Do you need art school to be a pro artist?

Tutorials/Templates/Brushes - gumroad.com/trentk
Twitter- / trentkaniuga
Discord - / discord
Equipment I use- www.amazon.com/shop/trentkaniuga
Things I've worked on:
Overwatch (PC, PS4)
League of Legends (PC)
Diablo 3 (PC,PS4)
Hearthstone (Mobile, PC)
Burning Crusade (PC)
Wrath of the Lich King (PC)
Indivisible
Unsung Story
Final Fight Streetwise (PS2)
He Man (GBA)
Terminator 3 (GBA)
CannonBallers (Mobile)
CreeD
Twilight Monk
Ikeda
Nova Colony
Galaxy's Edge
SodaPopSoldier
Millenium Actress
Goblins and Gnomes

[@JonLauArt]

Honestly in terms of pure skill with the fundamentals: no, you don't need to go to school or get a degree. There are many different sources to learn your art fundamentals. If you want to be a "production artist" then yes school can help fast track the experience needed to get a professional gig at a AAA studio. But again you can take the long road by joining communities and building up your experience via indie games too. The real question though comes to what kind of student are you. Do you learn best on your own with little guidance? Then KZbin, Gumroad, private mentorships, and practice practice practice are for you. Or are you the type that learns best in a structured curriculum? Then school may be a better option. TLDR: Do you need school to be a pro? No. Will it help you get there faster? Yes.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Probably very true. but... most people don't have that discipline. Even at FZD, they have over a 65% dropout rate, and that's WITH a teacher organizing your lessons every day. To do that on your own, in this competitive biz? That's not a healthy level of ambition and focus. Most people wont be able to do it. I couldve had a 3 hour talk about this topic and not even covered everything I wanted to say. But you are right. It can be done without instruction.

[@JonLauArt]

@@TrentKaniuga Oh I never said it was easy. I personally went to school for animation. While I loved it, I enjoyed painting, drawing and designing way more than animating. My painting, drawing and design skills come strictly from me observing and practicing. I'd love to go to school like FZD but I ain't got the money for that xD Side note: I still think I can't draw or paint to save my soul xD This feeling will never go away xP

[@AblackGenie]

@@JonLauArt You uploaded a vid 10 years ago. I can't imagine your curren't level.

[@AblackGenie]

@@TrentKaniuga Thanks for this response Trent. It made me realize how much more discipline i need. Dammit, I have to get it hard and stay extremely focused 😡! I will trent!i will make you proud! This is me after knowing that that school has an about 65% drop out rate 😮

[@JonLauArt]

@@AblackGenie God those videos.... If not for the fact that are a record of me learning to paint... I'd get rid of them lol My artstation for those who want to gauge my current skill: www.artstation.com/jonwing

[@bloodsord9]

When someone asks me if you need to go to an art school I ask them if they can sit down and draw for 8 hours a day. Get up the next day and do the same. Will you be able to spend weeks and months learning something as boring as perspective? Will you find mentors and peers that will critique your work and then take that critique, fix the mistakes and learn from it? If the answer is yes to all of them, you don't need art school. I used to say that I don't need art school. But I want motivated enough to work on my own without the pressure of assignments. Truth was that I didn't want it enough. Now that I work in my field, I work and spend 8+ hours a day working on my art on my own time. I hardly sleep to draw. But I finally found a passion for my work. Now I have the tools I learned at art school and the passion from being in the field and trying it. Now I don't need school. But before I wouldn't be able to sit there and learn perspective. I wouldn't be able to find peers that critique my work.

[@ezchowo]

knowing you are self-taught makes me have hope lmao

[@greggrease1377]

Right

[@popesuavecitoxii2379]

I'm an independent type when it comes to working, but I do appreciate the structure of a school and I think people downplay how useful it is. Yes, there are many art schools and university programs that are outdated or not very useful, but if you find a really good one (and preferably a scholarship) it's totally worth it because it will fast track your career. School provides structure, a focused environment, social opportunities, and most importantly: NETWORKING and DIRECT FEEDBACK! Those last two things are so important because someone who is getting critiqued by their classmates and professor will have their ideas challenged and can learn to deal with criticism. They don't have to post on forums or in groups in hopes that someone will help them. Most of the time you can't get good help online because everyone else posting is learning just like you or may be at an earlier level. As a result you spend more time fumbling around than someone who has access to a professional instructor. Also, a person in a good school will be taught by instructors who are/were professionals and can give solid advice and recommendations for their career, or perhaps even connect you to a job

[@ArcangelZero7]

