MORE Bad News for Artists (and Good News)

The bad news for artists is that the world doesn’t really value art, at least not as much as it used to. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, so if you keep watching, I promise there’s good news too.
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I’m not just talking about making money here. It’s pretty clear that not many people see pursuing art as a career as a wise choice.
And maybe they have a point. It’s definitely not easy. But let me reassure you that it’s 1000% possible. But this message isn’t about that.
The idea here this week is that you, an artist, are living in a world that doesn’t truly value your craft or your skills.
And hey, listen, you may be listening to this and thinking, "Hey! This isn’t true! I know people who collect art, and I support artists..." Well, that’s great! But you are part of only maybe 10% of people who really see the value of an artist.
You know that feeling when you’re a kid and you realize people die, or you’re going to die and it just doesn’t make sense? It’s kind of like this epiphany moment....
Some kids stay up and can’t sleep. They cry, they worry. They become indifferent to anything mattering. And then you just kind of have to forget that dark and forboding feeling and maybe even pretend it’s not real. Or ignore that stark reality.
When artists go from feeling creative or idealistic and then the real world smacks them in the face with the reality that... the majority of people just don’t care about you or your art.
The majority of people only care about themselves, and quick fixes to make their lives better. The art that’s all around them, the stories, the game design... the design of everything... they completely take it for granted. It’s as if it was just magically created or always there. They don’t think about the humans, the artists who are making the things.
And that bad news, gets worse. Why wouldn’t people grow up to think things magically appear with AI and you can push a button and have groceries magically arrive at your door.
At that dark realization moment for an artist, there’s a couple of different paths that can happen.
#1 YOU QUIT and CONFORM. Man, I can’t tell you how many artists I’ve talked to who hit this wall. They said, "Fuck it," and just became cogs in someone else’s machine. Because it made the other people around them happy, secure, and safe. Why struggle?
But of course, those artists are a secret hot mess inside. I won’t even get into all the bad news they get up to beyond being depressed, stressed, and full of existential dread.
#2 That bad news pisses you off. You become some kind of crazy rebel artist. You’re not going to conform to the masses! You do it your way!
And hey, I have a lot of good art friends like this. Mixed success there. Some make it big with their Kayfabe on, and some barely scrape by... but... they’re free. And they’re happy. You see these artists sometimes and you might think... damn, they are cool. I wish I could be like that. They feel like the real deal. In most cases, they are.
#3 The third way is... You don’t accept the bad news. You know the reality. But you don’t let it define you or your feelings. These artists are more like stoics. They say, "Okay, these are the facts. The world kinda sucks, people don’t value art... but... I’m gonna die trying because this is what fulfills me."
Watch the full video to explore deeper!

[@DJCoffman]

If you're trying to be a Full-Time Artist here is what you need to know kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHmUgIeAq72mmrMsi=JtMBYz8Tun7SCyob

[@DavidDingoBleecher]

Regardless of its worth to other people, I have to create art. It's beyond a need, it's just who I am.

[@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION]

Exactly. A compulsion that borders obsession.

[@StrangelyCrafting]

Need it as much as I need to speak.

[@ClintLowe]

A society that values life will value art. The value of life can express beauty and the appreciation of things in life. We don't have that right now.

[@DJCoffman]

It’s so true. As artists, we are on the frontlines of trying to change that. Whether we know it or not.

[@ChurchofCthulhu]

I'm Gen X, and I've commissioned a decent number of art over the years. When I was looking online for an artist about 8 years ago, I realized the terrible dilemma for artists today. The competition is the fiercest its every been! Millennials have the largest amount of artists in world history! Going through Art Station, Deviant Art, etc, the sheer volume of incredible talent and styles blows away any other era! (digital tools have helped) And most of the one's I was interested in had stopped taking commissions because they had all been snatched up by MMO/video game companies. I can't imagine how incredibly daunting it must be today as every form of entertainment is changing.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

Yeah, you got that right I remember one point, especially periodicals where artists were absolutely revered! I recall earlier in my career I got my work published into major periodicals so fast that I couldn’t believe my luck and I used Crayola markers to color in my pictures! Good times!

[@JeffBurnsArt]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm one of those artists that believe the naive child is what we need to hold on to. Art is about communicating hope to this dark world. Lets get to work!

[@ediesedgwick4462]

Your average Jane Q. Public may not value art enough to buy it. But societies around the world are storing billions--maybe trillions--of dollars worth of art in museums, galleries, etc. And they're not storing it because they don't value it.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

In someways, it’s an easier cell these days in my opinion, being an artist. The Internet changed everything. It opened up possibilities that didn’t really exist before as visual artists not only in increasing our reach to the rest of the world, but in opening up new markets for our work.

