Honest Talk: Quitting Animation?

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FAQ:
Recording Equipment:
Canon EOS M50 Camera, Movo Microphone, iPhone 7 (for older videos)
Drawing Equipment:
iPad Pro 12.9in (2017), Any sketchbook, pen, or pencil really.
Editing Equipment:
Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie depending on laziness LOL

[@ghostie7790]

eeeyup. I'm 29. I've been trying to get into storyboards for a solid 5 years now. I've landed a mentorship with a major animation studio, and have had my portfolio reviewed by industry professionals who say my work is at hiring level. I've applied to hundreds of jobs, constantly, to no avail. To hell with it. I have to live my life. I finally decided to stop looking for storyboard jobs and focus on my comics and the graphic novel I'm developing. I'm so much happier and less stressed. And I can live anywhere and not just LA. Maybe I'll get a job on a show one day but I am not holding my breath, and I am not applying anymore. Honestly, it's a breath of fresh air not getting my self worth all tangled up in such a feeble and unstable industry. It is important to quit something that isn't serving you!

[@0Hecate]

Hey Ghostie, sorry it didn't work out for storyboard. Have you tried to apply as a revisionnist? Good luck for everything :)

[@Wendy-yu3hg]

I tried for 4 years, working in retail and doing some rare freelance projects while I job hunted. I was complimented as one of the best in my class, constantly. Had great connections, but I studied in Canada because I couldn't afford US schools, and they basically won't hire if you don't get the working visa yourself through other means. When I moved back to the US, I had no connections, and there was zero progress no matter how many positions I applied to. People just never answered. Canadian studios answered, but basically asking if I had a visa, even if I already said "no" in the application. I eventually got a tattoo apprenticeship, and while there are also slow seasons, it's very different. Slow seasons usually still means some clients and paying the bills, while not having an animation job means just...making zero. I'm glad I made the switch, but I wish I knew more about it before investing so much money and time. Now I can travel and be a guest artist anywhere, I don't have to be in LA anymore, I can work from home some days and get to still meet great people!

[@alyssavandyart]

I had an unhealthy relationship with my art when I was solely focused on it as a career (I thought that would be the only thing I'm good at). Now that I took some time away and got more perspective at the industry, I'm gonna prioritize having fun with my art. Whatever accomplishments I thought were important feel better as long-term goals instead of must-haves to be considered a successful person/artist. Good to hear you're feeling better about it!

[@bandinopla]

depressing

[@Davidgopaint]

i feel you man

[@lindsaybee93]

as someone in my last year of animation school thinking about applying for animation/story jobs soon, this video is kind of a wake up call.. what you said about not tying your worth to your studio projects made me realize that I’ve been idolizing that in my head all this time, thinking “once i’m in the industry i’m set!” meanwhile i haven’t posted on instragram in years since i’ve been struggling with confidence in my work 🥴 social media has always been really overwhelming for me but somehow you make it less daunting. knowing that even little baby steps early on can lead to being able to live comfortably in between jobs in the future is giving me that push i need 💕 you’ve made me realize how important personal projects are for not only your creative growth as an artist, but for opening up job possibilities i might not have considered for myself! thank you for always being so transparent and giving current industry knowledge for artists like myself 🫶 conversations like this are so valuable

[@fusetunes]

i'm in the exact same boat as you. art school completely knocked out my confidence and i get embarrassed to post anything on my instagram nowadays. i've still tried to apply to different production internships hoping that i could still get a break, but i've never made the final cut and i keep comparing myself to the handful of classmates who *did* get industry jobs and start feeling like a failure who will never make it as an artist. right now i'm just slowly trying to work on skills for myself- writing music, planning out story ideas, doing art studies, etc. and i honestly don't even know what specific job i'd want in the field anymore. just know you're not alone

[@Cellardoor_]

I honestly think you're one of the few artists able to make a living from their art alone without needing the art industry. If that's what makes you happy I hope you succeed even more! By all means, keep plugging and marketing things! People will support you, and they should! I hope to get there one day.