Not gonna lie, I expected this one to be another "hard-to-swallow reality pill" about how hopelessly outclassed I am, but I came out the other side absolutely fired up! I held off my self-assessment until I heard all of your "routes" but I knew the whole time: *Yeah, I'm the "independent creator" type.* No doubt. Full stop. I always seemed to end up living in places with no competent art education. But I need to learn *everything* . I love art, I am obsessed with learning game coding even though it's a constant struggle. Martial arts? Music? Sure I'll try that too. I switched to Linux and learning entirely open-source production software because I'm passionate about it, and I want to show people you can make it without conforming to "industry standards" and insane monthly expenses. I want to make concepts, and model them, and animate them, and texture them, and add interactivity, and then show someone "Yeah I did that!" I just wouldn't be happy being somebody else's "Make this awesome concept into 3D and pass it down" monkey. It's not that I hate working with people, I just don't want to compromise my callings, and I despise arbitrary hierarchies. I'm done with bosses and "clocking in", and inane policies. I loathe corporations about as much as any cyberpunk protagonist. I don't need fancy cars or a big house or materialism. I'd love to live in a tiny home somewhere if I can get a good broadband connection. I don't think I'm anything special, I just know I want to be free. I was *always* wondering if I'm on the wrong path, I was probably looking at production artists and art-job types thinking "Why am I not like that?" and I likely will never reach their level of sheer ability. But this is my path. Whatever I do make? I'll do it with all I've got. Somebody will want it. I'll find a place in the world. Yeah I hate my dayjob, but it's stable and it keeps the lights on, and I know soon I won't need it anymore. I know I'm on a hard road but it's the right one for me. Freedom in art or bust. God bless, Trent. Sorry for the second blog-post-long comment on your work, but I appreciated your talk a lot. :)

[@yonarumo9051]

I feel extremely called out by your description of the independent creator. I majorly screwed up in art school (or any school i ever attended for that matter) and eventually dropped out after realizing I'm simply not made for working in the industry and do client work. When i structure myself and learn for myself, it's a breeze. But the second, someone tells me what to do I shut down. Your video clears some things up for me and honestly makes me feel better. The whole time I thought i was just lazy and useless and gave myself crap for not functioning like everyone else.

[@hybridphoenix7766]

Trent, in a future video can you talk about some personal struggles/stressful moments throughout your career as a concept artist? Key moments that you struggled with initially, but overtime found a way to overcome?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Good suggestion. I'll give that some thought. I'd need to think about which situations that I've been through that would benefit the audience the most. But yes. I will give that some thought.

[@JSG-mw4qr]

Yeah that would be cool, Dave Rapoza has a few cool videos on gumroad and I found it very encouraging how honest he is about his own struggles and self doubt.

[@jdm6784]

Trent: Do not shape your life around my opinion 200,000 Subscribers: Too late dude...

[@ZitkyAdams]

I love you for what you share, say, and do. The attitude, and knowledge you share. And the things you say, it's like I'm listening to an internal dialogue I've had for many years. It's so nice to hear from you brother! Thanks for doing what you do here I'm not only inspired, I have something to listen to while I'm drawing - it's great. And I'm defo gonna do something I don't usually do - buy the stuff you got up! There's a certain comic I've seen being shown constantly that youre so passionate and happy about. Also tutorials! I rediscovered this craft that I've left behind a long time ago and came back to it and what a better time to discover your channel.. You keep inspiring me to create and get excited about stuff that I'm passionate about! That's the best thing I can hope to achieve one day too - authentically inspire other people who need it most. Thanks

[@jandepauw1269]

Question: I've been struggling with learning how to draw for a very, very, long time. And it's not just drawing in general, but quite frankly everything nowadays. I can't seem to get back into a focused state or "flow" as some people like to call it. I've been researching the term "hyper focus" and ''flow" for quite some time now and it seems to highlight a lot of breaking down big goals or tasks, into smaller goals and tasks. So basically my question is: How would you start and proceed learning how to draw, if you would lose all your drawing skills tomorrow and had to relearn everything? What path would you take and how would you practice? What would you focus on during your practice and how would you keep challenging yourself, to get back to the skill level you have now?! I, and I think a majority of your channel, would love to get your thoughts on this.

[@Jacur1980]

And just like that in the background we have some amazing work being done. Thanks for the video and your insights Trent.

[@frankbailey5383]

Thanks, Trent, for the video. Been following you for a while. My daughters have a passionate interest in art and I tried to explain there are many paths out there, it just depends on what you want and what you are willing to live with and without. I'm going to show them this to hopefully answer some of the main points :) Thanks again!

[@hubertwawszczak9891]

Some day I would love to get you a coffee and talk to you for a while and show you how grateful I am for all the great advice you give. Thank you man, you help a lot. also i love listening to your videos while I'm painting.

[@TrentKaniuga]

thanks. I appreciate your kind words, and that you took time to comment.

[@hubertwawszczak9891]

​@@TrentKaniuga I don't want to sound creepy or something xD. I just really apriccieate that you do what you do. Beacouse you don't have to do this, you could say anything but You are trying to be as honest about the industry as you can. And that's what I apreciate.

[@hubertwawszczak9891]

@@TrentKaniuga So if I get to meet you, you have a cup coffie on me! 😄 just finished my homework portrait with some passion man!

[@sunrat123]

Sitting in Singapore right now listening to this while working hard! looking forward to jumping into this industry!

