[@JohnHill]

Speaking as some one who had spent less countless hours “hustling”, it’s pointless. I learn more from one hour of inspired work than 12 of forced learning.

[@karinatakayama4126]

Ayo John Hill skateboarder from NYC??

[@adkuart]

Wow you're here too :D I just watched your skate movies ^^

[@satin360]

YO, wasnt expecting you here LOL, i skate all the time and used to watch you

[@Katellabe]

I'm turning 27 in a month and I'm so upset I'd fallen out of art for almost a year because now I'm incredibly rusty. I love all these tips ♥️

[@GSDII1]

Same here, I'm also turning 27 in a month and have fallen out of art for just over a year!

[@LuisakArt]

I took art seriously at 28. You got this!

[@Katellabe]

@@LuisakArt thank you ♥️

[@somethingbambi875]

Yes, but for me it was between 19-21 kind off. I can't even look att the stuff I made then and feel so sad that I forgot about my love for art. School and friends got in the way, and it really did showed. But now some years later I am rolling on like never. I think of it as an arrow, you have to pull back to shoot onward. This really made me study real hard and I am still growing. Hope I never fall off again though, still think of where I could have been if I started then instead of quitting. (I am sadly of the"non-refernece era" which took its turn...)

[@jasonmatthewart]

Just remember that shaking off that rust will be way faster than those who have to start from scratch. If you take a break it doesn't mean your hard work is gone, just gotta brush up.

[@mashollings]

really happy to hear "f*ck the hustle", i'm about to get into college and i'm afraid my portfolio won't be that great or that i won't get my dream art job, but we all develop and improve in our own time, at our own pace! thank you so much Ross for these tips

[@kullenberg]

Dude he works 14 hour days... HE definitely on the grind and hustle lol

[@JakeTheLateCreates]

Don’t be worried about your portfolio. I don’t know if your school has any “required” pieces they want to see in it, like mine did (one self portrait, one still life, one out doors piece for mine.) but as long as you show them you want to do art you should be fine. Hell, after all that I ended up getting in based on my GRAFFITI ART of all things.

[@oliverniko8366]

Great video Ross, thank you! The last point was something I really needed to hear, all the way down to being 23 myself 😂 As a chronically ill artist, I can never predict how bad my symptoms will be everyday and I frequently compare myself to healthier artists who seem to constantly be grinding. It'd endanger me to do that--not to mention how everyone needs to care for their mental and physical health alike--so I often feel inferior thanks to my body. But there's more to art than just hustling, and I know I can grow without practicing nonstop. Thanks for all the lovely tips, I hope 2022 treats you well!

[@RossDraws]

I'm so glad it can help you! As a fellow human and artist, i've had my fair share of negative voices. Sometimes its just nice to be reminded that we're all figuring it out! You're doing great, I believe in you :)

[@oliverniko8366]

@@RossDraws thank you for such a lovely reply, it means a lot to me! All of us can do with the reminder sometimes that we're doing enough no matter what some have said 😊

[@cherishloveart]

That last point hit home for me too. I'm almost 23 and I also struggle with a myriad of health issues and try not to compare myself with other artists too much. I would love to draw and paint all the time but just can't. I need to accept that ^^

[@oliverniko8366]

@@cherishloveart whilst I'm sorry to hear it's something you struggle with too, I'm also glad to find another person who understands. It's an accomplishment in itself to continue this journey even with those obstacles, and we should never beat ourselves up because our limits are different. I'm wishing you all the best ❤️

[@cherishloveart]

@@oliverniko8366 I rarely comment on KZbin but when I read yours it was nice to find someone else who has been/is going through something similar. We certainly shouldn't, we can keep on at our own pace :). You also!

[@jonaw.drawing7507]

Great Video Ross! What helps me when I'm having a hard time finding confidence in my art is my "Serotonin" folder😂 Where I literally just have screenshots of conversations with my friends, when they said something nice about my art, or clips of a streamer reacting to my fanart of them or photos of a big poster campaign I was recently fortunate enough to illustrate for. It just gives me so much energy and inspiration :D

[@RossDraws]

That's such a great idea! I do the same sometimes by reading everyone's kind comments :)

[@celestia277]

using references is like the best thing ever tbh, you can reference the pose, the lighting, the color grading, the composition and so much more, yet people still treat it as cheating and wrong

[@Ghonz]

