How to fall in love with art again

[@124Musick]

I just sent this to my two artist friends that are deep in the cycle of cynicism. They’ll dismiss it as click bait.. But I hope maybe one day they might watch it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@moirai1161]

u r too sweet

[@papasscooperiaworker3649]

bruh its like only 5 mins

[@Epicdino2912]

420th like!

[@kalilavalezina]

You're a good friend.

[@kikolektrique1737]

you a true homie

[@blue_sea404]

“Somewhere along the way I forgot that I liked drawing” damn that sentence hit hard, I realized that myself not too long ago and I’ve been struggling since, I used to love drawing so much but I forgot why. I know I have my old sketchbook hidden somewhere around my house and I hope I can find them and try to remember what made me love art so much in the first place

[@ratswithshivs]

I hope you’ve found it again

[@blue_sea404]

@@ratswithshivs wow this comment is old. In a way I have! I kinda figured out that I’ve always liked designing characters, even when that wasn’t consciously what I was doing I loved making up random characters, now I really love actually designing good characters with the proper knowledge I have

[@DradenDennis]

For me it was dog man. Called me a furry a lot in elementary but idc dog man is an international best seller

[@heliumowl1840]

I’ve found myself in the loop of immediately posting the drawing on social media and then spending an hour or so checking constantly to the point that it turned me off drawing entirely and pushed me towards more arts and crafts (knitting, crochet, cross stitch, etc). It is such a frustrating feeling and I’m merely doing it as a hobby. So thank you for posting this, it does help to know it’s not just us amateurs that suffer from the cynicism.

[@ChromaMoma]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Doesn't matter if it's 200 or 200,000 followers; everyone's caught in this vicious cycle.

[@Ulyana0b]

I watched this while knitting a blanket after disappointing in my own art, so... I RELATE YOU SO MUCH I didn't even know someone can feel same way... after they did something that they suppouse to like but hate it so much and hate themselfs for allowing to do such mess in their opinion it's ... horiible now I understand why artists are more prone to mental disorders :\

[@molly7798]

Oh my god, same. I straight up don't draw anymore. But I cross stitch, I make miniatures, I make jewelry.. at least it's something creative. And I do love arts and crafts, but I definitely do those arts and crafts as a way to avoid drawing.

[@magentafox1657]

Hey, I wanted to say a creative project doesn't have to involve drawing. I'm doing one currently that is very personal to me that no one is ever going to see apart from me (most likely) and it doesn't involve any drawing. It's pretty much just photography and writing (with some extra bits)

[@c.5439]

"When was the last time i drew, purely because i like drawing?" That hits the right spot.

[@kanra4602]

It's now 4 in the morning and I'm taking a break from studying. It's so nice to see an upload from you. It alleviated my stress for a bit.

[@anchuhaa]

hey !! i know its been like a week but make sure youre sleeping enough! i know school is stressful but make sure youre taking care of yourself when possible

[@saramoche3783]

Oh ur trying hard ♡

[@pablochamber411]

This world we're living in....it should be unacceptable to be like this being young

[@lukatrdina5108]

Hey, who made the art in your profile pic? I absolutely love it and want to see more of it

[@lukatrdina5108]

@@kanra4602 i love it!!! Is there anywhere i can see your stuff?

[@kriscuthbertson5787]

Since the virus came in, I’ve done the same thing: dedicated a sketchbook specifically to do whatever I want without anyone seeing it. It’s been so good for my creativity

[@lenamonroe2961]

My best drawings have come from having no expectations. Telling myself I won't show anyone and allowing myself to make "bad" art. It always ends up being my favorite.

[@Haphazard-Nugget]

I need to give this a shot

[@Zahra-fk6qo]

@@Haphazard-Nugget same

[@RimmoKenro]

I'm so glad more and more artists who have social media presence realise they don't have to post every drawing they make. Also it's so nice to have a place for yourself only, like a separate sketchbook, where you're free from the outside pressure.

[@skinnypringle]

Man, I’m crying while watching this. I’ve been feeling that cynicism, I hate drawing now. I lost that passion for drawing cause I simply loved it. I’m doing exactly what you talked about, I’m creating for others now, for those likes and job opportunities. It’s a self made hell. I think I need to get off social media and just create for myself again.

[@ramy701]

Good luck !!

