🎨 Art is Work ... and Other Realisations

[@ambergr46]

I relate to everything in this video! I'm going through the exact same thing. I experienced major burnout at my day job as a graphic designer, and it has really affected my life. I am 43 years old, so I know what you mean when you talk about your body not able to work the way it used to. I can't grind anymore, and I'm looking for a better balance right now. My mental health has been complete crap this past year, and with change comes anxiety for me. I've also had to realize that my identity is not my day job, and I will always be a creative/artist, even with a day job that isn't creative. I appreciate your transparency about being a freelance illustrator. :)

[@artabroad6664]

art is work + art is valuable ✨

[@JennyGranberry]

Yes on the studio vlog discomfort! Its like trying to work while being aware that someone is watching you and judging, but also balancing it so that it seems "real". Like damn, I just need to get some work done so I can get on with my real life. I'm with you on feeling more private, I think we're around the same age and I've felt that more over the past years. Thanks for posting this video its nice to hear someone else thinking the things that I think about since art can be a solitary career. I'm looking forward to checking out those books!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Stranger: “... but what do you do for work though?” “Me: “Uuuh art is my work” Holly: “I’m a producer of art in a commercial setting” That’s so poetically phrased

[@hollyexley]

😄 thank you ☺️

[@MaximumDull]

I imagine everyone is putting on a show for the internet. A KZbinr I started watching when she was in grad school recently had a baby & was apologizing for maintaining privacy given her job. My first thought was: you have never been obligated to dump out the contents of your life for us (& it makes me sad that she felt the need to apologize). If you don't want to represent art-work as glamorous & you don't feel comfortable showing what it actually looks like- then don't. I have been happy to see how your channel has changed & just hope you won't be too hard on your past self for not knowing what you do now. It takes a lot of courage to be transparent about mistakes (even one's most of us continue to make i.e. not recognizing the many ways we exploit ourselves). All of this to say: glad to be on this journey with you. Post as you see fit!

[@h-aether]

Hi Holly, thank you so much for all your videos on this channel. I'm never sure whether to comment on things from a while back, but I've so appreciated all your thoughts, glimpses, and recommendations, on your life as an illustrator so far. Please never feel ashamed of having grown in your understanding since the earlier videos, as for those of us on a similar journey, it can be really heartening to see, and we are always learning all the time. Saying that, I think it's important to listen to your gut, if you want to make some changes to how you use this platform. I am also learning how to use social media to best suit my interests, beliefs, and working practices, without getting drawn into bad habits (or being afraid to post anything at all, when my inner critic takes hold). But from a longstanding viewer, there is something about your videos that I really enjoy and connect with. I love the videos where you've put a lot of time into presentation, and also the ones a little rougher and more realistic. That mix of quality and substance, with an authentic, human touch, is really inspiring - and I don't mind waiting for new videos, as I can always go back and watch the old ones! :) The advantage of there being lots of artist vloggers out there is, hopefully, so one doesn't have to rush to produce content. Everyone offers something unique, and I love the idea of artists working together rather than in competition with each other! I also got a lot of commission work during the lockdown, resulting in burnout (as I also have a part-time job alongside my illustration, and in my mid-30's where staying up all night isn't so easy any more). I think a lot of us are having a rethink about work/life balance, not just for personal health reasons, but also to support a kinder, more conscious society. I will look into some of the books you've suggested. Thanks again!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

So wonderful to see this video, Holly! Thank you so much for this. As a fellow illustrator, I've also been going through many of the exact same things that you have just described. Making a lot of changes, not only with myself and my life, but also with my art and where I want to take my channel. I've been doing a lot of thinking and introspection, thinking about what really matters in life, getting rid of unhealthy habits that I've had for the majority of life, and also just taking a breath and living "slower" and more mindfully. Not feeling like I have to constantly PRODUCE to prove my worth. Just in the past couple of weeks, I've had a much better sense of self and have been so much happier. Focusing on my health, both physical and mental. I have had pretty severe anxiety and self worth issues most of my life and I'm finally trying to confront these feelings and trying to delve down into what has caused them and trying to overcome them. Also, limiting my social media has helped tremendously. I realized that I spend HOURS of my days wasting time on Instagram. Yes, I get a lot of inspiration and love seeing other artist's work, but after a certain amount of time, it becomes unhealthy. I put a 30 minute timer on my phone for Instagram, deleted my Facebook app, and I've already been enjoying my days so much more. ❤️ I look forward to your coming videos. I'm excited to see what these changes will bring for you, and I hope that you will continue to do what is best for yourself. We all love you! 😊