[@Vestele8]

I’m working as 2d artist in small gamedev studio and I’m really concerned and afraid about AI taking away my job (because I can see already that my boss likes AI “too much”). I hope I can one day reach that level so I can publish my own comic. Because being an artist in this AI times is, well scary :’ )

[@midnightvalkyrie]

Since I graduated as an animation major, it’s been really rough. I ended up going back to school to become a nurse while still working on my art on the side. It’s an adjustment but I’m glad I chose this path.

[@leviacneman6467]

I'm going into my final year of my animation degree in 2024 and I'm having the same feelings. Thinking of just graduating since there's no point backing out now and then changing industries to tech or finance. How are you finding the transition? kind of feel like I'm giving up on my dream but I want financial security and I've lost my passion for animation...

[@midnightvalkyrie]

@@leviacneman6467 I think that you should definitely finish your degree, but I don’t think that you should give up. I think you should go through the experience to see if this is really something you want to do. There’s still a lot of great opportunities out there and if it doesn’t work out you can always try something else. It’s not easy, but you will get through it. It took me a long time to finally decide on my decision, but that was after I went through different experiences and pushing myself to make it work. It wasn’t an easy transition but I’m glad I took the leap. Otherwise I would still be wondering if this was the right path for me. You may have a different experience than me. You won’t know until you try but it’s still completely up to you what you want to do and what will be best for you.

[@Chiime]

I think my favorite videos of you are the sketchbook tour vides you made when you went to Calarts. I liked the casual nature of them but I also liked how it talked and gave really good life advice without sounding generic. Please don't take this as me saying your newer videos are bad, the industry advice is very helpful. I understand also that making those kinds of videos comes with a risk of demonetization or a breach of your personal boundaries or privacy, but that's the kind of content I am personally drawn to. I've been following you forever and I always love seeing what you're up and I hope you know me and many other bishes are rooting for your success and happiness.

[@sitnuhe]

Same! The video about UTI's and just girl stuff and drawing girls are my favourite from her

[@harriyanna]

tbh i'd love to see more videos about make comics, yours really helped me with mine!

[@nekorina9011]

I suppose one thing I would be curious to see is how you find time to relax / take a break between all the work? I feel like every art video I see is "work work work, hustle hustle hustle", and I feel like I can't relax ever with how much I worry about the state of my work, the state of the industry, thinking about having to work all the time, and it leaves me paralyzed, ngl. So I would love to see how you can balance all of that stuff, as well as how you personally balance your work and life. Great video, by the way! I find your insights very helpful and reassuring as someone who is about to be a senior at SCAD (I'm a sequential art major)

[@kcravenfilms]

in this exact same boat. lost my job months ago, have had no luck finding another full time job. Now seriously considering trying to be a full time freelance multi-media artist and independent illustrator since that seems to be working at the moment

[@prismaticmochi]

I think it's better in the long-run that people focus on what is in their own power to create, i.e. their own comics, stories, and audiences for their artwork, rather than buy into making the dreams of others at larger companies in the industry for the sake of access to old-school networks and a visage of esteem. Of course, this shouldn't dissuade people who sincerely want to work on other larger projects from continuing to try and break into the industry, but for those who are blessed with ideas of their own and the gusto to try and bring them to life, I think working on something fully within their control is a much better pursuit to spend their earth years on ✨

[@destinyawaitsx3]

It was so wholesome being called a BISH again LOL If I were to be completely honest, I would love to see videos on how you draw all these interesting and dynamic poses in your comics and storyboards. I would truly love to learn how to draw from you. However, I still hold on to the idea that if you focus on posting videos on what YOU like and what YOU enjoy, you will find a steady audience that will support you all the way through. As a true Bish, I will always tune into your videos and will continue to subscribe and watch whatever you post.

[@Sammy_47]

I don't work in the animation industry or have plans to do so, but your words still related to me in my current situation; thank you for making this video 🙂

[@madblackliam]

A course on storyboarding would be awesome

[@JD5x3SC]

As a 3rd year student in an animation program, I think your insight is super helpful. Seeing where you go from here would be worth watching. I hope you kill it!

