How To FAIL And Keep Going

[@BillMakingStuff]

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[@BoOzo260]

Don’t know why but the still shots make me very uncomfortable, been a viewer for a time tho Idky it just hit me

[@StudsonStudio]

I enjoyed the episode and the art! It's time to ignore the intrusive negative thoughts Cat is beaming into your head.

[@ethobbyshow]

Not everyone can be as passive aggressive as you stud, except maybe cat. Lol

[@BillMakingStuff]

See he is real

[@LaughingInTiny]

Exactly. It's Cat's fault. It's always Cat's fault. To be fair though he does have a solid reason to hold a grudge.

[@Weenerneenerchickendinner]

“Bill Tryin Stuff” would be a nice mini series within the channel

[@Weenerneenerchickendinner]

Nice 9 likes there are 9 people that like this. And would watch.

[@SM-sg5tr]

It takes large orbs to upload something you consider a failure, Bill. Good on you. I think you did a great job.

[@Xeshema]

Yeah, agreed. Bill could post all the successful ones, but it's the failures that let's us (and him) know he's growing as a creator! And there's nothing wrong with that!

[@marshawargo7238]

Personally I think he's too hard on himself! He didn't even ask Cat what he thought 💭 of this build (second opinion)😊

[@grindandclick]

“Large orbs” I’m stealing that. I agree with you - great job bill

[@johnrhines6626]

It's been a while since Bill's bits were the focus:)

[@BajkonurBobby]

Large orbs 😄 Sounds like something from Strange Planet. But yes! Totally agree.

[@finnlaylambert4575]

Showing your failures is important, this isn’t a competition it’s a community. You probably did way more good for people that get self-conscious about their builds than the strife you felt making it. But also, you made a really pretty video out of it and the faux sunrise glamour shot looked hella dramatic. Hope this build doesn’t ruin the experience of getting out of the comfort zone, because if this is what you consider a failure I’m kinda interested in what your second try looks like ❤

[@Boylei]

I understand the struggle, but I think it turned out better than you think. Proud of you for finishing it and presenting it. I enjoyed the video either way! Looking forward to seeing more deep frame dioramas in the future.

[@funeralgothatoo5814]

As someone who currently struggles to even start making stuff a lot of the time, thank you for posting this. It's refreshingly relatable. It's so important to remember every sketch and even every major project itself is a step towards the next. Give yourself permission to potentially screw it up. There's always the next attempt. I'm honestly excited to see you tackle this again and apply what you have learnt from this. I think that it will be a very inspiring sequel!

[@RobSeib]

“I just dont care” *pained laugh* This was a cathardic moment with Bill being vulnerable.

[@Vee_of_the_Weald]

Guys, let’s all give Bill a hug - group hug! He needs a cuppa tea as well as it solves everything in the UK. We love you Bill x

[@WarChimp]

This is true, I strayed from the path while walking in the countryside. A wild beastie savaged me and I barely made it to the local café alive. After a cup of tea and a biscuit and I was fine. Although I do look like Bill every full moon.

[@MyTony00]

This is actually one of my favorites. I've rewatched it a few times. And it's not even about getting to watch you suffer, Bill. Really. It's not. I'm gonna watch it again.

[@amberjude2886]

My 8 year old daughter says, "Cooool! That looks SICK!" So there we go, we all know small children are brutally honest.

[@Mekhami]

man you're so harsh on yourself lol. this may have been frustrating to make but, as art, it's top notch. you did really really well. i'd be super proud to be displaying this. it's so creative, so imaginative, it's well executed, it's a whole vibe. honestly, celebrate it a little, cause you nailed it.

[@sugarbaby1974]

As an artistic person who leans more to the performative arts side than the creative arts side, I can *absolutely* relate to the frustration of having a specific idea in your head and JUST - NOT-BEING - ABLE to get it to come together as you imagine. I know it won't change how you feel about the project, Bill, but I love that you and other artists that I watch regularly will post creations and processes that you're not happy with, as I genuinely do learn a lot from you guys. Honestly, you learn more from mistakes (perceived or real) than you do from successes - I honestly thought the first couple of layers looked great but a little flat and couldn't figure out why, but when you mentioned the light source, it made sense. It's things like that that teach more than just going "TADAH, a gorgeous creation!" I have great ideas for projects but can never seem to make them look how I see them in my head, and your videos are among the helpful tools I use to learn how to make my projects better. So yes, you make a huge impact, Bill, thank you

[@nevencintauer618]

Kudos to you for recollecting yourself and finishing what you didn't really like. That is a very valuable trait to have and I think I speak for every layman out here when I say this is absolutely awesome.