[@Priscillageorgeart]

I’ve always appreciated your channel and that you have spoken about. Your commitment to being authentic and transparent has been a breathe of fresh air amongst a sea of highly curated content. This past year I’ve experienced the same with realizing that I need to take better care of myself and my health which means bucking against what this capitalist system wants of us all. It can be rather confusing and anxiety inducing to feel like I’m not valued, have a purpose, and am being perceived as not good enough because I refuse to feed into the ideas of a successful life. The muddling of my identity with my art career is also something I’m peeling the layers on recently. Reconnecting with my creative self outside of the content creator and entrepreneur. Looking forward to the shift in your content and what your upcoming videos will be composed of.

[@deesmith7880]

As a fine arts student and a fledgling illustrator, I find your KZbin videos so informative and extremely helpful. Your insights on the realities of being a working artist really get me thinking about what I want to get out of my career. I love your studio vlogs but understand that you feel like they may be a bit too contrived. They don’t come across that way, but I can totally relate to the feelings of having to wear make-up, tidy the space and give the impression that you are always really productive. I sometimes sit in my studio and stare into space for two-hours, in a complete slump, but hesitate to admit that, because it makes me feel like less of a ‘creative’. As for your Etsy shop, I would love to buy stickers, pins, postcards, etc. Looking forward to supporting you and being able to own some of your work x

[@LucasGini]

Great news about self knowledge, political views, and not feeling bad about having a normal routine! It's kinda sad that studio vlogs are mostly "super produced", with so much productivity, amazing workspace, everything clean and neat... it kind of becomes just another high standard for artists to feel bad about when comparing themselves. It'll be great to keep up with you, your routine, family, dogs, meals and work without that weight (of posting all the time and producing videos too much) upon your shoulders, if and when you feel comfortable for it! :)

[@aat10Kyoko]

Thank you for this Holly! I'm in agreement with the comments here. I've been a creative professional for over 30 years...and maybe this is just from my experience working, freelance, commissions, contractor to full time studio and corporations...being in this field is being more and more confusing! Decades ago lines were not blurred as it is today. Job requirements used to be graphic design with type, illustration, layout and print. Now it's sound/video editing, social media production, print, website, photography, HTML, HTML5, After Effects, Code, SEO and much more. Rise of Canva and Fiverr, etc. for cheap-ass people who don't want to pay artists...now (in California, US) I'm seeing companies requiring designers to manage their Canva/Fiverr accounts, which means no creative control from the designer/artists. I lost my day job from Pandemic, but it also allowed me to observe and ask "What the F?". I still love drawing, but am confused on plans in the near future. Plus California is having a new rise in Covid cases....so who knows. I was seriously looking into retail or book keeping (my math is shit) ( ఠ ͟ʖ ఠ). Thanks for taking the time. If not, no biggie. cheers.⁝⁞⁝⁞ʕु•̫͡•ʔु☂⁝⁞⁝⁝

[@hollyexley]

Wow, workers to manage fiverr accounts?! I'd not heard about this. Really shocking. Fiverr has done so much damage to those it claims to help

[@lpotato2654]

As an artist, I really value hearing your candid opinions they are so liberating. Honestly thank you for sharing :))

[@itscarolinemary]

I think incorporating systemic issues and insightful parts from the books you read in your videos is very valuable. :) Personally I really love your studio/weekend vlogs (On Patreon or here). They're nice to watch as a break from my own daily life, and I love seeing the vegan food you make, the dogs, the English countryside! I would love to see stickers, maybe small prints or something in your Etsy shop!