[@aquadust]

hi Michelle!! i've been watching your videos and following your artistic journey since i was a freshman in high school and now i'm a junior in college. it makes me so excited to see that you're taking the leap into becoming an independent artist & focusing on your own projects! you're totally right that so many industries (tech, animation, etc.) are going through a tough time right now, and what you mentioned about basically "being on your own" and not tying your self-worth to a specific job title, company, or project was really eye-opening for me. i wish you all the best! we will all be here to support you!!

[@misalilly]

This video came at the perfect time! :) I'm going through a similar thing after being in the animation industry for 7+ years

[@Shayy_786]

Honestly, I’ve always watched your content, as it inspires me to do my own thing in the art/animation industry! By trade, I’m an industrial designer but originally wanted to go into animation/art field, but didn’t for fear of some of the stability (I must say the industrial design field is also facing similar stability challenges). Still, I would love to see your journey of how you go about creating your book! Thank you again for all the great industry insights you’ve been providing us! It truly inspires me!

[@ElzLandeLV]

Since I don't live in the USA but a tiny country in Europe I feel like there's no use trying to pitch a show to big studios or get a job on my favorite shows so instead I want to make an indie show but I struggle with life and my skill level and it's hard doing it alone. Even so I still enjoy watching your videos for inspiration so I could start my own shop, comic and show.

[@thehumblehalfrican562]

That’s cool that you worked for Glen Keen. His was one of my professors at Otis College of Art and Design last year for Junior year.

[@randomsketchings]

Thanks for the candid video, I appreciate your honesty. I really would like to see mini series of different aspects of being a full time creator. How do you calculate your hours, how do you balance video recording and editing with creating art. Even a closer look at your process of more intermediate tasks as an artist, maybe break downs of how you take your story telling to the next level. How to push emotion in your art type series, maybe? That’s what I would like to see, even a how I prepare for Light Expo if you’re going this year?

[@zuki2206]

I would love to see more videos about your graphic novel experience. Like your process and journey in creating it

[@juicedrewthis]

I think you’re making the same decision a lot of other artists are making right now as well. For a long time I’ve been hard at work on my storyboard portfolio, but with the industry being what it is at the moment and with me having little success finding a more stable job, I’ve been slowly but surely working towards finally making an online shop to sell my art. :) I don’t have a big following but I’ve been seeing some potential with tiktok so I wanna work on building an audience there (and also Instagram). I’ve been having a lot of fun so far!! I’ve also been thinking about getting back into webcomics again. Honestly now is the time to have fun and do whatever you want with your art lol. Also I really like watching artist vlogs, but if those don’t do well you could maybe mix that with the content you know is working for you (artist pep talks, sketchbook tours, draw with me’s, etc.). Good luck!! 💪👏

[@darkmoonserpent]

Thank you for making these types of transparent videos, they're very helpful. I'd love to see more videos about your journey as an independent artist. The videos you made about making your first graphic novel and the ones where you break down your income stick out to me in particular. I'd love to know the ins and outs of how to go about securing a publishing deal, who to contact, etc. I also enjoy seeing how independent artists structure their days. Good luck with everything and good on you for doing what makes you happy!

[@DGcrs91]

This is exactly what i needed to hear today

[@Baltabak]

your transparency, honesty, and courage in sharing your story is seriously appreciated. your work ethic is very respectable, and we are glad to hear that you are doing well!

[@wildnita]

I’d like to be an independent artist as well, I would love to see your journey ☺

[@kndlt]

Ability to connect with people like this is already a million dollar talent!

[@johnloverman]

oh this is a spicy one for sure

[@mewTripled]

HAha maybe more on the mild side xD

[@theloniuspoon]

this is realistic and honestly i think the studio strikes and lay offs have gotten even worse. made me think about the whole freelancing thing cuz ive never worked at a major studio before, i've had to freelance it the whole way through with like zero support but it's been enough demand the whole way through to carry me so i can continue doing this full time

[@adrianaaguilar6186]

I haven't been keeping up with your videos lately bc of burnout but I'm so grateful I came back. Your candidness and your insight into the art world is fantastic and often aligns with my own. I'm more in the motion design side of things- but I thought I was going to go into the feature animation or game industries. I'm much happier where I am, though sometimes I wonder if I'm missing out. But when I see what's happening overall, I do feel very lucky to be enjoying a relatively stable art career. It's not big movie animation or big game studios like I dreamed when I was younger- but it is creative enough that I do feel fulfillment from my job, and I'm also able to enjoy the freedom of living in other areas that aren't as expensive as LA or NYC or SF.

