Changing my expectations about being an artist... (an update after graduating Milan Art Institute)

Here's an update about what I'm doing after graduating the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. I'm definitely not where I thought I'd be by this time this year, but I think I am where I'm supposed to be. I'm happy and mentally healthy and that's what matters the most to me. And, the best part is that I'm still painting thanks to Bob Ross! haha
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(As you know, I rarely post here. But maybe someday that'll change...)

[@lissam2529]

Just part of the journey, figuring out your own path. And that’s the beautiful part of it - the individual path. Not the itinerary laid out by anyone else. Keep sharing your authentic journey. I think it’s great that you’re doing the Bob Ross paintings. There’s a lightness to them that isn’t in your originals - as in the actual colors used, but also the mood. Apparently you needed that right now, so this is exactly where you’re meant to be. This is a great opportunity for insight into your process/ how you need to work. I think you’ll take what you learn from this and be an even stronger artist. Don’t feel bad about not being “there” yet. From the outside it looks like forward movement to me. Follow your intuition and you’ll get there💛

[@CarlyJeanArt]

It's totally true! Everyone's path is different and I've spent too much time (and money) trying to follow other people's paths to success. I'll always share my authentic journey even if it's full of ups and downs. I agree! The Bob Ross paintings do feel more free and light, probably because I'm putting less pressure on myself as I do them. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! Following our own intuition really is the key. ❤️

[@laurenwilder2266]

Thank you so much for this video! I am in the Milan Art Mastery Program as well, and even though I get up at 4am, there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to devote to painting. Like you, I have heard that if you want it badly enough, you will make 20 -40 hours a week of painting happen. I feel like such a failure, only painting about 12 hours a week. Sharing this content makes me feel like I am not alone. I appreciate you being transparent and vulnerable. Your work looks great! I'd love to hear more about how you balance your jobs and making art in a future video. Have the best day!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes, the pressure of trying to paint 20-40 hours a week is TOO much for anyone who works another job, especially one that is full-time. And I have felt like a failure too from not being able to do that. It's a painful feeling, but you're NOT a failure! 12 hours a week is very impressive! Especially since you wake up at 4am to do it. That's amazing! Keep painting! Even if it's just a few hours a week. It's totally worth it. I'll make a video about how I balance work and painting soon! I hope it's helpful! Happy painting to you, friend! ❤️

[@Lizbeth36961]

You can combine Bob Ross with what you've learned at Milan Institute, there is no limit to art, even if a professor tells you there is a limit, you do you. You will be successful eventually, your road it's just different.

[@cmf1267]

Hi Carly - I was actually just thinking about you yesterday - so glad to see a video up today. I appreciate your honesty. I personally went into this program just wanting to become the best artist I could and figured maybe it would be a side hustle until retirement (maybe help me retire a little early) then try full time. I know even Rita (mentor) mentioned that most people in the program were selling to family and friends. It's much harder to sell to strangers. I think what you are doing is great. You can build up that inventory and then maybe even try opening an etsy shop or something to sell your work if you don't want to continually pay for a website. I'd love all of the above videos - bob ross, technique, juggling full-time work with painting etc. Don't put pressure on yourself - you are still very young and slow and steady wins the race! take care. Connie

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey Connie! Thank you for watching! I always appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I hope the program is helping you become the best artist you can be. It has so much great info about the skills of painting. I agree - it is much easier to sell to friends and family at first. I've only sold paintings to a few strangers here and there. All I know is that I do have paintings stacking up in my basement, but I've made peace with that for now. I love the act and practice of painting more than anything now. Thanks for following along on my journey! I'll be sure to make videos of all of those topics in the near future. Keep being great! I'm sure we'll talk soon. ❤️

[@TheTaylorg]

Carly. Your honesty probably serves as a wonderful relief valve for many of us. It reduces some pressure and possibly allows our right brains to inspire more creativity in our art. Thanks for sharing!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

I appreciate your honesty in sharing your journey.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@Prose-oh1ux]