[@kingconan4crom]

I love your videos man :) Especially the crazy off the wall stuff you do. I remember one video where you started off singing "Whaaaat is Happenen!" Me and my son replayed that a few times because of how funny that was. I can definitely see myself being the creator type; everything you described about this type of artist is practically me in a nutshell. For years I've been building my product and I need to know more on the business side so thank you for bringing the importance of that up. Overall, I appreciate the material that you provide and the character that you are is just icing on the cake. Keep up the awesomeness man.

[@farronhart5761]

Your description of the 1st type of artist/creator was spot on and pretty much describes me and my goals.

[@lunatic_3521]

Always good content on this channel I love it. What I mean is that you really help people with their art career just like me by teaching what matters the most ^^

[@legendofryan_1183]

Just found this video, and always value Trent’s advice! I was always having trouble being self taught and now at 35 I’ve applied to a masters program for this to start in the spring, it’s now or never !

[@AbnerRynjah]

Thank you for your wisdom and tips/guide. I know now what i must do. I've been lacking practice for awhile but not anymore. If i have to beat everyone n be employed, i have to be the best. But I'd prefer learning from tutorials and tips. And yours are really really helpful too. Thank you so much. Gonna work harder for my skills to further improve

[@ElliotBoyette]

Your approach of just slapping down pixel paint on top of pre-existing stuff is pretty liberating to watch. I've spent a long time trying to not be destructive in PS but I now know that I need to get more destructive with my painting to be faster and iterate better.

[@raseruuu3742]

love the art on this :) inspiring to hear all this while working indie :)

[@CouchFerretmakesGames]

It was a pretty interesting listen. I didn't know that artists have similar dilemmas just like programmers. As a programmer, I could relate to the things you've said, and I think most of them apply to programmers too. (Not just gamedevs) Thanks!

[@HypeLozerInc]

you nailed my life plans right into me, ive been procrastinating for a long time and I finnaly have the motivation, I know now what I should do.

[@prntrfxr]

Basically, work for yourself and spend half your time selling your stuff or work for a company with a steady check, benefits, doing only artwork but all of it is someone else's ideas/style. If you're single, out of debt, and have a good paying part-time job, the former is good. If you have a family to support and you're in debt up to your eyeballs, the latter is better. Also, if you go to school for your art you will be paying a bill immediately after college and it will feel like you will owe for the rest of your life. There is no perfect solution and that is why I have not done either until now. I went and got my degree in something else and am just finished paying for it. I don't like what I do for work but it pays the bills and while I am working, I am getting lessons on the side and working toward working for myself in art and writing, because I have an idea for a book. I can't stand the idea of working on things I am not interested in or are against my principles/values, so this is my choice. The only regret I have is not going in this direction sooner.

[@TrentKaniuga]

You've identified the beast, and your kicking it's ass. I'm glad to hear it!

[@marionetteking4036]

I don't really have the intention of collaborating with others, I know the worlds I want to build, if someone else wants to be apart of the building process then that's fine. But I have so many things in my head that I won't feel satisfied until I've given them a physical form. I wouldn't mind selling art through commissions, but the end goal is to make my the worlds I see in my head available to others.

[@ExiledDragoon]

Very helpful indeed, I've seen so many artists crapping on art school and suggesting that the only way to go is to be the self taught Renaissance man and vast majority of us will just never be that. I'd be plenty happy with spending a good chunk of time working for a reputable company, establish myself with a stable income to raise a family on and once I get tired of the grind? Go freelance or go teach. Kinda expecting to dead or the Apocalypse to happen before I retire, but assuming neither of those happen I'm curious what does an artist do when they are approaching the end of their working lives? Maybe you're not the guy to tell us, but if you happen to know some folks who might be approaching that point in their lives I think that'd be a useful video as well. May not be immediately practical, but definitely those thinking a lil further ahead it might do some good to consider their options and set their pieces up in the right places.

[@LoveNRumba]

Thank you for the wisdom insights I will tackle artschool and make it a priority in my schedule

[@ShrapnelYeti]

You're on a roll with these vids, my dude

[@aquarius2284]

Yeah, corporations work like that. When they no longer need you or are able to get anything off you, they throw you like a used rag. It all depends on your personality. If you're a team player and a pragmatic, chances are you'll thrive in the corporate world. If you're an independent idealist, you're probably going to be better off as a freelancer, managing your own business. At the same time, as a freelancer you need to have a really high level of conscientiousness to be successful at your business. Unless, like you said, you have some financial crutches already. This industry and any industry really, are not for the weak willed. That's the cold hard truth. Either you face the reality, or you join the droves of artists that constantly moan about them quitting art because they can't get themselves to put pen on paper.

[@goku21youtub]

i now found my solution , in the summer i work as a selfemployed "pest control" together with one of my best friends and we earn A SHITTON of money that way , and in the autumn winter we are not needed and have lots of freetime and i can take on a book illustration job or two over the cold months ... i now have the stress of financial pressure out of the way and can be really free in my art and after years for the first time have fun painting again ... aslo i dont sit at the computer 365 days a year which is also a big plus for my health and life ...

