Advice for people who feel like their art isn't unique

The Helsinki Bus Station Theory - and a bit of a story. Hope ya like it!!

[@ChickenxBoneless]

Remember, all you gotta do is impress your 10 year old self.

[@HermeticWorlds]

That's really good advice!

[@kisnpisn4919]

ChickenxBoneless one of my goals in life

[@natashahahahahaha4266]

I love this comment 💚💚💚

[@futuristiccat5636]

I’m doing that rn! :)

[@Chris-xk9op]

Was watching the video, read your comment, and I'm done. This is all I needed. Thank you

[@dddanmar]

Only real artists hold their mics like pens.

[@ayoutubechannul]

I imagine a giant quill in his finger tips hahaha

[@orangeisdormant779]

somehow i hold my utensils like pencils

[@s.durbar1294]

Thats how you guys hold the pen? Interesting

[@xyzct]

Or like how a married woman holds a schmekel.

[@gridhop]

🤣

[@imannatasha3302]

Moral of the story: never crush a kid's morale. If they try something good, encourage them even if looks bad at first. They just need that little push to continue developing. When i drew on my house walls when i was a kid, instead of scolding me, my mom said my drawings look nice and bought me a bunch of A4 papers instead. I drew endlessly since then and now I'm an aspiring comic artist :)

[@neuroticnation144]

Iman Natasha Good job Mom!!! You rock! And so do you Iman!

[@susanb5058]

What an amazing mom!!!

[@oceanicsun6]

Ah what an awesome mom! I agree!

[@mortem4573]

amazing!! my mom always said to me "it could be better" so now i'm just scared of taking risks and won't expand my creativity because what if it looks ugly? i didn't quit art but honestly it made me hold back and it does even today

[@susanb5058]

mortem I can totally relate but please don’t let that stop you!! Just keep practicing and most of all enjoy it. Sometimes it will be ugly, in fact a lot of times I think mine are ugly but then as I keep working on it, it turns out good. And even if it doesn’t so what, you just start over!

[@MinaBolducArt]

It's weird, I find that as I start to enter my later 20s, I'm returning to all of my "middle school interests" that I deemed "not cool enough" as a moody teenager

[@cordialgreetingsart]

I think that's a natural response as I have seen it happen with many of my friends and family. I have been a creative my entire 47 years of my life. Yes, I have been blessed that no one told me to pack it away growing up. I was naturally talented from a young age. Started drawing as early as nursery school watching Bob Ross, etc. I saw people in their 30's or mid 40's and 50's. When time slowed down after raising kids etc. they took up art again. Like it was part of their soul all along. What I think happens when puberty hits by middle school that it's a bit of peer pressure. That art isn't cool or the preteen is self conscience because they are not as good or creative as the class artist over there. The guy that doodles cool tattoos or whatever. So they tuck it away for years. When things slow down later in life and they don't struggle with peer pressure as much. They suddenly bring it back out. I know the 2020 pandemic really brought out several creatives. Cause time slowed down and people got bored. Suddenly people found their creativity again. It was there all along but it was dormant. It was packed away due to society pressures or whatever reason. Once they started to share the creativity with friends, family. The confidence came back and then they do a little bit more cause it feels good deep in the soul. But everyone is an artist and can be an artist. Some people kept their crayons as a child and survived into a creative adult. While other had their crayons taken away at a young age and they are just NOW getting their crayons back.

[@cinnamon-spice]

My teacher told me in front of the whole class that his 3 year old could do better. It took me 50 years to pluck up the courage to go to art classes. That art teacher was so encouraging. Some people are in the wrong profession.

[@Hollyhock7]

The people that are allowed to work around children, astound me... it's such a sad reflection of what our culture values and doesn't value about our children's inner growth. Its terrifying actually. :(

[@Elle-zu8fi]

Lisa Yarost moms too

[@deadnotsleeping]

fucking hell thats the worst teacher

[@emilyb7859]

Sounds like a classic bully reaction to something that made him jealous. My old boss said that to one of the other graphic designers, when I looked her logo sketches were really good!

[@debleb166]

yikes, glad you picked it up again tho

[@scrunglenut6222]

i used to be an art teacher, and we had a gentleman learn to paint as one of the things he wanted to do before he died. He was like in his 80s, but the old bastard learned to paint just as well as any of the younger students. Art isn't inherent! it's a skill you can improve and anyone can get started.

[@recoveringsoul755]

That is really good to hear

[@ralphchristianson]

Good story, I am 70 and would love to have been in your class, art is lots of fun and comes with great colours.

[@juliafuchs9674]

Nah

[@bahaar2825]

Kudos to that gentleman!

[@elizdonovan5650]

scrunglenüt At 65 and tentatively beginning to draw, that is very encouraging to hear and is music to my ears. Thank you. ☘️🌝🌲

[@rika7th]

I’m an art teacher... I am so upset that your teacher did that to you! It’s just re-affirmed to me how important it is for me to encourage my students. I love it when they bring stuff they’ve been working on at home to show me - they are being so vulnerable and need that positive feedback...

[@Lunalavender83]

Thank you! Teachers opinions are so important to their students. I drew a picture for a teacher. I was so proud of it. I gave it to her. By the end of the class, it was in the garbage. It really hurt my confidence. I'm 37 now and finally started doing art again recently.

[@Kira-kg4kl]

Ypu also need to narrow down which students want constructive criticism and which want praise, I always wanted to know what I needed to improve on and my teacher used to blow smoke up my arse, which when your trying to learn is not at all helpful, I got to the point where I stopped trying because my art was 'good enough'

[@zlobzor]

@@Kira-kg4kl Everyone needs both. "I love how you did this bit, it's really effective. This doesn't work so well. Try doing this." Use it for everything. Art critique, complaining about a crap dinner or resolving an argument. Some day I might remember to use it on myself. :p

[@samanthamccoll3537]

I had an art teacher tell us " youll never make a loving off artwork alone you have to find a job thats art" His example was you cant live off selling paintings so make your job painting houses or an animator It really discouraged me for over 10 years, i actually stopped making art for the last 5 years, I taught at a little art studio, teaching kids, and i realized, i wanted to teach them to be better than me, i hoped some of them would get to grow up to be the next artist we would teach about. When i realized i wanted them to be better than me i realized my old teacher never wanted any of us to be better than him. Now in the lockdown im back to painting and making art for me and to make me feel good, and ive sold something. Ive now made money off an art piece and was able to donate something to charity.

[@andriyfedorchuk643]

No pain no gain🤔

[@ragemutt5372]

I once asked my art teacher why i shouldnt smudge to shade a drawing after she scolded me for it. She said it was unprofessional then followed that up with "Stupid freshmen, always think they know everything." She constantly made faces when she looked at my work and took any chance she could to call what i was making "stupid" or "not art". Years later in a college figure drawing class, im asked to buy Tortillons. A tool for smudging. I started messing with them immediately. During my first class critique, this upperclassmen stares at my drawings and says "Have you taken an art class before?" And i reply "No. I mean, yeah in Highschool." "Psh yeah but, highschool." He laughed it off dismissively. "But youve practiced alot, it shows." My professor nodded quickly in agreement. The absolute catharsis I felt, to have that classmate and professor dismiss my highschool class like it didnt matter (which it didnt, except for increasing my anxiety over showing off my work) i cant describe it. Learning the rules is important, but if in teaching the rules you break the spirit, you will never truly have the credit of teaching someone Art.

