Get a Real Job. . . in Art! | Robert Lee Davis | TEDxNorthernIllinoisUniversity

Get a Real Job. . . in Art!
Born in Virginia, Robert Lee Davis is a Melbourne based artist who has lived and worked out of numerous countries around the world. These include but are not limited to: China, Egypt, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Robert Lee Davis has learned a thing or two from his travels, but one thing that has stuck with him is his passion for art. Since a small age he has always had this talent and explains his journey of fighting against the stereotypes of being a starving or a depressed artist. He shares his story of how art not only became his life, but how his life became art.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@The-Seventies]

I work as a art-teacher in high school for more then ten years. I kinda took the save path, because I was afraid to go all the way in becoming an artist. But what always has bothered me was the fact that I teach kids a lot, but I spend my days creating... nothing. A burn out and the stress that comes along with the job made me depressed, and my own art really suffered from it. In the end I wasn't able to create anymore. Two weeks ago I told my boss I quit. 2022 is now completely open for me, I will live on some money I've saved and I'm gonna be an artist. And although I'm scared to death I know that if I won't do it now, I probably will never have the courage again to go after my dreams. I face the biggest fear of my life right now, but I live with hope and trust that I will make it. Thanks for reading.

[@andreazauli2883]

Good luck from Italy. I can understand you: life is one and doesn't come back. So, if not now, when?

[@maddy1224]

I'm hoping to go study art to become an art teacher. I honestly wonder is it a good job cause I'm incredibly lost and have no idea what to do and enjoy the safe option most of the time.

[@kaczynski2333]

How's it working out for you?

[@The-Seventies]

@@kaczynski2333 thanks for asking! I started a part time job as a painter (houses, walls, that kinda stuff) on a freelance basis and right now I have one day a week to focus on my art, and some evenings. I’m not making money yet with my art, but I wanna focus on painting murals since I like doing it and I have done it in the past here and there. My plan for 2023 is to work three days as a painter, and one day as a mural artist, and focusing on more mural time and less paintjobs in the end. Most importantly, I feel free to experiment and to try to make it happen. I will not say last year was easy, since it was not. But I have not doubted my choice of quitting my job once.

[@hannahtenorio9564]

He said we need someone who supports us . Even tho my parents always telling me that they support me and the do anything for me i don't feel it . Yes they support me in my studying but when it comes to music and arts i don't feel their support . I cant tell them this because they will be hurt they will be very disappointed and they will tell me that they supported me but i take advantage of it . I appreciate all the hard works they did for me but this what i feel ..... im just sharing this because i can't talk to anybody about it ..... I just need them to let me follow my dreams , suppport me in what i do , and listen to what i said and most importantly believe that i have passion on drawing and painting and can be successful in the future .

[@thebizzareboy]

I can relate a lot to you......as of now even i dont have a answer or a solution to this problem....but the only thing i know is u can do whatever u want if that is what u believe in....just never give up...

[@AshleyMintz]

This is a lesson I had to learn......be your own support first so that you won’t be swayed by other’s opinions. It’s hard when loved ones don’t support but you have a purpose and you have a right to live in it fully.

[@christina-ld4ci]

I totally get this. They tell me they support me but when it comes to art….. idk it’s a hard choice to make.

[@rosequartz4102]

I understand you deep in my heart because that's my story too. I don't know you but I believe in you.

[@AaronArnoldaquapod]

I kinda relate. My family didn't see a future in art. But when i had a show, they'd be there for me. They weren't really supportive. I've been doing art for plays and newspaper comics. But with my family the way it is and struggling now, i don't think i can do it But when I consider the ten years trying to be a programmer and never quitting no matter how fruitless my work was. But when i do anything creative, without much time I've got something presentable. I think we can encourage ourselves more now with hindsight and reminding ourselves of who we are.

[@LocketInThinePocket]

I needed this. Thank you. My dad is afraid that I won't be able to make a living as an artist. But I have no skills in anything else but art. There is only one road I can go down at this point. As my dad says, "Don't say you'll try. You WILL." And I WILL make a living as an artist. Thank you for the insightful speech, and God bless.