[@lenamonroe2961]

I relate to this heavily. I personally am not a professional artist and I have no desire to be. Everyone tells me to make an Instagram. "Start an online portfolio! It'll attract the attention of businesses!" But I dont want to. I don't want an audience. I want to draw for the sake of making something. For myself. I want to draw, not because someone asked, but as an expression of love. Because I LOVE making hand drawn Christmas/birthday cards for people but NOT because they're my audience...it's just because I love them. As a teen my driving goal for art was to "get better" and to some degree it still is. But I want to make art (even bad art) not for the sake of it being attractive or even good, but just for the sake of expression. :)

[@stefano2324]

It's not true nobody ever noticed me in 10+ years so now i am broke depress and want to end my life

[@danny.webdev]

what helps for me is to just simply ask myself "am i enjoying this?", but not trying to prove myself that i am enjoying it. its easy to get lost in an idea of how things should be in life, but at the end of the day if you're not having fun, why bother. also remember that there are many artforms not just drawing, and they all go together very well, you can only spend so much time in the day drawing, until you naturally start to become disinterested, then you can switch things up.

[@MilkCried]

During college, something happened that changed me altogether. I felt violated to the soul. I couldn’t draw without some therapy to get me to the finish line of my degree (BF in digital arts). I graduated with feeling like a fraud. The people around me loved art where as I felt burned. I couldn’t even bring myself to hold a pencil to draw, sketch, doodle. I didn’t just fall out of love, I felt relieved that it was over. The exhaustion of leaving a toxic relationship kind ruled my life after that. I got rid of everything, like art was a terrible ex. I destroyed almost everything. Had no portfolio within 6 months of my degree, I wanted to start fresh and create a whole new set. That’s when I realized I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t bring myself to just sit there and draw. Any ounce of joy is just gone. It’s like making friends after leaving a toxic friendship, I couldn’t. Art therapy wasn’t helping, nothing was. Honestly, nothing has been, so I left. I told myself it was over. Any ounce of love I had for this thing that brought me so much joy and safety was just gone. The person who I was when I entered the art world is not there. I’ll see people speed drawing, just sketching and I grew envious. I was and still am green with envy that their love for art wasn’t violated and tainted by the world. I couldn’t even talk about my degree without feeling shame and trauma. I decided to go down a different path. As I go down this new path, many ask why I don’t even show the skill set I gained with my degree. I couldn’t. It was a struggle, it still is. I felt so alone. I couldn’t even bring myself to even show a small doodle. I have a friend who can vouch my skills, and have me be a set of eyeballs when she needs a set of them and I am grateful. I want to be in love with art, but I couldn’t. The joy, I can at least enjoy it vicariously. I recently got assigned some tasks in the creative department. I am not going to lie, I’m a bit scared. So I looked up something like, “how to get back into digital art,” and found this video. How to fall back in love. For the first time, I don’t feel so alone. Of course my journey is unique, but I feel so less alone. For the first time, everything related to all of these deep and painful emotions were just so crystal clear. I had no idea I saw art like a terrible ex that makes you want to be single forever. Watching this video helped dawn about this clarity regarding these tough emotions and memories. I want to fall in love with art again. I miss it. I miss it so much. That joy when I just draw something nice and I just liked it. That sketch where even if that arm looks off, it’s okay because you spent hours drawing it. I miss being that little girl who just did it. I now have a husband who is doing that. It’s so nice. I have a baby on the way and I want her to be able to find joy even after the world beats you down. I miss the me who saw light in the world when she was creating a digital art piece. It’s a tough journey, but I’m glad this video is here. It may just be 4:51 seconds but this was and is the most hopeful I have been in falling in love with art and my art again. This comment became so much more emotional than intended. I hope that’s okay. I had a good cry and relief.

[@kero.studio]

thank you for this. This time I was thinking "I just lost my love of art, time to move on" but really, the entire time I was wishing I could go back to when I would draw hot garbage and would be excited. Characters that now, would've pissed me off to look at design wise. I catch myself wishing I had the same childlike enthusiasm with my more adult skillset and focus.

[@TheAverageArtist]

Totally agree! ps love mini clip games !

[@al1encandi]

You know, thank you. I had that feeling a year ago. I deleted instagram, spent more time for myself and try to find that kidd again. It worked. But i think i stopped doing that. I thought now were i can draw again- lets draw, get better and most important draw for friends! and yesterday i was sitting over my sketchbook and realizing that, that is all what i did. I coulndt remember drawing something for myself, for the process. Because that is what gives me joy. Obviously im happy when my friends are happy or when people give me feedback, but the process is actually everything. Dont rush yourself, Dont pressure yourself. Art is something to enjoy. And then i watched your Video and thought of all this. Im in love with your Art, jaden. But most important, im thanksful for your impact.

[@cheesyskin782]

My biggest struggle has been to motivate myself to draw and post my art. I never felt particularly bad about my drawings like other people do. But ever since gaining more attention through fandoms and knowing what it's like to gain thousands of likes, the pressure of posting something that my followers will like makes me not post at all. I feel like I'm not cut out to entertain a bigger following.