I love Bob Ross and it was him that got me back into painting again. Agree he’s a gem 💎

[@crystalarchambaultartist]

Carly Jean - My name is Crystal Jean - so great that you are doing Bob Ross, it is full circle from my experience. I started out doing Bob Ross and then I found my way eventually to the Milan Institute which I am currently in week 12. A long way to go. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Honestly, I always said that I would take the time to paint once I retired. I am retired now, but I also have two teenage boys and a dog to take care of. Now I am retired and thought I would have time for it, I do not have nearly as much as I would need to paint 40 hours a week and feel balanced. Balance is so huge and one of the most important things to keep focused on in life, in my opinion. I love that you are taking the time to reconnect with painting and find the joy in it again. I feel like your revelation is very strongly founded in reality (your reality) as we are not all living the same life and have the same circumstances. Keep painting!

[@nelliehugh]

Painting purely for money takes ALL the joy out of creating. I’ve been there. Commissions are no fun just a pain. Find a job that pays yours bills then paint for the joy of it. Those that make a living out of art either know people in the art world who will elevate them, or have an incredible edge. Good luck to you! I love your honesty!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes, I totally agree! Commissions DO feel like work, unfortunately. Even though they're the easiest way to make money as an artist. I have loved just being able to paint and not worry about if it pays the bills or not. I'm grateful to have a job that allows me to paint in my free time, carefree and full of joy! Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! ❤️

[@tesskansas]

I love how you are doing what you need to do to move on. Bob Ross would be delighted to be part of your journey as you move closer to professional artist career. Just do your art for now. Maybe, when you are ready, the mentor program may help. I am on the waiting list for MP.

[@MsGnocchi]

I love your Bob Ross paintings!!!!!! Thank you for your candid and honest share about what is happening for you. You are brave and beautiful. Keep being creative :)

[@kodikeith6847]

I've been following your journey a while because I was looking into MAI and I'm happy I found you! I resonate with you so much more than I do with other artist! I'm a full time teacher and for so long I craved wanting to go after a life of a full time artist but this summer I took on 3 commissions and I was so stressed I ugly cried like 3 times! Then, like you, I completely shut down and didn't paint for the whole first semester of school even though my dining area is my art studio. I literally just ignored it for months. I just recently painted two paintings for fun and it helped a lot, but I have an issue with finding time. I often feel like everything has to be perfect for me to paint. I also started following tutorials just like you. As a teacher, I'm learning that in order to be creative one must first have a wide range of examples. I believe this is where the practice and tutorials come in play.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Awe, that's amazing! I'm so glad you resonate with my journey! I can SO relate to crying over commissions. They can be stressful and overwhelming, and they can take all the fun out of painting because you have to make it how the client would like it instead of following our own creative impulses. I did the same thing where I had to take a break from painting for a while because I just felt so burned out... Anyways, I'm glad you're starting to dip your toes back in! Sounds like we're experiencing a similar part of our journey! I agree that the tutorials help take the pressure off, and that makes all the difference! I wish you joy and passion in your future painting endeavors! Thank you for following my journey ❤️

[@lyndagoldman3251]

I'm so glad you posted this video. I always said I wanted to paint for the joy of it, and not to sell. But when paintings start piling up, you want to sell some to make room. But from what I hear from other artists, very few many a full time living from creating art alone. Many artists also teach, do commissions, or have other jobs. Selling art is the hardest thing. (I've sold many other things, but art is the hardest). I wish you all the best, wherever your art takes you.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Haha yes! I totally agree. It is kind of a bummer to have paintings piling up in the basement or the corner of the studio. It does seem really hard to make a living from painting alone. Like you said, it does seem like it has to be supplemented with other income streams like teaching or social media. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! It means a lot to me! I wish you luck in your art journey as well ❤️

[@Tara_Kunicki]