[@katestargate]

I had one art teacher in high school literally draw over my (and several of my friends') art, telling us that we were not drawing the right way. A couple of us eventually snapped and told her to not touch our art anymore. Got poor marks in class because of that.

[@yash1152]

sharing something similar from my english class in 5th class. we were being taught forms of sentences in tenses (simple, negative, and interrogative). And i asked my teacher - Ma'm this means that there can be negative interrogative as well, and her response was no (i dont remember the severity of it exactly). And 2 years later, the negagive interrogative form was taught in 7th/8th class eeeeeeek.

[@yash1152]

@@katestargate i am glad u snapped. fuck grades... i am proud of those who snap at elitist/entitled adults. fuck them in swag. keep up. 👏👏👏(cant find flames emoji, insert it here 😅)

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

I think smudge shading is personal preference - I really dislike it and never really did it when I was into drawing, but there’s not much point having a bad attitude towards what other artists do, especially when they’re asking for advice! There’s no rules in art.

[@blondiebaileyboo]

Having doodled and been creative all my young life I asked my art teacher if I should do Art for GCSE and she told me I shouldn't because I "had no feeling for art". I was crushed. Skipping the boring middle of the long boring story of my life, I am now a Certified Zentangle Teacher, I draw every day and it brings me joy, I have helped others to learn that the process of drawing is where the happiness is, it's not the end result. Practice makes progress but the enjoyment and taking off the pressure is what matters, just play, have fun, draw what makes you happy and screw those people who pour negativity on your joy - they aren't your people.

[@lisayarost1457]

Art teachers: crushing dreams since 1949

[@lynnhuntington4732]

Art teachers and mothers too.

[@amobbzful]

@@lynnhuntington4732 Yes to both of those :(

[@lynnhuntington4732]

@@amobbzful Me too, just stay on the bus! I paint nearly every day now.

[@juliegrisar5248]

Not ALL art teachers! I am one and work to support my student's dreams every day!

[@natashahahahahaha4266]

Not all mothers.. As someone who draws an paints I encouraged my son to start painting with me... And his art work is far superior to mine 😁.. His little brain just has the ability to paint such weird and wacky wonders at the age of 5.. Am a proud mama ✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@tracks6984]

One dislike: *that art teacher wants to know your location*

[@lonewolfheart1697]

I wasn't expecting to cry at this but I had the exact same response from my parents when I was a child... they were abusive anyway but the absolute indifference and almost disappointment in my art as a child stopped me in my tracks and I had the EXACT same reaction. I stopped. My art teacher at the time tried to encourage my parents to let me study art but they roadblocked that too. It broke my heart. I'm 40 now and have been too scared to pick up a pencil ever since then. Until being furloughed since March due to the Coronavirus crisis... it's in the last few weeks of absolute boredom and frustration that I picked up a pencil again. I'm way back at the beginning... I lost all the skills I had and just had the fear, but I'm drawing again now. Not sure why I shared such a personal story but I absolutely felt compelled to... I've only watched a couple of minutes in and I had to stop and share. I've never felt my experience reflected so much in someone else who is doing something I have dreamed my whole life about. Thank you for this video.

[@raspberrybriars]

Good luck to you. I'm so sorry your parents didn't give you the encouragement and love you deserved. I'm glad you've found your courage! Your art matters and I hope you keep going.

[@monicaa.7413]

Well done to you for trying again! I send you a big hug 🤗

[@stargacha2453]

once i spent a long time drawing something and was really proud and then i showed to my mom and she just said"cool" and then left

[@lonewolfheart1697]

@@stargacha2453 That's so sad... it's heartbreaking when it happens. Thankfully, the art community and social media are great places to find meaningful praise and encouragement.

[@mipueblo7042]

That's such an inspiring action. I'm so glad you did that. Maybe look up on Vistaprint and see if you can turn your work into a functional gift, like a mug for example and give it someone as a gift. I think they even do bed spreads! Imagine your work on a shower curtain. Cheers!

[@saadiqahjacobs4801]

"We overvalue uniqueness..." I really needed to hear that. Thanks!

[@victorialynn6248]

I'm a middle school art teacher - and your story just horrifies me and makes me sad. I always try to give students feedback and encouragement. I'm so glad that you picked up a pencil again and draw.

[@HermeticWorlds]

That teacher was a disgrace, I'm really shocked. In most cases, teachers are usually impressed and encouraging when a student shows interest that is independent of homework set, so in struthless case, he was really unlucky to have such a negative reaction. It demonstrates just how influential teachers can be to a child's development - in this case, a negative influence. Glad to hear you encourage your students, keep up the good work!

[@slweedlen]

Spontaneous idea: Show your students this video and explain to them that sometimes teachers (Adults in general) will miss judge the situation and accidentally give bad encouragement. Teachers are humans to and it's hard for younger people to understand that they arn't the center of the universe. Being open and talking to your students about it could maybe help them not be discourage when they don't get the feedback they wanted/expected :)

[@HermeticWorlds]

@@slweedlen The type of teacher who would use your idea, put the effort into showing a youtube clip in class and discuss these types of topics with their pupils are also the sorts of teachers that would always give some sort of positive encouragement, even if they are having a bad day. I find your excuse of 'teachers are human' very flimsy when used as a reason for bad mentoring. If a teacher can't give positive feedback even on their worst day, they shouldn't be a teacher.

[@slweedlen]

@@HermeticWorlds Your first point makes sense, but I still believe my 'teachers are human' argument holds. If not being allowed to have bad days as a teacher then noone should be a teacher. EVERYONE has bad days and of course partof a teachers job is to, as much as possible, not let bad days effect your feedback to students. My singing coach told me that the hardest part of her job is to try to have her voice be as perfect as possible all year around, but still she gets sick and sometimes has to cancel classes. Life happens whether you like it or not.

[@DrJones-nh4my]

I’m shocked that you’re horrified. This behavior happens more than you realize then. My arts teacher just walked by me as I was raising my hand to ask a question and sat down with students behind me to chat. Totally ignoring me. I was about 12 when this happened. I never forget this a$$hole. I recently picked up painting as a hobby and I’m glad Struthless posted this video. He’s 100% right about his art teacher and the Helsinki bus depot method.

[@taiwodemola2603]

You’re like the cool older brother of art

[@SeriouslySeriousGrim]

Taiwo Demola yes... yes he is

[@chiel3067]

Wow I have that same feeling!