[@lorddeci1155]

@@goku21youtub where are you located?

[@vaut4015]

Super helpful video for the situation I’m in right now. I’m about to apply to a university for game and animation. Hopefully that’s the right thing

[@stickfigurearena1247]

Thank you so much for this incredibly informative video. I needed this, and I'm probably going to try and pursue becoming a contract artist.

[@pronoydutta614]

If you can work your way up to landing a starting position with studios in your country or locally, you'll learn way faster then school. 3 or 4 years of working is better than college. You'll be pressured into improving and hopefully have good guides or colleagues who help. Many pros if you aim for something like this. That won't happen in school. School pressure is great if you have fun all the time by messing up hard projects you give yourself. Actual hard projects where you're trying to improve and implement processes you're taught. You'll be able to take full advantage of messing up in an easier situation like school.

[@onaligan]

Every time I see how hard and dedicated is this job I want it more!

[@vdraw5758]

You are awesome I like your style and how you explain things I totally get to it

[@louis-philippedesjardins459]

Had a lot of the same thoughts recently. It's reassuring to hear somebody that's more established have the same kind of observations. Nice concept as well, looks crisp!

[@bensepens]

Realy nice vid, thanks! Good info for artists and others aswel!

[@atas0channel]

Trent, thanks for honesty and not sugarcoating anything. People need to know what they get into so they could make an informed decision.

[@ferdialpagu]

Excellent video, thank you for sharing! Subscribed

[@debilita9999]

I feel like being a contract artist is a right path for me. I wanna make my own manga but to pay the bills etc. I am fine with doing contract work for studios. Don'T have money for school so I'll have to be a self taught. Thank you for the info + thank you for christmass present - your cheat box tutorials they should help to achieve my dream ;)

[@berca76]

I was drawing since I was a kid. Later on I went to art school where above else I learned the basics of drawing - figure, still, country painting and stuff. I always loved drawing stuff the old way making things realistic. But when I got out of shool it was pretty difficult to actually find a job. I was too young and insecure to even try to sell some of my stuff. So I went to gaming company where I was hired as a 2D texture artist. During the time I was forced to learn also 3D. And I had less and less time for the actual drawing and I ended up with not drawing at all. Now after almost 20 years in gaming industry doing 3D/2D stuff I found myself 42years old, with 2 little kids and I want to draw again. Problem is the hand doesn't do what it was capable to do 20 years ago. And it is extremely frustrating. I know it should come back eventually with enough of practicing but with actual job and kids it's almost impossible to find some free time. Just curious how many old farts like me are here :)

[@al-919]

berca76 i lear to back drawing again months a go, and i think the key is time management, start your own style and don’t forget to develop your own business. I hope you find your way very soon, i am almost old as you. But I won’t giving it up easily until now, our mental is now being tested. Good luck my brother

[@bluesoctopus197]

My English is quite bad but I m happy that I can listen a guy that speak about the things that I want to do, enumerate the cons and the pros about something like that , that unstress me a lot, thank u!

[@artandchill2117]

Trent i got my ipad and procreate the other day....simply masterful lol but ive learned a lot from watching you and honestly ive learned more painting and designing on my own than what i did at Ai... Ooof but great video Trent lol ill be in your gumroad soon

[@AblackGenie]

TRENT, good stuff over here man! Loved and enjoyed the whole video! Glad you said youtube artist is a thing now. Many people don't see it that way. I won't be able to go to this M.I.C.A due to its high standards, and the rest of the colleges around here don't call my attention. Tho i still have to go to college, im tired of my mother beggin and crying. Doesn't like i'll get a lot out of these schools but im not worried. I wanted to go self-taught anyways. Im aspiring to become and independent artist. It always hurts every time someone says "you might not make it", you also said that in the video. But i got faith in my passion. Im a Genie anyways, i can always wish to become an artist.

[@JSG-mw4qr]

I'm 32 YO married with kids, got a mortgage and the whole family thing. The path that I chose was to do this stuff on the side as a hobby until I was good enough to get in somewhere like blizzard. So I thought "I better start finding my backup now then so that in case it doesnt work out I at least make a good living." So where that leads to is less and less time for hobbies. So its harder to get better. My advice to you since you mentioned your mom I assume you live at home, so my advice is pretend your job is to practice 10 hours a day 6 days a week. Dont worry about women or video games just go HAM until you make it. I bet in 1 year you'll be amazing. That's what I wish I could do now, I just dont have that kind of time. So learn from my mistakes, for FREE I refuse to believe that a company won't hire you despite a sick portfolio just because you didn't go to school.

[@AblackGenie]

@@JSG-mw4qr Im with you on that one. I can't practice 10 hours i day like i did in the summer since i have school, but the weekends are fine! I am still going for that independent path. There is so many thing i want to do art related. And music related too, now im getting into music. Art is something i have to master, it is a must. Thanks for the advice. I do play games. for like 1 hour but that's it. I'm not focused on women either. I figured i have to bring this mental picture into reality. When it's time to stuggle with bills, i plan to become a complete minimalist, so that i can build my empire!