[@lll-bm1cp]

I totally relate! social media has ruined my relationship with art, now whenever I'm drawing I start wondering if the algorithm will like it... the most frustrating thing is that back when I wasnt even trying, when I was just posting mediocre drawings for fun, I used to be successful! now I have changed & improved my style , Im doing what I wanna do but people dont like it.. or the algorithm doesn't like it... and I constantly try so hard to draw something that will be successful again

[@ave7949]

last month a finally came back from an almost a year long artists block. i’m extremely happy about it, and now i finally get to feel the happiness of drawing for myself and getting better. one reason i had an artists block is because i kept overthinking my own art and thought it wasn’t good enough for me to even keep trying. now i’ve stepped over that and i’m finally at peace once again.

[@willg2742]

Thank you for bringing this to light, its been at least more than 8-9 months since i took a photograph or made a video, and everytime I thought about either “gotta take pics to upload” or “gotta find jobs to make money “ And i forgot i love making art like that just cause. Thank you so much

[@diegovera1353]

I just got into music, and since I’m starting in a late age where you do care about the success of what you’re making, as soon as I started composing I started disliking it, because as soon as I started I was not making it for my own enjoyment, thank you for this videos, it has been so helpful for this whole journey

[@yoghurtpak]

Hoping to find my joy in drawing back as well. Different reason but this sounds like a nice step in the right direction.

[@iceecreamm5612]

It's so hard to come back. I wanna start to do art again, and i agree, this addiction of public admiration from people around the world. Approval, exposure, etc. It influences what we draw and we sacrifice what we actually want to make. At least, for me, when i draw for the purpose of "sharing it with my friends". It just doesn't come as loving towards our relationship with art. It's really exhausting to feel pumped up about something and i immediately stop because i suddenly thought that "oh this idea is trash, nobody is going to like it." I hope you get out your rut, i hope all of us get out of it. Start making what we actually want.. instead of what we think other people will ultimately like. :(( We should all have a "for our eyes only" sketchbook where we dont feel pressured to please anyone with our pieces.

[@m1churr0]

absolutely, well said

[@Scarshadow666]

This is part of why I'm usually fearful to post any of my artwork online (although I don't have much social media presence anyways, just a KZbin comment every once in a while and I sometimes chat with friends on Discord, albeit rarely). While taking classes for Graphic Design, I've already struggled to make art that catered to other people's wants/desires, and taking a break from college as well as not having much in the way of social media has been helping me get back into drawing freely.

[@Nana-kw2qo]

I get exactly how you feel!! I’m not a artist but I understand. I got so caught up in the likes that I forgot that I started writing to help people not for fame or attention and I started losing motivation because of that.

[@elliafabia]

Uhhh that hit different. I'm at exactly that point right now. I'm so proud of myself, that I managed to finish Inktober this year and now, end of November, I'm just realising what that actually did to me. I feel drained and kind of hungover and I'm just drawing for the sake of posting on my scheduled days. Just today, I considered taking a real break for the first time and just draw, without showing anybody. I think this video came at the right time, thank's!

[@rachaelvtstudio2579]

As a hobbyist in art this still helped so much in understanding how I was feeling this passed year.

[@ohmy8530]

I stopped making art when i started comparing my work to other people's work

[@DradenDennis]

so true.

[@gotharlo]

I stopped doing art 3 years ago because of what people thoguht while in high school. Going into college I really wanna get back into it since I did it for 14 years, I never thought about it being cynicism, but seeing this helped me realize It really was that. Thank you.

[@pencilsplinters]

Absolutely love the video and the idea. I feel like for a lot of artists there's an ugly mix of wanting to make art for yourself and wanting a sense of recognition from strangers. Like you may love the process of baking (and might be very proud of a cake you've made), but if no one eats it, it kind of feels like you're yelling into the void.

[@cheddarharpy]

"when was the last time i drew purely bc i liked drawing?" dang... that's a darn diddly good question 👁️👄👁️ probably 2017 when i picked up drawing for the first time again in years?

[@ramy701]

Same haha

[@ronjaepusnetamot1539]

Recently I‘ve gotten most of the joy back :) For some time I only drew because I thought that is the thing I‘m relatively good at, get attention and appreciation. I was only drawing quite strictly from references and there wasn’t really anything creative about it anymore. But now for the most part I just draw what comes to my mind and though those don’t look as good, they are so much more fun and I don’t even care that I get less compliments for them :)

[@arrowofyarrow]

i relate so much to this. i used to paint and draw because i found it fun, but when i started getting actually good at it in highschool, i got addicted to the validation. my self esteem was abysmal in high school, and art felt like the only thing i had going for me. so art became less fun and more about having to prove that i was still good at it, for the sake of my own self worth. because of that, it became a grind, a chore. i went into a mentorship to make fine art oils and halfway through discovered i like making comics, but wouldnt let myself because it was too "childish" and not impressive enough. but im getting back to my childhood passion slowly since then. good luck finding your childhood passion too

[@SS-ui7by]