[@karabii]

Him and ethan becker are the best older brothers of art

[@TGE420]

The smallest things adults say to children make them have such a different view on what they can do. I rember when I was 7 years old my teacher was big into art I so was I but I guess she didn't notice. We did Pablo Picasso portraits, a boy traced a drawing and got compliments for it while there was an art girl who got a ton of compliments. The teacher put their drawings on the very top left. The girl asked the teacher "why are our drawings on the top left" and teacher respons loud and clear "because they're the best" The thing was mine was on the very bottom right. It hit like a truck to me when I was younger and I felt like crying again everytime we had to do art. She inspired the two kids to do art but it came with hurting me. When I was 12 I completely forgot about the incident and got back into wanting to learn how to draw. I ended up being the art kid, won drawing competitions and now laugh at the memory at how I could've ended up feeling so different about art. Still I have so much to learn

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

That’s completely opposite from me. Nobody still likes my art or cares about helping me do better but my teachers didn’t like my art but people would trace or use other people’s work and got many accolades and I got nothing.

[@pandorIa131]

@@keepyourshoesathedoor i hope it'll change. I'm sure you draw amazing art and even if it's not that "professional" yiu can always improve when you feel like changing up stuff. But do it for yourself,not for others.

[@lindasevers5109]

The bottom right is the second most obvious place your eye travels to. Your teacher may have been showcasing yours as well! I learned this in high school as the editor of the yearbook and newspaper. :) But I am so sorry...teacher here. I always wonder what soul crushing things I've said and done that will shape my students for years.

[@noodlesmetzout]

I can't believe there's more art teachers who did this! It's horrible! I'm so sorry you went through that.. I remember our teacher in high school doing the same thing and mine was kind of in the below average range, not 'the worst', but that made me feel like shit already. The girl who was on the bottom actually started crying. Thankfully I got a different teacher the next year who did see people's potential

[@edwardcastilllo9482]

Growing up, I wanted to be an artist. I drew everyday. When I reached High school I sat next to someone who was watching me draw a cartoon mouse and he said it was cool he liked it. He then drew a better cartoon mouse that looked like it came from Walt Disney Studios. I dropped the idea of Art as a career and stopped drawing everyday. For my 50th Birthday I bought some art supplies and started drawing again. People can discourage you but only you can stop yourself from succeeding.

[@describer99]

The teacher bugs me and I never met him. He sounds like a doctor with a rotten bedside manner. He could have said something positive, even if he was in a hurry.

[@TheGoldenDunsparce]

Yeah, even a simple, "Oh, it looks okay. Keep at it!" would be better than "Meh."

[@zeonmoo192]

@@TheGoldenDunsparce you don't even have to say it looks good or bad! I took a course on effective praise for children and just acknowledging the work they've put in is enough, and that way you aren't lying by saying it's good. Example: "wow that's quite a lot of portraits! Looks like you put some work into that. Keep practicing! Sorry, I have to go now. See you next class :)"

[@Judegalang_]

I loved art and my art teacher in year 7 pushed me to express myself. Once I hit year 8 my new art teacher killed all of my passion in just one year. I stopped drawing and was forced to paint and do pottery. I randomly picked up a pencil to do a portrait in year 11 and my art teacher was surprised I could draw at that skill level but from that day I haven’t drawn anything since :(

[@triplesevensix291]

Spot on. Well said CK. Well said. Nothing worse than shitty docs with shit bedside manners! Don't like the job? Don't do it then.

[@TheGoldenDunsparce]

@@zeonmoo192 Good point! Even "Oh, look at that!" is at least SOMETHING lol

[@CityKanin]

Moral of the story: ALWAYS GIVE TIME TO CHILDREN! You could snuff out the next Mozart with indifference. Don’t snuff out Mozart.

[@gjones9282]

bruh its not mozart who played the mona lisa its beethoven

[@riran6636]

*PAINTS PIANO SYMPHONY NO. 11 INTENSELY*

[@alacatooo]

Child prodigy Mozart... do you think he would be as big if he was discovered later?

[@LisaSchulanerFineArt]

💗

[@TheKaselord]

You hit 1k likes

[@ferrisgilliam8212]

“I felt like I was allowed to draw”. Oh man, do I ever know how that feels. I took graphic design classes in my 20s and it felt really competitive, and I just kept holding myself up to the next person and feeling I came up short. Now I’ve picked drawing and painting back up in my 30’s as a mom and I’m full speed ahead, even sold a painting once I just decided to do it for myself and not compare anything I did to others. Your videos are badass. Keep it up.

[@PandolfoCarla]

Omg I felt the same when studying graphic design.. even worse because it was full of “intelectual” people who will claim -and look like- to have more culture and knowledge, etc. of course it was my trauma making me feel like that but it really had ruin my passion while I was studying and of course then never felt “good enough” to be a pro...or to get a GD job.. I just did free lance stuff my all life 😢😢

[@chaoticpsychotic5329]

When I was a kid I used to draw everything. I carried a little sketchbook around with me everywhere and I would draw what I saw. One of my favorite things to do was sit in front of the TV and draw the characters. I mostly drew cartoons but I remember the time I decided to try to draw a more realistic face. I drew Willy Wonka and I was so proud of it and anxious to show someone. I did shading on the face and everything. I was in the 5th grade. I showed my art teacher and she also shrugged but then she said "Doesn't look anything like him." I literally was fighting off tears as I walked to my desk and she added "Don't take it personally. Some people just aren't cut out for art." I was absolutely crushed because I love making art. Luckily, I have a very encouraging dad who loves my art and always encouraged me to make more, so I did have that positive influence, but it was years before I journeyed back into drawing people and I stopped referring to myself as an artist. In hindsight, that art teacher was horrible. I have never followed art "rules" that they teach in school. I never liked having to do art a specific way and only that way. I just drew it my way and even if I still got the desired end result, she would fail me because I didn't follow her instructions step by step. It's art. Let me have my own style. My high school art teacher loved that about me though. He would encourage experimentation and not following the "rules" verbatim. He would emphasize that what he was teaching was a guideline but it wasn't required to do it that way. But that one teacher's words stuck with me for a long time and even now I get really discouraged when trying to draw certain things that aren't coming out right and I start to think "What if she's right and I'll never be a good artist?" But then I remember all of the supportive people in my life who have told me otherwise. Anyway, I am so glad you returned to art! It really is a horrible feeling when people respond to your efforts with indifference but it is also an amazing feeling to pick up that pencil and have the realization of how good it feels to draw again.

[@miladrawing4353]

Thats so awesome! May I see your art?

[@chaoticpsychotic5329]

@@miladrawing4353 I have an Instagram account if you'd like to go see my art there. It's instagram.com/autumnlindsey.art/ 😊

[@miladrawing4353]

@@chaoticpsychotic5329 I saw it, its beautiful

[@edgymonke7681]

@@chaoticpsychotic5329 OMG I CHECKED OUT YOUR ACC, THE ART IS AMAZING keep it up!!