I do not think Elli would judge you for the choices you’re making especially since it’s for your mental health. They even say the program can absolutely be for those who want to just improve their skills or be part time :) you’re such an authentic person with talent and skill. You kept going even though the path changed a tad with painting. That is consistency! ❤🎉

[@rush.renata]

I can see how putting so much pressure on your painting process can suck the joy out of it. You are right. Let your jobs pay your bills and let them afford you the time to work on your paintings from a point of joy. Life is movement, so things will transform and change. Let the joy of creating what you enjoy guide you and it might take you places you have not considered yet.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

OOooooo yes! I love this so much! You're SO right! I have to tap into the movement and flow of life and joy, letting it carry me where I'm meant to go. Thank you for your sweet words and encouragement! It seriously means so much to me ❤️

[@andreaschlickbernd4481]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey!! I truly appreciate your honesty and candor. It's an expensive investment to take their course and it's so helpful to hear your perspective on the time commitment and expectations. Enjoy your art and your Bob Ross style! You're doing a beautiful job!! 🙌

[@TaniaRouserArt]

So your word for 2024 is JOY! And you rock, Carly! Art I made without joy didn’t make it, and I don’t like it either, while my crazy happy paintings could find their homes relatively quickly 😊

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes!! Joy and presence are my two words for this new year!! It's so true! The paintings that I loved creating the most are the ones who have sold the quickest. Thanks for all of your support! ❤️

[@lindaviozzi]

I saw your lion paintings then this video,,,,and my first thought was,,those mountains and scenes are beautiful!! (the lions were nice too). but mountains I noticed were not the other style. I think they are great,,, and appreciate you sharing, your journey has encouraged me, as I have had a similar experience. Thank you so much! My mentor(during Milan) would say to me,,,Just have Fun,,, I can still hear that in my mind. She was always encouraging me. So , please keep sharing and " Just have Fun! " lol blessings😂

[@anukanksha6]

I feel you dear and I respect your honesty and I feel great that so many people here cared enough to comment and support you. Being an artist is a journey, and you are exactly there.❤ Nobody's judging you. Your paintings look great ❤❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you! It has been really amazing to see everyone's comments and support. I did not expect that at all. It means a lot to me that so many of you care so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@Pegisus2501]

Hello Carly. 😃 I just want to salute you for being honest about what it takes to build an art career. Sharing your journey with us in an honest way is refreshing because I know how hard it is to make art, and a lot of artists on KZbin are not expressing that part of the process. 🤔 They share the glamour of the profession, but not the 'behind the scenes' portion. 🤨 You have done most of what is necessary (art fairs, nine artworks in two weeks, marketing, etc.) to be on the path to create a successful business, but it is a lot of work. 😮‍💨 It can be exhausting! 🤮 Good for you to take time out to care for yourself and determine what matters in your life. 🥳🤩👍🏾💯 Please let us know when your website will be available so I can purchase some of your work. You're the type of artist I want to buy from! 😊🖌️🖼️ Cheers and Stay Blessed! 🤩👍🏾🥳💯

[@sharonevans8504]

I was going to take the course but I felt it was a bit much for me. Iam 63 and your young i I couldn't imagine what it would do to me. I need to enjoy doing my work or I wont be able put my whole heart into it. I noticed that the family paints together and alot of support they have. Bob Ross was my first journey into painting. ❤

[@JudeandherPencil]

I’d totally love to see your Bob Ross. ❤ Im really invested in your art journey, keep on rocking’ it!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Awe thank you so much! That means a lot to me! ❤️

[@juliafoley5573]

Bravo for your honesty! refreshing!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you! Honesty is all I know haha

[@jeanneelliott5956]

I also meant to say that your art is beautiful! You seem like such a lovely person. From the perspective of a senior, you need to find your own path and savor each day. Your journey is YOURS and your heart will lead you. Someone else's way is not necessarily yours. Things will unfold as they need to but first take care of yourself!! hugs!!!