Im already halfway in the cynicism hole, and i don't even have an account. Im drawing mostly so that my parents and family don't think its a waste, that they like it, that my friends see that im good at something, for various types of validation from various people, and lots of times, im embarassed to draw certain things, because i fear that anyone who sees it will label me as weird, that this isn't good, or it isn't art and stuff. Im slowly trynna understand that art is art, and this video was very helpful, 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@roses043]

draw whatever you like if they call u weird don‘t listen art is like talking communication wxpressing feelings so don‘t listen I‘m also scared ti draw some things but i feel so relieved once i drew them so dont listen just do it

[@nonspecificnonsense6780]

i can definitely relate to drawing something in my sketchbook and wanting to post it. i even feel guilty when i don’t end up posting it because it looks so good, but art is an extremely personal thing. i think my best work is made when i don’t plan on posting it. i can mess up and no ones there to tell me “hey this looks off” or “x thing should be this way” im allowing myself to draw what _i_ want to see. it’s kind of f***ed up that we feel pressured to post everything that we make even when we don’t want to. we aren’t allowed to keep our art to ourselves.

[@sssssick]

several days ago I thought about having a notebook where I can sketch whatever I want and this notebook should be a secret so nobody from my friends or family are not allowed to see it. and now I see this video :) everything you said is really relate to me. even if I dont need to post my sketches, everytime Im thinking of its perfection and that I HAVE to make it PERFECT. because of these things Im feeling tired of art and only draw when I got commission... thank you so much for this video! btw it gave me some food for thought

[@davidelkabes5465]

The thing you're talking about made me stop drawing for two complete years. The dopamine that leaves the body takes the fun away from art

[@trivialarmor7007]

Exactly this. I've been feeling weird about my art for awhile now, I thought it was a never ending burnout but it felt more angry and like art was just a chore. I really thought there was something wrong with me and that I just wasn't an artist because Real Artist TM wouldn't just not want to make art. But seeing this really made me realize that I just don't have fun making art for myself anymore, I remember a few months back I made a piece solely for myself and felt so great afterwards but didn't connect that it could help me solve my problem! Thank you for this video, I really think this technique will help me find my love for art again.

[@Van-Leo]

i applied this to me as myself. i usually do my every day things expecting to tell someone about it, include them, let them join, but never just for myself. i started a diary with this concept in mind i suppose, and im not letting a soul read it

[@laur7841]

this makes me really sad because I just noticed that I´ve rarely drawn for me or enjoyed the process. I´m always stressed out about how the outcome will look like or if I´ve already messed up. And when I´m finished I crave for especially my mom´s praise and appreciaction, I just need someone to tell me that I did a good job or that I´ve met their expectations, because I have many self-doubts and am too hard on myself. And I absolutely hate it. But there was one time where I drew something out of my own interest, I just wanted to let my thoughts be captured on paper, and it was amazing! the outcome wasn´t perfect, but that didn´t bother me, I enjoyed every minute I spent on the sketch, I even liked the process more than the finsihed drawing itself and that made me fall in love with drawing all over again

[@ahavakatz1421]

One way i like to get out of it is to redraw old art. I feel like I was a lot more creative when i was younger and it's fun to see my past ideas come to life.

[@massa_art]

Beyond being a great artist you are also a great storyteller. What you do in videos like these is way harder than people who haven't tried to create on youtube could ever imagine. And the lessons you convey are thoughtful. A lot of respect

[@kayaeki]

I feel wasted 3 years of my life trying to please people with my art, it got me nowhere. Only sadness and depression, thought about it a lot and now started to draw for myself

[@marumarmalade1212]

I see so many artists having this same type of problem but couldn't come clean. Tbh the air that you breathe after you pass through this stage is much more crisp and fresh. Few years ago i have the same dilemma but now i can positively say I'm happy to draw. Drawing is so much fun!

[@lostwithyou390]

i hope i can get motivation back again. it’s been 2 months from the last time i could draw something, it hurts so much and everytime i try to draw i end up crying and feeling hopeless. i want to try to get back the kind of joy art gave me, and getting out from this damn block that’s literally killing my creativity.

[@aegistattoo]

art college murdered my love for art :( but I'll get it back and that's a great idea

[@MrsRemi]

This was so damn spot on. Cynicism and self-criticism just took over the past months. I deleted my twitter app yesterday, I just want to re-discover drawing purely for myself again before I go back to sharing it with everyone!

[@akach8664]

This video reminded me... its funny how I was the most creative, and my best pieces were produced were when I was studying abroad. It was when I chose to just draw for myself and not show it to anyone, it's like that opened the gates to creativity for me (whenever I was pleased with a piece I'd share it with my loved ones- but the thought always came after I was done, rather than me planning to share my work). As difficult and lonely that time was, my creativity was at its best. It's really amazing how that mindset changed the flow of my art, which I'm trying to get back to again.