[@JSG-mw4qr]

@@AblackGenie sounds like you got a good head on your shoulders man, wish you all the success in the world man.

[@AblackGenie]

@@JSG-mw4qr Really Appreciate this my man. Wish you the best from the bottom of my heart!

[@saiaku-sama6543]

iv very recently investid in a exspensive consept art course up in london i was worryd that if it wasent worth the money but this video has put my mind at rest thank you 😊

[@dougieladd]

Interesting... I'm not in the game industry but I am a creative lead in another industry... The terminology you use is different but it's the same thing as what I believe which is... there are 2 types: The DESIGNER and The ARTIST. The DESIGNER is the person who is a problem solver for their clients, either theirs or the company they work for. And The ARTIST is a passionate person who wants to do their own thing as more of self expression. That's not to say they can be the same person either... but generally it's either one or the other. Mistakes are made when an "Artist" joins a production team and eventually throws their toys out of the pram because they are made to do company work, not their own work. They say things like "I ain't working for the man" etc not realising that "the man" is the company paying them to have a fancy car and house. Your other point about education... I don't believe anyone (who has the ability to draw and paint digitally) needs to get any kind of qualification... unless its just to be in PILE A instead of PILE B in an employment agency. But generally in your industry it's a network of people who know what each other are capable of by their portfolios... and jobs are offered on experience and merit.... I'm glad I subscribed to your channel Trent... I'm learning a lot.

[@tiagocoelho4110]

Yo trent really enjoyed this video. Im 16 and I first got to know FZD trough a portuguese channel who interviewed a portuguese artist, who was at the time working at cdprojektred. The guy's work is amazing and even though it is kinda deviating from straight concept art more to production ilustration one thing this guy always said trough the interview was about how much fzd showed him the way, the pipeline and mental game in the industry, wich he considers even more important than what he learned art wise in there. Btw if anyone wants to know the artist name is joão silva on artstation

[@idontknowWhatTosay8]

trent, just love ur videos and the way u teach us. can u make tutorial about how to chose colors..? its like, when i watch ur videos, it looks so easy to chose right color+tone, i ll be so glad if u make one for that.. THanks! and i have blending problem too, u blend great with little push of bursh, idk how to do that :D

[@Gilgamesh2424]

"Thats all you really need baby" haha good good. love your videos man!

[@scarlettowll7590]

trent i love the videos and im learning alot from them but i still suck XD. Joined your discord and im hoping to get better. Thanks again

[@jodyangel]

Working as a Merchandiser has allowed me to have more flexible schedule to pursue my art and writing career. It also has given me hands one experience in learn about sales and marketing a product in a retail setting.

[@lord.shader4612]

Damn... i did Not Listen to any word you have said cause of this damn Nice Drawings which pulled all my attention 😅

[@VyacheKan]

Love the conversation at 11 min mark Trent 👌. Made me laugh.

[@vaepuer2290]

11:00 called me out Trent haha! Also straight after speaking of movies, looking forward to Mortal Engines? The Books were great and the trailers are doing them justice!

[@edwardteach1992]

Sadly, many elements that made the book great are removed in the movie.

[@khornberserker90]

Omg this video is amazing tyyyy for help :3!!!

[@jaychen6836]

Good stuff man, thanks for sharing it! And I get the Legendary Photoshop Cheat Box from your gumroad! It was very interesting, but unfortunately, I already know most of the stuff in the video, please know that I'm not here to complain, I did learn something new, but it's more like how to use the tricks I already know in a different way. Now, for the people that are still wondering if you should get it or now, here are my advice. First, if you're a student that is new fairly new to Photoshop, I'd strongly recommend you to get it even if that means you need to save up a bit, the package has a lot good stuff in it and you'll learn a lot. But if you already have some working experience and like to try/ play around with the tools in photoshop, the chances are you might already know these tricks. Will you still learn something new, I think so, but maybe not as much, so if you have some extra bucks in your pocket and would like to thank Trent for sharing so much great tips here on KZbin, you should get it. Thanks again for sharing all the awesome tips on KZbin, sir, keep it up

[@patriciosoler3861]

This video popped up and now in 2022 Trent is working on his own indie game... insane!

[@tripplejaz]

I see you're using that famous CUBE Brush ;) Thanks for the video Trent! Your videos are invaluable.

[@arthursegers1107]

Omg this is the video I waited for so long ! I putted it in my "watch later " list because I have To go To my art classes right now 😂

[@bradypostma2723]

Thank you for this video

[@JSG-mw4qr]

I guess I always just assumed that any creative industry was similar to the culinary industry. I climbed my way up to sous chef in a from-scratch fine dining restaurant without any formal training. I've seen countless culinary school graduates come in for a staj only to find that A: they spent 4 years dicing onions and dont know anything about cooking or B: they couldn't handle the pressure of the line, tickets piling up, the chef is chewing their ass and they throw in their apron and run away crying. Restaurants dont really care weather or not you went to this or that school, they want someone who can cook well consistantly and under pressure because that's what keeps them in business. I assumed that if you showed up with a sick reel and a great portfolio that they'd hire you. Well in any case school is out if the question for me.

