7 Steps for Independent Artists

7 Steps for Independent Artists. Bobby Chiu shares the 7 things that contributed the most to making a successful career as an independent artist for over the past 10 years. This is a presentation Bobby did based on one he did at CTNX 2015. We've had many requests to put it online so Bobby made this just for youtube. If you'd like to see videos about anything in the future, let us know in the comments.
As usual, Bobby and his friends teach at www.Schoolism.com
Follow him on Instagram: @digitalbobert
Facebook: / officialbobbychiu

[@anjabell]

Thanks for a sharing! For those who might have wanted a round-up: 1. Live below your means 2. Create a (moral) compass 3. Be like an octopus (diversify) 4. Craft a routine 5. When to say yes and when to say no 6. You are your own PR 7. Design your life

[@raquelmedina5251]

hi! thanks for your videos, I,m always crying when i watch them, you know here in Michoacán México we just have people telling us we can´t make a living from art, and they just keep saying you can´t all the time, it hurts because is mostly family or people you love, and i feel like I´m old to begin learning art, I am an architect but I can´t live without art, we didn´t have internet before but now i feel like there is hope to learn, and this is my way to surround with creative people, by watching videos.I know my english is not perfect sorry for that, but i just want to thank you for the inspiration and i will enter the school for shure :D saludos desde Michoacán :)

[@joelescudero1415]

Mira, pensar que era el único que veía esto.

[@DieyenDualPen]

I am so happy to hear that access to the internet has given you hope! never quit on being an artist it'll pay off one day! Que dios te bendiga!

[@surronzak8154]

If one artist have done, everybody have a chance to do it, and they are a lot who do live from art, don't let others break your dreams, It's teh exact same here in France for me, almost everyone say's I live in a dream, but I don't think so, I try again and again, now I have opened my max_metal_artist insta page, and the fact that poeple are following me and liking what I do gives me hope like Dieyen DualPen say's . Be strong and try again.

[@karldarwin1253]

you are me!

[@NicholasKennedy]

Telling the truth is one of the most important ways to live a happy and healthy life whether you are an artist or not, this is something I have lived by for a long time and it has helped a ton in my personal and professional life. A lot of these points are things that can be found through using common sense when reacting to your life, and there are very few points that I disagree with. Thank you for the video Bobby, this will help a lot of people and I will do my part to share it with people. :D

[@BobbyChiu]

+Paint With Nick You`re welcome

[@rogerbernal4305]

Do you really think most tell the truth . if your authentic your likely lonely.

[@jayspersonalaccount]

"I want to effect as many people as I can in a positive way." Consider it done. Years later, and people can still enjoy your content. Thank you

[@EyeLean5280]

"If we let our idea of success be out of our control, that means we are not in control of a good part of our lives."

[@Qinniart]

I'm too much of a wuss to leave the studio atmosphere xD;;. but this was cool.

[@BobbyChiu]

+Qinni to each their own. Do what works for you :)

[@leebear5317]

Qinni Bea??

[@anoxymoron]

I miss you so much, Qinni.

[@phil9126]

I miss you Qinni :(

[@shakudoshark1105]

We miss you qinni

[@sharondeyoung4636]

Good points for all. Not just for artists. Thank you.

[@TWVGH]

I am striving to be an independent artist and all your videos have helped me tremendously while effecting me positively. When I become successful, I will owe many, many thanks to you and Schoolism.

[@sergioten38]

i think is important to see how you can live your life aside art BUT to keep art be mixed with your daily life and let art be part of your daily bases i think writing your goals is ancient ritual that we all have to do because what you do today would affect the you in 5 or 10 years so you dont have to think on the you of tomorrow but the you in 5 years :D AND to always have your principles :D and always follow them because that defines who you are and affects directly in to your work, miyakazi said once that he didnt draw people with a sad face because when you draw a sad face you put a sad face on your own face :D thanks bobby for the life lessons :D

[@HappySloth14]

You give such useful tips and advice in as long or short of a video as it needs to be. It's so refreshing and I feel like I learn a lot when I watch all your advice videos. Keep up this great content man!

[@linlomox]

this video helped me so much today. Especially on number 5. This subject has been bugging me all day and now I feel like I know what I have to do. Thanks Bobby Chiu, you've always been an inspiration.

[@n.newport3578]

Gosh! So on point! Thank you so much for your generosity of heart, Bobby Chiu!!! 🙏✨

[@hartmannvondunaburg6768]

Great video, I am learning always something, though my 49 years, great stuff !!! Thumbs up !!!