[@tinao7551]

Ok woah you summed up the past five months of my art journey perfectly

[@hellodelightfulrando]

I’ve started trying to put myself out there more this year, posting regularly to IG, even made a Twitter and I wanna try making a KZbin and opening an online store. I draw and study and sometimes enjoy the process but more and more I find myself making art that looks good but lacks.. soul? I feel empty looking at them once they’re done. I look through some of old sketchbooks from last year and while they’re not the best technique-wise, the concepts and love that went into them are so expressive and explorative... they have soul. Finding the balance between marketing and making art is my biggest struggle because these days I feel like an art machine pumping out art for profit and at times it just make me want to curl up cry...

[@bruh438]

Im actually in the opposite situation, social media has destroyed my mental health and im now drawing w never or rarely posting it online. I gotta tell u the joy of personal drawing is irreplaceable & irresistible. I value my self worth now ;) sure posting is important but not as much as keeping it to urself

[@harkelan]

I havent fall into that (yet) but loving my art is something that looks so far right now, not because i dont like it or cynicism but because I need to find myself and focus on art without forcing it, finding that reason that made fall in love with art and spend my days on it. And now I realise that's my problem, thanks for the video.

[@yaz8]

I've been struggling with this for a while now and I didn't realize that it was this. I'm definitely gonna start focusing on art for myself.

[@JennyGranberry]

You've given me the words for what I've been feeling this year. Thank you!

[@RyeButter]

Love the video. Helped me realize I don’t draw for myself ever anymore. It’s always to post somewhere else, for someone else. While that isn’t always a bad thing, it most certainly is draining seeing the ‘like’ comparison of your own artwork from post to post. I haven’t just created something ‘just for fun’ in a long time.

[@aTomallic]

I wish I could. My cynicism is less centered towards whether or not something will be seen but rather whether I'm not in good enough. No matter what I draw I'm constantly infected by the idea that it's never going to be good enough. But no matter how hard I work there is just this inherent lack of quality that follows my every movement. Like the universe itself forbids me to be good at anything and being good just permeates my mind. I wish I could draw just to draw, that would be fun.

[@basilcomb7302]

i had a similar realisation a week before seeing this video, but this really helped me realise i'm not alone in this experience of falling out of love with drawing. i've been drawing for 8 years, but in the past 2-3 years i almost didn't draw at all, and the few things i did make - i hated, because i was trying to make them look good for other people (which is stupid because i only had like 30 followers and most of them were my friends and family). now i'm drawing for myself, without caring too much about making the hand look good or keeping my style super consistent, and in one week i drew more than i have in 2 years, and loved it a LOT more. thank you !

[@operacz_9327]

That's exactly what I overcome a few months ago. For many years I couldn't find myself happy with making art. Sure I was liking a process but I couldn't keep myself exited for it after my piece was done. I had weeks of breaks between my artwork. It was ok when everything was going smooth but after I made some mistakes and didn't like my art I would be depressed for many days. And it was so strange. I knew I once loved it and sometimes I found myself going back to that state but only for a moment. I knew I had to practice but I wanted everything to be Instagram perfect. I knew I had a problem. And finally after years of looking for solution I turned this switch off. Everyday I'm excited to take pen into my hand. I want to make mistakes to be better at it. I don't need to be perfect. I think that the thing that helped me was to concentrate on that what I fey what I'm drawing. I don't know I can compare that to meditation but at the same time I feel the biggest pleasure in my life. Why I should keep happiness from myself? I know that's easy to say but it's possibly guys! It takes time and a lot of work to convince yourself but it's worth trying.

[@august507]

Loved this video and while I can relate to the feeling, I actually face quite the opposite problem. I don't post too much of my art online and I don't show it to my friends either. So because I am only doing it for myself I feel like it is becoming more and more meaningless. Usually when I'm not inspired by anything this feeling pops up, especially because I spent so much of my life drawing and I don't want to feel like all that effort was pointless.

[@Feathered_Moth]

This video brought genuine tears to my eyes, I've never related to something this much before. I am loosing my love and motivation for art while it used to be my favorite thing. As a kid I was known for it. I compare myself to other so much while I barely know the fundamentals. I really hope I'll be able to find the old me again

[@Jurtango]

I’ve disabled my Instagram for 6 months now and just been drawing for myself in my sketch book, its been the best! No plans of coming back haha

[@shelanyrosa6891]

The ending of this video really touch my heart, to fall in love with art again and remember why u choose to be an artist out of all things. To remember your kid self and how u used to doodle in all your books in school... i needed this. Thank you for sharing

[@timekeeper2569]

personally, i never really cared about how many likes i got or how liked my art was. sure i do care a *little*, but at the end of the day i forget any compliments and if a piece has 10 or 100 likes. i still put my personal art out there if anyone wants to enjoy it, since i feel like i want to make others happy too. sure i get frustrated with my skill level every now and then, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t? i’ve got many years to go anyway