[@AlliandoX]

LMAO I always say 'funemployed' in between my boarding contracts, love that term

[@iloveperros]

Nah girrrrl don't be sorry for the sponsorships AT ALL! As someone who's been following you for years, I'm so happy that you'll be able to support yourself independently, given the awful state of the industry. The value (and art!) you bring to the table is worth all the advertisement in the world. Keep it up, we love you!

[@pyeitme508]

OMG that's gonna be explosive, Barbenheimer level 😂

[@mewTripled]

ahaha xD

[@pyeitme508]

@@mewTripled Yep lol!

[@_aiborie]

I want to see you do podcasts! Or artists collabs or interviews. Art challenges? No idea if these kinds of videos will do well but just typing it all out here.

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

This inspires me to focus more on personal projects next year, thank you!

[@PaintBrushBirdie_]

Im still trying to grow as a small artist as well and I had to actually leave art collage after 2 years although I never gave up on growing my own art business and I sometimes hope that im doing it right feeling a little bit behind in life sometimes lol.

[@ringo4543]

I’m an animation student and this is like my whole passion and the only thing I want to do with my life so should I just like die atp💀

[@jascherry]

The evolution of your art and what has inspired you

[@friedbolognasandwich]

It's not industry-based issues, it's capitalism and American exceptionalism & individualism. greed from landlords and corporate giants who thrive off class warfare. we're headed for a long (unfortunately) overdue recession. this is effecting everyone & we need people in animation to encourage and pursue UNIONIZING. believe the capitalists when they do things like, for example, buying land for pennies on the dollar from Indigenous people who are still trying to find their loved ones remains in Maui. when they do things like that, your job, your homes, your livelihoods are not safe. EDIT: Not an attack on your points and perspective, Mew. Just anger at the state of things and the complacency of some of my coworkers and people in my life who think that everything they have and the way things are are safe for the future, they don't care, or that we can't fail.

[@aexlee7255]

Not sure if you’ve done it but I would like to see a video of what you think makes great storytelling! I’m an illustrator but I’ve fantasised about being a short story animator so that would be interesting to me

[@matthewjwoods95]

I would love to hear how you approach sensitive topics in your comics. How do you know if something is TOO personal to share?

[@hirorivera6396]

This hurts me.

[@albierilagardaalcantar8946]

So reliable this video(wish it gets a good rate), good luck on your personal journey. Also, I really enjoy your Intagram content, someday I'll get a shirt..... somehow. Greetings from Mexico

[@thecheekychoof]

It's just like you work enough you want to pursue something simpler in life. Sometimes doing jobs and honing your skill does help discover yourself. It is definitely great to be able to go independent though.

[@denvermadison9052]

Man I wish I could afford cal arts…not really for the schooling because I have that from evergreen state (school Matt groenings went to) it’s just for the connections. Cal arts=connections for a hefty cost.

[@r5toijr913]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. ❤

[@demon_sauce]

ready for this new vid 😎

[@mewTripled]

Thank you!

[@csensale]

The question is how not to get suckered into a survival job like retail lol

[@_aiborie]

Just not be poor /s but seriously, people are already doing great being able to sustain themselves. The journey will be slow tho

[@magnamakers3219]

hey girl, what's your skincare routine? it's on point

[@CaliKrazyTV]

👍Awesome 👍do you think you'll ever run a kickstarter?

[@Glenningway]

How true is it that the majority of animation is outsourced to other countries? One of the biggest things my school neglected to tell us (I did go to Ai, cue the laughter) is that animation is a very bottlenecked career that only a very small few can ever get into, and if you're not in LA you don't have much of a shot even if you could do it remotely. Also many are under the impression they'll have a shot of their own creations making it into production which is very unlikely. I've long since given up on that due to how unstable the work seems to be looking from the outside.