[@TrentKaniuga]

JSG1138 you’re absolutely correct.

[@tlst9999]

There's a difference. In culinary, if you know zilch, they can just make you slice onions or wash the dishes, which is still productive work. Then, when you're a bit more comfortable after a few weeks, you can learn everything else slowly. In creative, if you know zilch, you'll be completely useless for anything but making coffee.

[@JSG-mw4qr]

@@tlst9999 I guess the only difference is that you can hit the cutting onions phase of creative at home before you even get there.

[@Orozus]

Those soldiers are so original and on point

[@matsmith2507]

You just earned a disciple. I will soon be under your training. It is an honor hearing you. - Just some guy drawing stickmen.

[@lillowh6126]

To me being an artist is to never stop learning and growing

[@davidmccombs6187]

No, because learning is learning. But yes of course it does depend on your personality. I don't know about the other type but If you're an independent artist , he's absolutely right, you need to know your demographics, how to market how to handle buisness, write and handle contracts etc. It's definitely not easy. I set my own skedules for distributing, eventhough I create whenever I want. I build an audience and enteract with my viewers to get feedback. I also enter contest and find venues to showcase. If you are unsure about a product create a feed page and use that page to build your starter audience. If you happen to have more then one buisness, which most creator types do then piggy back the ones that need help on the others until they have stable audience of their own. There's more to it ofcource but this is more then enough to get you started. You may have talents you didn't know you were there, just three days ago a friend asked me to make her a marketing pitch for selling something I've never sold and it came out as though I was writing for a character. Part of my marketing comes from the 90's so it still kind of trips me out when people ask me do I have a website, eventhough I was standing right in front of them with the product in my hand. No, I'm not rich but auditions are free, pitching to certain companies are free, everyones on the enternet and most of them are subscribed to the same youtube channels you are, they just don't comment. Everyone's just a flight or call away, they can be spoken to like you speak to your neighbors. I'm going to tell you something that it took me years to figure out (because I'm also the tunnel vission type) people are seasonal & cyclical creatures so why wouldn't their veiwing and buying needs be on schedule as well, don't sell winter themed art in a place and time where you know it's the middle of summer. The same rules apply accross the spectrum. You may not have thought about this, simply because at one point you were just a consumer. We are all more capable then we realize.

[@bloodykun4443]

Seems that production doesn’t hold much interest for me...there are some I think it would be cool to be involved with like White Owls or Grasshopper but likely just sound better than it really would be. Ultimately I’d just like to make at least some money on what is otherwise just a big hobby for me. It would technically be a different job but I’m not looking to take on more bosses and deadlines and etc. from the part time job I’m already working. Thing is, it’s not a terrible thing, but feeling like I’ve been more coddled than really encouraged with my early drawings, perhaps combined with some crazy teen drama depression, comparing my art now at 28 it seems I just stopped getting much better, and it feels pretty late now to start learning as much as I can without some fancy college classes. At the very least there’s a ton of free or cheap resources, and so long as I keep my day job, I can afford to take my time if my aspirations aren’t so high.

[@jikito3199]

I will not shape my life based on that video, but your knowledge helped me a lot. Thank you so much. I mean it.

[@raphfelix6305]

digging the salsa intro. muy muy bueno.

[@uppstart9820]

Amazing!

[@chonkittydoodles]

Thanks for the tips man, really helpful. I got a question though - If you live in a country with no scope in game industry as well as films, is it easier to get into the industry by immigrating to a different country as an In-House artist or working remotely as a freelancer?

[@naev0]

I work in a totally different field, but the principle is the same! If you are not constantly studying and improving, you WILL become irrelevant. I think part of the drive for anyone who takes up a job with this type of environment has to come from a desire to deliver the best. I think it's easier when you're doing a job that you believe to be beneficial/good (e.g. for me I work for a non-profit that I believe truly helps people, and staying on top of recent research and trends helps us to serve people more effectively; that keeps me and others motivated to be on top of the game).

[@RNL22]

Hi, I absolutely love that I found your channel. I am curious though, have you heard of Full Sail University? Do you think that is a good school to go to for concept art and game design?

[@getthatfun]

Great vid Trent. I appreciate you sharing your insight. Your message will keep people grounded while chasing their artistic pursuit.

[@Fenaix]

Just want to say : i love you. Thanks and go !

[@Skull19O1]

I've been having this tough choice for a while. I want to be an artist to bring my creation to life. but I also want to be a culinary chef. so i had a choice between culinary school or art school

[@mintgreen5614]

if validation from other people is one of the biggest pros then im not really interested. im still trying to decide if im going "lets build my own story and brand" or "lets work for some company to work on a big thing". i think that i have some plan of what im going to do now. thank you.

[@viriden23]

damn this was helpful! thank you

[@lalajean452]

The problem right now is theres no art school or university courses related to art in my town there are fine arts but its so far from my home town .