[@flataquabat4154]

you're one of my favorite small channels, and your videos feel like a really warm and tasty cup of coffee. the growing up playing the flash games and stumbling across deviantart, dazzled by the amazing talent there really resonated with me and it brought me back to my childhood self. this was a really nice chat, and can't wait to see and hear more from you. :) ✿

[@Edyremoh]

I appreciate your message here. You’re not alone man, this struggle is so fundamentally human. I think the best way to make room for joy again with art is to dismiss our sense of pride as artists, and our notion of what we’re supposed to enjoy, or be impressed by. We liked it better as kids because we had no pride at stake, no worries about where we stand in the leader board. So, the sooner we resist the urge to measure ourselves with art, the sooner we can find the joy in it again.

[@vote_nate]

it's such a great video. i started crying after you talked about finding joy in art again, like going back to your childhood years and just.. having fun. i never thought i would miss this so much

[@Vex-the-partycrasher]

I didn’t understand why I was loosing my spark in art at first. I saw this video and I realized I was doing the same thing as you! Just drawing and then thinking I need to draw something good to post online…I didn’t realize how bad this was for me…I’m really glad you explained this and gave something to make you free of Cynicism. I didn’t realize that’s what I had until I saw this video and really thought about it. I thought hey I needed to take a break from art and if get back into it one day- or I’d find a new hobby and do that for a while- or watch movies to get inspiration back. I realize now that it was Cynicism that was crippling me. And I need to do art for me and not others. I think I’ll take your advice on this cuz this seems like a really really good idea to do for myself to just sketch in a book I will never show anyone but myself and see where that takes me.

[@ewokenthusiast]

I love this idea. I’m constantly think about what others are going to think about the art I’m creating even if I’m just sketching or doodling and it often impacts the artwork. I end up discouraging myself and even stop sketching if I think others won’t like it. Having a separate sketchbook that I know will only be for myself will help alleviate some of these fears and allow me to create more. Thanks !

[@sophiaredwood5825]

I’ve fallen in and out of writing for the past few years. Growing up, I was told my writing skills were very noteworthy in school and that I should try to pursue being an author, and ever since then, it was my dream. But I would get terrified by every idea I had since I always felt like I wasn’t good enough, and I knew that any idea I had must be good enough to make it to an editor or an agent. I would plan and plan and plan books for years, trying to fill every plot hole and blank and question in before I even started writing. I was absolutely horrified by the idea of imperfection. And slowly, this fear completely drowned out my love of writing. It really shook me up when I realized just how many years I’d called myself a writer, but had barely written any pieces at all for fear of imperfection. I totally relate to thinking about sharing your work whenever you start a new project. It usually only takes minutes for me to think up a new idea and then have that inevitable thought of, “What if this is the idea that helps me make a living? What if this is the book that people end up loving and that makes it big?” I add so much pressure to myself and my work because of that, and then I feel drained and unfulfilled when I try to start writing and realize my piece nothing like what I want it to look like. It’s so hard for me to remember that I love what I do. Lately, I’ve gotten back into writing, actually writing, by doing writing sprints- where you write quickly to get a word count and don’t have time to overthink or to let your internal critic get a word in edgewise. I’m trying to learn how to write a rough draft, to edit it, and to work with myself to eventually get a final product that I can be happy with. I’m trying to remember what it means to love the process, to really cherish an idea and make it happen just because I want to see it come to life. I’m getting there. Slowly.

[@elllxxxnnn]

this video is really relatable, 😢 and I'm so grateful to found this. i want to find that kid again too.

[@illurora]

the part about the pressure of social media hit really hard. i'm currently in a state of struggling with my habit to obsess over the numbers and focusing on doing what i love the most, and i really like the approach you've taken to re-find that joy to art.

[@liamroosh]

I’m 17 and I’ve pretty much drawn for about 3 years now. The 2 of those were spent drawing for at least an hour a day. The last year was me finally deciding to draw significantly less and just try and enjoy the process. I could feel myself burning out at this point, and thought it would be important if I stopped looking for excellence. That was when 16, and now, like I said, I’m 17. I went through an entire year where I would only ever draw little scribbles in school binders or maybe 1 sketch at home now and then. I have watched videos like this over and over again. Thank you for making this one especially. It made me really look back at WHY I was drawing and what I wanted out of it. It hit me incredibly hard when I made the realization that the true reason I started drawing was because of my cynicism. When I was 13/14, the only reason I wanted to try making art was because a small clique of girls in my class at the time where getting all sorts of attention for their art. I wanted some of that, and for those 2 years of a strict art grind- I only was ever looking for attention and reaction. It was really narcissistic. That last year where I drew less, and would only ever draw when I felt the urge to create, as opposed to getting a compliment from someone or something for whatever I would draw. Now I haven’t drawn in forever. I truly don’t know how or even if I wanna try again. But I really appreciate this video. It’s nice to have some clarity; and not think I’m always burnt out. Appreciate it

[@bonniek356]

Two years later and this video is still speaking to people! I’ve been trying to hit my groove again after floundering artistically, and this has really given me a couple ideas! Thanks!