[@DG-ri1lp]

Your path is unique to you. Well done. Love all your work. ❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@Tribal3Angel]

Thank you! Also so important to keep the love and joy alive in your art ❤

[@malloryr4883]

The biggest thing is that you're enjoying painting again. Art is a personal journey that is so much about your mental health and your.. idk your internal climate. You can make money doing anything else.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

It's SO true! I couldn't agree more. Painting/creating is all about being in tune with your mental health and emotions, so if you try to take all of that out of it, it loses it's magic. For now, I'd rather make money at a job, which then allows me to be expressive and paint whatever I want. ✨

[@user-qu9ri5lu2b]

Don’t put any pressure on yourself! You might be an artist who teaches painting. Selling Art is not for everyone ❤

[@snowsjournal]

I loved all the videos so far, thank you for sharing! A video about balancing work and painting would be great. I have a non-creative job and a 5 year old, so I often feel too tired to paint although that's the thing I would love to do all day everyday 😅 I've recently decided to stop posting on Instagram too. The lack of engagement and the amount of content that gets posted there, burnt me out. I'm now trying to find a healthy balance between work and art.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey, yes! I totally agree. Trying to balance a non-creative job and taking care of responsibilities is a lot of work, and trying to fit in time to paint on top of all of that can be so overwhelming. I definitely plan to make a video about this very soon! Yea, Instagram just seems like a recipe for burnout. It seriously doesn't feel worth the time anymore for me too. I hope you find some time to paint this week! You deserve it!

[@asdasx392]

Hi. I have several things to say about this, so I apologize for the long comment. I started doing oil painting a year ago, and I started with some Bob Ross lessons. So first (in case you didn't know), Bill Alexander (a classically trained artist) is the originator of the Bob Ross method and he had a show on PBS before Ross. Lots of Bill Alexander painting videos are on KZbin and plenty of other videos about Bill and Bob's history together and their bitter split. Bill Alexander invented the technique for two reasons: 1. To generate his paintings faster to make more money, 2. To teach novices how to paint. I encourage you to check out his work because his paintings are a little more difficult and I think more interesting and he has some hour long videos as well. It is worth noting that Bill has said that even though he developed his technique to complete his paintings all at once (alla prima), he would commonly go back and add details later if it was one he would actually sell. I always knew I would want to move from the Bob Ross/Bill Alexander style to more traditional style which I did after about thirty paintings. So now I look back at that style and see just how cheesy it is (vibrant colors, lack of depth cues, things like that). So it is interesting that you went from proper training to his style. I am curious to see how your perspective on it evolves. I think you will get bored with it fairly quickly but you will certainly pick up some techniques that you probably didn't learn otherwise. One other thing I noticed my transition is just how messy the Bob Ross style is, particularly having to clean out a two-inch brush loaded with paint and then "beat the devil out of it."

[@xrpmoon8417]

I love those Bob Ross paintings

[@EnjoyArt123]

Thanks so much for sharing. I love your new paintings! You make them look effortless. It truly seems like you enjoy those paintings. I would love to see tutorials on your Bob Ross paintings. I struggle with landscape paintings.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you!! I'm so glad you liked this video and my new Bob Ross paintings. I'm planning on making a video sharing tips and tricks for painting along with him. I hope it helps!

[@user-bn6di5nd6z]

Hi Carly!! Good to see you!! Great video and I love how authentic and realistic you are! You look great and happy. I love your landscapes!! Keep going!!I’m switching gears as well and looking at abstract landscapes and also taking a reflection break. Looking forward to seeing more of you videos!💜🦋🌸🙌

[@kritter2976]

Its so easy to forget to have fun. I'm guilty. I hope your journey brings you joy no matter which way you go. Combining different sources of instruction is okay! As for myself, it helps me when change up mediums from time to time to get past the joyless spots in my art. Keep your chin up. Your courage in sharing your journey is appreciated. Hope to see more KZbin videos!