[@DJCoffman]

Definitely a great mindset there!

[@TheMediaMachine]

Yes, this reality I accepted long ago. I have a saying and I don't know if it's from me or I heard it and it's now etched in my mind, "See the world for what it is, instead of how you want to see it. You'll accept it for what it is sooner so you can enjoy what you really want to do in life." So I just do what I am passionate about, drawing, designing, painting, creating, it's something I'll never give up or make it small in my life. Rather it is my life and it's fine if world don't value it. I'll still do it and enjoy what I am doing. In fact, I am very lucky to have something that gives me purpose, makes me feel alive everyday. What else can I ask for? Many people can't find what they are passionate about, are lost, unhappy and don't have a direction. Some just feel bored of life and some crave validation so much it is unhealthy. Many can learn from artists journies because in it you got to appreciate what you have, treasure it, invest in it, beat the self critique, go against the norms, get up every time when you fail and keep going while no one believes in you....yet. Many artists have discovered how to do that over and over again, and so they got gold mines of lessons about life. I think we artist are very lucky, blessed, no matter if we are valued or not.

[@johnmanning8541]

Wow - nice to hear someone say what I've been thinking for a long time. I draw because I must. 😁

[@Aluenvey]

What I found is I seem to gravitate toward being both, where I see myself becoming someone's art assistant, but also want to do my own stuff on the side. To me the best situation would be something like the Elf Quest situation, but for the manga and Bede world. After finishing this first half I think I'm figuring out I'm more of a painter and background artist as well. And to make matters confusing, there is increasing overlap between my graphic art and my music that I also create. Which kind of makes my uncertain what I'd work on the future.

[@chrystalmoeart]

I mean it is what it is. If you have a passion for art, then nothing is going to stop you. That's why I never aligned my thoughts with the 'Ai will take over' crowd and give up. I just stepped my game up and practiced more, studied more, that's it.

[@DJCoffman]

Blaming AI is a convenient excuse to quit 😅 while parts of the issue are concerning, what’s more concerning to me is how some artists are not only quitting but putting themselves in the wrong energy to create their best work. Dwelling in only the negative will destroy your creative spirit for sure

[@kikiknojj]

Thank you for this video. You managed to make even the bad news inspirational to me. Please never stop what you're doing.

[@taylorcouz526]

I care 😢from one artist to another im glad that people speak about this it so scary in the beginning (19)

[@alexiparis3244]

One thing that as artist we take for granted is the we are the ones that outside of food, water, shelter we are actually the ones that really don’t need much. We can actually live in the worlds we are creating when we are putting pencil to pad, writing that story or playing that instrument. It is truly a gift

[@eroane]

For me…I have to create comics and or any art to gain sanity with my autism and mental health to help me function to a somewhat normalcy in this crazy society in this crazy world…^_______< I too had my artistic head up my butt back after I graduated high school and yet all I drew were my own cartoonish art styles and felt so relaxed and so myself despite my family’s views about my art and lack of nourishment…Yet today as an adult…^__^ I love cartooning and now making comics😊

[@StudioPirie1]

Thanks DJ! Appreciate the reminders. Let's all make our art loud!

[@withoutanh8923]

It's important to face reality sometimes, and you have a way of not making it feel hopeless. In fact, you're just spoon feeding us info about WHO actually appreciates your art. :)

[@danrend4986]

I am 3. but i refuse to die trying. I will live trying. I am glad you too took your own path.

[@DJCoffman]

This is the way!

[@danrend4986]

Artist inspire people everywhere all through history. but AI willl never be able to do that. Yes what you envision does become true. so also be weary of what you put out there. as much as i admire Ed i do feel he cursed himself with Red Room. Toriyama made happy fun stuff and I have seen that resonate through out the world for decades now.

[@danrend4986]

@@DJCoffman Thanks for replying, by the way, one thing that can be done is to push for regulation. if AI is regulated fairly it can indeed be a useful tool for artists, i will not deny it. but i feel a lot of us might think the same as long as it is not regulated i don't want anything to do with it. I am trying on my side for law makers to regulate, but i am not in the US and my efforts are less impactful here.

[@kyleashley]

Really needed this right now after finding a stack of old drawings that made me so happy creating before the internet showed me too many people so much better...but not necessarily doing any better. I worked in a pencil anim studio..really miss the no computers world..people were happier.

[@ACRUZART]

I create art for me and if others like my creation is a blessing, but comes as a bonus. So,I put a price on my work and if someone agrees with this, they can keep it,but if they don't, I will keep it, is not a problem for me.

