Be conscious. Not self-conscious.

[@lorifontaine]

Hi Danny. Bless you for your "dithering"! You are a mentor to over 102,000 of us (!!!), helping us along the path, giving us hope. When you say that you struggle sometimes, it helps us deal with our own angst when it comes. Your honesty is refreshing and I hope you know that when we struggle, we hear your voice in our heads, saying, "It'll be OK".

[@SketchBookSkool]

😊

[@ReneB615]

Thank you for this video. This is how I’ve been feeling for months and I haven’t drawn a thing. I have plenty of ideas but I start second guessing myself and nothing happens. I need to keep telling myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just draw for drawing’s sake. Play.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You can do it!

[@mageetu]

You are an amazing "life coach" and I am listening!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Oh, good! I'm so glad you liked it, mageetu.

[@margaretpolly3381]

All I know is that your essays and videos have brought a great deal of peace into my creative life. Your imperfections are a gift to us.

[@gaylegillit672]

Hi Danny, I appreciate and look forward to your dithering videos and your essays! That PS one last week made me laugh. I took up watercolor for two reasons beyond being creative: 1. Make greeting cards for people (for that personal touch). 2. If it sucks, I can just throw it away. Problem was that I never gave it a chance to "not suck" and I would just get frustrated and throw it all away. Then, I started watching your videos, and subsequently let go of the perfection. I have realized there are layers, it is a process, and each mistake is an opportunity for creativity. Example: My current project is a bit messy because my hands are shaky."Oh no...I painted outside the lines.." :-0 But I thought of a way to use that to my advantage I'll call them "shadows". haha. Thanks Danny for your honesty and insight on how to struggle and still be creative.

[@Noctem0wl]

That's been stopping me from creating. I'm so self-concious and I overthink a lot and my projects are just thoughts at the moment... and I know I have to take action and have fun while I do it

[@SketchBookSkool]

Let's go!

[@nordicpink]

I love when you dither, Danny. Keep the videos acoming. They put me in my relaxed mode and you always have something good and valuable to say. So dither on. 👍🏽

[@SketchBookSkool]

Will do!

[@zoesmith5044]

Danny those three Virgo’s are ganging up on you! Tell them to buzz off and leave you alone, we love you and appreciate everything you have taught us. 🤗🙏🏻 you are the bees knees.

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Hi Danny! Always enjoy your common sense, encouragement, and “dithering.” Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to create your videos. Happy Arting!🎨🖌

[@larenacornell5678]

Danny...I just want you to know that I missed your videos. I miss hearing your voice...it's....soothing for me. Assuring. Positive. Supportive. Creative. I grew up in an abusive home with no support...so you kind of remind me of what could have been. You have been a good role model for me. You struggle with the same things I do...but also...I think you're trying to fool yourself? Would you be were you are if you were not a success? Would others support & value you? Self-deprecating is the word I'm looking for. An excuse to hate yourself? Would you say that to your kid? Just so you know....you are very cherished by many ppl. Funny, quirky, cheerful...but also sad (that's ok).... You've been like a father figure to me & I just wanted to say thank you. You inspire loads of us...& we all look forward to your videos, poetry, writings & thoughts. You are very relatable & "human" amid the un-ending insanity that life has become. You are our little piece of sanity...normal amid the chaos. Anyway...thanks so much....continue to play & inspire those around you. Your videos are like a hug to all of us.

[@SketchBookSkool]

That's so lovely to hear, Larena!

[@amandasymon4363]

It doesn’t suck - The perfectionist “me” needs to hear this over and over again 👊👏👏

[@diaelaine9188]

Thank you for your videos. I appreciate them more than you know.

[@annehebert6959]

Love your essays - I even reply to them once in a while...I appreciate your time that you give to your community for your art and KZbin vids. Don't stop - they always make me reflect on my own journey. Happy Holidays to you and your family & wishes for a fantastic "Arting" 2022!!!

[@lindaalflen9025]

Danny! You are so wise! Keep up the good work of spreading sanity, so we can all save our insanity for drawing and painting. Happy holidays!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much 😀

[@heatherchappell6075]

I took up knitting a few years ago. I have pulled out, restarted because it was too large pulled out because it was too big. You name it I have done it. I have taken on any thing that took my fancy and amazed my self. I learn every time I tackled a new project. So having said that I will try that approach to drawing. Thank you for your honest and open approach to drawing

[@christinaelliott8186]

Thank you Danny for being you.