[@daniellemillerart]

most animatING is outsourced, a lot more work is freelance only/permalancing, and games is even worse with most jobs being outsourced to other countries or ai. Those vendor studios too are also typically VERY overworked and underpaid.

[@madam_star_rise]

Question. I still wanna DO animation (i am a Storyboard major) and i want to still get my animation and art seen and make my own webshow (even of from Storyboard) without being hired by any animation industries (for now) and i want to still be a part of peoples projects. Should i still persue that dream still??? I want to be a storyboard artist and i want to make my own show. Should i still follow thay dream??? (Excuse me) also KZbin always tend to put animation as "Kids content" like, yo, why?! Where in animation is it for kids?! So i wonder if i should still post animation on youtube or not at this point and find another streaming platform thay doesnt make animation kids only

[@aroseart78]

What do think of a career in painting? For any artist.

[@febbeedraws2285]

I don’t know if this helps: but I followed your channel for your sketchbooks and drawing og- so would love to see more artsy things 💕💕

[@jackcatlin]

Is this cause of A.i? 🤔

[@mewTripled]

It's one of the reasons!

[@EmmaFoxArt]

I have a degree in animation and never ended up getting an industry job. Your videos (and hearing from friends who did go into the industry) made me feel a lot better about it. It sounds so stressful, competitive, and long hours for little pay/recognition. I ended up creating my own small business (accidentally) and I've run it full time with my husband for 7 years now. Its definitely not easy, but every time I hear about the state of the film industry in genral I'm very thankful. 💀

[@patrickkirby6580]

I’m sure this is gonna be something like:- I quit animation to focus on children books or comics or any other art industry that isn’t animation.

[@mewTripled]

Somewhat true, but not entirely!

[@hopevity]

Why does it say you posted that 11 hours ago 😰

[@SasakiSan834]

Bro how did you comment this 14 hours ago? 💀

[@lousyu3403]

@@SasakiSan834 Patreon supporters get early access to videos

[@SasakiSan834]

@@lousyu3403 Now I get it! Thanks!

[@RiceLilyMeadows]

As an industry professional, I made the decision to take a "Strategic Withdrawal" from my Animation career because of the state the industry is currently in. Luckily, I did find some non-art related full time work to keep me a float and bide my time until the dust settles. And there is no shame in this, newcomers. You do what you gotta do to survive but keep the love alive. There are people who are working on independent projects and need people in your respected fields. So keep an eye out, do good work that show off your skills.

[@Tavitoni]

As someone who makes all her money from patreon support, quitting the idea of going into the animation industry was the best thing I did. couldnt find anyone that would take me after 3 grueling years at uni, i decided the stress wasnt worth it anyway. I hope more artists can make their own living without being underpaid and doing projects they love.

[@fern-cx3bf]

Hey, i know i’m kinda asking personal questions but, how was the uni experience? I’m to enter in a few months and i’d like to get a feel of the idea. Thank you

[@qrious_k]

Thanks for the video! I recently graduated and I have been looking for jobs in the animation industry. But I realized that I enjoy watching/studying animation more than I do creating it. So now I'm focused on creating a career as a freelance illustrator and cartoonist. Do you have any advice for an artist new to freelancing? I would love to see videos on your journey as an independent artist btw!

[@Cellardoor_]

Personally I'd be interested in your solo efforts. Like how you go about making money off of your art -- the processes and resources. Not sure if that'll get you views but that's just my two cents hehe. Good luck!

[@zaphill4346]

I see better of the phrase "is it your degree or is it yourself?" Thanks for the needed info and hope for all of us.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

its basically a recession and even more of a gap between those who have/owner vs working/ work per hour/ renting. doesn't matter what industry you're in, except maybe upper medical (cause docs and nurses arent making that money) and building trades (after keep fighting for your rights for safe work environment).

[@lockheart619]

I got accepted to the animation program at my school, but before I could actually start my classes I decided to switch majors. I couldn’t justify pursuing a career in animation any longer. I didn’t want to lose my love for art/ animation because of the industry. I prefer to keep it for myself and as a hobby only.

[@fern-cx3bf]

How has it been since then??