[@justabout6979]

I've literally been searching for this video but it didn't exist yet. Things like how to enjoy art, why don't I find drawing fun anymore, hiw to prevent losing hobbies. I clicked this video so quick, only to find a bunch of people in the comments talking about exactly what I mean...feels good man.

[@Rx6yn]

my dad has always pressured me into trying to draw realistic, if I showed im any of my cartoonish style drawings he'd say "nice, but you need to start drawing realistically" and then that became asking me to draw things for him that was beyond my skill level. I haven't drawn for myself in years, and whenever he asks why I don't have the heart to tell him that its his doing. asking me to make stuff I don't want to make every time he saw me drawing just kinda took the fun away from it. I miss drawing.

[@s4kena]

I like the idea of having a sketchbook that nobody will see or even know about, thanks a lot! now I know what to do with my new sketchbook :)❤

[@cryan9137]

I'm taking a bit of a break from art right now, so this video is pretty relevant. Glad there are people that relate.

[@cadwink]

i’m 3 years late and this got recommended in my youtube feed. here to say that wherever you are and whatever you are doing now, you got this. and i hope you’re finding yourself and you’re loving what you’re doing. an artists life can be hard, but i’m convinced that us, artists, are the ones who feel everything and we try to make other people feel what we feel through the use of art. don’t worry about other people’s validation

[@Deeeedlicious]

This hit home. As i'm going through this, I stopped drawing at all and i'm trying to find that joy again

[@josh-np5tm]

I can absolutely relate, I've been drawing for more than over 50 years. I have been on and off with my feelings for art. But, thanks to your video Chroma Moma, I fucking love art baby!!

[@josh-np5tm]

awww thats great to hear!

[@tahliamclister3131]

This is my 3rd youtube video tonight that has opened my eyes widely in the aspect of my art and how I look at it. For about 5-6 years now I have had an issue where I honestly thought I was going through a huge Art Block and my love/passion for my art has just washed away. Never to be seen again. My first video was Color theory which helped my understand so quickly and so well, which is usually hard for myself as I can be slow with taking in learning new things. My second video was about procrastinating and a method to help stop it. That blew my mind and opened my eyes. Then watching this video ... lets just say my mind has been blown to smitherines. I cried watching this video and the video before, because I know watching those two videos has helped me understand why every time I try to draw my heart is not there. I am going to make one of these books because I know that is going to help me so much. So I say from myself and I am sure a whole heap of others, thank you so much for posting this. This has honestly taken a lot of stress off my shoulders :')

[@S3N-S3N]

Im also right now in that dilemma I really want to draw again like I drew as a kid. I literally drew comics COMICS?!! Today I would say meh I’m to lazy for it. Or in the past when a picture doesn’t looked good I said to myself “hey wae, u can do it better but now it looks really great go and color it like u want” and now when I do a little mistake on my art I get mad and throw it away . My mind keep saying „go and draw go and draw“ but where is my motivation? Where is my motivation which followed me everytime when I had great ideas for my pictures? I don’t know I told myself its just me I’m getting older and art is going to be boring for me which isn’t right. I didn’t draw one year and it was the worst choice I ever did in my life. I forgot how to draw it was really confusing. And now I’m suffering I don’t like my art style and change it everytime but it don’t makes me happy.. If u read it thank u for ur attention I really appreciate it.

[@jupii17]

Art used to make me very upset, mainly bcs I didn’t know what to draw and when I did, it was sth that was popular at that time. I sketched and sketched a lot and then I found out that I really enjoy designing and thinking of new designs. Each design is special to me and I love looking up references for them. I plan on opening a shop and even though my customer base is still small, I found lots of new friends and I really like it

[@blobthealien]

i didn't know how much i needed this, sometimes i forget how much i loved to draw. thank you.

[@Tobazhniazhi]

One of the most reassuring feelings in every context of distress or vulnerability is knowing you're not alone. Thank you for sharing this, everything you've talked about is relatable and I myself seem to have drifted from my initial passion for drawing, this video makes me want to similarly dismiss the constant demands of seeking validation from my peers and seek a vision that is true to myself and not merely to find a means to an end. Now back to the drawing table :-)

[@vixov-qr2qw]

I clicked this in the midst of dinner just for entertainment with a side of advice, not expecting much. But after viewing it entirely, something just sparked, granted, like most sparks I have it'll probably fade away... But it's a revelation nonetheless, the part where you mention how you'd constantly check your post was so real. It feels like I've only been seeking validation, I've lost the drive to draw, fueled purely by the love and joy for it. I hope that with this I'll eventually get back to it, thanks a lot.