[@JTarrosa]

And here I was, thinking I didn't need to be better than everyone else to be a good concept artist :'D

[@bass0man12]

Hey Trent. First of all i just gotta say - This is my probably my favourite YT channel. I love your work (even before i found out it was you who did it) and you really have been a huge inspiration to me. I've got a question which i would really want to hear your opinion/input on: My dream is becoming a concept designer and work on making cool stories. However, because there wasn't any place to get formal education on that when i started - i went to study Product UI/UX design. right now I'm a senior UI/UX designer (doing mainly web & mobile apps design). Anyways, in the past 2 years i started working harder on my illustration and concept art skills, and I think i've reached a level where i am confident taking small projects as a freelancer, or doing the transition towards an in house illustrator/ concept artist. The thing is - I got a family now and a great position in a really big company, and I can't simply give up on a senior designer's pay-check and conditions just to pursue my own dream - unless i get something that could at least come close what i get now. So i guess my question is - Do you think that there is a "Safe way" of doing this transition from UI/UX to concept design? or do i have to start everything all over again? Will my experience even count? even if it's not the same thing, i still have plenty of experience working on large scale products from start to finish in big company studios - but not doing concept art. Overall, i'd love to hear what you have to say about balancing between pursuing that concept art dream without harming your job or family. And of course - if you have any tips on doing the transition from other creative fields, without throwing everything you have to the trash. Sheesh, that was long. I don't normally comment on videos (in fact this is my first ever YT comment), but I really wanted to post this one and see if maybe you'd have a tip for me. Anyways, Thank you dude! Thank you for inspiring me to create awesome stuff and for your really great input and commentary here on KZbin.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Irael soriano freelance concept art is a very unstable career path, unless if your work is in high demand. Even with my history of AAA titles, I can’t always book every month for my whole team, and when a 3 month contract falls through, it disrupts the company finances, so I have to cancel artist bookings. If you go the freelance concept artist, you have to learn to plan for such contingencies. If you get anxious losing more money than you make on any given month, this can make for a stressful life choice. There are many ups and downs to doing freelance, and I will add that as a subject for a future video. But my advice would be to focus on the safe secure gig you’ve got if you like it, and just do contracts on the side for the experience and bonus cash till you’re financially independent.

[@bass0man12]

@@TrentKaniuga Got it. Thanks for the advice and for taking the time to comment :)

[@songjo]

Hello Trent, you mentioned doing contract work for companies. I was wondering, which party issues the job contract? Do you provide your personal documents that includes the agreed deadline, pay, content, etc? Are additional 3rd party legal advisers required when starting out with contract work?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Good question. I need to do a video about how to set up contract work. It usually involves working with an outsource manager. Most studios have someone designated to manage outsource artists. If you're just getting started, you should consider joining a studio like aquatic Moon, One Pixel brush, west studio, massive black, 6 more vodka, etc. Its not that dissimilar from doing a commission for someone online. You have a contract and all terms are defined before you begin.

[@MrRyancarr13]

I think another thing to bear in mind is that schools have a lot of connections to the industry too, so theres a level of networking involved with that that you wouldn't get if youre self taught

[@tb8865]

I'm in art school going into my last year, and honestly I'm not sure it's been worth it. Because of GI Bill it has been (mostly) free. However, aside from a few key studio classes where I learned useful skills and tools, the illustration program leaves a lot to be desired. I'm a pretty self-driven person, so I've discovered that the time I've spent completing assignments has cut into my own study time and slowed my development. Simply put, I might well be a better artist if I didn't have to complete school work and instead focused on the places I need to. The only positive has been working around other student artists and getting input from other talented people. Of course that's just my experience of one university, im sure other art schools are different. But knowing how expensive it is, if i had to pay full price I would simply do something else.

[@StarlightAkari]

I feel similar about the part spending time having to do non-art related things in school. I have an illustration final right now where I'm finishing up a sculpture and a fabric pattern, but I can't get it done right now because I have to study for a science course final. As my friendly put it so well "yes excuse me I went to art school specifically to avoid this shit"

[@tb8865]

@@StarlightAkari thats a good point. I went to junior college before, so most of my non art classes have been taken care of thankfully. What I've been finding is that even the primary illustration classes have cut into my skills development, and I'm not progressing the way I want to progress. The actual studio drawing and painting classes have been great, but I'm not sure it's been worth it.

[@jordanh3475]

2 years later so I've obviously no idea whether you'll see this, but I'd like to ask about it. I'll be separating 2 years from now and have been planning on using the bill for art school. I'm curious as to which school and program you attended via the bill? Would you do it again if you could go back? Would you attend a different school/program, and if so, which? I find that I've no issue with motivation to draw/paint, but I'm not so good with the whole structure thing, and think I could stand to benefit dramatically from an environment which facilitates that (as well as from being free to work for more than ~3.5 hours/weekday like my current limit due to duty hours). Luckily I've an undergrad degree already, and thus will likewise be able to focus on the art instruction.