[@DiseasedDreams]

I was 15 yrs old. My mom had me show my drawings to some artist. She gave me criticism, mostly on the topic of my drawings.(animals dressed in gothic jewelry) One drawing, was a serpentine dragon with gothic jewelry. Both the artist and my mom laughed at my drawing. It was my favorite drawing that I had ever done. Hearing my mom laugh at it, crushed me. It's been 15yrs since I've seriously drawn something. It's also been 15 yrs that I've had severe depression, which I am now seeing a therapist for. I am trying to get back to drawing, but its been rough.

[@jakfearon2945]

I don't know you but I believe in you. It's hard to rework the drawing muscles after they've been rusting for so long, but even just starting with a few minutes a day can bring you back where you belong. If you can do that for yourself, you can do anything. :)

[@TheGoldenDunsparce]

I had that happen before. When I was 6, I drew a picture of Yoshi on a piece of paper while on the school bus and put it in my pocket as I got off. In the school yard, it flew out of my pocket and tumbled into a group of classmates and unknown kids of my grade. One of them picked the picture up and burst out laughing. People started saying stuff like, "EWW! LOOK AT ITS NOSE!" and "WHY IS IT WEARING BOOTS!!" Then, someone exclaimed, "WHO DREW THIS UGLY THING!?" and I just burst into tears. Everyone looked back at me confused and I ran off. I was mortified. It wasn't even my design, yet I cried over him being criticized. For years, I stopped drawing, and when I did, I hid my work or literally crumbled it up and threw it away or flushed it down the toilet. Only until I was in 4th grade and the teacher saw one of my drawings and gushed over how cute and amazing it was, and how I was "the artist of the class!" did I finally feel proud of my talent and start drawing again.

[@hippiechick3210]

Man, they both sound like they were insensitive and more... uhmm... traditional, I guess? I love that idea of animals in gothic jewelry! How wonderfully original and creative! I could imagine it being a trigger for you, but personally I would absolutely love to see this art style! Sounds so fun! I've taken a very long break from drawing due to my own experiences with being put down/unaccepted for my art. It feels really shitty! But one thing I've learned over the years is that not everyone is going to like your art, just like not everyone is going to like the same music, food, movies, fashion, car designs, etc. Everyone's different, therefore there *needs* to be different art forms out there! Your art style is needed in this world for all the people who will connect to and appreciate your creations. But first and foremost your art should be for you. Not everything you make needs to be a masterpiece. I think the most important thing is to have fun and release/birth the excess ideas our minds form. If more comes of it, awesome, but just the creation process alone should be reward enough. Happy creating and love & light to you on your healing journey friend! 🥰🎨🖼

[@anyatranter3984]

Go for it.fuck,em

[@Edenschmedennn]

Awww boo. You got this. You are capable of great things even if other people don’t see it. And their disregard doesn’t make it any less great....The best thing about art is there’s no mistakes and room for everybody unconditionally.. An artist isn’t a title to grow into, just somebody just making art. Art is subjective and all art is welcome.. You just do it and that’s all there is. If somebody doesn’t like it, good chance they just don’t get it. We don’t live life to appease those minds. We live to find peace in our own. Hope you find yours.

[@fairwitness7473]

Thank you. :-) my dream crusher was my mother. Whatever art form I came to her with, she'd tell me that "you can't make money doing this." Whether it was drawing, painting, oil, acrylic, water, writing, fantasy, fiction, sculpture, pottery, drafting, woodworking, metal shop sculpting or welding, paper mache', the list went on and on. But she would encourage, automotive, roofing, plumbing etc. I was good at it, but I hated it. Then she found my fascination with genetics and tried to encourage me to be a doctor. I didn't want to go to school forever, I just wanted to learn about things that fascinated me. I walked away from everything and focused on the mundane. Work, get a paycheck, eat, sleep, do it again. Recently the color has been coming back into my life.I missed the rainbows. My mom died 10 years ago. Sad but I'm ok with it now. But I've also been freed from her judgement and expectation. Hence the return of color on my life. I didn't realize it had dried up and faded. Now I pretty much ignore others and work on what interests me. Right now, I'm battling a lot of self doubt. My skills are so rusty, my perspectives suck, and everything feels awkward. Like almost knowing how to speak another language but I can't quite catch it. Right now, I'm trying to teach myself sketch noting. I'm ok, but I watch others and get discouraged. That where I don't feel original and I compare myself to others. I know it's a process. Hell, maybe this is therapy, I don't know. LoL. But what I do know, is that I find your vlogs inspiring. I love the advice. I love the suggestions. And I love how genuine you are. It makes you real. Thanks for taking the time to upload. I really liked this one, a lot. I may never be a grand master but this makes me happy. Thanks for sharing yourself and your skills with us. It matters. At least to me.

[@struthless]

Thank you so much for writing this. I'm sorry about the loss of your mum. I can empathise with what sounds like a complex relationship with your own creativity, and I'm honoured that I can be a part of you untangling your art web. Loved that you took the time to write out such an insightful comment, it was a very special one to read 💘💘 thank you

[@dreanki]

damn, that hit me hard. it was very similar for me, but it was my dad. I'm now pursuing art as a career. i would honestly love to chat with you, everything you said i felt.

[@travisfosterart]

Fair Witness, thanks for sharing your story. Glad to know you are nurturing your dreams, seeking out the color.

[@marcosillustrates]

Omg i relate to this so much.my parents always ignored my art skills. They always wanted me to pursue more blue collar jobs. Started drinking and smoking at a very early age and stopped doing art for years. Now at 26 im sober focusing on my art . doing it for myself and no one else. Ive enhanced my skills and have started getting commissions pouring in little by little. Ive built a obsession to master my craft (looking at different techniques and other medias). Looking at social media art posts encourage me "oh that looks nice, but i can do better 😎). I even got a small time job drawing that keeps the bills payed. I still have some regret in not pushing art earlier and wonder constantly where i could i have been if i had atleast practiced more often rather than dropping it completely. Oh well its never too late.

[@jaebeeart3683]

My mother is kind of the same way. I'd work my ass off on something (like a knitting project or a craft), show it to her and she'd just stare at it and ask why I did it in this disapproving ass tone, sometimes accompanied by "how is this going to help you get a job?" Joke's on her now, I'm a housewife with a STEM degree collecting dust, and a growing collection of landscape paintings that she is now offering to buy canvas and supplies for so I'll send her some.

[@WinnieFinesse]

Some teachers never have any idea how much of an influence they make by doing or saying the smallest thing. I really like that Helsinki bus journey!

[@ananyapanda._]

Fuck I needed to hear this. I feel like I'm a creative person but each time I draw/paint something, it's not my own. I'm looking at someone else's stuff and copying that and I feel like...idk. I can't have my own unique style

[@curiouskatsayshello4673]

As someone recently coming off a ten year “break” that was extremely encouraging. Thank you

[@aranoguera8945]

At 37 years old, I found encouragement to stay on the bus. Let's see how far I'll go.

[@hardeepbabhauri7379]

Which route you take Btw best of luck

[@wilmamccoul]

I'm 56! Trying to stay on the bus in one specific area. Great luck to you!