[@matthewlovato6842]

Oddly, perfect timing to stumble accross this talk... I needed to hear this.

[@robertleedavis3815]

Thank you Matthew. I hope you are well and pursuing your passion.

[@BuhayArtist]

Matthew Lovato keep creating bro.

[@allisonsarahbeth_]

It was a sign from the universe!

[@bostrickland4970]

OOOOOH YES . ESP THIS 2020 SUMMER

[@karinamachadoescobar20]

Kudos for the video content! Forgive me for butting in, I am interested in your opinion. Have you researched - Schallingora Internet Commerce Scheme (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a smashing exclusive guide for learning this simple money making system without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate at last got cool results with it.

[@izzyred6562]

I’m trying to transition from tattooing to being a fine artist, I know the chances are slim but I hope my story goes somewhat like yours. Thank you for this video, truly encouraging.

[@surjeudi2249]

Isabel Rojo ... Tattoo Art to Fine art, I don't think your chances are slim that sounds like an INTERESTING story. It bridges those two worlds, which is quite unique IMO. Best wishes!

[@shericopelandmeadows3916]

Isabel You can and will succeed. It will just take you working toward your dream.

[@lance8398]

I hope you get there!

[@fountainofknowledge7500]

@@surjeudi2249 So true!! Also, you're working on creating art every day so your skills are always improving. Furthermore, I bet you've come across so many incredible and interesting stories and people... You have so much to share! GOODLUCK, you have a fitting chance at making your dreams reality!

[@AA-vr8ve]

I love tattoo art! Keep going, youre gonna do great :D

[@msheehandub]

I grew up spending hours and hours drawing, painting model planes, making things out of clay, and making movies with the family camera. But my dad, the loudmouth of the family always said "become a lawyer, a doctor, or an attorney" I ended up becoming a Respiratory Therapist but I knew the whole time I wasn't going to do it forever. Nine years in the field I'm transitioning back to my true passion in life, art! Thanks for this video.

[@biskit5271]

In college studying science. When I was young my father forced me to stop drawing over and over again. 11 years later, filled with the fear of whether I could make it as one, I find myself returning to videos of becoming an artist. Its very painful to not have been the lucky one or have nourished my truth/potential as an artist

[@JeeliBeelii]

I'm currently going to an expensive school for a science degree and I find myself constantly watching videos on being a full time artist as well. if I could travel back in time the one thing I would want my younger self to understand is that you should pursue what YOU want before it's too late! I'm sure I could have been a successful artist if I wasn't led away from that path

[@The-Seventies]

Good luck, I recommend reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It will change your life.

[@youricg6480]

Then it is right now that you should pick it up and create. When you were younger, you didn't have a better chance of being an artist, because unfortunately you did not engage in creating. Now you are older and your chances are better, because now is the time when you are alive. Create bruh!

[@Angecm]

What a lovely man, and his Grandma sounds wonderful!

[@robertleedavis3815]

She was inspirational!

[@lisengel2498]

I recognize the story and my grand mother has been the great inspiration of my life and my trust in my dreams and my trust in the World as a place of infinite love, beauty and mystery

[@keithkogane2351]

I'm a normal 12-year-old. When I'm thinking of becoming an artist I would get grossed out since I always thought that I could never be that someone who EVERYONE looks up to. I got so upset by that thought and started searching through the internet to understand why people don't like art as much as other things. I'm so thankful I came across this video, it really reminded me why I want to become an artist and I also realized a lot of other things, such as: If you listen to K-pop you'll know that BTS hasn't inspired everyone and that some people even hate them, but the important thing is that they love what they do and have inspired the people who liked that genre before. I'd rather be someone who gives hope to other people than be someone who everyone looks up to. It's honestly the same happiness. The other day on a platform I came across another user who loved art. After I gave her advice on some stuff and chatted she published a post saying that I'm her idol and that made my heart ache really badly. After she called me her idol other people also asked me for advice and that made my heart cry of happiness. All I'm trying to say is thanks for reminding me my passion!💙👌

[@samanthatatman6297]

Same. Also an artist, and going to be graduating soon. I think about doing things other than art, but I just feel like I wouldn't be happy NOT doing art.