[@TheCreativeStudio1]

Thank you for always being so raw and honest Holly. Thank you for owning up to the privilege that some people must have to not fall prey to hustle culture. Thanks for willing to be open and working hard to educate yourself and in turn educate your viewers. Always a breath of fresh air watching your channel and a reminder that we are stronger together when it comes to creating change in the creative industry. And that change will hopefully land itself here on KZbin too - I feel torn as the platform is great to promote but at the same time there is such a huge disparity in earnings between bigger and smaller channels. My hope is that more and more platforms become “democratized” and can start to support in fairer ways - the people creating the content that helps the corporation to earn money ❤️💯 so much to think about after your video today 👊🏽 PS so glad you checked out Work won’t love you back!!! Such a good and thought provoking read ✨

[@charmde2008]

So happy that I found you. I really enjoy your videos, and love your art work. Thank you for sharing.

[@lawsbrettart]

Realising that you aren’t a special artsy snowflake is a hard pill to swallow, right?? Artist/identity is so interwoven, it is super hard to separate the two. I love seeing you grow, Holly, and you’ve made me think. That shit is priceless.

[@guavaplague]

so refreshing to see you acknowledge these issues and your progression

That is what I’m feeling about my channel. I do makeup , art, and music promotion. I realized that I really don’t feel that there is no room for me , or everything I do. I always came to understand that I change my style a lot.

[@baz_wtf]

Very refreshing to see someone talking about systemic factors influencing more than just the output of your practice.

[@Adeleidis]

Hi, Holly! Just popping in to tell you I miss your videos and you and your insights into things and everything! I hope all is well and that you're doing great! Your channel is one of my faves! Hugs 🤗

[@lisahaas6774]

Love your Videos. Looking forward to a realistic view on the illustrationwork. The little notebooks in your Shop have been beautiful. Maybe a new Design would be nice.

[@lisahaas6774]

Or a little Zine with topic you would Love to work on.

[@TmHudsonArt]

Definitely feeling some of what you are right now. Anxiety has been bad for me these last few months. I also very much struggled to work in this recent hot spell. The temps dropped down to more normal today where I am and feels so much nicer now.

[@sawyercloud4429]

Hi Holly, thank you so much for speaking truth. I can confirm that we freelance artists have to deal with so much on a daily basis and the idea of "remanticizing" it through studio vlogs is just like too much for me as well... Sometimes I want to look like those beautiful and inspiring artists on youtube too, but I just have so much to do and a day isn't long enough. I also overwork myself, I'm on my first year of representation as an editorial illustrator and I just can't miss any opportunities... For now I accept every good opportunity I get but I definitely plan to take some breaks next year, going somewhere and just focus on being. Thanks for your honesty, sending you love from Madagascar

[@artatjojosstudios2573]

I appreciate you sharing your life and work. Very inspiring! Your awesome 👍👍👍⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟

[@lynsymadison6386]

I love your videos, I’ve been watching them for years! I’ve realized myself that I’m not very good with social media and displaying my work on IG. I find it taking away from my creative process, but how else am I supposed to find work without it? That’s the crossroad that I’m standing at right now. I’m looking forward to your upcoming videos ❤️

[@nickyjamesonarttv]

I am still wresting with this!

[@mikei6605]

Hi Holly! I only recently found your channel after looking for illustration advice and I have to say it's my favourite out of all the ones I've looked at. It's been hard being in uni and having all the classes being online, I feel robbed of an experience I should have had directly talking to teachers and meeting people who also study illustration. I agree very much with what you're saying in this video about learning new things and examining how capitalism affects everyone's lives. I hope you're taking care of yourself and I'll be looking forward to new videos when or if you come back! cheers!

[@amoraslucha]

i so appreciate you acknowledging capitalism as an issue into why we are pushed into this positions in the first place plus encouraging working together to fight for better conditions

[@MoniqueWaechterLavanya]

Love your channel and your critical thinking. Looking forward to how you address systemic issues. I can relate to why you hesitate to create vlogs but I love your studio vlogs. Mostly, I appreciate you for your authenticity. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@katherinescheld]

I am so thankful to see an artist talking about the things you have been talking about. It can get discouraging out there and so many people are suffering in different ways. Feels hopeful to at least see the conversation being had.