[@kathynorrisart]

Thank you so much for this, really insightful! I am an art student currently and this video was really helpful. I love that you took the time to lay this out. I would love to work in a studio environment because I like the team atmosphere and accomplishing goals by working together, but I realize that freelance work is probably what I will be doing starting off my career. The part about looking at art as a career and not having that one big project and nothing after struck home with me because it's something that I keep in mind while working on a bunch of different projects. Always doing my best and growing is the most important to me so I'm happy that I have the right attitude moving forward. Thank you for sharing this :D

[@lc3]

Man, I love that you operated with a real sense of wanting to do well to the world as well as yourself. Very inspirational.

[@M0kuu]

Draw your life out ahead of time Then try to follow your set guidelines in order to paint a beautiful piece. The balance between rational planning and emotional desires, thanks bobby that was inspiring !

[@shivranjanarathore9438]

I started off as an independent writer and artist 11 months back. While the first 6 months were a breeze since maybe, I was easy on myself, the past 5 months have been full of challenges. And then very recently, KZbin suggested your channel to me and am I glad or what! The fear and doubt that had me paralysed past few weeks, is slowly thawing away. Your videos are really really helpful. Thank you! :)

[@carltonarts]

This was spot on! Thank you for your continued efforts, advice, offering your video editorials, etc. Your art is inspiring.

[@Haunted-houses]

Schoolism has absolutely changed my life. Thank you for being so devoted to helping people

[@Leonsjourney]

Thanks Bobby, these tips are really helpful and it makes it seem possible. I almost left the industry entirely until I stumbled upon your vids... Been watching/listening to them for a week now and getting super inspired and motivated from them. You've definitely affected my life in a positive way and I appreciate it. Thank you. Keep up the great work.

[@alma.pedro.]

I'm grateful. And appreciate your gentleness.

[@charmorales]

MEN Bobby I am so glad to find you in this moment in the middle of my 47 years and sit in front of your videos and feel so inspired by you that, I only have to say that only by seen you in two videos I learn so much, and immediately experiment the repercussion of your advises on my way to this impulse to my intentions to draw better, I have at least a year since decide to come back to draw, and in this moment my motivation over the work i am doing is on the top, the pass 3 years try to find the inspiration but never happen, my routine of life in this moment was terrible, and in my mind and in my hearth search for the illumination or the real motivations for retake my passion for drawing and it came when i buy a old ipad 2 and just star with sketch pro and voila I fell that my passion soon takes me over again, begin practicing and searching, on youtube most of it and here I am, I hope soon I can take a class on the schoolism.com, my economy in this moment don´t makes me pay for it but soon I hope I can... THANKS AGAIN for your work and honest support for people like me that in a country like Costa Rica that dream with reach the goals in art... I buy a Huion Tablet, and begin my journey to digital art, seeing you draw and talk is awesome... Keep doing it

[@DanaHaynes]

Over 5000 of us where laid off from a studio all at once, an you are right. It devastated my life for a time period. Even moving on to another studio job was depressing because I missed my own. An during that time period, your right I didnt have the time to invest in my own artwork. So it left me in feeling like I am just now picking up the pieces on focusing on what I need to do artistically. For me, not them. On one hand I'm grateful for the experience because I learned a lot on the other, disappointed I didn't get more of my own artwork done. An sad, I don't own 80% of my own work from the last decade.

[@lisageiger9021]

Bobby, since I get Kyle Webster's emails, I saw that he is having a livestream with you tomorrow. So of course I needed to know who you are... just watched Marketing 101, How to Get More Followers, and this one, 7 Steps. I find your videos very insightful and helpful for anyone, not just artists. Thanks for your spirit of affecting others positively and so glad to know who you are. I will continue to both watch your channel and share with my friends and family. I'm in the business of growing my own business and am encouraged by your advice! And I really like your plant people.

[@BobbyChiu]

thank you so much Lisa!

[@KuroCera]

*turns into an octopus* I'm ready for the art world. (' v ')

[@j897j]

\\\\(^v^)////

[@BillyCrawshrimp]

\\\\(^v^)////

[@unwoven921]

Thanks for sharing. Some of your message, I know and some I needed to be reminded of. I went to school for graphic design, opened my own studio and an online magazine. After a few years it became clear that I really missed drawing and started over as an illustrator full time. It is hard is spots but this is what I was meant to do.

[@ChaunineJoy]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing this. This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@tomponist]

Thanks Bobby. I'm a composer myself, but find your videos about being an artist very inspiring to my own field as well. Great work!

[@steftacular]

Wow, thank you so much for this video. Working as a independent artist sometimes feels like the road less traveled. I sometimes struggle with feeling lost or just not sure what to prioritize vs what isn't important. This video was super helpful thank you again, your channel is amazing!