4:44 that hit so hard, great tip right there

[@iza724]

*listen to your mental health* YES! this is so important! I've always felt so pressured my the hustle but honestly it's just straining and stressful which just drains you faster, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! ❤️❤️❤️

[@FloofleDoodlesStrudel]

You said I might be thinking "I'm 23 and I'm not where I want to be" and that's toxic. And as a 23 year old (also recently graduated) artist going through a quarter life crisis I have never felt so attacked. How dare you and also thanks I appreciate your advice and this community. ❤

[@angelxanheru7383]

Starting 2022 with the good vibes ✨♥️

[@ph0lx_835]

Be your best friend habit hits me hard because I always compliment the works of others but not my own.

[@Mijuki]

"If you want to be a landscape artist, go outside" I want to be a fantasy artist, so i will watch Lord of the Rings everyday from now on!

[@itsbubblywubbly3308]

smiles in final fantasy

[@bit_link1264]

seems fun to me

[@AmbiCahira]

My main quest this year is drawing as many tigers as I can because I know it would be crazy satisfying to see first and last tiger of the year if I stick to this challenge and the side quest is to make it varying in different mediums so that I don't burn out. I was born in the year of the tiger so this year is the perfect year to honor myself by learning to draw tigers like a little high five to myself. ^^ I'm excited to later this year play with poses and lighting and at some point I will attempt to draw a tiger under Northern lights just to "see" how all those greens would play on the tigers features. Having these "ultimate ideas" to build up to feels really motivating! Like being in a video game and leveling up until you can use a certain cool sword or something. I want to draw cubs, I want to draw two tigers interacting, I really just want to get to know tigers really well from all angles. ❤ To be self kind though I am starting at lunar new year until next lunar new year because I'm recovering from covid so I'm not jumping into "questing" yet. This art piece you did was so inspiring, I'm so glad you did it! Hope you are doing well. 💜

[@loverbeck9864]

the last one is 100% what I need to keep in mind

[@creepiecreecher]

I used to be a good artist 4 or 5 years ago; since then I barely drew or painted anything because of how busy I was with college and life in general ( sometimes I feel like that was just an excuse I made for not having enough motivation). And just today, I saw one of my friend's beautiful paintings on Instagram, and it motivated me so I spent more than 5 hours trying to paint a simple landscape. but it was terrible from all perspectives. And needless to say, I was devastated since my friend and I were almost on the same page when it came to drawing and painting. I felt like I had fallen behind. The fourth habit was just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

[@Dunnerstunner369]

Such a wholesome channel - thanks for being so generous and positive towards the art community :)

[@kkuwuii]

I NEEDED THIS! i was already an year late since i failed highschool once,i just finished my highschool and I'm 18 rn, i wanna be a concept artist/illustrator but not only i feel left behind by skills but also since my peers are doing better than me,ig i need to stop comparing and take a breath

[@duvalpenny100]

I'm 32 and just really starting to draw "seriously", I was a huge doodler growing up, but didn't draw anything for literally 10 years after graduating college. I'm having tons of fun with it already.

[@Andrea-sama]

I love these tips. I'm in a country where art is not patronised and appreciated so art is oftentimes deemed as hopeless and penniless, and not even an official job, but I do want to be a part of the creative industry someday. I'm not an art student but I'll keep drawing :,)))

[@littleloststar]

I'm turning into an older teen this year. Definitely not near to omg 23 but I've always had that hustle mindset since I felt that if I don't have a direction now, I'll just be paralyzed right there and be clueless as an adult. It's nice to hear every once in while that I can breath and not feel like my life is on fast forward. Thank a lot, sensei 💐

[@eo6417]

This helped so much!! I try to use references but I feel like my art just gets worse when I use a reference and I feel like my art is better when I use my mind so my brain is like fighting over what to do and sometimes it’s annoying to find a pose or a reference that’s in my skill range and a little out of my comfort zone as well.

[@dankjungle4219]

"F4ck the hussle" I really needed to hear that. Im tying to make a webtoon but sometimes it gets stressful putting in too much time and effort into it. I should relax more and finish parts of it piece by piece and then I'll get faster.

[@nabeelaudah5171]

I like side quests. It made me feel more powerful at the end of the game.