[@michellevillarreal9946]

Love to hear whatever you choose talk about. I feel like a variety of topics would be excellent too.. You do you, and be true to your soul and I'm sure you'll do great😊

[@EllisWoolleyIllustration]

Oh Holly your videos are the breath of fresh air a lot of us appreciate! I’m a little late watching because I’ve been feeling the burnout massively this year & relate to a lot of the things you’ve mentioned. Thank you for also talking about your thoughts on studio vlogs, I too have been feeling really weird about making them these days but don’t know where else to go with my channel yet. I’ve noted down your book recommendations too! Will definitely look into those ☺️ also yes please to climate change & veganism content if that’s something you feel like making 🥰 sending you lots of love & thank you again 🌿

[@coraliemonpontet]

Very interesting video ! It's been not so long that I earn money as an illustrator but I can see the balance I need to get between Work/personal and as I create illustrations inspired by spirituality topics, it can be even more tricky. But I love to see how everything just get demystified to be just what it is. Anyway, I love your videos and I resonate when you talk about vlogs, I've been creating my first one this week and I just felt I wanted to go over the fear of judgement and just show how it really is, but I see the discomfort in me about it. And about your content, I love it and I enjoy very much your openness and honesty.

[@LauraGomez-bl2so]

Excited to hear about your etsy shop reopening! I would love to see small prints or stickers in there. Oh, and I've always wished you would make a nature-y tarot deck, but that's probably a bit left field. :D

[@karensanchez7883]

I'm a part-time graphic designer, and I've been wanting to sell my work online. The amount of content and involvement that is expected of an artist to become relevant is overwhelming. I'm happy you're talking about it and bringing awareness to this issue and others.

[@gianlucacallara]

Yes to everything you said! Looking forward to your future videos and thank you!

[@chloespeakman8572]

I absolutely love your studio vlogs! I totally get that you’re showing the best bits of your day, and that you’re likely to have tidied up etc to do the video, I don’t feel that makes it a negative if you’re enjoying doing it. I also understand the need for a break on sharing, as I definitely do that myself. They’re a feel good escapism thing for me, nice and lighthearted. I personally would really like to see studio vlogs about your Etsy shop relaunch (along with your dog walks, cooking, Craig etc) :) it’s nice to feel along for the ride with a likeminded person. Also looking forward to seeing what ideas you’ve come up with for shop products!

[@MazArtStudio]

Thank you Holly this was open & honest. I particularly liked the “some days are not productive, most days no make up (I mean we just don’t do we) and messy studio days”. The behind the scenes of our “work” isn’t at all glam and it can be exhausting, anxiety ridden and very bad for our mental health . I am also very private so constantly filming/editing just to be seen doesn’t always come easy. Looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Lots of luck. I’ll check out those books too!

[@recreepy]

Superb execution-well played!

[@organic-artistic]

Hi Holly, I really appreciate this honest video. I have been watching your videos for a long time and I really enjoy them. I love seeing your art and studio vlogs, but I also enjoy hearing your lovely voice, seeing your cute dogs and hearing about vegan food. I can feel that you are such a caring person about the world and your honesty is so rare. I also appreciate your feelings about climate change and activism. Your channel is so much more than just an art channel, it's very well rounded. I understand wanting to be more private, and you deserve that. Whatever you share I will want to watch ☺️ thank you! ❤️

[@hollyexley]

thank you !

[@organic-artistic]

Sending you love and hugs 🤗💕🌸

[@unintentionalminimalist]

Always such a pleasure to watch your videos... you have restored my calm, as you always seem to do.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Hey Holly ☺️ glad to hear you’re prioritising your health. I’m also trying to work out how to find a good work life balance. I’ve realised that sometimes I get distracted (usually just on my phone) when it’s working hours and then end up working longer. So I’m trying to be more focused when I’m working, and also trying to remember to take regular breaks. I usually take weekends off though which is lovely and I notice whatever I was stressing about in the week doesn’t seem as urgent at the weekend. Looking forward to your Etsy shop reopening 🎉 we’re decorating (very slowly 😅) so prints would be good. I also think your illustrations would look beautiful on cushions.

[@christinamitchell7696]

Thank you for your openness and practical insights in this video, I really benefitted from all you had to say. It’s so good to hear someone tell it as it really is for the majority of artists. The fact that they will never make a living at what they love to do is not a crime or a failure on their part and those that are telling us that we can do it are giving false hope to many sincere people,.