[@CarlosVillarrealKwasek]

Thank you Bobby and thank you for Schoolism!

[@KaseySnow]

Not only was this super helpful and *exactly* what I needed to hear, but I was shocked to find that someone else had a list like that. I don't know about you, but I made mine as soon as I graduated from college and also started with things I *didn't* want to say about my life once I've reached the end of it. Doing it like that really helps put things in perspective to find what you value most. Anyway, really helpful and interesting video, thank you for making it!

[@Kitxunei]

Love this! I appreciate you sharing your wisdom.

[@franciscolagrifa18]

I truly enjoy your videos. Some of them helped me to polish my way when showing my portfolio and and I am so relieved that someone else's thinks the same way I do (for example my mentors who I became friends with, were not eager to become an octopus even though they have the skills) or just your list about your goals. I had the oportunity to teach in a first year of a videogame design career it just started and I had a great feeedback from students and my superiors aswell. I love teaching (I am a Judo instructor since 2009) and doing so helps me to correct mistakes I do not know I have or to clear things up to other people can understand. Sorry I wrote so much but I wanted to share it.

[@gabymoruza]

Thank you so much for your advice Mr. Chiu, you simplified the steps so well! I'm glad you mentioned Family, they are very important and we must cherish them as much as we can! I'm also glad you include the gym in your routine, it's so important to be healthy in order to have the best performance!

[@elanibutler3242]

bobby thank you - your perspective and communication is direct and accessible and applicable .. I am a singer / songwriter / independent artist and I will be checking out more of your clips. YOur clarity of mind is refreshing and your recommendations are sound .. so yes simply THANK YOU. Ps. Nature is not dangerous she is the most loving and generous organism in whom I totally trust.

[@jordiflorensa9302]

Absolutely great :) I studied graphic arts school for 4 years, a while ago, but the circumstances didn't allow me to get started into the artist world.Now I'm trying to get the engines pumping and get back on the horse. This video really is a compendium of good ideas and advices that should be learnt or absorbed, but many times our "always-running-in-a-hurry" style of life doesn't give us the chance to sit and think about them. I really enjoyed this video as it acts as a very good guide in times of clouded mind ^_^ Thanks!!!

[@izzylozano9742]

Love your work, young man. Your videos are helpful and insightful. Keep up the great work.

[@Slaneous]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone Bobby!

[@BrianGrantJazz]

Thanks, Bobby. This advice is great. Myself, as a musician can totally relate to these 7 steps.

[@ryankelly9001]

Thank you for making the video, its very lifting and encouraging. Something I've been doing lately is surrounding myself with people who are doing the things that I would like to do (Which is how I found your work), especially when I'm Facebook procrastinating I scroll across something and it hits me that if that's what I want to be doing I need to get to work so I'm not stuck at my night job forever.

[@CindyAvelino]

You are helping me to change my life forever with your worlds and schoolism project. Finally I have a chance to take art classes!

[@danieluyemura]

I already feel successful as an independent artist, but these principles you've outlined are really beneficial. Especially the routine (which I just wrote out) and finding a unique brand you are known for. Thank you for sharing your personal goals you wrote out 10 years ago, they are inspiring!

[@Sukeile]

Love this! Thanks Bobby!

[@MiliFayArt]

Thank you for another great inspirational video. Few years ago when I've hit bottom you've inspired me to strike out on my own as an independent artist, and thus turn my defeat into a dream. From this video I'm taking away that I need to organise myself better and not allow distractions to interfere with my work. It is difficult to strike out on your own and not to give up. After a few years I have learned a few things on my own: 1. I am not alone. I have family, friends, and fans who are there to offer support and encouragement when I stumble. 2. Failure is a stepping stone to success. It is important not to give up. I love what you said about failure being Life's way of testing you to see if you are worthy of your dreams. 3. If you want to do something: DO IT! If you have the means do not let pride get in the way of your dreams. If you have to move back in with your parents to make your dreams come true, so be it. 4. Dreams do not have expiration dates. You are never too old.

[@abianvalido]

Thanks for sharing! Very useful and inspirational video indeed.

[@0kouya0]

Thank you for being a constant inspiration for me. I have been struggling with most of the problem mentioned in this video actually and these tips helped me organize my thoughts and plans. This definitely made me rethink my lifestyle. Again, Thank you so much!