[@skisservinterYT]

this represents me 😔

[@mollbatt30]

Wow! As an art teacher this horrified me- I’m so careful with my language and how I offer feedback. So glad you picked up the pens again!

[@tyymes]

I remember wanting to be an architect ever since I was a little girl. fascinated by home structure, textures and windows I just drew houses and their structures all the time. Once I got to 4th grade we had to write an essay about what you want to be when you grow up. So I of course wrote about being an architect, drawing the blueprint of the school and everything, remember going super proud to show my work to the whole class. My classmates loved it and so did my teacher, but she did say one thing that really took my hopes away. Which was “you need to be good in math to be an architect and we both know that’s not going to happen”. So that’s when my brain and heart was shattered. Not only was I told I wouldn’t be an architect but I was basically told I’m not good in math. Which hurt because I even now think I’m not good in math. Few years later I had to decided to choose college. I got accepted to art school, finance (ironically) and language school. I decided to go for art, graphic design, since I still loved drawing and creating things. Thankfully I fell in love with it and it became my new passion. I worked for an architect studio for two years as a graphic designer and I actually learned that I’m happy with being a graphic designer. I used to be mad all those years for my teacher ruining my dream, but I realized that there is no one way in life. It’s like you said, sometimes you get off the bus but staying on the bus will bring you the full view of everything. ❤️ thank you for sharing your story. I felt like I could relate. And thank you to whoever is reading mine ✨

[@duskmallow]

That's so stupid, telling a fourth grader that they're not good at math. You don't even learn real math in 4th grade. I used to think that math wasn't really my thing until we finally got a calculator and started learning actual math. Then I found out that I loved it.

[@keepyourshoesathedoor]

? So you must’ve still kept on doing it?

[@TheJemmaGrl]

tyymes2 oh. My. God. I had the same exact experience. It was my guidance counselor, Mr. Johnstonbaugh (yes...still remember his name 25+ years later). He told me that architecture is very competitive and that I just wasn’t smart enough.

[@abdallahbridja2651]

I wanted to be an architect when i was a kid too !!

[@abdallahbridja2651]

And i was told the same thing as well by a teacher

[@treannaaltura9949]

I'm always getting off the bus and wondering why I haven't gotten anywhere! ...I'm going to duct tape myself to the seat. Thanks for the video!

[@randomroadchhapreviews4396]

bravo

[@biimous4763]

Random Roadchhap Reviews rrffr

[@locallysourcedgrains]

his advice is so motivating, always. it doesn’t make me just go “hmm okay maybe”. it makes me want to immediately get back into my art and work harder

[@MorganHindman]

luna i was just thinking this, like these are the most inspirational because it’s such a comforting motivation

[@TheyAreEli]

I struggled to find my own art style for a while. One day I got to talk to one of the animators from The Simpson and I asked him how he found his style for his own art, he told me it was never really something he had to think much about and it just had been that way a long time for him. I started to worry that if I hadn’t found my own style by now, maybe I never would. That is until one day when I started to draw a very simple portrait of one of my teachers. I started to love the style I had suddenly created and I have since realized that this style is a combination of other bits and pieces of other styles that I like.

[@untossablesalad4423]

"After 3 years, you get discouraged and hop on a new bus." Me after 3 days: "Yo, that activity looks cool!"

[@saradoutre9457]

I think there is another way you can look at your 10 years of “lost practice” Art is the expression of your experience. That 10 years added to your art and creativity. I don’t think that any artist creates art on a continual upwards trajectory. Sure as you practice technique improves, but 15 year old you may never had been interested in illustrative portraiture or abstract imagery. If your art spends two years on drawing the cubes then you return to portraiture you haven’t waisted time, you were building your craft.

[@clsmithjax]

Great perspective!

[@rottenbutterfly9675]

Amazing comment. Thank you

[@willtoon3043]

You literally are about to blow up, you're gonna be huge on this platform bro.

[@struthless]

Thanks so much!! Here's hoping 💕🤪💕

[@quatricise]

@@struthless Be prepared tho, hopefully it won't put more pressure on you

[@ashleyringrose2220]

Yeah the content mix is great. Wisdom and wit

[@susanduplan8702]

@@struthless I agree. You are offering information that no one else is giving. Keep going!

[@lubrjavo]

@@struthless damn our boy is gonna make it big !

[@flinggonza5688]

Art Teachers: Make sure to follow the teacher's advice! Also, Art teachers: *eh*

[@LavinaKL]

As a musical artist myself, I completely understand. It took me quarantine to find myself back in music as I had been as a child.

[@outorii4659]

It’s the worst feeling as an artists to feel like you’re playing catch up. I have to remind myself I might be 70 and not know what style I enjoy, but that IS important to sort of never make up your mind because even people who have really unique styles might change it a year later. It doesn’t matter what stage you are at so long as you are enjoying it yourself and making people happy

[@Silburific]

I've been drawing for 20 years, and my art still feels... I dunno. Generic. Generic prettiness, that's the only way I can describe my style. Whenever I see someone with more stylized art, I feel a pang of jealousy because their art just screams *Them.* It's recognizable. And mine... just... isn't. If 20 years isn't enough time to develop a distinct style, what is?

[@kimberlyspillers461]

Silburific 17 are you playing it too safe? Drawing what you know you know how to or are you pushing yourself to try things out of your norm? No matter how long you’ve been at your art/craft you have to keep exploring, growing, challenging your own boundaries. It doesn’t matter if you end up with a book full of “crap” (or a terabyte of unintelligible photography), you will have grown and picked up a slightly different angle.

[@Silburific]

@@kimberlyspillers461 ...huh. That is... exactly what I do. I'm terrified of things looking "bad" (I guess because there are just some art styles I cannot stand), so I stay in this small bubble of aesthetics that are pleasing. I should maybe try to do style challenges, but even typing that is pushing my anxiety into uncomfortable levels. I've always been a coward.

[@EIIy]

@@Silburific Create a sort of "moodboard" of your inspiration, from everywhere and every media. Bring them togetherlike printed of something, and then let your mind flow around it. Choose a subject, no matter what it will often, more than often the first thought is the right one. And then draw it. Finish it. Do you like it more ? No ? Then look at what inspires you. Why does it inspire you ? And then draw the same subject, again and again, changing what you wish to improve and exploring new ideas, like changing the tools your working from, ect. Keeping physically an eye at what you like is important, because it's the masshup of all those materials that will create your unique style. And keeping up with the same subject is crucial too. Good luck ! ( and sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language ! )

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Silburific 17 Get a sketchbook that you don’t show anyone. Experiment. Go crazy. You will discover your style.

[@LTReid]

Ask someone else what your style is. I thought the same thing until I heard other people talk about my work and now I can see it.

[@dlou3264]

This was nice, really kind. Encouraging! “STAY ON THE BUS!”