[@marcobrown1307]

Its truly been such a pleasure to see you grow the last few years. You breathe life and emotion into all of your works and its shows. You've really inspired me and countless others and your advice sometimes translates to other areas of life, not just art. Thanks so much, you're a gift to the world and I aspire to one day move people the way you do. Please, don't stop creating

[@Chickensdraw]

Hey Ross, The "Be your own best friend" tip is something I really like and something I'm struggling with now. I am taking 4 art classes this semester at college and it's honestly been nerve-wracking having to show so many art pieces each week and thinking "Oh man this piece is awful, everyone is going to think it sucks" But people have been pretty positive and I'm hoping to get better at this as the semester progresses. Love your channel, can't wait to see what you put out this year.

[@rydescho]

This was great, I feel like alot of artists need to slow the grind and watch videos like this to keep their peace of mind and keep them insoired. Fantastic video 💯💯💯

[@Disheartthorn]

Ngl I never had a peace of mind when I started Art, but nowadays this makes me love Art even more and more focused 9n what I want to learn.

[@austindiamond5923]

Ross, i can't begin to tell you how important and inspiring this video is!!! I took so much to heart.

[@Inksploded]

DUDE THE MINDHORSE WAS GOOD

[@MissArtsy]

I’m almost 25 and I relate to all of this!! Thank you!

[@bauxxis_art]

thank you for this. really. thank you so much. especially the last point. I feel this so much, I always think I need to give my absolute best and practice all the time but it takes up so much of my energy. Even if I don't practice much, I still improve with every piece so that's more than enough for me. I'm a full time freelancer now so I get stressed out about getting better all the time but I already have commissions so I should take it a little bit easy. So thanks a lot for this reminder

[@RossDraws]

I know it's not as visible or direct but commissions help you improve in a lot of ways too! Refining your workflow and becoming quicker overall. Definitely allow yourself to take it easy here and there :)

[@kierwiny]

I'm already 25, but seeing you say that makes it a little better. I still have lots to learn and your habits and simply your way of talking or even your cheery side makes me FIRED UP!

[@paulc9915]

Can't believe how impressively helpful this vid is- Your idea to mix projects/studies with things we personally enjoy is such a nice idea I'm amazed at how I never rly actually considered it. Every single tip very important man ✨!

[@RossDraws]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad these tips could help

[@fishlordusername891]

Tbh I've often gotten better at art through a combination of trying things and taking long art breaks. Can't afford to do that if I end up turning it into a job but there's a very clear improvement between my art before taking a long break and after.

[@xillia3988]

I truly mean this Ross. Thank you. It's what I needed to hear.

[@steazievarghese6340]

lol that 23 and im not where i want to be is me 100%. Thanks Ross I needed to here that

[@teal2111]

This are advice i needed to hear years ago... either way late or at the right time. Thanks for this!

[@rftm]

Coming back to art so late in life has been rough. I'm lucky to have some great creators like you and some others that are just so inspirational and helpful. You have such an infectious positivity and its really helped me get back into my art journey.

[@lutrinasketches1206]

F the hustle is probably the most important for me to hear because the other messages like "use a reference!" are yes very important but are also pretty common tips. Thanks for the upbeat video!

[@sina.1448]

just what i needed for a kickstart for art this year! >:D thanks ross!

[@Zatsumasan]

This was exactly what I needed to watch today. I stopped drawing when I was 21, because of stupid comments like "you have to start developing real skills that are needed in real jobs to support yourself financially". Well, multiple ”real jobs” later I was completely burned out. Now at the age of 27, I finally got back to drawing again and it makes me feel incredible but I do feel like I missed my shot at being a decent artist. I have to try to change that mindset. 💪

[@Highclass88]

ross, luv you! case you forgot is 2022 you still such an amazing person! tysm for beeing you! im growing with you♡

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thanks for the tips :D love the idea of looking at our goals as main and side quests :)

[@Idaero_Art]

Yes, f grind!