[@blushnight]

You wont, you will just feel time slipping away

[@bebetter6403]

Ikr like I know we need money but at what cost? I’ll survive, maybe I won’t be rich, maybe I’ll struggle to pay bills. But there’s a balance between making money and doing what your good at and what makes you happy. You can do both no matter what people say.

[@startsmile9366]

I am 2 years late, but I will say it anyways: go to a quiet room , close your eyes, and think what do you like to do the most? Don't think about your future worries like, jobs and finances! after knowing your answer do what u can do and pursue your dreams living a happy life. Remember their are hardships in everything in life don't let them get you.

[@miltonwelch4177]

True ART is being able to produce volume of QUALITY WORK over and over, while knowing, in the process, that it has to be sold. Mental note for one who wants to make living as an artist, that is.

[@bijosn]

thats your opinion only

[@minakinna]

I think that’s the manufacturing and business sides of things only. It doesn’t matter how much you produce, and if you’re not honest with your work, it’s not very sustainable. Art, but TRUE ART, is different for people. What you just described was just a mindset going into making a living as an artist.

[@extremelynormalperson]

No, that's TRUE INCOME lol. True art is failing over and over again until your skills are so valuable people can't help *but* pay you.

[@antank5703]

Artist are individuals of creativity. An determined artist will find a way to make enough. Even if they have to fight and learn how to manage the business side. My way of thinking anyway

[@elislots991]

you cannot even imagine how it helped that you came to TED and shared your story with us, we need more artists who would be opened as you are. Thank you!! ❤

[@noussanim]

when we feel supported, we have the power to in to impossible things...

[@kekamirza]

Thanks a lot for this talk and for everyone sharing their stories in the comment section. I'm a music major but art is also another thing that I loved and did from a very young age. Both are scary paths when you think of taking them as a career. I feel I'm not alone here.

[@hermitherman]

Thank you for your story. I just came across it and it moved me deeply. Thank you for your courage and vulnerability. I’ve just realised how much I needed to hear it.

[@rdhall6236]

Your art pieces are so beautiful, Robert Lee!! Thanks for your inspiration!

[@biggieshorty]

He's such a colorful person. I love him for this talk.

[@ronaguro9430]

I can relate so much on this talk . Thanks Sir Robert Lee Davis! Such a wonderful soul

[@lisengel2498]

Art is a way of passionate investigation and communicating of all dimensions of life - carried by your body-heart-soul - life landscapes - and thank you so much for the passionate encouragement - follow your heart and sing your song - your soulsong

[@sherrysoilpaintings]

That was awesome! I often feel alone because everyone around me doesn’t understand why I paint. This is reassuring to me to just keep going. To get it done no matter what that girls parents said to her. I am going to make it. I am an artist! I will be successful.

[@angielorenacv]

This was so beautiful and inspiring, made me cry overwhelmed by the feeling of hope.

[@MariahMonique]

wow, I'm in art school right now and trying to decide if I want to continue in the graphic design/ commercial route. This video was exactly what I needed and talked about everything I have been thinking about...

[@MathewHeggem]

Beautiful presentation! Thank you for sharing your story and for inspiring us to continue our work as artists!

[@lear8036]

This is what I needed. Art is the path I truly want. But voices from others is what takes over my thoughts.

[@Nyax50Lopez]