[@magnamakers3219]

Don't be sorry - no sponsors aren't annoying, sometimes they're helpful. Aware people can underestand sponsors and ads, petty entitled people don't really matter and who are the most likely to complain - you do you 💪💪

[@violetfolgi]

Exciting that you're able to make this decision for yourself, good luck in the next few months :)! tbh I think I watch pretty much all of the videos you make about navigating having art as a career; as an animation student I'm ofc super interested on the industry side of things and hearing about your experiences applying to jobs, how all that works (I was very surprised to hear about all of the vacation days stuff you mentioned in passing on this video--- I didn't know and I'd never heard it from you! cool topic to explore perhaps? the rights that people have on union animation jobs + what might not be the same on non-union ones?), etc... but also hearing about your experience with art online (being such a huge Instagram and also youtube presence yourself I feel like you've got pretty good insights!) is pretty interesting. or your opinion on things, I mostly listen to the videos where it's just you talking and I play them while doing some 3D work/drawing so yeah :) Also, something I've always been more interested about is knowing more about the process of the making of your graphic novels!!!! I feel like it's SUCH a cool thing and I think you've talked of it somewhat, but I'd love to know more about the conception of the concept; how do you know that idea will make a good graphic novel? do you look for something in particular? did you have to shape the story a certain way to fit industry demands for example etc etc like how is the editorial process, or are you telling the story just how you first thought of it and thankfully it gets published like that? just throwing out some ideas here! perhaps I got too much into specifics and not into the main kind of things you're curious to know we'd want hahaha but yeah well, hope it's helpful for you Michelle :) love from Argentina!!

[@akira1205]

I started in the comics industry, but have been trying to change course and get into the animation industry doing boards. I have some professional experience on some bigger name animations, but lost some momentum and contacts, and then the pandemic happened, and I struggled, then it opened up a little more, like conventions, and I even got a storyboard art rep to help connect me with studios. Nothing came of it, and then the writer's strike happened, and put a hold on everything again. I'm behind the writer's/actors strike, but in order to make a living, I need to change course yet again. While keeping my options open in all directions, even comics. I just don't know if going the animation route is going to happen (at least anytime soon) and I question long term.

[@dotpenji]

Hey there, it's fantastic to see you open up so candidly about your experiences in the animation and art industries. Your insights into the current state of various industries and the challenges they're facing are invaluable for anyone trying to navigate their way through this complex landscape. I have a fun question: If you could magically step into the world of any animated TV show or movie you've worked on, which one would you choose? And what kind of adventurous character would you become in that world?🌟🎨🎬

[@MarkexcelSarsaba]

I share the sentiment that animation is facing challenges. Currently, I'm contemplating a shift toward graphic design.

[@motivatedbeastph]

It's truly remarkable to witness your candidness as you share your experiences in the animation and art sectors.

[@monicasoriano8581]

Stepping into the world of an animated TV show or movie would indeed be an exciting adventure. If I could choose, I'd love to immerse myself in the world of Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away." It would be a world filled with wonder, unique challenges, and unforgettable adventures. The Studio Ghibli films are known for their breathtaking visuals and rich storytelling, so it would be a dream come true to explore the intricate and magical world of "Spirited Away." 🌟🎨🎬

[@monalizapantoja8490]

Indeed remarkable!

[@ryanvalenzuela551]

Your openness is remarkable.

[@csensale]

Any tips on surviving in an expensive state?

[@owlsgurl]

I've been watching your videos for years and honestly these have been extremely helpful when I need most as a graphic designer and digital artist so thank you 😊

[@mewTripled]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear that my videos have been of help to you :')

[@catnss]

This video was super helpful, I’m an art student planning on graduating next year and wanting to do a lot of the same things you are. More videos like this about the industry/being a independent artist would be amazing!! Also I personally love vlogs

[@byonty886]

I was just offered a big opportunity in the animation industry, but i don't think i'm going to continue for long, I graduate fron school months ago but even in the last year I had some thoughts about not going for an animation career. I always though "eh I can always found a job and then search for an animation job" but in this months that i didn't search an animation job I was at peace with myself like I never felt in a long time. I lost my inspiration and will to draw for me and with this months I draw and paint without anxiety of making a bad drawing bc it was for me. I love animate but not as on an hardcore level, I will probably do this period of try for animation again, mainly for my parents, but deep down i already know my answer, for the first time in my life