[@pessimisticAI]

For us lowlife crafters & hobbyists, it can be daunting when all you watch are really talented people with lots of years behind them in the field - plus they can edit out all their mistakes and mess-ups (although now people are really good at showing you the whole process and their line of thinking during). I love your videos and I think this one might be the best yet. It's the most relatable and just very inspiring, freeing and good to see. You do this a lot, you teach people how to pivot and carry on to get a good end result, but I have this kind of experience and frustration more often than not since I'm just not as practiced, so it's great to see how you deal with that and what you're thinking meanwhile. Again, so relatable and good to see. It was also great seeing you step out of your comfort zone. So, really good job. That'll do, Bill. That'll do.

[@thomaschandler1973]

Loved the video. As someone who dabbles in scratch building, it's refreshing to see big name builders like yourself also get frustrated and stumped by builds. I honestly think it turned out really well but more importantly, I appreciate you posting it for those of us that might be struggling with our own projects.

[@Mixxie67]

It's useful watching an artist work thru a problem regardless of whether it's a total sucess. I find videos showing the creative struggle very interesting and actually inspiring. Sometimes it's just the process that's important. A failed project is better than not having done anything at all. I'm not convinced it's a total fail, I'm just using your words to make a point.

[@rebekahpatteson8879]

I love that you made something you weren't confident about! The best bit of advice about making depth in a landscape painting I have found is: the closer you get to the horizon, the more the land color starts to take on the sky color (because you're looking through more and more atmosphere the further away you get) 💜

[@safemode8598]

Thanks for finishing this build Bill, I enjoyed the process. Remember most of us don't watch your videos for the glamour shots we watch them to be entertain by you. Keep up the great work.

[@rexfrancorum7173]

Thanks for suffering through. I think a lot of your ideas were great and would work better in different context.

[@BillMakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@markuswilliam8352]

I actually really do like the build. I think the colors being muddy adds to the atmosphere. I would unironically buy this

[@man.inblack]

why buy it when you can become a patreon and beg for it? I'm sure Bill wouldn't mind he did say he'd give it away.... trade him for something crusty and weird. or not. - I'm not your mum

[@rororo869]

I’ve heard people call this type of stuff 2.5D and I kinda like that

[@edwardboon2204]

Probably not your best but I loved the video. It's great to see how you are working through the issues and end up with something that works. I think the problem with the end result is lighting since the rocks you painted on the background blocked the light coming from the sky, so it all ends up being very dark. Perhaps the crystals should have been a light source, casting a red glow on parts of the rock and the front of the figure. Frankly I hope you don't give up on deep frame dioramas, I really liked the one you did for the 'Biggest Art Collaboration', I thought that was one of the best things you've made so far. Really enjoy your channel.

[@pietrayday9915]

Neat idea about the crystals as light source, and I wish I'd thought of it: I was just saying that this project was a source of great ideas, and that's a great example of what i mean!

[@pietrayday9915]

YES! Another episode of CAT Licking Stuff - my favorite show! I was wondering what happened to this channel! And it's good to see that CAT's sidekick Bob, or whatever his name is, is still around, too. This"failure" is actually pretty good, an inspiration for new ideas! Perhaps not your finest work, but better than you seem to think, especially considering the learning curve involved in trying something so radically different from what you're used to for the very first time on video for everyone to see. I really appreciate seeing the "failures' right there with the successes, it's reassuring that this is something anyone can try and have fun with, even if the results aren't perfect: a lot of us out here are sitting on a pile of projects we haven't even started because the obstacle of just getting started is kind of intimidating - seeing Bill running into difficulty over and over on one project, but getting back on that horse to try and try again, is encouraging in a way that seeing him get things perfect never could be. My only regrets would be that Bill might not have had fun trying on this one - if Bill's family is watching, could one or more of you please give him a big hug? He's earned it!