[@jalyssa007]

I went through a similar situation. My art teacher freshman year laughed at me and then told me that I should rip out sketches from my sketchbook. My confidence completely broke, and it took me about 6 years to began to become confident in my art again. As an aspiring art teacher I vow to never do this to my students! There is a thing as positive critique and it really depends on how well you know your students. They will all be on different levels and everyone is allowed to create! I cannot wait to start teaching to inspire my students with confidence.

[@amandak4963]

The teacher story broke my heart. I'm an art teacher and I absolutely love when students are proud of their work! It makes it all worthwhile. Huge fan, amazing channel :)

[@inkyyzer1082]

Ohhh an art teacher that subscribed to pewds the best one i ever seen

[@FourFor4]

*oskar nations* oh yeah I never really see teachers like that anymore.

[@robertoramirez8165]

I came here to see "his art looks cool, what if I start drawing again" I left here with "that fucking bus theory made me realize how I can tackle my depression" Thank you dude.

[@doczoff5655]

Interesting that you see yourself doing drawing OR advice videos, when it's your graphic presentation that gives such clarity to your advice, and your drive to help others is so clearly an intrinsic part of your art. Imho drawing and advice are both synergistic facets of your art which combine in harmony to create something far greater than their sum parts. Neil Peart wrote 'The measure of a life is the measure of love and respect, so hard to earn so easily burned'. I love your art and respect your advice, and if voicing my feelings add to the 'measure' of your life... it's a gift that I offer with gratitude :)

[@knowyournature7950]

I stopped doing art for seven years after I didn't get into an art school when I was 18 years old. I felt crushed, useless, like a failure. Then after seven years I had to pick it up again, because I just didn't feel like me without it. It's been seven years since, and I'm still doing art. Thank you so much for this video!

[@rileycavanaugh90]

The potato is a root vegetable, a starchy tuber of the plant Solanum tuberosum, and the plant itself, a perennial in the family Solanaceae, native to the Americas. Wild potato species can be found throughout the Americas, from the United States to southern Chile.

[@struthless]

Finally someone with the guts to say what we're all thinking

[@hippiechick3210]

Yes it is! AND did you know it's also a nightshade?? Not sweet potatoes, just the awesome red/white/yella varieties 😁

[@isabellablu1240]

My mom is Chilean

[@hippiechick3210]

@LagiNaLangAko23 No kidding! Wow, I wasn't aware they were in that family 🤯 That's so cool!

[@McJorneil]

And now...the time has come where you must DRAW the potato. BECOME the potato. Good luck. I wish you well.

[@myamki4909]

For me, depression was the thing that broke the wheels and engine off my art bus and it took me a good 15 years to get that shit fixed. Now the bus is going again, sputtering and halting for sure, since as an adult I don't have that creative space of an art class anymore but kind of have to make it for myself and motivation amongst all other stuff that comes with life and responsibilities is sometimes hard to find. Thanks to art channels such as yours though, I can go and get that feeling of watching someone draw and then go and pick up the pen myself whenever I have an idle moment.

[@HenrikLongLongHair]

All you need is: a scrab of paper(anything will do!) something to draw with(if it makes a mark - use it) and just make a doodle. If you make this a habit ….. You are at it again. At least it´s my personal experience.

[@jamesehoey]

Dude, I've just watched this and the other one about drawing one thing for a year... Both some the best drawing advice I've heard online so far.. Thx

[@amemoore]

This is incredibly encouraging. At age 43 I have been on a ridiculous number of busses! In the back of my mind I always have wanted to draw but I have made every excuse; it's too late, I don't have the education, I don't have the right supplies, I don't know what to draw. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm feeling totally grateful for this!

[@jessyjoe5378]

I’m in art school right now and that’s literally just how they teach us, everything in our first year is the same for everyone

[@m0L3ify]

I actually gave that advice to someone applying to a graduate program in the sciences. Everyone starts out at the same place. Everyone does a rotation through various labs and tries out all kinds of different subjects. You don't start to specialize until much later, so don't limit yourself based on what labs are at the school or what research they do. Just get in somewhere and start earning that degree. The time to branch out and specialize comes later.

[@coletteellenc]

I'm in my fourth and final year of art school, and I didn't get to begin my specialty until my 2nd or 3rd year.

[@manchester3168]

Dude I swear to god you pull these problems out of my brain

[@hannahdoherty8850]

Hey Struthless! Just wanted to say thank you for your thoughtfulness, vulnerability and compassion. Doing art and illustration can be so personal and so taxing. I always find the best lectures are when people are being honest about their experiences. It’s reassuring in knowing that everyone struggles and for that reason, I think it's why your videos are so helpful and impactful. On top of being open about your struggles, you give people advice, steps, and tools for people to start benefiting their lives now. Your dedication to creating videos that benefit others is so honourable and I cannot thank you enough for it. I know personally, your videos have helped me so much throughout the years. I'm currently finishing my last year of a competitive Bachelor of Illustration program. I owe you for being able to graduate. Your 70% rule is the reason I'm still sane (mostly) and your " Fear of success" video made me recognize my own self-destructive tendencies and work towards bettering myself. I am so grateful to you. Thank you for being the person you are. I hope you accomplish all of your goals this year and wish you a successful future. The world needs more people like you.

[@kaptainkermo]

Mate, you're not just an artist with your drawings; you're an artist of Life! Love hearing your stories!

[@canves9817]

I get the "I have to go" but "eh"... I would've cried.

[@Cryinginthecloudssss]

I relate...I didn’t draw for a good 4 years because of my bipolar episodes but I know how to use my manic episodes for being creative instead of destructive now. So yes. Please stay on the bus

[@ReadToMeAtMidnight]

I've watched countless art advice videos on youtube and I've stumbled on yours in the past couple of days and they've been the only ones that have really made a breakthrough as well as bringing comfort. Thank you for making them, I now feel like I have a resource for when I inevitably get discouraged again

[@Techmom77]

I was an artist since I could hold a pencil in my hand. I drew cartoon characters, monsters, portraits, realistic paintings, logos, - all sorts of things. I finally applied to art school in college and was excited to finally take my first art classes. I loved it! And one day I decided to do the exact same thing and ask one of my fine art teachers to crit my work. I brought in my portfolio, you know, the one in the black faux leather case with the black pages mounted with art? Like a REAL professional artist! I opened it and he started leafing through the pages. It was like he was looking straight into my SOUL! "Crap," (flip), "Crap", (flip), "this is all crap." he said. I WAS DEVASTATED! The following week I told my multimedia teacher what happened. And she gave me the best advice anyone could have given me in that particular situation. She said, "You will NEVER get a decent paying job with a degree in fine art. You need to go into commercial art." I quit college that day (luckily got my tuition back) and took a semester off where I found out about an undeclared Graphic Design major at my local State University - it wasn't in their catalog but I heard about it somehow (probably fate). I'd have to say I've had a pretty successful career in graphic design. It has lead me to many other fields I enjoy as well including web design, multimedia design and marketing. While it crushed my soul, I was able to make lemons into lemondaid.