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

oh yeah, I agree about over thinking things during the "creative" phase. surprised to hear you were getting anxious about your video production. I always admire the quality of your videos but can understand how it can be time-consuming. thanks for sharing

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

I'm playing with paint markers while I watch/listen to you. 😊 I've lately been bemoaning a perceived lack of time to create. What I've discovered is that I was telling myself I could only create when I'm in a certain room, or I have certain supplies to hand, but that was nonsense manufactured by my own brain. So I'm trying something new, and doodling in the evening while I watch KZbin and it's really freeing me up! 😁 Thank you for encouraging me to look at my creative practice in new ways. 😊

[@wren5291]

My sentiments exactly. I read every one of your essays and I'm always anxiously inspired to do creative things, or to simply just write back. Sadly, I'm heavily laden with problems right now that don't leave much energy and mental accuity left at the end of the day to indulge in either. That being said, your essays and videos have been truly thought provoking, and in a world that proclaims to be so refined in all it's tech and twaddle, something raw and real is just what we need. I've found that my own creative journey has been as raw as a baby bird trying to break free of it's shell one tiny piece at a time - sometimes gruelling, sometimes tedious, but with each piece always freeing. It's all good🖖🏽🐣

[@SketchBookSkool]

It is indeed. Keep pecking at that egg. Wren

[@Gabrielle-zk7yo]

Dither away, Danny. I love your essays and your videos. Please, keep them coming. You inspire me to create and be bolder in all my creative endeavors! Thank you, my friend.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you! Will do!

[@tfayegriffin]

You, Sir, are a treasure found. Thank you.

[@susannelamoureux1012]

I have been following you Danny for years and you are such an inspiration to me. I needed to hear today's message as I have much anxiety whenever I do any art that I have a hard time with it. Thank you for your videos, essays, courses, books I greatly appreciate them and look forward to more.

[@mooshookatie]

Thanks for your “dithering” today Danny. I appreciate your encouraging words and perspective. Thanks for reminding us of what’s important and to keep things simple and true to ourselves, and take off the pressure. Much gratitude. 🙏🥰😁

[@beartysonmcfry979]

I did enjoy listening to this. It was very encouraging. Dither away, Danny! :)

[@jeansoderquist7312]

Thanks for your insightful words. You do whatever you need to do to honor where you are now. The only way to avoid burnout in any aspect of your life is to step back before you have to fall or crawl back. Take a rest, a break, or make a change of direction. Whatever it is, I appreciate that you recognize that you need a change and have the courage to address that. Best wishes, and if your journey leads you back here in one way or another, yay for your other fans and me.

[@bobbiegraham7729]

If nothing else, you have made me realize that the paper is not the enemy, it's a tool. It shouldn't have the power to make me feel anxiety, fear or apprehension. It should be like someone giving you that extra box of crayons so you don't have to think about using the first color from the box because you have a backup. The broken crayons work just as well. You are the parent cooking dinner and letting your kids take all the pots and pans out of the cupboard to play, and make noise because it's relatively safe, and it's just noise. Your words have changed my life, my creative life by reminding me that it is perfectly okay for me to do what I want and play. That the only permission I need is my own. And maybe some of my stuff will earn a spot on the fridge!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Love that perspective , Bobbie!

[@lisaj1032]

Hello Danny and this creative community! I am new to this channel and would like to applaud your message. The world is too negative, too scripted, too contrived in ways that encourage comparison and inhibit true creative exploration. The process of creating art is sacred, we should encourage each other to be brave, to try new things, to be heard and seen. I enjoy immensely seeing the work of other artists on Thursday mornings before Draw With Me. Maurice Denis said "Remember, that a picture before it is a picture of a battle horse, a nude woman or some story is essentially a flat surface covered in colors arranged in a certain order".

[@SketchBookSkool]

Love that Maurice!