[@RowCat]

Thanks a lot for this video! that makes you think about your own life. Im a freelance artist but still a beginner. For me..art is no job, art is my passion. But here in germany its a bit harder to get a good job. People only want artists with endless years of experience and nobody give a beginner the chance to grow. Sadly..Last year i struggled a lot to payed my bills because i got no jobs. Now i realize that i cant grow when i stay in the same place over and over again. To be an artist is more than 8h work, go home and do somethings else. Art is something you do the whole day because you love it. So i descided to travel the world more. Come out of my tiny box (especially because im a shy person), meet new great people, learn a bunch of things and just enjoy the life of art. Hopefully this year will be a better one. The octopus thing was great! I thought about that a lot but found no answer. So thank you for this advice! :)

[@omairjamal3027]

Loved this viddeo. Thank you Bobby. These were great reminders :)

[@themultiverse5447]

Bobby Chiu, you definitely are changing lives!

[@basmaalmudaifa8910]

Great video! Sometimes I doubt my skills and end up accomplishing far too little but it's inspirational to see the people who've made it! Basically: thanks for the motivation!!

[@MacSmithVideo]

THanks for this. I've been freelancing for a couple of years after working at several at studios, and I love it. I can definitely relate to not wanting to drive far. I hate commuting.

[@AvidAbstractions]

Great advice as always! Thank you for the great tips and advice!

[@biocreep2]

Ha! This makes me feel good about making my own routines on a daily basis. I always feel like I want to live the "perfect day", which is a proportional amount of all of the things important in my life. It's comforting to see a similar approach

[@sapphire93_]

Not just for art, but excellent advice for living life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[@bcoolioyo1000]

thank you for these videos! I am new to the game, and doing a lot of online research. Your perspective is really helpful!

[@suzreynolds4611]

Originally went on to watch your portfolio video. (Had been told by a fellow artist I needed to self-promote). Enjoyed your approach so much, I watched this and the 5 Steps to Gaining Followers. Looking forward to going through more over the next few days. Thank you

[@FrancescaDeVivo]

As a person who lives in a place devoid of an art community and with a struggling entertainment industry, I always wonder what important things I should sacrifice in favour of my career. Listening to you talking about how you didn't want to be away from your family has really helped me getting things into perspective. I cannot tell you how precious your advice was. Thank you.

[@bradycreativeart]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience!

[@marilianb1]

Very Helpful, very simple and clear and positive! Thanks a lot for sharing this Bobbi Chiu! I've been a follower of your work and schoolism for a while and it's been amazing to learn from great artists in a way to find my own path as a artist too. Even if I'm a beginner on this area, it was through your workshops, chiustream and schoolism , etc that I could start building my ideas. I'm always learning. Many thanks and congrats for everything you've been doing!

[@jaymehta3747]

Hello, Bobby. Im very inspired with your videos and schoolism. YOU ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB ON HELPING PEOPLE BECOME GREAT ARTISTS. Your postivity is travelling across nations. Im really happy to see all your videos and also some really great artist interviews. I hope i can meet you some day. YOU ARE AMAZING.

[@Wafrum]

So awesome, there is a lot of advice out there for artist of all kind. I your list is the most down to earth and reflects the reality the most professional artist face day to day, project to project. Bravo!

[@mosesgarcia2302]

Brutal routine! Im going to try it. Thank you for sharing

[@chagarcia2687]

I love the idea of creating a list of what you want and don't want to be. Thanks so much for this video! :D

[@ciaranlucas5069]

Thanks for this Bobby. The Designing-your-Life part really struck a chord with me. I've been free writing as a means to try and define my priorities, but that method of identifying the opposites will definitely speed me up. I heard you mention THU in one of your videos, hopefully I might see there at some point!

[@51lodb]

Thanks Bobby for the great tips. I hope to meet you someday. Keep up the great work.

[@Schnuersenkelfon]

Hi Bobby, just wanted to say that your videos are very helpful. You have a very nice attitude and a clear view to a lot of things. I really enjoy it to watch your stories and tips. keep going!

[@anaismarmonier760]

Your craft routine is impressive and really inspiring ! Thanks for sharing it

[@jainapark]

Love this video! Thanks a lot!

[@lexiconlover]

Best advice I’ve seen in a long time! Thanks 🎉

[@janaangelavillaluz]

Thanks bobert. Youre videos work in inspiring ways

[@EmelieWaldken]

Your points help me as a freelance musician too ! Thanks for the video !

[@caleighbird8225]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your methods! I have been trying to harness a realistic daily schedule for a while now and it's nice to see that other artists feel the need to allot their time as well. Going to give it a fresh try for 2017! Keep up the inspiring work!

