Don't listen to them. You CAN make it as an artist (really)

The first time I told someone I wanted to become an artist, well.. Let's just say it didn't go particularly well. They didn't believe I could do it, and to be honest, after a while I didn't either. I still struggle with it.
But here's the thing: it doesn't matter if they don't believe you can make it. It doesn't even matter if you don't believe in yourself. In this video I talk about why.
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♥ MY FAVES ♥
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☆ SOCIAL LINKS + CONTACT ☆
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♫ TOOLS, RESOURCES, MUSIC ♫
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☆ MUSIC ☆
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[@lexysartworld]

I love it when people keep going no matter what others say. This drive, this determination motivates me so much to never give up!! 🙌

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Yessss! We've got this!!

[@JudeandherPencil]

So true. Let’s change this stigma that artist can’t make money. I’ve been fighting it my whole life and finally enough is enough, I was born to be an artist, anything else is me pretending, and that needs to end. 😂❤️🙌 thanks for the pep talk.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

oof very true, I've tried lots of other jobs and none of them give me even close to the same amount of fulfillment as painting and sharing my journey with y'all does. It's not an easy decision to decide to take art seriously, but for some it's the thing we're meant to do

[@heatherinde]

Same. I can relate.

[@Shikaru101_]

YES JUDE SAMEEEEE!!!!

[@Coreyw_art]

This is so true for me too. Many people have trouble understanding that.

[@annadreamsart9756]

Thank you!! You're so right. I didn't go into art after high school in the jurrassic because I heard all of the "you'll starve" type rationale. So I never had a job I didn't hate or was good at. Now, I tell my own kids, look around. If you watch it, listen to it, read it, dance to it, if it has art or illos on it, or was designed-- some artist or designer thought it up and drew it or it's cover in some way. Movies, music, billboard ads, cereal boxes with cartoons, architects, clothing designs or dress creators, even the school photographer-- all artists or jobs that have artists involved. If your package of cookies isn't blank, some artist thought up the picture there. Our world is saturated with types of art. I do tell my kids this in general too. You can try for any job since if you can see it around you, someone makes it. All that said, many freelance artists do seem to get way underpaid.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Freelance artists are absolutely underpaid in so so many cases! I think part of that is because we set our rates lower than they should be to try and appeal to a larger market, but that just leads to burnout and the same income instability we were warned about. In the web design world it's talked about all the time how $500 clients are far pickier and so much more of a hassle $5k-10k clients, and how that upper level is a completely different world. It can be scary to value yourself higher than what you think you should, but just like you said, if other people can do it, you can too! Charging higher rates helps increase the floor for the people a step behind you, so we all win.

[@pigeonhome]

my mom is an addict who attends AA and is sober too, i know that’s a small part of this video but it’s refreshing to see that casually mentioned because i feel like when i mention it people are kind of taken aback by it. when for me it’s just my life! it’s still so stigmatized. anyways sorry to fixate on what’s so not the focus of the video lol!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

No you're absolutely right! I was debating whether or not to mention it exactly because of how stigmatized it is, people get all wide eyed whenever I mention that both of my parents are addicts and that I was raised by my grandmother, etc. But there are so many of us out there and we deserve to have representation too ❤️

[@artlandforabettertomorrow1176]

If you ever feel down always remember there are artists like me whom can make your tomorrow better

[@briteya_art]

I whole heartedly agree! Thankfully my family is supportive and artists themselves but people outside of my family do not give the same support or understanding. But it gives me kindle for my fire of motivation 🔥

[@KelseyRodriguez]

That's such a blessing! Most of the people around me are very STEM/business focused people, so the side-eye they gave me was unreaaaaal lmao. Luckily lots of people in this community are artists like us and know exactly how it is

[@ND62511]

This is a problem that I encounter, not in drawing, but as someone who's passion is music. I'm not confident enough in my drawing ability to where I feel like I could make money off of it, but I feel like I could eventually get to a point where my music is good enough that it could make me money. I know people can be successful in music, especially now that the internet is offering so many opportunities to so many people, but getting that nagging feeling of "but what if it fails? You won't have an income if it does, don't you know?" is something I struggle with. Thank you for working to alleviate the fear I and many others have.