[@selineabanto]

I feel less alone after watching this video 💗 thank you! Would love to see you talk about networking in animation and how to talk to recruiters

[@Elizabeth-mf3dn]

Just do the sponsors! Your videos are a goldmine of perspective from inside the industry and KZbin doesn’t pay all that well so get that bag 💰 you deserve to be paid

[@youchubes]

Thank you for making this video! I've had alot of similar thoughts lately and even though I was able to enter the animation field while it was at it's peak, I've definitely been worried about the current layoffs. Your early videos and streams were a big reason why I got into working in animation so hearing your thoughts and how you're pivoting helped me feel more at ease. I luckily have a job in the industry atm but after selling at a convention this year, I realised that even if I didn't have my job, I could probably focus on selling at more conventions in the future and working on my own products/designs instead. It'd also be nice to start studying for myself again.

[@modoodles]

I quit animation and im enjoying my time much more

[@mewTripled]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you so much for sharing! My channel is still relatively small, but it’s also very animation career-focused. I’ve been doing some self reflecting on whether or not I want to keep that as part of my branding, especially with how the current landscape of the animation industry is. I’m considering going the independent artist route myself, and hoping to do so by focusing more on my KZbin content and documenting that journey. Seeing your content always encourages me to bet on myself and go for it! I’m excited to read your next graphic novels and see more of Meesh! 💖

[@tingamagick]

Hi Michelle, thanks for this video! I have many young aspiring artists and animators asking me about how to get into the industry just as well, I do what I can to help them but there isn't anything I can do to control the market, I can understand their frustration and desperation to break into the industry. With that said, there's no better time to keep honing one's skills and do what we love, employed or unemployed period. There are plenty of ways to make money, art and creativity related job doesn't have to be an end all, I love seeing non professional artist make art on the side. When the doors open again, those who have been consistently creating will be ready.

[@chuckles1774]

In terms what I would like to see in the future of your content, I am really interested in making a graphic novel myself so going more in depth with that process, even if it's a paid course on whatever platform, would be very useful!

[@leonmashedpotatos4854]

Keep us posted with how it goes!! I have been lately feeling the same way that maybe the independent artist route would be something emotionally fulfilling for me however; i don’t necessarily know where to start in really going hard on an independent art lifestyle. I’m a senior in art school in animation so my times going to be pretty taken by that but when I graduate I really want to try taking more many steps to getting into the animation industry but also I know in my heart I would kind of dream to live life on my own terms a little bit

[@katydead]

I'm desperate to get out of animation right now honestly. it's crap, you're treated like crap, my country doesn't have an animators union and probably never will. I'm so done being an art machine.

[@itsamemalo]

The excitement in your words! I love that you're giving it a try full steam ahead. You're so creative and inspiring that we'll definitely love to see your new journey. Also, it makes some of us, independents, feel more hopes about the path we chose. Thank you for sharing this!

[@chloek1182]

I am majoring in animation but honestly I want to make comics/graphic novels

[@rebecamelo6255]

Hi! I know you said vlogs dont do well on the channel but I'd like to say as someone new to your youtube I'd love to watch those! for the past 2 months now I've been also thinking about quitting the animation industry to focus on personal work, mostly because in my country the pay is very unfair and industries don't give their artists any rights and ask for enourmous amounts of work, I'm sick of being treated that way, thank you for the video!

[@joyishly]

Thank you for this update, it was really informative. Good luck in your future endeavors!! :D

[@jascherry]

I love seeing you draw tbh and just tips ans tricks on how you do things in career/life stuff I'm really drawn to.

[@Shalini.__]

I am someone interested in entering the field so all your content around that I have found very helpful, and will continue to watch.