[@HeyShoenTripp]

I’m pretty much #3 because as an artist that’s trying to make it a career, especially going into comic art, I’m gonna die trying because drawing makes me happy, no matter if 95% doesn’t even know my works are posted everywhere, it’s my anti-stress

[@DJCoffman]

That is the best mindset. Also, even if you do have it as a full time gig, you never stop learning or trying. When you stop learning, you stop growing

[@user-zc5fd1nn5c]

Finally, I've come to terms with my surroundings. Not to think about monetizing what I draw. I draw because I need to draw.

[@DJCoffman]

This is the way

[@quixotim]

Another VERY relatable topic. I’ve been all three too.

[@creative_mindsrus1541]

Well as long as I enjoy my art and makes me feel awesome I'm ok with it. My custom skateboard is easy on the eyes ❤

[@Combsstudio]

Great message DJ!

[@ms00kye]

“Do not let the fact that things are not made for you, that conditions are not as they should be, stop you. Go on anyway. Everything depends on those who go on anyway.” For any artist I recommend picking up the book “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri. It’s a book I tend to keep closer to my side lately when I need to be reminded why I chose to pursue art in the first place and will continue to do so.

[@DJCoffman]

Good one!!

[@BigBandelero]

“Make Art LOUDER!” I’ve officially adopted that motto. You should make that a tshirt.

[@DJCoffman]

Thank you!!! You’re right!

[@danablack7919]

Exactly what I needed !! Thanks for the insight !!!

[@DJCoffman]

You're so welcome!

[@systemofasteph]

I love this. I feel like i could be louder as an artist. New goal. 🤘

[@sammycinquenoproductions3562]

one of the 20% here. your thoughts connected and were helpful and reinforcing to me this evening. thanks

[@billhawleyiv9250]

This is something I really needed to hear at this moment. Thank you!

[@DJCoffman]

So glad you saw it!

[@6bthedevil]

My brother from another👊💥 Great realistic pep talk! All true! I’m a pirate artist in the SF Bay Area just getting by for 10 years now, But I’m free and happy. I thoroughly enjoy your videos! Thank you for your energy and may your next meal be delicious👊💥 I see your Kayfabe Shirt on 💯 RIP Ed

[@DJCoffman]

Fly the flag! 🏴‍☠️✏️🤘🏻

[@durnanironknuckles1617]

We are the "Pirates of Penzance" movie. The world is full of Orphans!

[@Raven5563]

Hell, yeah!! ❤❤❤❤

[@ChrisisComics]

I mean, that the world doesnt really value artistry isnt something new to me. It has always been a great companion.

[@AndresMartinez-ru5ef]

I was a 2 for years, funny how getting older made me change and now I’m a three with hints of that rebel from thirty years ago lol.

[@DJCoffman]

Haha it happens!

[@InvasionAnimation]

This was a great video It helped me feel a little more optimistic about the future.

[@DJCoffman]

🙏

[@OJR-vs1fg]

Indeed

[@Majicalcreatures]

Thanks DJ! 🏆🏆🏆

[@icefireobsidian7490]

Man been in all the artist phases you mentioned before. I have been working in IT to pay the bills since art doesn’t seem to be a constant flow of income for me. But I got a work injury so my art can shift to full time since the company is paying for my injuries. I am enjoying being my own boss and not working a second day job and then freelance drawing at 4am till I had to drive to work.

[@devernepersonal3636]

Van Gough only ever sold a single painting in his lifetime. So i think that statement has always been true. It only matters after the artist dies, even today.

[@DJCoffman]

I’ve heard that story is a myth. It’s hard to say. It was a different time for sure.

[@eroane]

What kind of pencil are you using?? Where can I find it?😊

[@RagTag-N-Bobtail]

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." -Joe Rogan

[@DRAWTIST1]

Well said!

[@NoodlesByPaolo]

I will draw as long as I can 🤗

[@inquizitive1]

I agree that the world doesn’t value art on a mainstream level but it does still value story telling especially the stories that haven’t been told before.

[@jonmahashintina]

i guess i just put out super mediocre stuff or something worse. i see people love music, adore it, live it, want album covers on their wall and vinyls and live show tickets. my oc art? bleh.

[@stephennagy6344]

Maybe it's the "REAL WORLD" that's the problem, plus really the same can be said for a lot if things. People don't think about the people who build their car.

[@ClearGlassStudios281]

Im a new artist, I have no training or experience but i feel like i have raw talent and my family tells me i do. (See profile pic for one of my drawings) I have no idea if i should even see where my skill can go. There's no use for it in the modern world it seems. I also have alot of original ideas I think are 1 of 1s. Its kinda frustrating.

[@DJCoffman]

The world definitely needs more art! Everything you see around you was designed by someone, from the furniture we sit in to the shows or entertainment we consume. The tools change but art is needed!