[@heatherinde]

I believe in consistency and showing up. Same! It’s not really about me, its about sharing. I don’t have to believe I am the best that ever was, I just have to believe my journey is worth sharing. Thank you for sharing your journey Kelsey. I love getting to visit you in your studio and hearing your thoughts.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

this is exactly it! Thank you as always for support Heather!

[@skribbleskills]

Love it!! I believe in you Kelsey! …And I’m gonna go for it also! Let’s DO THISSS!!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Just a matter of time before we both reach our goals 🥰

[@felicity4841]

a to the goddamn men, dude, just waiting for my ram to come in so i can start my own yt channel, tbh ur channel helped me with some doubts i had but im gonna gie this youtube ting a proper whirl, see how i like it, it's a lot less overwhelmingly intimidating knowing that a lot of my fellow artists here got through it :)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

ahhh comments like these make my day ❤️ let me know how it goes!

[@chuiga2935]

I found this video very refreshing. I don't have much faith in myself about being artist, but this video was really nice about that, because I CAN try to make a living with art even if I don't fully believe in myself or my skills. This really took out some weight of my shoulders as I'm soon graduating and feels like now I know a bit better where I'm gonna take a next step. Ofc I'm gonna stress and being afraid of this journey (at start atleast), but you really inspired me that I don't need to be this super positive about myself to start and try it out.

[@witchylaurie]

Consistency is key ! I was posting speedpainting videos here and there for the past 2 years, with no results. I have decided to take KZbin seriously since the beginning of the year, by posting 1-2 times a week, and in the matter of 2 months I gained 500 views and 20 subscribers ! I know it's not a lot, but that means so much to me, and you were right when you said that you have to take this seriously in order to have a chance at it. I'm slowly building an audience and a community, but I'm happy to be here, as a creator AND a viewer ! Thank you so much Kelsey

[@KelseyRodriguez]

That's awesome, Laurie!! Growth is slow at first but if you take a look at my trajectory over the past couple months-- it can really speed up if you give it time. I'm so glad things are starting to look up for you!

[@finishthis.project]

It doesn't matter if you believe in yourself - YES THANK YOU ✨

[@biac_torrid]

Thanks Kelsey :)

[@cordialgreetingsart]

Knowledge is power. I noticed some people of all ages lack the education of what is offered online for creatives.(Even some artists lack the knowledge of what is out there.) My uncle (in his 70's) couldn't understand how I could be a freelancer & make $$ online. He thought I had to "go" to a physical job. I said I don't have to work for a corporate design job. I don't have to work for someone else. Diversification is key on surviving and a good savings. Love your videos!

[@supersaiandemon]

Ever since I took art classes in my college years, creating art had been destroyed for me. I really needed someone like you. Thank you so much.

[@user-fd1zw3dz7g]

I truly enjoy watching your videos, you share really positive messages and i believe in karma so i'm not worried for you you'll keep doing great and even better. I'm starting my journey and i think i needed to hear all that : Never give up :). Thank you, and happy holliday season !

[@EloiseMichel]

Thank you Kelsey ! My parents are really supportive about my project and I feel lucky. But other people (the rest of the family, teachers, classmates, or total unknow people) are not so openminded and often they don't believe me when I say I want to make a living of my art. And it hurts. A lot. I don't feel understood and it's like they think I'm a little girl with big dreams but not realistic ones. I know I'm not. But when a lot of people say that I'm, I start to doubt. So thank you for your message. It helps me to bring back my confidence again. And thanks to all the people who are supportive and kind towards the other. Whoever you are, I wish you the best ! ^^

[@xdaiart]

Thank you so much for this talk. I feel so inspired.

[@Sandra4and6]

Thank you so much for this video, a push for me to start a youtube channel. I'm terrified of talking into camera, not even for people to watch it later, just the process of filming it and talking terrifies me. And the funny part - I'm actually an editor, so I shouldn't be that scared right? Would you maybe do a video of how you prepare to film now vs what you did when you first started? thank you for the words of encouragement, I love your channel.