[@rajkamalbharj2401]

Your paintings are beautiful ❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you 💕

[@fuzzydragons]

you are not a failure!! you dont have to be a 'fulltime' artist to consider yourself an artist! you paint and thats all that matters

[@jellyjamzxo]

🎉

[@mariaoverlayart]

I love this, you should definitely be painting for yourself first! Thank you for sharing! I love the Bob Ross paintings (and your originals!) ❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes! Definitely! Thank you SO much! ❤️

[@dais7891]

That's good that you're having fun painting, that's always good! I love Bob Ross! When I teach some of my sip and paints I wear a shirt with a Bob Ross quote lol even though it's not landscape painting 😂because I wanted to be like Bob Ross when I was little. Also, experimenting and trying new paintings is part of the process of figuring what you like out and it's fun.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I wanted to be like Bob Ross when I was little too! I was mesmerized by how easy it was for him to make a beautiful landscape SO quickly. Not gonna lie, it makes my inner child very happy when I am able to make a landscape just like him. I need to get one of these Bob Ross shirts that you have! haha

[@Cam282322]

I’ve never watched a video of yours before, but don’t let anyone dictate what kind a journey you have to take to be a successful artist EVER! I’m a hairstylist/ artist, I’ve gotten in my own way for years…. I think as humans we do tend to listen or value other’s thoughts 😢… be yourself don’t worry just play. Have fun❤ God Bless

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Awww thank you so much! This really means a lot to me, and I'm trying to tap into what makes my journey unique, and follow my own path instead of buying into what others thing of me. Thank you!! ❤️

[@underthesearoses8619]

Carly, you would earn much more money if you became a Certified Ross Instructor, and ran workshops, rather than Paint and Sip. The course is much less expensive than Milan. The course is 3 x 5 days, so 15 days in all. You attend the classes and the first 5 days you paint 1 a day. Then after that it's usually 2 each day. Judging by your work, here, you will absolutely breeze through the course. I have friends in America who charge $60 -$80 a person, and they often have 10 plus students in their classes. Bob is forever extremely popular. Honestly make some enquiries and ask questions. I'm a CRI but I'm under no obligation to promote Bob Ross Inc, but I just think this may help you. By the way, I'm thinking of doing the Milan course :)

[@j.patrickbowman3701]

Enjoy the journey!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you!

[@jellyjamzxo]

❤

[@gabriellevickeryart]

I really enjoy your content, you inspire me to make more videos about my own Milan experience 😊❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you so much! I hope you do create some videos about your experience

[@amandapeete7907]

Sooo I am in the Milan program. I started in 2022. I'm stuck somewhere in mixed media. (Artbyalp on other social media). And I have to say that I hit a point in mixed media where I realized that I was very unlikely to ever walk away from my full time job. That I really couldn't balance that time of trying to do my regular job and make a job out of art. I think you need to tell that Ellie voice in your head to sush. I think the Milan family is wonderful and I appreciate what they teach but I do not believe the Mastery program is actually for everyone. And also, I don't think the Milans make enough concessions for mental health at all. Not everyone can multitask at that level. Also, I think it's easy for them to say do x. None of them has ever switched industries with their careers. Even when Ellie was starting out she was still working as an artist. Yes, she pulled insane hours for a time but she was already working as an artist for that art dealer. I realized the Milan program was putting too much pressure on me and so I stopped. I've been puttering around in my studio doing studies and trying to find joy in art. I want to be an artist which means I have to actually make art. If I'm an artist who sells her paintings again someday, excellent. If not, so be it. Also, Bob Ross is an artist. And master copies are a thing. So don't be down on yourself for learning his style. I recently listened to a video by Chelsea Lang where she said in music you are not expected to start writing original music, you practice by playing pieces written by those that come before you. Why in art, is there an expectation that you should not build on the shoulders of the artists that came before you? So do your Bob Ross master copies and be full of joy. We don't know how long our eyes and hands will allow us to paint in this life. Just keep painting. ❤️

[@lindaviozzi]