[@lindastephens1977]

Thank you for sharing these thoughts! I listened to the video of you and John Muir Laws talking about fears. It amazes me that two men that I have books that they written about sketch books should have fears! It is encouraging to know that I am not alone. That the best they to do is draw for myself! Do what brings me joy!! Enjoy the creative process. I really appreciate the thought that I am not what I have created. Just because it doesn't look like I wanted it to, doesn't make me a bad person! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

YES. I needed this. I am only minute 1:06 in and stopping to leave a comment. So I have filmed this class for Skillshare on how to make a harcover sketchbook almost a year ago and, because I have this new computer and editing software I don't know how to use, my class is still not published today. I woke up this morning with the idea that I'll just use my old laptop to get it done.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Do it, Meda!

[@garrettgriffin4974]

I like your essays and your videos. They help me stay grounded. They're sign posts pointing out the path. They're positive reinforcement. For that, I thank you.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad my words are helpful, Garrett

[@kimdoucette8079]

Thank you! I really needed this right now. Your timing is perfect. 😘

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

Hi Danny ! It’s always great when you post a video or when your essay drops in my mailbox ! I feel that there is someone whom I have never met personally cares enough to share his time and thoughts with me ! I know it’s not for me personally but I feel I have found a new friend ! I used to have pen friends back in the day and that is what I think of when I find your mail ! Art is my life and all day long I think about it, i love painting but don’t have much time for it but now I am finding that a sketchbook quenches my thirst to do something and Sketchbook Skool has replaced my art classes which I used to attend and were such a joy ! Well, keep your ‘dithering’ coming as for me it is never boring ! Wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Full of creativity, health and happiness ! Warmest regards Lorraine 🤗🎨😁👋

[@SketchBookSkool]

But I _do_ make them for you personally, Lorraine!

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

@@SketchBookSkool I truly appreciate ! I just did Santa with you and sent it ! Thank you so much ! 🤗😁🎄

[@ronnykhalil]

Beautiful, honest, refreshing. Many thanks for all you share!

[@mkbuike7895]

Thanks. Keep ‘’em coming. Don’t need editing…you have good sound and video.

[@wanderingviolet9761]

I greatly appreciate the honesty and encouragement you share with your "dithering" 😉 Thank you!

[@saraharmstrong8834]

love this - just the thing I needed to hear - love that thought of closing the door on the 'judge' and must making more.

[@monicapaccione2845]

“Stop the madness.” Love that. Start with just a line. And add to that line with another line. Add to that again. Just make it. Keep videos coming Danny. These videos and your emails are so welcome in my email box and notifications. Happy holidays!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Boom!

[@tracysmith2874]

Hi Danny. Oh! How I needed to hear this. I had to make Christmas decorations for work and I was mentally, creatively stuck and whatever I touched and made seemed like utter rubbish. I forgot how to play, I lost the joy of making. Thank you for the message to play and explore and know that not every project is going to be amazing. Thanks for the reminder to put the judge away for a bit and that the art is for me. I love how you said that the work created is not all of me. Thank you!

[@Stewchat_etc]

Danny I enjoy these videos of yours the best. They are shorter and more to the point with great advice. Keep up the great work.

[@sazclems]

Thank you for making this Danny. The video, It's utterly brilliant. Like your in the room giving a huge creative hug.🤗

[@periwinkletree]

Thanks for keeping on keeping on.

[@RyanMalmDesign]

I discovered your channel earlier this year and it inspired me to start keeping a sketchbook again, for myself, not as a performance for other people to see. I've just signed up for your weekly essays. Thank you for sharing.

[@javajoe668]

I would love to see a 2nd essay book. I miss the podcasts but you have to do you 🤙🏻

[@jc5852]

Wow! You are going through the same exact thing I am. Today was the first day in a long time that my muse showed up and I was able to get something good down on paper. I’ll tell my muse to go have a talk with yours. ☺️ PS: Your work inspires me. ☺️

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you!

[@OrigamiCalm]

Thank you! I get really stuck with my artwork and my videos. You've inspired me to keep doing it anyway and not worry about what people think. :)

[@goodnewsclubontv]

Thanks for this encouragement this morning Danny - it was a "word in season" for me as I am struggling with this specific thing - too hard on myself! Keep this going, you have an enormous influence in may people's lives, including mine!

[@ali_yayyy]

Really needed to hear this today, thank you!

[@sheeba4165]

🙏🙏🙏 Your message is perfect and it is helping me so much!