[@janiemiller459]

Thank you so much Kelsey. Your vulnerability is so helpful. 💙

[@stratovolcano7813]

Great video!!! I wish you luck 💖

[@jojocareercoach]

I always love your videos. I’ll have to catch up on the others! I hope you’re doing well! ✨🌱❤️

[@Shikaru101_]

Kelsey, thank you for sharing your struggles! It brings me hope to know that I'm not the only artist whose been shot down by loved ones, whether well intended or not. I've told myself for so many years that I'm not good enough, but I've decided I'm going to try anyway. How could I know if I don't try!? Please keep being the awesome inspiration you are! Gosh I wish I had have the drive you do!!! :)

[@primasartland]

It is sooo nice to hear that from other artists cause i struggle alot and to find out that others did that too it gives me hope ❤️

[@EVBell-gz8iv]

binging your videos while i clean house tonight, i;ve missed so much of your progress but its so cool to see all the growth by watching videos you made a different points along your journey. an art career is my 'sticky idea' that i can't shake, your vids are so inspiring!

[@ELTABULLO]

Your videos are always very honest and insightful, and with 10k subscribers already things are looking good.

[@davidsong242]

Very encouraging!! Thank you so much.

[@catears6209]

Your channel and content is very refreshing and provides important commentary to all creatives. Thanks for sharing with the artist community and providing not just inspiration but also information to help people realize they can live off their creativity. I just found your channel today and I’m excited for the journey ahead! Let’s all grow and accomplish together guys

[@chrisencelan4021]

Beautiful. Glad you believe that people can be whatever they want to be if they put in the time and effort.

[@KathleenRenninger]

Thank you. We all need to be reminded that we can make it!

[@alecjamescedric]

Your videos have helped me so much! I’ve been “studying up” trying to start my art shop, and your information in videos has really helped me to learn how to go about this and also to not give up, that it takes some time.

[@nyxicide]

It took me years to build up a following (it's not even very big) over on Twitter, and recently twitch, and as soon as I started working on twitch and showing my live process and hanging out with people, I got lucky, and my commission uptick was incredibly sharp. It takes a while to get there, but it's possible and just takes doing it over and over until you get lucky and seen somewhere and someone likes what you do. And like, across all my platforms I have less than 2.5k followers, it doesn't take nearly as much as people think to be able to build a community that likes your content. Don't give up, don't listen to the people who think it's impossible, they're wrong

[@KelseyRodriguez]

couldn't agree more! You'll never know what can end up happening if you don't try

[@KMONTES_ART]

Thanks for Sharing your journey! It’s always so helpful to hear this from other artists.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Of course! Thanks for watching Kim!

[@jetsonjoe]

Really enjoying your videos and presentations. Thanks!

[@cathylili2]

this is the third video of yours I have watched and I like you. you are so passionate, so smart and so independent and you have inspired me soooooooo much !! Thank you for being you

[@Salmasayed1]

THANKS for being real and saying the reality, helped a lot

[@kalilavalezina]

Thank you, Kelsey! You are awesome! I'm slowly going through all your videos. (hope that doesn't sound too creepy!) 😊

[@reeseosbornestudios]

Yes! I think with tenacity, we can do this.

[@anasaric941]

thank you! :)

[@whimsicalaprilart758]

Thank you for your encouragement, I came across your videos about a day ago in search of reasurrence, you have definitely given me that 🥰

[@yitavoh720]

You spoke to my heart😍🙏thank you for the tips and encouraging message. Loved watching this! You deserve all the love and support from the community that you've created on yt💛. ......My fav part at min 5:45 : ''Because of the consistency and the gradual improvement, if you stick with it over time and you're actually passionate about what you're creating; it's kind of hard to fail.''

[@Colordripd2217]

This was such a great positive video with great golden nuggets. This was inspirational. Thank you for being open.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Colordripd2217]

@@KelseyRodriguez I sure did enjoyed it. Lol I have to catch up on all your videos. I'm all over the place with them at this moment lol🤣

[@JoJoAcrylicArtwork]

Thank you so much for sharing your info and guidance on being a full time artist. This is very much my dream. I find your info informative and helpful for understanding revenue streams. This video really helps me to remember that I really can do this and I just have to take those first steps.

[@theglittercorner]

Wow, you were so open about yourself and how sometimes you feel insecure and lost. Cool! That's the authenticity we need here! Subscribed! Edit: I am still learning about the importance and the universal law of consistency with my 41 years today 👍

[@Well-in-the-garden]

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thanks for the ideas and sharing how it is possible to make it as an artist :) I am working on creating coloring books currently and making KZbin videos, still finding my path as an artist (and writer).