Very well said,,,I feel the same,,,as I started the program in fall 2021,,,and had to work , and help the family with the elderly and grandchildren. Stuck at "finding my voice, or style" But I have not given up, and continue to paint and do art. It is nice to hear that others have struggled to "finish" the program as presented. Thank you all for your openness and encouraging words. :)

[@laughablemoments2108]

One thing I’m observing (and I’ve only watched a couple of your videos, so if I’m wrong, dismiss me) is that you seem to enjoy a social aspect of things: particularly the Sip and paint classes, and the connections of the YT community. Plenty of people will never be professional artists, yet they can still find joy in creating. If you enjoy the social teaching aspect, then maybe you could share that on YT. Teach virtual paint and sips, or how to paint happy little trees, etc. Bob Ross’s work is enjoying a bit of a renaissance right now, so others might like to learn some of his techniques from you. If the process of painting brings you joy, and you are able to help others discover that joy themselves, that’s a good thing.😊 …2 cents from a stranger on the internet. 😉

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I think you're totally right! I enjoy the social aspect of it all, especially getting to be here on YT. I think I got too caught up in needing to make money from my paintings alone instead of allowing myself to find other income streams like teaching. I love the idea of making my own mini tutorials about Bob Ross techniques, so I think I'll do that in the near future! Thank you for your kind words and encouragment! It means a lot to me!! ❤️

[@jellyjamzxo]

😊

[@devinschuyler]

Fun fact: more people buy landscapes and abstracts than portrait paintings!!! Not too say portraits aren't amazing and don't sell, I'm just saying the majority of people who buy a painting need it to fit into their home, and a Bob Ross inspired painting is MUCH MORE LIKELY to fit into someone's home than a Milan-style or super colorful portrait. Again, I'm not saying those styles of paintings don't sell too, because they do, but look in most homes of people 40 and up (who have more income to spend on art) and you'll see landscapes and abstracts galore. Even still life's of flowers and fruit bowls are still extremely popular AND ALL OF THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY VALID AND REAL ART!!! The most important element to any painting is that the artist felt a connection to the piece when they painted it. Your joy during the creation process will infuse the artwork and it's palpable to the viewer. Paint whatever speaks to your heart, paint for joy, and when your are ready, your buyers will find you!!! For the record: I'm LOVING your landscapes!!!!! They aren't "simple" or easy, I can think of 20 people who can't paint anything like these beauties, myself included. Please don't undervalue them because they are easier for you to paint!!! THEY HAVE DEEP VALUE!!! ♡♡♡

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Haha yes! I've noticed this as well! People prefer to have landscapes in their homes than portraits for sure! I'm definitely going to keep painting what brings me joy and then if they sell, they sell! If not, I'm still happy to have creating something meaningful for me. Thank YOU!! That means a lot to me! I have been loving my Bob Ross paintings. Every time I walk into my studio and see them, my heart lights up because I think they're so dang beautiful. I'll try not to undervalue them! Thanks again for your sweet words and encouragement ❤️

[@carissafisher7514]

My kids just told me I should start doing Bob Ross paintings 😊

[@jeanneelliott5956]

I am so glad to have found you! I have been contemplating the MAI. BECAUSE, I want to uplevel my skills, but not really to become a fulltime artist. I am 72. I can not honestly see me wanting to do the whole business mega-hustle thing at this point in life. I am retired and can manage to buy my art supplies (within reason) without the stress of marketing and fulltime selling. So, from your perspective, the mastery program is likely not the best fit for me, I presume. ???? HOWEVER, on the flip side, artwork is piling up and at my stage in life, I think might it all go out in the trash if I don't do something with it before I am gone? Your or this community's thoughts on selling some of that perhaps in a more low key way? FB and perhaps a cafe or ? I do donate to charity now and then. thanks!