[@rhymeandramble5615]

Thank you for this video 💖💖💖💖💖 I relate and am inspired. I really value the subjects you spoke about :)

[@AmyHollidayIllustration]

This was so interesting. I've had similar realisations myself, (likely brought on with the help of your content) which has led me to stop pushing myself to the point of breakdown, and have been making an effort to not feel so guilty about it (although it's an ongoing battle). You are only a little bit older than me but I wish you were my university illustration tutor! You would make a tremendous tutor in that setting. But your online videos are the perfect learning tools for artists all over the world, which is even better. Thank you for sharing your insight, I have a whole reading list of book recommendations from you haha. Hope you're taking care of yourself!!

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Lovely to connect thanks for sharing Holly it's lovely to see you and hear your thoughts soooooo inspiring ♥️

[@katefrancesdesigns]

Love and respect your honesty

[@Madelelion]

This was a great video, and I think you're on your way on this new direction here on YT. I can totally agree about vlogs, they do kinda seem... A little contrived past a certain point. I'm here for the new direction, and would love to see some prints! I got your tree cards and I love them so much.

[@mandy7674]

Thank you for the update ^.^ I enjoy hearing your insights. The topics you cover in your videos have really helped me value myself as an artist and I'm working on taking things at a more realistic pace. Rather than 'grinding' to get sales I'm thinking more about how I want to develop my business for the long term, starting as I mean to go on. Mandy xoxo

[@kaori410]

Don't worry about being a slow speaker! Since my fist language isn't English, for me it's easier to watch your videos, and your voice brings such a relaxing atmosphere.

[@luo1802]

Hi Holly, I'm looking forward to the videos you plan to do in the future. I have been inspired by your art, your thoughts and your activism! I always really enjoyed your painting progress videos but I very much get your thoughts on studio vlogs

[@joyabbott5844]

first and foremost I love all your videos, I have followed you here for many years. It's nice to see that we all grow as people, and how our views change over the years. you have inspired me to continue on my path to becoming an illustrater. you recently followed me on Instagram that was such a confidence boost that you would follow me, you are like illustration royalty!! I lack so much confidence I recently turned down a job on people per hour to illustrate an entire book because I didn't understand the contract side of it all and I had no one to ask. I am doing a BA in illustration this year hopefully I will understand applying for work better. I just love, love your channel, your honesty is always refreshing and that is what makes your channel current and unique, if things are shit you don't sugarcoat things. Good luck with the next chapter of your life it will be amazing travelling in your van. xxx

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much Joy! I hope your confidence continues to grow, and that you get a lot from your BA course!

[@CatherineKlein94]

Excited for the future content! I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately too, and planning videos about the necessity of a 3 day work week, quitting social media, and how the concept of “laziness” is capitalist propaganda lol. I’m currently reading “Laziness Does Not Exist” and it is so validating!!

[@hollyexley]

Oooh thanks for the book recc. Yes! I'm really interested in where the demonisation of laziness stems from too. The vagrancy acts etc

[@illustratorhenna4964]

Oh you really rephrased this career in such a lovely way - makes it really feel more like a profession ( which it actually is! :D ). Really happy to hear about your thoughts for future content - we really need more discussion around the systemics around this industry!

[@sstevensart]

I really enjoyed this video. I wish to learn more and watch more about this kinds of things. I actually follow you because I learn a lot about important issues we must address not just as artists but also as humans in general. I appreciate that you show up honestly and with lots to offer in terms of perspective. Thank you for this video.

[@aramararte]

Love your content and your art! I wish I had started before... Your videos are always inpiring!

[@breeblack4397]

I think contracts would be a really great video idea. I'm not really sure where to start with them!

[@sabinassketchbook]

I needed this. Thank you so much for sharing this thoughts and usefull material Holly

[@susan_brehm]

I love that you have a variety of things on your posts, and the ones about social issues, climate change, etc are what really drew me into your channel. So yes please. I also love your openness and honesty about the good/bad/ugly of the art industry. AND your ART! I love seeing it. I would love it if you would create some zines. 😊😍

[@charlotte.4929]

Yes in that idea of studio vlogs! I’ve always wanted to do something like studio vlogs because I feel like if you’re going to be an illustrator in this day and age you need to vlog it, and I never got to doing it because I felt like what I would have to do to get a vlog to be beautiful is so different than what I actually would do if working. Like creating the super stunningly clean and video worthy space… and face 😆

[@charlotte.4929]

Wow, I really loved this video, I’m really interested in more of your thoughts and lessons learned with the idea of work and parts of the books you’ve been reading. Thank you for this video!