[@breeze5459]

I just quit my job recently to focus on making art for a living, im also turning 23 this march. And i really feel left behind. Thanks for this ross, it gave me a goal...a side quest :D Also I always tell myself im not good enough as a source of motivation, following up a "I believe you can improve more than you can ever imagine", so yeah its good thing to degrade or critique yourselves sometimes :D

[@canvasdrop_art]

Dude. Never been this early 😭😭😭🤧 I am starting 2022 off with a bang 😊

[@axiomultramega8682]

less about art and more about life in general, good messages in there dude

[@Lola_in_the_Black]

For me some of these work (and I started applying something similar a while ago already) but #3 and #5 don't: turning studies into projects, that I tried in the past, only pushed me into horrible art blocks where I couldn't even think about projects nor touch studies. And the grind really works for me. Grinding doesn't mean hustle and despair - for me it's just that I have daily routine, yes, studies I mentioned for 3# xD And when I stick to the schedule I planned I feel better mentally because I know what I did, what I learnt that day, and I see results on daily basis. All I had to do was to push myself a little harder towards studying instead of chasing after big projects I dream to finish. Everyone needs to find their own way and not every tip and approach that works for others will work for us. And I love that Ross said in the end that he hopes we'll find some of them useful, he doesn't say that these are things we have to do, it's just his suggestion based on his experience :)

[@muhammedabdul-ghaffar8765]

1) Find your main quests & side quests 0:24 2) Use references 2:05 3) Focus on projects rather than single pieces 3:11 4) Be your own best friend 4:43 5) F*ck the hustle 5:38

[@HonestlyHolistic]

The fourth habit isn't just good advice for artists but for everyone I believe

[@karmatatsu2084]

Love you Ross, you inspired me to take up drawing again after 2 years..💕

[@klast8201]

I started drawing traditionally at 14, I'm still continuing to draw but I have alot to learn.

[@frenchgundam9079]

I really didn't expect that last one... Well played ross, i might put that one to use when i get burned out too much.

[@lizardltd]

This is great advice for everyone, not only artists. Thanks a lot!

[@awebtoonreader4979]

0:20 So incredibly true, mainquest and sidequest is a great way of putting it

[@justagirlonfire6460]

drawing a mind horse is a humbling experience

[@reneehuang92]

I’m 19 and this vid is what I need rn. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really appreciate that! :)❤️ This vid is very helpful. Thanks again!! ❤️

[@snubnosedmonke]

always great seeing a notif for your uploads, ty for these tips. as a young aspiring artist who rlly looks up to you, i always appreciate your work and commentary on art

[@WeristRiCK]

U get there when u get there, this is your journey Thank you

[@victorvandenbrink6851]

Hey man, I just want to say that I´ve discovered your videos as of recently and they´ve really helped me to stay motivated. I´m a 28 year old teacher in 3D but I´ve always wanted to be a concept artist. However I never really made it in the industry. But you have some great insights, which help me to keep me level headed, and eventhough I don´t get the chance to practice the craft as often as I´d like. I haven´t given up yet. So I just wanted to say thank you for that. I really connect with what you said about being your own best friend. Whatever skills I lack as an artist I seem to have in abundance when it comes to picking myself apart. This often stops me from posting any work on my portfolio which has hindered me a lot. But I´m trying to turn it around and your videos really help. So keep up the good work!

[@juli560]

Thanks Ross... the last two tips were something I really needed to hear and realize

[@syreetadukes4428]

This is a breath of fresh air. 19 here, and I feel stuck with my art and trying to find a college I want to pursue art in. This was something nice to think about. Thank you

[@user-vb6yf5ht7j]

Let’s gooo new Ross upload

[@justinvillagracia7877]

I'm 23 and I just start my 3D art career, barely good yet but taking the step start it is the best I can do and be patient.

[@ShujiWakahisa]

I am very grateful that you bring these topics to light. I really love your vids they always help a lot. Love your work!

[@narendradiptawibawa5523]

great video, but more importantly TEACH US THAT OPENINGG KINGG!!!

[@narendradiptawibawa5523]

aaanndd... wen nft?

[@moondella334]

I feel so much better after watching this video Ross! I'm an art student who just finished my last semester of school in the fall, and I've been feeling so burnt out from art itself, and after hearing your tip #5, I feel better knowing that it is ok to just take a pause to take time to myself, instead of just jumping into the next thing. Thank you so much Ross! You're the artist I've looked up to for a long time, and inspired me to pursue my passion for art, and seeing this video really helped me, so thank you again! ❤️

[@teresawhiting4985]

I wish I could join your bootcamp! I really need serious help with digital art. I got the time, just not a job or money to pay monthly. Thanks you for doing the bootcamp though; for all those who can do it! We appreciate all that you do! ♡

[@dreamfield92]

Great tips! Love the format mixing part of a drawing process and supportive visuals for the script. Awesome as always. Thanks for sharing Ross!