[@catlucker]

Carly, I've been watching you for a while and it's been a joy! Your journey is wonderfully unique, as well as your art. First, I'd like to say I'm enrolled in Milan Art Institute Mastery Program almost done with the first section. I've been looking at your art here on You Tube and the Black Girl with the Moon and Tiger is a lovely painting. It reminds me of those show stoppers (murals) on brick city buildings. I'm wondering if restaurants, lounges, even race car enterprises will commission your work. I gives me that mood or feeling. My sister and I were just talking about you and where you could take your art (only if you wanted to). I also want to say...WONDERFUL BOB ROSS PAINTINGS WITH A TWIST OF CARLY JEAN ART!!!🌲🌲🌲🌹🌳

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Ooooo yes! That's a great idea! I'd love to paint giant murals in the city someday. That'd be amazing! Thank you SO much for following my journey. I hope you're enjoying the Mastery program so far! It really is a great program. Thank YOUUUU!!! That means a lot to me!! As I get more comfortable with the Bob Ross technique, I'll put more and more of my own Carly Jean twists to them. Haha Keep being awesome! I love your vibe! 💕

[@charlied415]

​@@CarlyJeanArtif you haven't checked out Andrea Ehrhardt I think you should. She's all about making art and doing murals and monetizing your art through doing that. I think you would really like her. She has a good book, her own program that isn't crazy expensive, podcasts, and a good website. A lot to look at. If I were interested in doing murals, I would definitely be taking notes from her.

[@ChantelleArts]

This is amazing ☺☺☺☺

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Awe thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@billieleslie4080]

The feeling of being a failure is overwhelming - especially when other people are watching. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that if you give something your all and it doesn’t work, it’s ok. You did your best. Plan A failed, so move on to Plan B, and don’t spend too much time lamenting what you did not accomplish. Move forward. Seek out what will make you happy. There’s too much emphasis on success equating financial prosperity and 60 hour work weeks, and not enough emphasis on being mentally balanced and simply happy.

[@dawnhayden2249]

Have you tried taking your paintings to galleries or small stores to let them sell them? Some framing stores also have a small gift gallery and will sell and get a commission. It may take some time to get your name out and for people to recognize your work. I have done this because I'm a terrible salesperson.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey, I have not tried reaching out to many galleries yet. I have had my work in a few coffee shops and have been in some gallery shows with other artists! I've also participated in tons of tent shows. It's great to have my artwork out on display, but I haven't been able to sell any work through these means yet. Anyways, for now, I'm content just getting to paint! And maybe eventually I'll start painting again. Thanks for your encouragement! 💕

[@merrimcarthur7198]

May I offer a slight correction/adjustment? You are painting original CARLY JEAN paintings using the Bob Ross technique. They are still YOUR paintings. Also, it is ok to change your mind. It is ok to adjust your dreams or even find new and better dreams. And NEVER, ever let anyone else tell you that you and your art are "less than". I don't give an aerial intercourse how "important" that person is. They may bugger off if they pull that nonsense. You will find your style and passion over time. You will also find your audience over time. Just keep having fun with your therapeutic works....until you want to change things up...then change things up and keep having fun.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Haha yes! You're totally right! These are STILL my original paintings because I painted them. Maybe I should start saying they're inspired by Bob Ross. Thank you SO much for your encouragement!! It means so much to me. Everything you're saying is so true. I'm definitely tapping into my own unique path and passions, and trying to let that guide me instead of what other people deem is the "right" path. Wish me luck! Thanks for following along on my journey! ❤️

[@ancientgypsy8338]

Would love to see a "slow morning/afternoon day of paintings " video

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Oooo yes! I love that idea so much! Will do! 😄✨

[@ancientgypsy8338]

Another thought I had is maybe right now your not ready to be a full time artist, maybe your now becoming a student of bob Ross. You could spend a year studying him or someone else you admire and then see where your at with art, you know?

[@Lizbeth36961]

Please do a video about balance, I have a job and taking care of my child, so Im not sure how to do this milan mastery program in one year, not sure if its doable.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you for the suggestion! I think a video about balancing painting and life will be helpful for so many people.