[@Bloome_]

Always love your videos Holly! Thanks for sharing and being so honest as ever! 💛

[@funnytime1111]

I do love studio vlogs but now there’s so many. I think they serve the purpose of 1) making you feel les lonely when you’re doing your own work and 2) giving people an idea of what it’s like to be a full time artist, particularly people who want to be artists but aren’t yet. Personally that’s why I followed you way back when. I think it’s fine if you want to shift gears. If you’re talking about how we can improve the art industry and fix systemic issues I think that would be a great service to the community! If you’re going to bring any prints back, i’d love the terrarium print!

[@rachelbrown9195]

I always so enjoy watching your videos, Holly! You're so self-aware and honest about your struggles, which I greatly appreciate. It particularly struck a chord with me when you talked about how being an artist became central to your identity as a person. I recognise that in myself - all of the other things I love in life become of lesser importance if I feel pressured to work all of the time, because I never feel like anything is 'enough'. Which sucks, because there are so many other things I love, like gardening - perhaps capitalist brainwashing makes me prioritise the thing that = money over just existing as a human and enjoying life for the sake of it? I wonder if social media has perpetuated this problem too, because I've noticed that a lot of really successful artists create their 'brand' around them as a person, as much as their art itself - people who collect their work love the artist as much as the art itself, if not more. Surely that's going to make a person feel like their art = their identity, and I don't think that can be too healthy. I look forward to future videos, I always enjoy listening to your insights :)

[@PeterPenguin77]

Great video about looking within… but don’t be hard on yourself. I watch your videos to validate what I do… freelancing all alone. It’s actually quite rare to find a vlogger who focuses on their inner turmoil - and yes we freelancers are made out of lots of turmoil! I think you do a great job of organizing all your main points to describe things in our work that can be so complex and hard to describe. So thanks!

[@ClayDisarray]

I am so over studio vlogs and it's great to know I'm not the only one! It's lovely to see you looking after yourself, Holly, as it's really hard to adopt this mindset. I have been pretty ill for the last few years and I wish I'd paid more attention to my gut health in my 30's as I would've given up gluten years ago as it can wreck the system (especially when combined with the delights of peri-menopause) I'm now allergic to most foods, and sadly I have to eat chicken and fish these days as I'm so restricted in what I can eat (I'd be vegan by choice). I'm pointing the blame at years of anxiety, work stresses and rubbish coping mechanisms - i.e. crappy processed food and too much alcohol. Anyhoo, thanks for your update and you've raised some solid points as always.

[@aiko1014]

We are doing a presentation about u in our school for art projects lol , I love ur watercolour paintings 😩

[@jackym61]

Hello Holly, I stumbled across this video and found it really interesting. Maybe you are being a little hard on yourself looking back, we're all on a journey of discovery. The vloggers you mention probably slap the make up on and tidy up beforehand too! I would be happy to see messy! The pandemic has been a wake up call for me too, and recovering is a slow process. Looking forward to watching you again. 🙂

[@Jellibox]

Stickers stickers stickers - I only have so much wall space but I always have a journal on the go :)

[@audreyguitar]

Can't wait for the future content adressing systemic issues!

[@ArtySubu]

Me too!

[@thisismelissalang]

Hi Holly! Always love your raw content! I wanted to ask…you mentioned how beforehand you used to “grind” a lot and work long hours, doing projects you didn’t always want to do…Do you feel like all of that was still necessary to get to where you are today? If not, if you could go back to the very beginning of your illustration career, what would you do differently or tell your younger self knowing what you know now? I guess what I’m trying to figure out is the artists I look up to now who have gotten to the position in their career where i aspire to get to have gotten to this place & want to slow down more but I wonder if they/you didn’t grind as hard as you did would you have gotten to “this” place in the first place? (If that makes sense 😂). Much thanks!!