[@tb8865]

@@jordanh3475whats up man. 2 years feels like 10 years lol. So I went to CCA in CA for illustration. If I could do it again i would probably go study at a program like Watts Atelier and get a more traditional approach to art training, but that's just me. I'm not even entirely sure about that, it's just something I've considered. If its structure you need, a normal art school will give you that. I think most important though is to find people who are dedicated to doing what you want to do and train with them, find people who are trying to make quality work (look at the artwork of the people in a program). I dont know what kind of art you want to make, so my advice is pretty limited. If you're making art while you're still in you're doing way better than i was lol. Maybe try taking some online classes before you get out? The GI Bill was great, getting paid to go to school is awesome (the housing allowance really saves you from having to work a BS job) but try and take the long view of where you want to be and what kind of work you want to make down the road. You definitely dont need to go do 4 years at art school to become a pro artist. Probably havent been too helpful, a lot depends on the kind of art you're interested in making. If I can think of anything else I'll comment again. Have a good last 2 years and its cool you're thinking about this already.

[@jordanh3475]

@@tb8865 That was fast, I really appreciate the insight! Largely I want to be able to both design and illustrate my own characters and environments well, which I know puts me on a bit of a unicycle in between two commonly distinct paths. If I had to lean more in one direction, it'd be towards illustrating, since technical skills are where I experience the most self doubt. As it is I struggle to leave my floating heads comfort zone but do make it a point to spend plenty of time outside of it. I honestly care more about real skill development than about making it in any particular job - if I could attend a school that could guarantee I'd graduate with indisputably incomparable skills, but as a trade I'd never be hired, I would attend without hesitation. Anyhow, thank you again for the input, it'll definitely inform how I end up making my decisions hereabouts.

[@cntom8233]

I'm so conflicted. I hate being under restrictions and I want to make my own thing but at the same time I want to develop content with other artists. I need to figure these stuff out

[@noyoudidnot3513]

Try both out then!

[@fil1208]

Getting MGS1 vibes from the ongoing artwork

[@dutchyben1777]

sorry if this might be extremely irrelevant to the main point at hand, but i'm curious, have you done a video on how to construct 3D forms for characters in order to make them pop and not look like stiff flat 2D illustrations? i want to learn a bit more about this, but i'd like to learn it from you if you have done a tutorial on it.

[@Simbabweman]

I've been to university and studied computer arts, I've got my degree and haven't found a job yet. It's so competitive but like everything, they want experience. It's a tough industry to break into.

[@kayaeki]

whats computer arts? like computer engineering or digital art industry?

[@Simbabweman]

@@kayaeki digital art industry so it's involves 2D and 3D art and animation, basically any kind of digital art but specifically focused on work for the games industry.

[@amandaphelps4293]

Hi Trent! I have a question for ya. I was thinking about looking into doing a game jam at some point and I was wondering if you had any experience or thoughts on it. I feel like participating in a game jam could help with a few things like getting experience providing art assets and networking with other developers (which, not having gone to school, I'm definitely behind in networking). Anyway, just wanna know your thoughts on the subject. Thanks for everything and keep doing what you're doing! :D

[@tombraiderlara1996]

Hey Trent, what are some US concept art schools you would suggest checking out? I was looking at Art Institutes, but I haven't heard much good about their program.

[@samliveshere88]

I'm currently studying animation ( encompasses 2d/3d/vfx) personally I find it incredibly helpful. first of all having a guiding hand has helped my grow exponentially from where I started, second everyone around you encourages you to do better and try and be the best, and lastly It teaches deadlines and for where I study specifically gears you for the industry you're heading into building important interpersonal skills as well as the technical stuff.

[@PsychMandril]

Hey, Trent, i'd like to study animation after school, as i'd like to get into the video game industry. Is it a good idea to develop my games during that time? I'm sixteen and am trying to get into the industry asap. Also, what do i have to do to get to aquatic moon?

[@old.tables1989]

When you said the collaboration type, I thought you'd mean something like a project with other friends who do art. Plus me wanting to go to the be indie then get famous route. Anything for that?

[@dio8440]

Thanks mane :) good video

[@Chad-Mode]

Trent, have you heard anything of Syn Studio in Canada?Just wondering if you've run into grads from there or if it has a reputation in the industry. Thanks!

[@netzarim]

cool soldiers man

[@thorsten8790]

I got a really great teacher in my city, but I have Aspergers and really don't like drawing when I'm with other people, it's so hard to know where to start, what should I focus on?

[@Justwatch9900]

Hey Trent, where do you show your Artwork? Which Sites do you use or do you recommend?

[@lassebrun84]

Can i ask? When you run sketchbook on your laptop, how man ram do you use, and how fast is the processor. Im looking at new computers. Thx

[@ihatenuggets]

So as someone who is already in a career and wants to seripusly take up sketching and drawing as a hobby, where would you point me to start learning?

[@TheiLame]

Are there websites or groups where people give out their requirements and you draw for them?

[@ValentinHarbinger]

Do you have those reference images of the soldiers uploaded somewhere? Or does anyone know where to get large collections of them?