[@mr.mastermind8766]

You are a star 💫 regardless of what you paint you don’t have to spend that kind of tons of money for someone else to tell you what to do with your talent I’m not gonna lie I thought you were raised with a silver spoon in your mouth for a moment after seeing the amount of money you put out but all alone it was just a huge mistake in your life I always wondered about the Milan art because they had students to be your mentor that’s not tought from the best but why it was so much money to be taught by the mother or daughter it was I think a couple thousands to get mentor from them but like I said you’re a star just for not letting that experience take away your talent to not want to paint at all

[@Tililiish]

Your website doesn't seem to work... from Europe??

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

If you enjoy making Bob Ross paintings then make them! I am sure that they would sell well. Do you feel that you need to unlearn what you learnt at the Milan Institute? In the meantime carry on with your two jobs, paint when you want to paint and maybe your Bob Ross's will transform into more of a Carly Jean type of art when you are feeling more inspired. Good luck! 😊

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes, the Bob Ross paintings may sell well! I'm not sure, because I haven't tried yet. I do think I am having to unlearn some things that I learned at the Milan Institute. Mainly, I am unlearning that there's a certain way I have to paint in order to be a full-time artist. Just getting out of the mindset of having to make a living off of my art, really. I AM hoping that my Bob Ross paintings will begin to transform into some kind of landscapes of my own, but until then, I'm okay just following along with his tutorials. Thank you for your encouragement!! ❤️

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

@@CarlyJeanArt Trust your own instincts CarlyJean. We can all be a little brainwashed by the courses out there that tell us how to become an artist if we just follow the 'formula'. Do what YOU want to do and when you become a success come back and tell us how you did it! I am rooting for you!😄

[@EdithClarke-fg6oe]

Paint for fun.

[@Lizbeth36961]

Are you struggling with perfectionism? I'm enrolled in Milan Institute, I do not want the regular jobs anymore.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I definitely struggle on perfectionism, but it's something I'm working on!

[@kayleenwest]

That’s the problem with the art world. You’re expected to be a media circus act and an art making machine just to earn a living. This in time kills the creative spirit. We can’t just go to work and be paid for our time and effort like other professions. It is only a small percentage who are paid well enough to paint full time. But… in time it shows who has the staying power and passion to keep creating beautiful things for our world. Without it the world wouldn’t be the same. An ideal world would appreciate that. Keep that light burning. It’s more precious than money.

[@xrpmoon8417]

How will painting 40 hours a week make you successful, im sure you have enough paintings to to sell, if you arent selling any of those paintings why would painting more make a difference?

[@xrpmoon8417]

Why dont you teach the art techniques on KZbin or do your own cheaper teaching course? Id love to do the Milan course but cant afford at the moment, if their was a cheaper course still learning their processes and techniques id do it.

[@kassaArt]

I agree. Maybe you are a fulltime artist but not in the conventional sense.. selling prints, displaying your work..doodling and teaching and having these discussions etc is still art.. I think being dictated to has killed your joy and sense of self expression.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yes, I think so too! I was over-dedicated totally killed my joy and self-expression. I definitely needed to take a step back and realize why I love painting in the first place. Thank you for being so kind ❤️

[@kassaArt]

@@CarlyJeanArt well I appreciated your honesty which helps us all.x

[@Art.ASMR-You2]

❤😃🖌🎨🖼 Love your video) paint smaller pictures., focus you are a birthday girl. Birthday gift On my social meyeah, there's a dozen of people always has a birthday. II was so exhausted saying. Happy Birthday to people everyday. You are a birthday girl you can 🎨🖌. smaller pictures and let people know that you are interested in birthdays.🎉

[@EdithClarke-fg6oe]

Art don’t pay bills. Unless your a Matisse

[@Lizbeth36961]

Here is the thing: can you make enough money to live off of it painting part time?

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I'm not sure! Only time will tell!

[@jenniferledbeter1544]

❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

❤️❤️❤️