Needed to hear this. ^^ sadly im failing college for my english classes and dark times from depression in remembering my father, who was really supportive to me when I began to show him im very creative in art and showed me he love to draw cars too, and to the point I am wanting to leave my parent home desperately for my mother doesnt like the idea of my art career. I love art a lot that i mostly paint on how I feel or show how my anxiety, depression and such to others. Of course in high school, I joined an art competition which was hosted by scholastic. My first art didnt do well until i thought about mt 2nd piece when I was at the hospital and had my large intestine removed for it can infest more tumors. (Thanks mutated gene call colon cancer) I got stuck at home in end of december of 2018 to the mid of March 2019. From those days I suffered from walking and taking another trip to the hospital for high salt levels and uncontrollable white blood cell count. Made me think they were freaking out where their friends went and made me sad. While there on bed watching shows like discovery channel and how people got creative on cars while being fixed made me think of something way beyond the line. When released again, I got up early as always at 7 am and began to paint. A piece my art teacher never saw in her whole life when I showed it to her. I went back to school happily holding my art piece and slapped across everyone's face. When competition began in april, the judge was in awe and in shock as well and was shoved in the very important side of a gym. A special gym which we call it the "Maybe can make it to state" side. Funny enough, i made everyone in awe with my painting that judges scrambled nice comments and made me feel happy. I continued to draw that certain theme. Mental illnesses... My piece was called anxiety. I might post it but I'm too shy hahaha.

[@space6irl]

wow this is a powerful speeech. it's a masterpiece in of itself! thank you !!

[@jcatalan1496]

Omg I’m finishing high school and this literally talked about me I feel like this was literally meant for me

[@maddy1224]

Did you go for it?

[@may.3362]

A powerful speech 🙏 follow your dream💖 heart( art )

[@SecondWindWorkshop]

Wow! Just discovered this fine fellow and he and his art are outstanding.

[@surjeudi2249]

This was BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@jacquelinerhannan278]

Artist and inspirational presentation by Robert Lee Davis-Creative artists finding his way home to telling his story and challenging others to follow their dreams and tell their story through creativity.

[@cristals723]

This is perfect, I teard up

[@ldrake2047]

How inspiring and touching!

[@lalajean452]

Just one support from a person who really believe on you and will be there is enough for you to successeed . From my experience even tho my parents say im good at painting i dont feel any support from them , i cant feel that encouragement im most likely to feel that they dont care. But my friend is always there for me encouraging me to do art , its enough for me to go and make my dream come true .

[@mah.d]

im an IT specialist and ive decided to pursue my dream and become an artist, what i always wanted since i was a child.

[@SailaboutDotKiwi]

Thank you Robert this is just what I needed to encourage me to follow my dream. Shona M James 2021

[@Bavubuka]

YOur work is amazing!!!

[@josephholdman1037]

Thank You! Needed this! Interesting! Get a Real Job! Just do it! Don't ask any questions we will tell you no lies!

[@korratheaustralianshepherd5804]

what a beautiful presentation!

[@s.sumbrella7616]

IM GONNA MAKE COMICS!!!

[@PoserBallin]

Inspirational talk. Thank you sir.

[@robertleedavis3815]

No, thank you for your comments!

[@jasropergoins2468]

Thank you for this. I want to step out and finally pursue being an artist full-time. I was afraid due to the stereotypes... However after fact checking, and listening to this, I trust pursuing this career. I have had a support system since I was in 4th grade, and a stereotype stuck in my head even longer. Thank you for helping me remove this

[@onevas898]

Thanks for this video I am really encouraged to do my arts better thanks

[@bostrickland4970]

Excellent !!!! Great Talk !! Thanks Mr. Davis ...Keep doing what you like doing :) made my Day :) !!!

[@bijosn]

Brilliant talk. Salute

[@pradeepmanoj9565]

Amazing.... Live life without regrets.

[@sheleeconnell7813]

Your are inspiring. This is the second Ted Talk I've seen that you created. Thank you for this positive energy! :)

[@robertleedavis3815]

Thank you Shelee!

[@miracle5628]

so encouraging thank u 🤍

[@harshitbawa1648]

Those who are going to follow their passion best of luck👍👍

[@maoix23]

Hi mr.davis!!!!!💕 I miss 4th grade!

[@robertleedavis3815]

Awww Tuna! I hope you are well. Fourth grade was awesome!

[@emanuelecampolucci9157]

Fantastic

[@mattwhittick2791]

Amazing!!

[@pritammd.6458]

thanks Robert

[@mamascorpio]

That plastic covered furniture! I felt that! ..literally!!! **did my skin just peel off my GAWD!!** And it was the plush upholstery, dark mauve, and like...I don't even know the art style it furniture.