[@boyjrr]

Thank you for these really wise words! I stay “stuck” most of the time due to indecision and self-criticism.

[@chrystinelacaille9884]

I’ve been doing exactly that Danny…More and more every day 😇😇😇

[@trudiatherton1633]

Great video as always, it’s easy I think to become overly self critical , we all do it, and again for me you hit the nail on the head about just keep playing, do t take yourself too seriously and enjoy- I needed to hear your message today 🙂 like the continuity between essay and video because some times I am in the mood too read the essay, other times it’s easier to watch a video while I’m busy about the house- an audible thing I suppose . Love it all , Merry Christmas too all X

[@jessiep2931]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is perfect and just what I need to hear ❤️

[@chrislee-anneminturn5111]

Keeping it real. Thank goodness!

[@ThePattiw]

Thanks Danny! Always uplifting with a nice clear pathway to where we want to go! Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year!

[@solongsofa]

I'm really happy you made this video. It's important in a time when everything we see is edited and 'perfect' to see something heartfelt and authentic. I stopped making videos on youtube because the editing took so long, but this has given me the courage to start posting again, even if they will just be unedited videos

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shalomk9708]

Thanks so much for all of your encouragement and inspiration....your videos (edited and unedited :) ), books and everything you do. You add something of beauty and value to the world 👌😊🙏✨

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much!

[@melgaudart]

Thanks Danny. Wise words

[@arcuda2001]

i love your videos!! love your dithering 😬😬wishing you a happy and healthy 👍👍

[@hawksroostbooknook6440]

Thank you for this video! You’re a great mentor.

[@avalione446]

I'll take this with me in all my projects and all my doings and relationships 'on the ladder of my life' 🍃 from now on.. Thankyou for Perspective thoughts'

[@terryhodgson1997]

Hi Danny , thanks for being so open....you always amaze me with your essays and videos and books ..it's like you are in my head .. 😳..I am ' stuck' and need to actually follow your advice / life coaching ..maybe today will be that day🤔 ....but I always feel better after receiving your encouragement...thank you so much for your words ,thoughts , and time ..👏💖😁

[@SketchBookSkool]

😁

[@alexis5350]

Yes! I like your idea of making your videos tie in with your essays! Perfect! This is a great message that I will be sure to listen to a few times to keep myself on track! I love the idea that each of my attempts will be a rung on a ladder that I am climbing! Thank you!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Yay! Thank you!

[@francehebert2403]

J’ai découvert tout récemment votre chaîne et j’adore vos vidéos malgré l’effort que ça me demande considérant que le français est ma langue maternelle et que mon niveau d’anglais est faible. Mais j’arrive à comprendre et vos vidéos sont tellement inspirantes et me donne envie de sortir de ma zone de confort. Retraitée depuis le printemps 2021, j’avais abandonné la pratique du dessin , de l’aquarelle etc..J’ai repris au début de l’été et des vidéos comme les vôtres, augmentent ma motivation d’aller plus loin. Merci pour tout!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Merci beaucoup d'avoir fait l'effort de regarder nos vidéos. Je suis si heureux que vous les appréciiez.

[@babybambi8389]

I love these videos for many reasons.

[@Typhoonyoon]

Happy Holidays, Danny & the Sketchbook Skool friends! I am excitingly waiting for my iPad Pro M1 to be delivered in couple of days. I was using my iPad Mini for playing with Procreate, but I felt it was a bit limited in screen space. I plan on allocating more time dedicated to digital drawing, and I look forward to signing onto the iPad drawing klass.

[@kathiwright4849]

i love your art channel voice writing. thank you for all my of it

[@kerrieb7473]

Thankyou Danny 👍

[@briandodd9024]

Simplicity is always the best path - the more complicated you make things, the more they tend to screw up. I'm not always sure I agree with the idea that 'the journey is more important than the destination', but it's usually a good idea to focus on the middle distance - you miss too much, otherwise. Right now, I'm in the process of trying to shake off the 'tyranny of the urgent' - this dog chasing its tail kind of existence we find ourselves in from time to time. You're doing fine, Danny - don't let anyone tell you different, especially the monkey. We'll get through this.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you, Brian!

[@briandodd9024]

@@SketchBookSkool You are most welcome.