[@rodneyp5002]

Video = top quality as usual, keep em coming Build = a lot better than you think

[@godoftwinkies574]

I liked the end result but adding the glass with a couple travelers painted on it would have added a 3rd dimention and thus more perspective.

[@billduncan5922]

Thanks for giving us a chance to see you "fail". I know that it was not your intention, but it's important for people to see that you can try things and even when they don't work out you can learn from them. This was entertaining as always, but inspiring in a different way. All the best to Cat.

[@Apollo9898LP]

Some thrift stores in the states do donate their proceeds to charity, though it's not a given for sure. More recently i've seen Hospice Shops popping up that donate their proceeds to locale Hospice services

[@MechanicalFiend]

One of the biggest struggles with working in a very thin space is always creating the illusion of depth, it's so difficult! Something that I have noticed makes it easier is to actually build some kind of lighting into the frame that will hit the piece inside if you are using three-dimensional elements. Working in conjunction with your paint job, it can help separate the shapes more, create shadows, etc. That said, I really enjoyed your piece and the process very much!

[@jackturner3803]

Personally I think it looks pretty alright. I think the one thing I would've changed is painting some of the metal plates and wires metallic so you can better tell that its a mechanical skull

[@cymrodave]

I know you’re not happy with it but I think it’s pretty neat. The crystals look really nice too.

[@zeds.6783]

Well, I don’t think it was a failure. It may not have turned out the way you wanted/hoped, but you’ve come away armed with a lot of information for doing it more to your own liking the next time. I still fondly recall your deep frame diorama which you added to that collaboration artwork. This one was more aggressive because of the natural lighting element, but I like both. Oh, and don’t mind Cat. He can’t help himself. He’s literally made from a spool of butt-wiping paper, so he’s naturally inclined towards being crappy.

[@jameslivingstone8267]

I'm not by any means an expert at painting landscapes but I think to help convey the idea that this thing is huge, then there should be more background and less sky. The horizon line should be roughly 2/3 up the canvas/substrate since that would suggest that the skull is towering over everything else. Remember that it's not a failure if you've learned from it. That's something I should tell myself more often.

[@TheAquaYoshiDingbat]

Thank you patreons for keeping this guy going! I love all these projects so much, and I have gained so much knowledge and inspiration from your work! I hope you continue to love what you do and continue to share it with us! Side note: That first sketch gave me such "Giant Warrior" from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind vibes and has inspired me to create my own deep frame diorama!

[@gregorymirles9249]

wonderful episode! learning to stick through a project to the end even if it's not what you hoped it would be is such a good lesson.

[@thedourkin]

The titans didn't so much sue Prometheus as condemn him to purgatory... death by space marine may be preferable.

[@tearsofjoycreative]

I love your narratives! lol Love watching you make art. It inspires me to keep going. Well done!

[@paulwestern3687]

Always funny, always fantastic craft... That cat is holding you back😂

[@farmitzdugan]

I love how that what you consider a failure is what I aspire to. Good work!

[@alexheflin1570]

Artist to artist, hobbyist to hobbyist, I can relate to the mental journey 😂 Seriously, you did a fantastic job. I loved the piece every step of the way. Give yourself a pat on the back, you tried something new and finished it!

[@aspx4581]

i think some of the best advice i ever got about art i considered a "failure" is that, most of the time, the only thing its failed to do is live up to the ideal image you had in your head. which is great, because nobody else can see that image, so you can always just lie and say the end result is what you were planning for all along!

[@juliebradley]

Aw, it's not a failure at all, I'm sorry you felt that way. The vibe is cool and ominous and the crystal craft is a great idea. The whole thing is really quite awesome! I mean....I like it....

[@sarahr4944]

Popped over as a suggestion from Adam at North of the Border. I’ve been enjoying your humor, content and builds. Informative and entertaining.

[@Tunanunaa]

Those crystals look realistic enough that when I saw them in the preview I was like "Wait did Bill really shell out for the stupid expensive crystal beads from a craft shop?" Glad to see you didn't though, I love seeing broke crafting

[@sheerbeauty]

Those rocks (start 24:11) look amazing. If I didn't hear Bill's voice, I'd think it was a professional animator creating them.