[@debchoi3171]

Etsy shop...I'd LOVE a print of the stunning glass terrarium you painted (hanging on the wall behind you). :)

[@lidewijdevries4444]

Hey Holly! Your ideas sound very good! I do recognize myself in this a lot. I struggled with burnout myself during this pandemic and I'm only just recovering a little. It just makes you realise how art can be taken for granted in this society. But also how close it comes to our identity indeed. If one thinks about it long enough, everything human kind has created is actually art. Designed and made. Yet we don't really tread it like a normal craftsmanship anymore. Rather a romantic and expensive hobby. I don't think I could be a normal person without art. 😅 So I could never give up on it either. But I do come to realise that I am human first. I try to keep that in mind when I get up in the morning and start work. It's a little brain exercise to not feel myself sheep number 54289 😉👍🏻. Hope this helps you a bit!

[@deoko1]

Hi Holly, I enjoy your vlogs a lot. But I have to tell you, even when you showed us your work process etc. I never felt like it was romanticised, I always thought "omg this is A LOT of work and even if she does love illustration this must be really hard on her if she takes multiple jobs at a time" maybe because I've been there myself. I'm glad to be in this channel because I've been learning a lot, and even though I can't implement or educate myself on everything you say, I still learn (I do have to go to my own rhythm or I'll emotionally break down for sure). I do find myself missing that energy from my 20's haha I wish I had it right now, but maybe is because I no longer want to illustrate after im done with work? idk where that "passion" went, but I feel calmer just gardening a bit after work or taking it slowly, I'm still feeling guilty about that haha but I'm working on it. Also instagram is so toxic right now ._.

[@FeldiArts]

"Other people are looking great when they do their studiovlogs" Me: recording my progress in Pajamas "Are you sure about that?"

[@hollyexley]

😄

[@waakkeuppp]

You have more courage than of any of the KZbin/Instagram artists I follow. I have so much respect for you for your talent, honesty, transparency and your passion for things that matter 🙌🏽

[@Luzblah]

I think you're education and awareness around illustration is the reason I'm doing my 3rd year report on creative entrepreneurship and questioning the financial sustainability and societies value of the arts. I decided to go to uni at 31...32? (honestly I don't know how old I was now it feels like I've been at uni forever with the pandemic!) to study/pursue illustration and already feeling the struggle with my practice and the need to DO, watching younger students having the energy to just churn out content of all sorts and I'm just like old and tired already and I'm only friggin nearly 34, add the pandemic and my creativity has really plummeted too. So it's always reassuring for me to watch you talk about these things Holly, keep posting whatever the hell you want! (But more Quentin next time tho? J/k) Oh and a book recommendation for you that a lecturer recommended to me: Against Creativity by Oli Mould - I haven't read it much beyond the first few pages, but it's about the capatalistic appropriation of the arts.

[@hollyexley]

Omg! I have that book as an e-book, I need to give it a go. It looks really interesting. More Quentin next time I promise 😄

[@sllenase]

Hello, Holly! I follow your channel from some years ago, and I like the work you do and your vlog as well. Now I have a dilemma about printers. I think that you have a lot of experience in this, so maybe you can give me advice. What do you think is best, laser or inkjet printers for a small graphic design and illustration studio? I use to printing restaurant menus, bookmarks, Christmas cards and some A3 posters and my printer provider tell me to buy an inkjet, but I'm not sure about it. Can you please tell me what do you think? Thanks a lot, Silvia

[@jennymay4720]

Did you have your cookbook published Holley. I think I would buy a calendar, cards, cushions mugs from you notebooks too. Ever thought of contacting a porcelain company to produce some work for homes?

[@thesaladczar]

I worked so hard a few years ago doing children's book illustrations I got frozen shoulder and had an operation to fix it. Really, take care of your body.

[@hollyexley]

Sorry to hear this! That sounds awful, hope you're ok now. Couldn't agree more!

[@paigesillustrations.]