[@purpleflamingo720]

Thank god for this women thank you so much 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@NicArtistic]

Girl, you are so relatable! I saw you on Kid Millionaire's channel and I popped over here to your channel. I've slowly been building as a creative for years. I got super serious about it in 2018, but I really hit a wall in 2020 when I lost my day job that supported me. I've been trying to get back to grinding as an artist, but it's been hard. You've been so motivating and relatable and I really appreciate that. I love that you were honest and said "I don't even believe in myself sometimes, but I believe in consistency." I can see this within myself too as I have struggled with believing in myself, but I do know with consistent work and creation, that will bring results. Thank you -- you have a new supporter here! :)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Oof, I really feel this. Trying to find your footing as a creative and build a business while *also* struggling with financial instability/the stress of losing a job & searching for a new one has basically defined my life for the past year. Don't beat yourself up about it all, it takes time to get back into the swing of it. I checked out your channel and your work is gorgeous though, you're clearly so incredibly skilled Nicole!! Let me know when/if you start posting to your channel again and I'll give you a lil shoutout. And welcome to the community :)

[@WindowOfFantasy]

it doesn't matter what other said we do whatever we want ! hearing others ( random people ) will make us not unique everyone is unique on their ways thanks for review keep it up

[@artjiujitsulife]

Nice chat and thoughts. I got to the point now where even if people are concerned, it’s not their business and it’s not their choices. Overall I got exhausted from trying to explain and almost defend myself in the face of people who said they had my best interests at heart, but don’t get what it’s like to live without creating. What I envision for myself is worth fighting for, and if others can’t see it, that is not my problem.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Absolutely valid, I totally get it. I could see myself getting to that point too eventually

[@eveonline7205]

Thank you for the motivation, Ill do my best to get a job as an illustrator in riot games!

[@haleycason6931]

For me, improving my skills and finding time in this busy world of having a job and going back to school.

[@ivlivailo9575]

you're cute and bubbly, I really enjoyed and learnt from watching your videos :) cheers and keep up with the good art

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@fuzzydragons]

oddly enough, I've never had anyone tell me to be anything else lol maybe I should haver been since I have more success with academia but you make your choices and live with them 😀

[@planwithSC]

In middle school I started drawing and reading. After that I never went anywhere without three things. 1. My current book. 2. A sketchpad. 3. A zipper pouch with my pencils, sharpeners, erasers, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, ink pens of various tips and sizes, and smudge tools. Everywhere I went with family I wanted to show off my sketches. But in school I was made fun of constantly. So I was always the kid sitting in a corner alone. High school senior year I took an art class. I was sooooo excited! But my art teacher hated me and my art. I barely passed. She made comments on my work like, “Your women are too feminine.” Or “You draw men as if their masculine qualities are actually attractive.” “Technically you completed the assignment and your technique is good bit your subject matter choices are offensive.” Your art reflects a naive view of the world. Not everything is flowery and beautiful.” The art she wrote the comment about offensive subject matter on was of an African woman kneeling with a missionary holding a bible. I saw a picture of it in a magazine and painted it with acrylics. The body language and facial expression floored me. But I didn’t realize religion was such a trigger for people back then, especially in schools. But I dunno why she was so mad over my portraits. Or the bedroom I did for a lesson on perspective where the bed had a flower comforter. What I do know is she verbally ripped me apart so hard that I stopped drawing or doing any art for four years. When I stopped carrying around my sketchpad my mom noticed. She asked one day why I was not carrying it. I said, “ Apparently I am not very good at it.” She said good or bad didn’t matter it was a waste if time because you cant make money doing it. Four years later at the end of college I started back for fun. During covid I got an ipad and started drawing digitally. I showed mom some of my stuff on Instagram and how well it was liked. She said, “Shan you are really good at this! I wish you had been doing it longer! You should really pursue doing books or something major!” I could have shook her! I wish I had believed in myself sooner, drawn more sooner, but I won’t let it hold me back now!

[@shihoritsukiyomi]

For me it's different. I am an artist, it's just that I haven't earned any money of it, and yes it is a hobby for now. I have a day job to support myself since I can't make money out of my art yet. But I am not giving up and will work towards my dream to make a living from my art.

[@crystalcordova789]

My mom told me art is not for me I wanted to be in graphic design. I was discouraged that Denise Cordova would be that callus.

[@unclarable]

was that a subtle hamilton nod i heard bestie??

[@KelseyRodriguez]

hehe 😎