[@calypsyph5205]

Thank you so much Ross!! I think many have already said it, but #5 is something not preached enough! No matter your age, it's important to enjoy your learning rather than forcing yourself through it to catch up with others or reach your goals! Art should be fun, so no one should feel ashamed for their art being where it is based off of age! Thank you so much for your videos Ross, they really help me! I'm happy you're still having fun drawing and learning!

[@nuwii5430]

The negative thought-positive though is something i've been practicing to do for almost half a year now and it has helped me soooo much to gain more confidence! Thank you for the advices :)

[@xzo7793]

It's been months since this video came out and watching this back making me feel much better. I've been stressing and struggling the whole year and still haven't really feel Satisfied with myself,but Ross video always keep me happy and inspired me so much to do a lot more artwork. So thank you Ross 💗✨💗✨

[@aishaw132]

Projects over pieces... I will try that one. I like that one for sure

[@katherineskipper6962]

I really heard that comment about everybody's journey being unique. Thank you.

[@lucid3944]

I’m turning 25 this month and stress from my family or seeing all these amazing artists who never stopped drawing growing up or went to school already for art or have a better focus or initiative to teach themselves to get better and I’m just now getting to the point of getting on that horse. I needed this video I find it so hard a lot of times to love myself and the art I make. Trying not to rush myself it’s been a journey but I think I’m getting there!

[@hilliea5154]

Thank you so much for the tips Ross!

[@videomarknet]

sky is the limit, Hillie

[@jiutofu3294]

I love your words! like side quest and main quest that really sticked to me

[@kingpen1179]

AWESOME AS ALWAYS ROSS

[@alexandramaclachlan7597]

Already got me thinking with the first point. I'd like to work at a museum or with natural history illustration, with a focus on prehistoric botanical art. Time to whip out the bounding boxes ... thanks man xx

[@lauramaue]

"Draw a mind horse." Me: Potato pony James Baxter: *Godly perfection*

[@Korudo]

I arrived to the same conclusion for studies: practice as needed while trying to complete a project. Awesome!

[@ZephyrBW]

You definitely hit the mark with theses dude. Thanks a lot you are one cool dude

[@MSSProductions1]

thanks a lot, the last point actually touched me the most

[@thisusernameisalreadytaken5132]

Only half a min but I can tell this is gonna be good and what I need to start my art year out.

[@MSGVJ]

Your tips always help ThAnKu!

[@thewall-paintingfox2358]

Thnx for making this video and packing some great advice in such a short amount of time!

[@meganmcgecoh]

Thanks for always being soo helpful Ross

[@ktsempai1106]

After fafo-ing for a couple of years, I've come back around to my childhood dream of being an Illustrator. I am nervous and excited! I cannot thank you enough for the videos you post. They act as waypoints along this intimating/daunting/exciting adventure and I just feel so reassured and empowered. I hope that one day I can thank you in person :,)

[@adi2601]

I’m about to graduate high school in 4 months lol and I really needed this, especially granted that I’m not sure how my future is going to fare so thank you so much!!

[@videomarknet]

You rock, ADI!

[@dragoonzzetzz]

You know what, this helps with other aspects of life too. Thanks for this

[@leafletleaflet]

Whenever I draw without a reference I just end up drawing a copy of the last thing I drew with a reference or else it looks horrible, so might as well use a new one to start with. I'm convinced "learning to draw" is just mentally memorizing hundreds of different references. Who has time for that?? Just use the one you need

[@yunahland]

fantastic video, ross - thank you for the great positive energy!! 😊

[@twelveski2266]

Thanks Ross, I really needed to hear the last two

[@kyandichigo9462]

Thank you Ross

[@toadboydude5015]

Hey Ross, just coming out of art block and ...I needed these reminders. Thanks.

[@scarletknightreterns1893]

I am 21, and I love the work that I do, both traditional and digital, but like so many others, I feel like I am falling behind, but I have to remind myself to be that friend to myself and look at the positives. At least I make really good art, at least I am making commissions, and hay, I love playing with colours and making new designs-- and recently I have discovered my passion for background art, although it is very time consuming ahaha. Thank you for this, Ross! This was a wonderful reminder, and happy 2022 to you and everyone here in the comments!

[@rumendis5101]

Love number 4, positive vibes to all!

[@irisdelany]

this message was so special and your art is so beautiful. thank you for sharing ❤