[@Shalini.__]

Maybe even bringing in other artists and getting their experience would be nice

[@hannahlayfield1300]

I don’t know if this is too similar to art tutorials but maybe advice/how to videos on utilizing different art mediums or software. But besides that i just really like your videos about your experience growing and learning as an artist

[@myeong_jun]

I miss your sketchbook tours tbh :(

[@abdullahvirk7792]

I want industry news

[@vivianjones9169]

Your videos are always to reassuring!! I’ve been recently trying to break in animation but I’ve been having a lot of thoughts about starting an Etsy and doing other elements of illustration that I also enjoy!!

[@Dicenete]

This video was very nice and encouraging to me, as weird as it sounds. I'm pretty much a starting artist who has done commissions for living 2 years now and with the current situation in economics and in art scene, I feel so drained and been seriously thinking about doing commissions as a sidething for sometime and get a sidejob to help with the bills. But that doesn't mean I will stop doing art. I just want stability to do it. It will be interesting couple of years to see where the entertainment industry will go and you never know what will happen in the future. I look forward seeing where your path takes you, I wish you all the luck and success!

[@keirscott-schrueder5625]

I'm so confused. You make six figures outside of your main job, that's amazing. why not just focus 100% on what you really want to do? It seems financially viable what what you've said. I only say this because you seem hesitant to leave storyboarding, but it sounds like you love comic creation. Edit: I commented too early

[@mewTripled]

I'd love to talk about that more in a future. I Think it had something to do with the fear of working an unconventional job / being judged for not working a traditional one. 🤔

[@keirscott-schrueder5625]

@@mewTripled I definitely get that. I started watching you whilst I was getting started doing freelance illustration more seriously, and I now almost do it full time. I figure now in my early 20s is the best chance to take risks with these things. I think an interesting video to make would be to have an interview/conversation with someone starting out in freelancing, either working in animation or otherwise. Maybe someone new to the field and someone very experienced (which i guess is yourself). People make art because they feel at their best creating. They don't get into the work ultimately with the intention of just making money. I think that with the instability of art jobs in general, freelancing over working for company is a very viable option, at least to supplement income or to have between jobs. freelancing also = monetising your projects in this instance. I think making some content around getting started and the practical nature of findinig jobs and talking to clients could be cool. You're very inspiring to me.

[@hunt_er92]

So I just got offered a place to study animation in Canada (from uk), which is something I’ve been dreaming of getting into for years now while doing other jobs like teaching abroad (older applicant). But now that I have the offer I’m torn between that or an NHS funded applied psychology course which has guaranteed work during and at the end and could be stepping stone to clinical psychology doctorate. Animation is the dream and I don’t want to regret giving up this opportunity after the portfolio work and hoping so much to get in, but on the other end I don’t want to get to the end of 3 years studying animation and nit be able to get a job and then regret now following the more financially stable route. I guess it partially depends on how the industry is in 3 years :/ I have a month to decide whether I want to confirm or reject the offer 😅

[@marman4556]

Vlogs: yes, but I would like to see more in depth rather than everyday here’s what I’m doing. Maybe ones that talk about the moves you’re making and business plans you have how you’re going to get the goals accomplished, almost like business meetings with your audience, that is really helpful for people like me who are new Courses/lessons: yes yes yes, you seem like you would make not only a good course but a fun, especially with the success of all your other ventures outside of animation career, well rounded experience would be amazing info to learn about Suggestion: experimental videos, like videos where you do stuff outside of your normal drawings, like landscape renderings or life drawings, different genres or materials, stuff you don’t normally do, it’s so inspiring to see artists doing stuff they’re not good at and learning when you’re learning yourself to do stuff Honestly whatever you’re going to do is gonna be good. You’re already doing awesome stuff and helpful and actually beneficial good stuff on this yt thing alone, so thank you for what you do, YOU ARE AWESOME

[@cyan__lab]

this was such a great video that I needed to hear, honestly I've been quite frustrated with job searching and also trying to work on my own personal projects T

[@elizabeth4689]

hey! thanks so much for sharing this information and transparency. it's super helpful and I wish you only success!

[@yaoomi]

i love your videos about art industry and working as an artist, it inspires a lot!

[@comicszoneuniverse]

animation is amazing / animation industry is inhumane bullshit

[@Marblesfury2621]

This is why people work for indie companies and not top of the line was. I'm sure things will turn around eventually but you do you! I wish you luck on your journey!