[@NanaNana-rc8mm]

When I was 14yrs old and I have to apply to a secondary school so there was a big "school choosing fair" I really wanted to get into the art school but I wasn't attending any extra art classes and the substitute principal at the fair was just "you never gonna accepted in this school, you need to be good and have to go extra classes for years to reach this school" and I was sooo mad that I started preparing and begged to my art teacher to get weekend drawing classes. After only one and a half month preparing for entrance exams (draw in monochrome and draw with colored medium, portfolio seeing and 2 other special exam) I made it. My parents and my art teacher were shocked, they thought it was in vain and I wanted at least try and do my best. However after high school I choose to another route for myself, exploring other things (I left my "bus") and now I'm kind of starting over again. Great video, thanks for the heads-up :-)

[@VoodooAsparagus]

I'm gonna keep doing mediocre art and maybe one day it will be awesome. Staying on the bus!

[@hippiechick3210]

Just add some glitter lmao glitter takes anything from mediocre to otherworldly 😁

[@hippiechick3210]

@LagiNaLangAko23 Lmfaooo so does that mean you're now abstract art?? 😂

[@hippiechick3210]

@LagiNaLangAko23 there ya go. There's always a positive side 😁

[@lovejohandmade]

Me too!

[@aliciamazingg]

Found your channel this week and I've been ON IT!! As an educator, life long learner, and newly-ish committed sketch artist I am horrified by your year 7 art teachers reaction to your art! But hey, you are where you are now helping thousands of people work through their own shit because of everything you've gone through & for you I am so grateful! Your videos have been exactly what I've needed for drawing and just for life in general. I already worked through a potential anxiety spiral last night with some advice from one of your videos (5 questions to ask yourself I think) and was able to journal and determine a positive for the negative I was feeling. ANYWAYS thanks so fuckin much all the way from the very northwest corner of the U.S.

[@Bifonacci]

My art teacher once slated something which I was quite proud of and since that moment, I decided art wasn't for me. Now, almost 20 years later, I'm discovering the joy of art and I am loving the freedom and the exploration. I am now a teacher and I always strive to make sure I never let a student feel that way and encourage any creativity or passion.

[@anhudy]

This advice hit me at the perfect time. In 2020 I'm getting back into the habit of regularly uploading videos again. Hoping to stay on the bus all year. It's also been helpful because I've been making music that I've yet to release publicly. Thanks again for the video. And for anyone else who is struggling with this or feel like they still don't have a style of their own I'd recommend looking up "Ira Glass on the Creative Process"

[@ayoutubechannul]

Quality channel dude.. you deserve more subs!

[@EciiAmeAlexeciaBernard]

I’ll support you 🙌🏽 I’m trying to upload more too🥺✨

[@EciiAmeAlexeciaBernard]

Eli Vigil 710 I’ll support ya

[@sugarcandy654]

Wow this is the first time I felt that KZbin has read my mind, I've never shared these feelings outside of my head so thank you

[@einetr.6500]

Man all his videos feel like a huge hug. Thanks so much man.

[@oddburton]

Enjoying your videos. This really hit home for me. During my freshman year in a university art program, I had a professor tell me to choose another major because my work wasn't good enough. I stuck it out. My junior year another professor told me the same thing. It took me over two decades to get back to illustration ... And twenty-seven years later, I often wonder where I would be right now as an artist if not for their words. As for style, I'm still on the bus.

[@JoeLarge]

I like it , stay on the bus. And I agree each dot is just a moment, we can change or become unique in an instant. Thanks for posting.

[@melloroom7510]

Is this transcendentalism, saying what everyone else is thinking and in a way it's a huge relief? I relate to this so much.

[@user-rs3xv5sz4q]

2:06... OMG! I did the same thing (even though I was much older than 12 years)! This was such a bad decision, but it hit me so hard... I felt so broken. In the end the opinion of this person doesn`t matter at all. I feel so sorry for myself, that it took me so long to realize my bad decision ... it made me literally ill, not to make art anymore. I don't really remember the switch, that made me start drawing again but it made me feel so much better, so much less stressed. I lost my focus in general by stopping to draw. Today I`m confident enough to show my art to some people I like and I really enjoy being creative and play with different materials. I feel free and so glad about unlimited options. Most of the time I can`t decide what I should do next. Drawing? Painting? Needle Felting? .....- So many options! No wonder that I have not found my own style until now. But that doesn`t matter. I can't believe that I stopped doing something, that makes me so happy because of the opinion of an other person! On the one hand I want to show my art to the world, on the other hand I´m still too afraid of maybe get hurt again by other opinions and stop doing what I do. To be honest... after a while I can't stand my art by myself. But maybe this is part of my journey and I should only enjoy the moment of the creative process of the actual project. Somehow I feel, like standing still at the bus station, waiting for the right bus or switching buses and don`t move really forward. I have no plan where I want to go.

[@elaeria]

I just finished watching two of your videos for the first time. This one and the Ibis vid. It sounds weird I guess, but I want to cry because the advice you cover is exactly what I have been thinking. It is so validating to hear what you are saying and I just want to say thank you for these two swift, spiritual kicks in the head to get me creating again. Boarding the bus now... ❤

[@shaashaash]

you are a wonderful human being, you make great content, you are also the reason im starting to draw designs every day for a clothing brand i want to grow, i can never thank you enough!

[@struthless]

That's awesome!!! Send me some designs when you've got them, I'd love to see them :)

[@FenixDream91]

You go buddy! =)

[@shaashaash]

Mini Art 😊 thank uu

[@CynicSnacks]

So happy I discovered your channel, Struth. You've really helped me rediscover my motivation to create. Maybe we can work on something together one day.

[@josephmarwick667]

oh hey. i found one of my favourite youtubers out here in the wild

[@Kiwikick238]

I was very lucky to have my mom support me. She bought my first digital tablet for my 8th grade graduation/ 13th birthday present. I tell her all the time even 10 years later that it’s the best thing she ever gave to me. It opened up the world to me and grew my love for art even more. Support your future kids in all healthy interests they’re pursuing! Even if they don’t stick with it at least it’s their choice and they can be satisfied

[@darrielj.ferrer966]

I really love how your videos always appear on my recommendation just when I need them.

[@iaramedinax]

I've just discovered your channel while having an art block and I'm more than glad I did. I've always felt left behind cause I didn't start to draw earlier, like my brother or friends did, but it really encourages me to know that even though you "lost" 10 years without drawing you're still successful now. And that's the only thing that matters, the present and what you do with your time now. Thanks your for this video, it was exactly what I needed ❣️

[@ironbarsjack7977]

I never left the bus, the bus just ran out of fuel.

[@mahlizam412]

When I was around the same age, my sketchbook got confiscated by a teacher and I was too scared to start a new one? But now I’m in my twenties and I really want to start art again

[@Jasmine-gx8be]

Hi, again. I start binge-watching your videos and i'm grateful for them. This past few months I've been wanting to make art again, to draw like I used to as a child, all the time. But then, life happened and art seems unreachable for me so I resonate with this story so much. Thank you!