I’m so happy to hear your Etsy shop will be reopening. I’ve been wanting a piece of your artwork on my future studio gallery wall for ages, I’d love to buy one of your terrarium prints! 🥰🥰

[@Christodophilus]

Have you thought about doing an art series, on the grind culture of art/illustration? Maybe that would be helpful for you to heal. Not created for money or pride - just for the unapologetic peace we get from making art for ourselves. It might also make for something more interesting for you to look back on, than just the videos. I've been using a spiral watercolour pad (A4 size) recently, for jotting down my experiences. It's kind of like a journal, without the commitment of having one. I make whatever I want, usually based on a picture in my head, then if I feel so inclined, I jot down some words too. Looking back on it, I see more of me as an artist, than making a picture for the sake of making a picture. Because it's based on my inner workings, with no strict rules. The more rules and expectations we place on our art, the more of a personal cost it takes to make it. Anyway, just sharing in case you think it might be helpful to you.

[@_lntergalaktikOpereitor_]

Hooooooolly, HOLLY !! I was having trouble to get internet access to my pc and, when it worked, My Daughter came happy and anxious to show me the pc with internet working and, To my surprise, when I got the pc from her little hands, WHAT was already PLAYING on the pc ???! YOU !! She not just got to open YT, but ALSO found you and was able to put Your newest video to play for me !! ;D She is 8 yo !! And I got so happy !! Both because She KNOWS that I LOVE to watch YOUR videos, and because She ALREADY recorded YOUR NAME !! :D Some days ago ( I do not remember what we were talking about but ) She named YOU in a conversation !! I asked: WHAT ?? She said: Holly Exley !! ;D But Holly, WHERE is the PART 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... of this video ??! ;D It could last HOURS, that I could it HAPPYLY HAPPYLY watch it !! You MUST KNOW, Holly, that it is UNEXPLAINABLE DELIGHTING to WATCH Your VIDEOS !! :D Thank you a lot for putting your efforts to entertain us !! A THIGHT HUG from us in Norway !! *-_-*

[@m0rla_]

I'm looking forward to seeing the future content, also the very dry and boring things. I totally respect your decision to do less vlogs or stop them altogether. You dont have to present everything to *an* audience, and it's healthy to keep a good amount of privacy. As for shop products idk, single postcards or sets of them would be great. I cant rlly afford prints bc finding proper frames is just hell for me and postcards can function as mini prints and are nice to send to ppl bc I do send postcards. Hehe Otherwise I probably should buy a product of one of your bigger illustration projects you worked on. How much do you actually get from sales? Ha, that's also a good question for a business video. 😆 Sending lots of love! ♡

[@MrsQuam]

You might enjoy Amii Ceramics KZbin videos, she doesn’t speak at all, just includes text from time to time.

[@silviabiondi_essebi]

This video is so important actually, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! 💛 I can relate a lot actually: I used to be a physics researcher in Italian Universities but during the lockdown, I really had the time (for the first time since I started that job) to think about my life, my health, and how I, instead, would like to live. I ended up realizing that was not my cup of tea anymore for so many reasons. One of them is very similar to the grind culture, which is the publication system. We have this weird and scary motto which is "publish or perish" and I've talked extensively in my last video actually, so I won't go into much detail here, but just to say that your videos are illuminating since they make me realize those problems are shared in different jobs, unfortunately. Since I want to become a freelance illustrator who can pay her own bills and life necessities, I think having this in mind could help to handle other jobs in a more "careful" way. I don't know if I made my point but, yeah, thank you so so much for your content. It is brilliant, thoughtful, and very helpful! ✨

[@Aklime88]

If not capitalism, you might not have a chance to work as a freelancer in a domain you love.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

I know I'm two months late but your point about how you almost have to romanticize work to have a successful studio vlog really hit home for me. I've been feeling that a bit myself but couldn't put words to it!

[@ricthiamevans8980]

Right art is work. I been told that it's not "real work" which annoyed me. So I didn't say anything. I got a bunch of cardboard boxes, a big bottle of glue, and bucket of water. I built a 4 feet tall Yoda statue and got paid almost a 1000 dollars for it. That's how you shut someone up. Let your actions speak for you.

[@fatpicklestudiomagdalenatu8990]

I never worked for free, not an option.

[@hollyexley]

A slow(er) speaking youtuber who's channel I've been loving lately is 'anattynook' Check their channel out! kzbin.info/door/Ow1ICSivmO6uGWaINKxzdQ

[@GilMarinho]

hello

[@kiarahelen6006]

You should charge more.

[@hollyexley]

I should/will!