[@bostrickland4970]

YES :) Follow your Art

[@stacycreates22]

This is the question that family will ask you after graduation! What will you do with that degree, you can’t make enough to survive. Now, the audio on this was pretty distracting.

[@yeniferalarcon5449]

wowowow.... I cried. I want to help people sing their soooongggg

[@cookiemonster3147]

wonderful

[@thoushallrockhard]

follow your heART

[@user-hf8sd8yb7r]

講得很感人欸

[@sebasosorio9084]

This is actually very innovative for me, he talks about doing art to someone like the way a plumber would fix someone's sink. Do i make sense?

[@magie0607]

My parents never supported me. Really, I never had inspirational support.

[@graphitepencil6522]

Tavon Hawkins same here... Born from a poor family... As a kid, first love with art... I used to crush Cheries fruits to. Make colour and our chicken's feathers to make brushes for my paintings..

[@annomaly751]

what do you do now Moses?

[@graphitepencil6522]

Anne Elizabeth I'm a Student ( Bachelor of Commerce) my hobby is drawing... But to live a life I have to work hard... Just art is completely a wrong choice... So I wish to get a job so that I can support myself and my dreams of becoming an Artist.

[@guilhermepiedade8940]

This is a beautiful speech but for every person that succeeds at following their dream job there´s thousands that become practically homeless. It´s like having someone who won the lottery tell you it´s worth it to follow your dreams.

[@bebetter6403]

What do you suggest?

[@davidabarak]

The reality is that even when working on their art, not everyone finds support. Or in my case, the support I received came with an invoice and turned out to be worthless.

[@wizardrat8520]

Why do ted talk give me depression and anxiety

[@bebetter6403]

Idk me too?

[@jasonbutz5165]

JASON BUTZ 51 ARTWORK

[@miscellaneous7777]

Why does every second of this vid feel like he will soon start to cry?

[@KENFINITY_3K]

Maybe passion!? I Love it though! The energy is so authentic!

[@oldgit4260]

My Gaydar is on overdrive

[@jakobvanklinken]

Cause he has a slow emotional delivery and theres light reflection in his glasses that would suggest teary eyes

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

Challenge accepted 😎

[@hollystop]

Why is there only 3 comments !!?!?!

[@notafurry5965]

holly mitchell *5

[@robertleedavis3815]

Ha ha ha!

[@itsmdting]

But you need money for those plane tickets :( if you don't have money to support your creative work how can you even do it

[@josephholdman1037]

Here is truth in this power! here! You are right.

[@bebetter6403]

You can make money and create art, at the same time. Crazy, right?

[@aira.5460]

Nandito ka dahil sa 250 words reflection 😵

[@thucphuc9952]

Người Việt Nam like cái😌🙆

[@Naan1985]

Problem of the artists on the rest of the world is finding job Meanwhile in communism, artists have to find the door to being artist, I was crying when I knew that I had to protect my creativity in where I live

[@joshtaylor4583]

MFA and unemployed.

[@msheehandub]

Lol

[@mizubiart6230]

quoting arthur schopenhauer? youre too good for him. too healthy. too well.

[@rayblack2004]

5:56 she looks like a pirate

[@pinkstars9324]

My gaydar is buzzing...

[@robertleedavis3815]

Ha ha ha!

[@oldgit4260]

Mine too

[@alanmerecicky4595]

That guy who died made the biggest mistake of his life, to summarize the desire to be a 3 year old is pointless as it can lead to situations of getting jumped or armed like that guy did

[@alanmerecicky4595]

I just don't like art enough to pursue anything with it

[@gloobnord]

Wait, what? You do art because it's the only thing that matters to you. I find his story incredibly uninspiring. Dude, do art and forget public speaking. All artists need to do art is -- nothing. If you want to make art you'll find a way. My granny used to say that if you have a story to tell most people don't give a sh%t so you might as well keep it to yourself.

[@bebetter6403]

Again, imagine everyone who makes art read this comment and decided not to peruse anything in the creative industry. Imagine that.

[@REAL-UNKNOWN-SHINOBI]

Art is dead, get a real job