[@awfulgoodmovies]

AI is the only reason I'm drawing again ( after about 20 years ). It's given me millions of ideas and I've now I have a backlog of a thousand paintings I want to finish. The only problem with AI, is it's giving me too much and would like to pay artists to produce originals from my AI prompts.

[@martyfrank3548]

Thanks for this; I personally despite what AI has done and derply hope for a retroactive retribution for what theyve done in scraping all the hard work to get rich chewing away what we love in this world

[@martyfrank3548]

Derply. Lol.. deeply

[@DJCoffman]

😂

[@andyrevo8081]

True. True. And by the way true, did I mention that? That it's true?

[@DJCoffman]

It’s true!

[@torpedoboy4]

I’m a 2 and 3 combo kinda guy

[@_Alfa_Channel]

the world resents paying artists to learn - but and - Artists are the only ones who really make anything worth buying...

[@VinylSkillz]

I just copped that dope sketchbook i see you using. I love art ever since i started doing it in 2017....but i think this AI crap has made it seem so small in the eyes of many.... People charging way less than they should demeans the real value of art.

[@DJCoffman]

Thanks for picking that up and supporting out brand. Appreciate it!

[@Tonabillity]

Artists also don’t care about the majority of people. ALL are taken for granted. Dental surgeons, Uber drivers, sound engineers, etc… Everyone is focused on their own survival. We are a nation of self-obsessed narcissists Get over it 🤷🏾

[@DJCoffman]

“World” of. It’s not about getting over it. But becoming aware of that so we can be kinder to all those people . Give more gratitude to all those things. We can make the world a better place….

[@Tonabillity]

@@DJCoffman I agree with making the world a better place. I should specify that “my” way of pursuing that objective was getting over myself. Of course as a child we’re ALL the center of the universe, but as I matured I stopped expecting people to respect me because I happen to be an artist, because EVERYONE is hyper focused on themselves. It’s freed me up to focus more on making a difference in the lives of OTHERS rather than worry about how I’M being viewed. Who cares if I’m an artist, or a street car conductor, as long as I’m using my super powers for good? That’s when I stopped looking for advocates, and learned how to become an advocate for others. But that’s just me. I don’t expect anyone else to see it that way. So I suppose you’re right. Just because I’ve gotten over it, doesn’t mean that anyone else has to. 🤷🏾

[@chucklee9280]

I like to draw comics it's a hobby of mine...i have my favorite comic artist but it's only about the art and the characters for me I really don't care about what's going on in the artist's life ..why would I care do you care about what i do in My life?...are you going to teach me how to draw or something like that ? No ok then why would I care.

[@DJCoffman]

I think as a visual storyteller, I DO like to know what’s going on in others lives , mainly so I can relate in different ways and tell stories from different perspectives.

[@HFord-zx8bq]

I'm old enough to go....hmmmm nahhhh. I heard this same nonsense propaganda doom and gloom talk in the late 70's, and the early 80's and I bought into it....Not anymore... Adapt, combine techniques, do randomness, enter shows, actually talk to people. Talking to people and making connections is half the battle. AI is great and everything but people want to touch and own a practical piece. Instagram and facebook are not a true reality.

[@chucklee9280]

I'm an American...and what I'm about to say is the truth... when it comes to comic artist teaching how to draw comics Americans can't stand it there only for themselves... they don't want kids taking there jobs ..there greedy... that's not true for people that are not Americans.. like the Mexican people they stick together and Mexican comic artist teach there own people ..on Instagram all the time..if i only i can speak Spanish 😂... American comic artist need to learn from the Spanish comic artist and start teaching how to draw comics like the why the Spanish people do it all the time...and they don't charge money... Americans you can charge money but do it for cheap 😂

[@kennedyhair8434]

You're American? What kind of American are you?

[@chucklee9280]

​@@kennedyhair8434 the better kind of American

[@chucklee9280]

We need new how to draw super hero comics drawing books and DVDs drawing lessens.. l don't think there ever was a serious attempt at it most drawing books for comics artist are just gimmicks or half @$$ attempts ...and so are KZbin videos about the same subject...they haven't made a really good how to draw super heroe comics drawing books for beginners for a long time.. how to draw comics the marvel Way it's not enough we need Way More...Ai will take over the human hand when it comes to drawing comics for a living..but at least if people start making comic drawing books or videos maybe we as humans can still have drawing comics for a hubby but even that Will Go away for ever if no does anything about it.

[@DJCoffman]

Proko channel here on KZbin has a pretty great How to Comics playlist , check it out kzbin.info/aero/PLtG4P3lq8RHESMj3GNNpzJxw2K9mpGQt2&si=aXyofcd5302FyvAE