[@zoe9135]

thank you. i recently transitioned from pursuing art as a career to pursing a stem career, and in the process i realized that i was so wrapped up in doing art to get better, to make money, that when those goals were removed, i completely lost my creative drive, which was painful because it’s supposed to be something i enjoy. i’m slowing learning to do art for myself again, and it’s good to know i’m not alone.

[@chamberofprosperity]

I’m not in this position but I’ve dug myself a hole where I don’t feel like drawing anymore because I don’t feel it’s good enough. I don’t post my art or anything but I compare it. For instance when I go on Pinterest I see so many amazing art works and feel like I’ll never be able to draw or paint like that.

[@rebeccaolver7815]

Best of luck recapturing your enjoyment! Your personal sketchbook is a lovely idea!

[@Tenguartstyle]

Yes i want to draw for me not for other people ;) thx for the good video :) i have a art block but it breaks in the end of the year i want to do something but now sometimes it is very stressy in the day i want to chill and draw and play games

[@IgnisMorgan]

I remember having this same feeling and I spent some time on my own in China, my family had originally wanted me to take a photo every day and then have like a flipbook animation of everything i did. But I slowed down and took photos at my own pace and made my own memories. But my favourite photos will always be the ones I never took, or later deleted. As they were made just for me.

[@somafiora]

Never seen one of your vids before, but I definitely think it's important for artists to make art for themselves, especially when your job is to make art for others. Have fun making art for yourself dude!

[@nikkipaperart]

Thank you for this video 3 years after it’s uploaded and it’s impacting other artist life. I feel like lately since deliberately challenging myself to become a paper artist I kind of lost my love and the “fun” of making art, the process and the final output isn’t something I enjoy doing or staring out. I can relate with the lack of interaction on social media and especially now with the changes in algorithm and my desensitisation to the likes and comments. Yesterday I had been having palpitations and it’s like my body is telling me to stop obsessing about social media and trying to get better at my art, Ive already proven to myself I can do it but it’s hard to stop pushing myself to get better until I get I’ve reached the point of burning out. Now I’m just not making art for a while, deliberately making art and not criticising myself that “oh I can do better on this paper technique than that etc.” but just telling it be, it could be a bad art but I guess I’ll just keep that to myself, I’ll definitely make a box where I keep all these artworks to heal myself and start enjoying the process again and it’s off limits to online or even comments from people I know. Thank you for this video it helped me with what I’m dealing at the moment

[@ooshley]

hey, thank you for reminding me why i started in the first place! i got so caught up on what others think that i’ve forgotten about myself, i needed this.

[@snowyskylines]

thank you so much for making this video. recently I've been taking a break from social media and from digital art because I realized both were becoming very bad for my mental health. earlier this month I started a new sketchbook where I've been drawing whatever makes me happy, the same way I did when I was a kid. tonight I came across this video and found it so comforting that others feel the exact same way I do. I feel reassured that I'm headed in a positive direction. thank you. ♡

[@nenidetic]

i have the same problem, but with my youtube channel. i generally figured something like this out already, but you put it in words that i never could have come up with. thank you for helping me remember to try and break this cycle!

[@DoomsayerDesigns]

This really resonated with me. I’ve been going through the same thing lately. I can’t remember the last time I’ve just drawn for fun. Thank you for video. You’ve inspired me to make a similar video. Keep it up!

[@Klhery]

After watching this, I started trying to learn to love art and the process of it. Rather than trying to impress others I learned that I should impress myself, make myself proud. Me. So yeah, there's my short random thing.

[@alezzziia]

i feel you man. the same happened to me with music. this year there was a period where even singing felt like a horrible chore because i recorded everything i sang, so i felt pressured to always get it perfect. i got so stressed that i stopped doing any music for like 7 months and now i’m doing it again but keeping many things to myself while also posting on social media. posting every work of yours on social media was super draining and stressful for me because even if i thought about recording another video i got super stressed and started breathing heavily.

[@racheltran6761]

After years of college, i stop making art because i thought maybe i’ll get back onto it when i got my degree. I didnt and this video helped a lot to make me realized that i stop enjoying making art and felt happy about it. Thanks for sharing this and it inspired me to also maybe go back to my roots of why i wanted to draw in the first place. Thank you. ❤

[@a.e5220]

I've been thinking about this so much, and I think it relates to your idea of "honesty" fromy our previous video. How can you develop the difficult, inner dialogue that it takes to get to/sustain that honesty when there's always other people in that conversation? How are you supposed to make anything new as an artist when always at play is what other people already like? I'm so happy for you in this decision you've made (I like the eye in the front -- usually we look at your sketchbook but now it looks at us, opaque and mysterious). Best of luck, I hope you find some interesting things in your journey!