[@jankletta4233]

Bill, I think it all looked great. I think negative internal thoughts can really eat away at you. Wish I could have made this with half the skill you do. Keep it up Bill

[@wendycairoli3964]

I kept waiting for the failure, but I simply couldn't see it. The end result looks really cool, Bill! I enjoyed every second of this video!

[@muttrogers6586]

Bill, I know this build was a struggle for you, but you tried something new, made something that's still pretty cool to see, and I'll bet you've encouraged a whole bunch of us to get out there and try that new thing we've been putting off. Thank you for sharing this one with us. By the by, it may be rough around the edges, but that build has got some great stuff going on. That crystal technique and that skull design are fantastic, dude!

[@maths4297]

A few small suggestions that might have helped get you through your pain points! 1. Objects in the distance are lighter than those in the foreground and become more washed out & sky blue the further in the distance they are. This happens for the same reason that the sky is blue so don't be afraid to use that same colour. 2. When putting highlights on use the same colour as your light source. Have a vibrant sunset? Use a nice bright and warm orange. Drybrush painting in only one direction, starting from your lightsorce and moving toward the shadows. 3. Light sources are a pain but you have an advantage here because you know you're working with a sunset and the object you're painting still has the semblance of 3d. The edges closest to thie light should be lit up and the parts of the skull closer to the view should be draped in shadow. When something is shadowed it will lose a lot of detail so focus most of your detail on the edges where the light is going to hit. 4. Ease up on the oil wash a little! Maybe try dabbing some off of the raised edges while it's still wet. I really liked the suggstion one of the other commenters had of faking your lightsorce using an actual lightsource. It won't get you a moody effect that way but you could use one as a cheat to highlight the areas that to be brushed with light. Overall I wouldn't call this a failure. You tried new things and identified what caused you to struggle.

[@MisterTingles]

looks perfectly quaint to me, and has also reminded me of an idea I had forgotten about that I wanted to try a couple of years ago and will now pursue anew, so I'd say it's a success, even if you may not be super happy with how it turned out. your vids are among those that constantly spur me on to try and document my own projects, especially because you seem like a fellow perfectionist who's trying not to let the imperfections get to you, or keep you from publishing your creative yield. The ideas that a video can spark are often more important than the objects and subjects of the video itself, is what I'm trying to say, and your slightly dysfunctional assortment of robots and tanks and stuff are throwing a lot of sparks... right next to the gas station.

[@IllustratorJones]

Fantastic episode. It wasn't a failure in any way at all. I thought it was great. You've taught us if you're not happy with a piece, carry on regardless. I'd put it on my wall. Thanks for a great show.😊

[@CCMinis]

Great video Bill! Not everything is a winner and that's ok. The video was still amazing as always

[@BillMakingStuff]

thanks Nick

[@petronellarademeyer9367]

I appreciate videos where the “urghs!” Of art and crafting is including. Drying time, spending days blending…. It shows what goes into creating something and that sometimes you make something you aren’t in love with 🤷‍♀️

[@FamineStudios]

*watches Bill chuck the window glass* Bill Breaking Stuff. *watches Bill wiggle the glue crystal explaining it likely helps somehow* Bill Faking Stuff. All jokes aside, this is probably one of my favorite episodes.

[@darkphotonstudio]

There's a number of things you could have done to fix it: add some clouds, or stars, or moons, or let Cat take a dump on it.

[@anothernate3302]

Cat! Glad to see you've returned to health! Tell Bill his thingy turned out okay.

[@13579zod]

And I thought I was hard on myself. For your first deep frame I think it looks really good. If someone gave me that I'd hang it on a wall. I will say your method of making crystals is the quickest most inexpensive method I've come across. I'll definitely be stealing that.

[@minimal9001]

I really feel like this one shows how you can shine. Especially a madman modeller like you working a framediorama. Love it.

[@wahboasti6663]

Well done Bill, for not losing your S#!t and just smashing the whole place up. Looking forward to seeing the next deep frame diorama using what you have learned..and maybe that big hand from the sketchbook.