[@seferinoquiroz3873]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@mariliamadeiradesanjuan2608]

Your videos had been my homework.. really, they help me a lot, I m starting my career as ilustrator and sometimes it´s hard to be practical, plus it helps me help my mom, who is a watercolor artist but not so skillfull in digital or social media matters.. THANK YOU!!!

[@13dcl]

thank you for this... very inspiring

[@sablewings2693]

Such great advice here. I really appreciate it.

[@Starcitysteve]

great work man!

[@KinaForney]

Wonderful advice, I love your videos so much! They really inspire me. I've only just gone solo in the past 8 months and it's been really scary but videos like yours give me hope :) Thank you!!

[@oliverbundoc6378]

thanks for this :) ill be starting schoolism soon! one of the best decision ill be making

[@spydrmnd]

Thank you. really solid points

[@JanineA]

I'm going to make that list and daily schedule! :) Hoping it would make me a better or a more productive and confident artist! Thanks, Bobby!

[@hiromi_cule]

A veces es necesario un buen consejo cuando eres joven, acababa de empezar la escuela de arte y me sentía muy perdida con respecto a como llevaría las cosas y mi carrera, me ha ido bastante bien hasta el momento y la ofertas de trabajo no dejan de llegar, por mucho que algunas disgusten y sean tediosas, la variedad y la forma seria de llevar las cosas abren paso, tu video me hizo pensar y diferenciar la forma en la que pensaba antes y ahora, Me siento muy optimista muchas gracias ^^

[@santoshoommen9209]

As usual, Bobby Chiu, you provide fantastic value by providing meaningful content. Thank you. Imaginism and Schoolism fan for life!

[@BobbyChiu]

+Santosh OOmmen thank you so much Santosh. It's much appreciated and your comment is very encouraging

[@pickledshoe]

You are such an inspiration! Every time I watch one of your videos I feel like I am able achieve my goals.

[@BobbyChiu]

+pickledshoe thank you for the kind words

[@AlottaBoulchit]

Great video! I liked many of your tips! I've made many lists like the one you mentioned and while I'm not a professional artist (yet) I've noticed I've marked off a few dreams without realizing it! 💖 The part about success concerned me though. Your example of having 'one movie then nothing else' not being success seems a bit unfair? Like if an artist only scores one Oscar winning Disney movie job but they continue on to make a living off their art long after they're still successful they're just not famous with a long resumé of fancy employers. Even if the artist quit art entirely afterwards and sold shoes they can still be considered successful if they were happy with the one experience. I just think not mentioning that they're different levels to success can be detrimental to a young artist. If they're not noticing the small successes because they're too focused on chasing the large successes they could end up beating themselves up for being a "failure" when they're not.

[@dominikabacskai8653]

Hi! I recently find Your channel, and I find it really motivatig. I am learning design, and my dream to become a cg animator. When I have a hard time whith my proyect I pick one of yours videos, and it gives me the energy to do the next step. :) Thanks a lot, and please keep doing this videos!

[@PilferpupCartoons]

Really love your content, I always start my workday watching a video or two from you to remind me that there is so much refining to do. As much there is to learn about art, it's also some really nice life advice.

[@BobbyChiu]

So wonderful to hear that you've been finding Bobby's videos helpful! What a great way to start your workday and get into a productive and motivated mindset! Thanks for watching and for your support😃 ~S

[@vangoghvalath]

This video added a bunch of ideas into my head... Thanks....

[@funverses]

Thank you!

[@khlifisalah9685]

thank you . watching your videos is motivation 😀

[@glkriia8085]

you're really making me feel like I can become a better person, and you're really telling me the way. it's really helping me. especially now, it's very important to me. Thanks.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for the lovely comment! - Nancy

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marcusdavidharmon]

So Good! Thank you!!!!

[@hugomeyer]

Thank you for sharing Bobby, amazing advice!

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for watching, Hugo😊! ~S

[@sudol56]

I caught that your parents moved to Taiwan! I used to live in Taipei when I was around 7... talk about a big change from Vancouver! Lol. Keep it up. I'm a musician, but I really value the content you are sharing. Thank you, Bobby! - Connor

[@annagepting8239]

Great video!

[@zheydea.perezsanchez5758]

This is really cool and useful. Thank you so much!

[@dweaver153]

realistic and wise and practical advises! thanks

[@deanbocconcino1527]

I want to start doing art commissions soon enough, to start having some money of my own and kind of walk on my legs. I don't know if I really want to be an independent Artist, because I am self-taught and don't know a lot of stuff, but this really helped to see the general idea of it and how to move if I decide to do it. Thank you very much for sharing this video :)

[@grobovayatish]

Thank you for this video