[@dikdinglebo]

Thanks Danny!

[@isabelpatchett9356]

Hi Danny excellent I will keep on see ing /listening to you in your essays videos I have been feeling bad lately as I still have not put up any of my work and the only reason is due to health issues still ongoing and looks like I many need further surgery so I will be missing again but though I may not be showing any work I will definitely still be here in the background and still enjoying your talks. I do have some things to put up and I will do my best to do so. . Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Sincerely Isabel.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Get well and be well, Isabel.❤

[@isabelpatchett9356]

@@SketchBookSkool Many Thanks for your kind words. Isabel and therapy companion dog Galen XXX

[@KikkiF]

I used to compare my self to all ”the others” untill I realised that ”all the others” where so many and I’m only one.

[@rosysh.131]

Thank you! ❤️

[@manuelescaida9084]

thank you so much for your videos danny! So friendly and it helps to know of someone who had his time struggling with drawing making lots and lots of progress. (So you can teach us :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

My pleasure!

[@michaelbone5177]

Needed this today thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

So glad!

[@dawnymock]

Thank you 🌸

[@retgeno]

Thanks for this video. It is inspiring.

[@danarenfand3384]

I love this!

[@SheryllMonique]

I loved it!

[@kerrythemac4]

Echoing the thoughts in the comments, it’s so good to know I’m not the only ditherer!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Comment no 2: I love listening to your videos. I mean LISTENING, not watching. I just put the phone in my pocket, ear buds in and do my no-brain work in the kitchen. I don't really have time to sit and watch videos, so for me, a talking head is enough. If you show too much beautiful video content, I feel compelled to watch by that "missing out" feeling and postpone it for when I have time.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Then you'll love my podcast ;)

[@edbianchi8839]

Aaaaaamennnn!!!!!!, thank youuuuu

[@victorialynn6248]

I just have two problems. I don't know what "I" like art-wise. It revolves around subject matter, not medium. As an art teacher, I've had to learn about so many different things to share and teach my students that I just have lost touch with my preferences. #personalstruggles

[@beartysonmcfry979]

I followed your link to sign up for the weekly essays, and there was no place to subscribe.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Really? dannysessays.com/

[@beartysonmcfry979]

@@SketchBookSkool wish I could show you a screen shot. Left side of screen is yellow. right side white with writing blurb about essays. Bottom says thanks for subscribing... Is there supposed to be an email associated with it??? if so, it's not coming through.

[@kathiwright4849]

ps … is that your fab canvas mural behind you?

[@SketchBookSkool]

It's _cardboard_ actually!

[@kathiwright4849]

@@SketchBookSkool i would have never known. great and colorful and creative 💜

[@okiemuteabraham3892]

Subscribing😊

[@judijop]

I really enjoyed this video! I thought it was great. I’m one of those people that think graphics are fine. But I can pay attention better without them most of the time. Good job! I’d love to expand on what you said “make what you like”. It has helped me tremendously to think further to “if I like it even a little guarantee there are more people out there who will love it!” I got to this conclusion by being the audience. I love beginners artwork. I love all sorts of art. Even something that the artist despises, sometimes it’s my favorite piece by them! So if someone compliments me on my beginner art, I fight the urge to tell people every mistake and try to just say “thank you!” 😊

[@SketchBookSkool]

It sounds like you are a generous observer. Apply that generosity to yourself!

[@CarolynNoblett]

I'm such a dork sometimes. I know I made a comment here...somewhere

[@mhd5826]

Not meaning to make you feel more self conscious but that tree painted on the wall behind you is perfectly placed to look like a sprouting of bright green hair lol :-D

[@SketchBookSkool]

It took a large team months to accomplish that effect. Everything is carefully stage managed.

[@biljap.r.6626]

😊✨✨

[@conniep.4408]

This is too simplistic, but... I think your left brain has been beating up your right brain. Thank God your right brain is recovering! I don't see you as a poser - I see you as a searching, authentic soul. Thank you for giving your flawed, human self to people who find comfort and courage in your willingness to talk about what we all agonize over.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Maybe I should wear a helmet. ;)

[@kirsten5723]

I appreciate the lack of an artsy intro and slick fades. Pffft. I prefer the honest talk and true to life imperfectness.