[@13thstate]

Hey Bill, another awesome episode in the can. I'm also not sure if anyone's already said this, and I do apologize in advance if they have, but you did already make this sort of diorama. Episode 51 with the ten hundred art collapse, where you made an amazing scene with a bead-bot in the same kind of the frame. That episode inspired me to do the same. Anyways cheers and awesome work

[@BillMakingStuff]

Yeah, forgot

[@DragonBoi3789]

As a suggestion, next time you try this you could attempt to install a tiny LED light in the very top of the frame so that it shines down on the rest of the diorama from above. This will provide 'natural' light of a midday sun shining down on whatever is inside the frame and it won't matter what angle it's viewed from. Could even swap out the bulb for a low purple or blue to simulate a night sky, or red/orange if you want morning or evening sunlight.

[@haniachibowska7551]

thanks for this video and showing the struggle instead of cutting it out i love how this piece turned out and the skull and crystal look amazing :)

[@peterflashman8100]

I might give this a go. I'm thinking of a Fist of the North Star diorama. In the anime film there is a passing scene of wasteland .A row of office blocks lean on each other like falling dominos and one has a ship or submarine impaled in the middle from the force of the nuclear bombs. A survivor, Kenshiro wrapped in a blanket walks through the wastes. I might use some of my Kenshi figures as background characters.

[@Skaramine]

The build eventually turned out great and I enjoyed the process of creation.

[@rangozilla6274]

You beat yourself up so much, I think it’s awesome and the video inspired me in its honesty. Cheers

[@Phillip.E.Newmann]

as a native louisianan, your pronunciation of "New Orleans" is quite atrocious, I love it

[@jameslivingstone8267]

OK so I've had some time to think about possible changes to make this look the way you were wanting it to look. If you were to try something like this again, I'd recommend a rectangular frame instead of a square since most landscape paintings tend to be rectangular and that makes it easier to imply depth on a flat surface. If you would still rather use a square frame, then what I'd say this particular image needs some foreground details to make the midground and background details appear to be further away. One possible suggestion is to add fake window bars and broken panes of glass (clear acrylic sheets), to give the illusion that the scene is being viewed from a window?

[@nbolin2879]

It’s me! I sent the box of foam! Shout out for the shout out Bill. Thanks for all the great content!

[@nbolin2879]

It was negative 40C when I sent that package! Ever thought of a winter scene. Like hateful eights meets bead bots? Cannon for more “polar” extreme towns?

[@sutekisama1373]

Call me a liar but I think you did a fantastic job! I think it looks awesome! I’ve only recently discovered you and have been binging your videos for the last couple of weeks. I gotta say your creativity and work really reminds me of my long since deceased grandfather. When I was a kid I remember sitting in his garage watching him try to build his own Sci-Fi inspired pistol with parts from an old Mauser C96. I will gladly be recommending your channel to my dad who loves this sort of thing!

[@volttherobot]

Sounds like Bill needs a nice cup of “Calming Chamomile” tea. I rather enjoyed this one, especially the “hot glue crystals” and that one moment where your nose did that thing…

[@samu3lk5000]

I think this is a great video because in art, sometimes it just ain't gonna work out the way you want it to. The important lesson to take when that happens is not to get completely discouraged. Sometimes you just gotta say "Welp, good enough," and move on to the next thing. That said, your final result isn't nearly as bad as you make it out to be. Image reads well enough. Anybody looking at it divorced from the context of your struggles in the video would have no idea it didn't come out how you wanted unless you tell them.

[@AwkwardBirb]

Your 80’s toys & merch collection is astonishing. ❤

[@l00visa]

I think it would have worked better with more contrast. Everything is midtones now. The background should have been bright, the rocks a very dark colour as the sunset would cas them in shadows, same with the little guy to draw your eyes to the skull. The crystals look great and I love the walking stick.

[@andrewblack8635]

Aww man, it looks pretty good - it’s also nice to know that even the mighty Bill has problems with builds. Making crystals from glue sticks is a great idea though, so at least there’s that. And it was nice to see Cat again.

[@unorthodoxentertainmentcom7908]

The idea and build have a lot of merit. I know it didn't hit the mark you were looking for, but I think it is still visually solid. Pushing new ideas is where one finds and pushes their limits. I look forward to whatever you do next.