[@kellybearart1559]

This was really encouraging, thank you. I'm sorry to hear you had such an apathetic response from your art teacher. Adults really need to be mindful of the way they can affect children.

[@RoseTyler199]

I showed my dad a text I’ve written, he said “hm it’s okay” and shrugged. That really hurt me. I talked to my sister who always got and gets a lot of praise for everything she does. And she helped me realize that my dad’ve always been an “outsider” in his life, not really fitting in and therefor hating a lot of “normal” things. I’m the only one in my family who likes makeup and clothes, I’ve always had a bunch of friends etc. but that doesn’t mean that I always feel like I’m fitting in or that my thoughts and work doesn’t reflect myself. my dad kind of projects these ideas on to us, making my sister the odd one out just like dad and there for everything she does is special. But somehow whatever I do it always lacks something in his eyes. It’s really hard to keep motivated when you’ve always felt this from your parents. But it helps to realize that my dad may have some underlying emotions to why he thinks everything she does is so special. Plus that she is the older sister and have hade much more time, to be compared to her was a nightmare to my self esteem.

[@suvajeetdatta1220]

My parents and art teacher encouraged me all throughout my childhood for my art, and now I'm a civil engineer. Life is strange. And absolutely great video man, i can't believe people can get such valuable advice for free

[@airquarius713]

I really want to thank you because I also got discouraged and lost time! I ended up giving up in high school rather than middle school, but I still lost about 10 years time. it is not something I like to talk about but burns inside of me. It was very refreshing to hear from an artist that understands what that feels like.

[@ArtifulAdventures]

I like this. I'm staying on the bus. Partly because I live in a converted school bus. It is where I do most of my art.

[@alacatooo]

Artiful Adventures SHSHSSHUFIF

[@ruinmasters]

"hopefully you like it" man, I absolutely love it!!! Keep trying new things and making videos you want to make :))

[@kendallzwang3838]

As someone who drew like crazy as a kid and stopped in my late teen years because I didn’t think my art was “different enough”, your videos have really helped me rediscover what it is I love about creating things and expressing myself on paper. I’m 21 now and just now letting myself put my ideas on paper again. Thank you for making these videos and inspiring aspiring artists like myself!

[@zaiahwolfe]

Your videos are giving me so much encouragement, thank you. Especially during this difficult time I’ve been in this big slump. I’ve put off art and design for almost the whole summer. But these videos are giving me the kick I needed to get back into it and perform better than ever. Tysm, I hope you know how much you’re helping people with these videos.

[@moncherryhead7530]

I love how you addressed the bus theory and changed its concept of time because I've been drawing on and off for years and years now and haven't drawn nearly as much as I used to in high school because I've been so crippled by the thought that I'm not unique enough that my work is just copy after copy of someone else's style. but it's all experimentation and if I don't keep going I won't ever see the growth of that experimentation will I? thankyou for this video. It was severely needed today. Keep up the awesome work!! ♥️

[@CraZ3lmo]

Struthless, these videos are a god-send for me atm! Been really struggling with art, and I'm in the same boat of not doing it for ages because I've been discouraged. I've had gear to record and play music for over a year, but literally have not wrote a single song. My original love was video and photography, and music writing is new for me (more familiar with producing). I can't stress how helpful your videos like these have been, and I've been more active with it as of late because of them! Theyre extremely relevant and I'm trying to discipline myself to stay on the bus, and these videos keep me on the seat. Much love, you're helping me stay positive with myself ❤️💕❤️

[@Bewar3them00n]

Imagine your parent telling you that there was no future in being an artist, & it took 15-20 years before you believed that there was....

[@KM-rv7nv]

Right on! I get so much out of your posts! Thank you!!!! For a variety of reasons, I stopped creating art for 15 years and came back to it at 40. I spent a few years creating with traditional drawing and painting techniques until I started branching out and trying a variety of mediums. Through exploration, I developed a process I call "tinted woodburning"--it is unique and every-evolving.

[@frackingfluidinjection]

Your videos teach me new things everytime you upload! I really appreciate how you’re using your platform to inspire those who want to expand on their creative endeavors. Thanks dude :)

[@Matt_Hil]

I’m 33, I’m turning 34 on Friday (FML) and I’ve been an “illustrator” since school but never left the station. I’m now in a good job, married, have my own house blah blah but not the job I want to be doing. However 2020 is going to be the year to start this bus journey and stop making excuses. - thanks for these vids mate it has given me drive I need.

[@user-ju9hr8hs9i]

you are clearly my best KZbin discovery - not only regarding art but life in general - I am so grateful that I found you

[@leowzhilin]

I had alot of encouragement for my art since young. My parents bought me to an art competition as a toddler, where everyone got a trophy. As a kid, that meant the world to me, I started drawing, getting praise fr family & even classmates. Gradually got better, went to the library, self taught myself to sketch, etc. Tell ur toddlers their drawings are dope, even if they suck. Young kids thrive on encouragement.

[@noodleeclipse5217]

My school doesn't even teach art, it bugs me so much!

[@lelandmyllari]

That's crazy :( if you're into it, look up classes on youtube!

[@sBurfishkid]

Hey, thank you for these videos, I keep coming to KZbin to procrastinate and getting inspired and logging off to go write and draw instead. Your advice is really empowering.

[@aiyoko88]

I love your videos because of how raw and down to earth the way you project the idea without making me feel like, 'cant relate' . The way you tell those feelings that almost everyone else feels biut we just cant put a finger on or just dont wanna admit feeling that way. Kudos, I hope you live a happy life.

[@aalaskaa]

One of my favorite channels I've stumbled upon in a very long time - I love the advice, the humility and the openness in your content. Thanks for adding some good back into the world. Also, your art is crazy good.

[@chelseac9823]

5:31 ... “I’ve drawn it actually.” proceeds to whip out the BART map 😂 All jokes lol!

[@pootispaghetti]

On your point about "leveling up artificially", I can attest to that (if you're talking about what I think you are). There was a point where I was just discouraged from drawing, either I wasn't confident or didn't know what to draw, but I got into watching a lot of artist and art theory youtubers and began to pick up a lot of information so that when I finally started up again I had a bunch of new tools to work with and saw a lot of improvement.

[@wilmamccoul]

What great advice! I have tried acrylics, mixed media, gelli plates, cardmaking and such. NEVER, ever did I ever imagine I would get into watercolors! I just had to commit to get rid of a bunch of craft stuff I haven't been using and I'v decided to hang onto my watercolors and colored pencils (I even got into expensive color pens!) I was struggling with which way I wanted to go and decided after improving in drawing and coloring flowers, to do doors and store fronts, specifically fish and tackle store fronts (my husband loves fishing) and just today, TODAY, I told my employee that I would be watercoloring one specific fish tackle shop over and over. Then, I find this video!! I guess I have my validation. THANK YOU!!!

[@irenemacias7423]

Agree with you totally and Im old !!! Thanks for it all , am taking it to heart , hope you are having a great art journey 😊😀💖‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️😊