[@rexfrancorum7173]

All your sketches would be cool to see in Respite. A giant skull that has market stalls around it or something

[@SilasPBeebe]

IKEA! one of the great masters of art indeed.

[@marks6928]

Great video, made me laugh a few times. Looking forwards to the next one.

[@WillinrowArts]

I think it turned out great. It’s also great see someone work through something that frustrates them. I make similar builds I call them shadow box dioramas or 3/D paintings. I sometimes add an actual light source in the project itself with fairy lights or similar. Great job👍

[@waltonfurnacewoodworkingan8663]

Bill, sometimes the project tells you what it wants to be. Never force it. Just go with it

[@kristianeriksen9590]

The range of emotions you are going through are so relatable, and whether you liked the build or not the video itself had me laughing audibly throughout. I dont mean to be a kissass but between the production value and the humor I caught myself thinking that this video has broader appeal than to "just" crafters.

[@rexfrancorum7173]

The glue stick crystals are spot on! I need a sharper knife though

[@ianbonnet1295]

Compared to the art that you removed from the box - this is a huge improvement! I'm glad you put it together and posted it anyway! Seeing the frustrating parts and behind the scenes stuff for a hobby is really important to show. Keep it up!

[@thesqueedler]

Thanks for posting this actually, I had some ideas based on what I've learned doing pastel painting, for how your original vision might work better. I also have a deep frame here so this sparks some creativity and gives me something to try! I enjoyed watching your process of figuring out how to rescue a project and I liked your problem solving.

[@devilsadvocate0792]

I've certainly had those projects where I get frustrated, and I'm just not having fun. But I'm glad you stuck with this because I think you got a solid result out of this!

[@michasowik2438]

I am sure many guys would like to make "failures" as You have done with this one. Great job! Your style is unique.

[@beamusdownscotty9231]

If you don't want me to lie, than here goes: the diorama is amazing. The only problem is lack of contrast I guess. The frame takes away all the ambient light, so in such build we probably need ot add some poppier colours and forms maybe! Love the build anyway!

[@artistpoet5253]

Nice video. I appreciate the honesty. We need to make a failed build now and then just to see where we are heading, where we've come from and learn a little about where we can improve. And it gives us great satisfaction to see it disintegrate against the wall.

[@FromtheSoultotheFretboard]

Excellent video as always, thanks for entertaining me throughout the years!! Look forward to more in the future. Much love and respect!!

[@ddmcd1215]

It looks incredible every time you say it’s not working but then you make it better

[@Matt-md5yt]

Sweet a new Bill making things video on a Friday. Sweet project bud

[@davidnandrin8825]

Yeah, interesting build ! Well done despite the adversity ! Have you thought of a deep fried diorama , I heard it's quite popular in the USA...

[@Oxide445]

I actually really like that you uploaded a video with a project you were not proud of. Seeing projects in produced video format you do not always get to see the learning process about creative projects or the stumbling blocks because creators just edit those parts out. I think I'd like to see more Bill Trying Stuff videos.

[@singedthemadchemist1616]

Thank you for the video! Keep it up

[@kenjinks5465]

Good work, just remember stuff far away has a lot of air between your eyeballs and the thing, so it becomes more blue-grey or whatever the air colour is. As well you cannot resolve much detail either, so less grunge, more fuzzy blurry washes as you go back. Keep it up dude, I love your creations!

[@johnnyatom]

Commenting to help please thr algorithm. Way to power through a challenging project!

[@fictionalme]

You should have used a crystal on the magic stick. Missed a trick there. Never mind Bill. Looking forward to the next deep frame. Lets hope it's soon, you seemed to have so much fun on this one. 😉👍

[@wittlegoblin]

I always learn something new from every video you post and I'm very grateful- I'm excited to try that wet wipe method you used on that little explorer man and the glue stick gems! Thank you, Bill.

[@13tubamaster]

Even though this build really frustrated you I still learned so many things! The crystals were super cool and inventive and as always your miniature game is on point. Just know Bill, sitting in on your process and seeing the care you put into making these videos is what keeps me coming back!

[@murilograciano7511]

You're all good mate. Loved the unfiltered honesty coming through as things go kinda skew. Making stuff is like that. Your videos are always awesome